Khopra Trek

In the morning we take a walk through the local market, through the winding, narrow alleys all the way to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is one of the most impressive world heritage sites in the valley with its old pagoda temples and palace. Afternoon is free for preparation for the trek.

Fly to Pokhara in the morning with scenic mountain views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna massif. From Pokhara airport we drive to the starting point of the trek, namely Kimche. We pass through the little town Nayapul and continue on a dirt road to Kimche.  Here we get out of the vehicle and start todays walk. The trail climbs up to the village Ghandruk. It is one of the largest Gurung settlements in Nepal. Stay overnight at lodge.

In the morning you will have spectacular views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mt. Fishtail as we continue the walk ahead to Tadapani. The trail leads up to Bhaisekharka the dense oak and rhododendron forest crossing the small stream. The forest is alive with the sound of birds and small tumbling waterfalls. A pleasant walk through the forest with scenic views of snow-capped mountains will lead us to Tadapani which is known to be a perfect setting for sunset and sunrise views. Stay overnight at lodge.

We continue our trek to Bayli Kharka through thick pine and rhododendron forest on a newly open path leading to local water buffalo pastures. The trail is gradual and soon we emerge above the tree line to once again get superb mountain views. In Bayli Kharka Mt. Dhaulagiri, 7th highest mountain in the world, is just in front of us.

Today we descend through open ground and beautiful forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung. The trail continues through forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures before reaching Upper Chistibung, a temporary herders settlement. We have good chances to see the himalayan pheasant and himalayan thar (Hemitragus jemlahicus) on the grassy ridge above the trail. Stay overnight at lodge.

To reach the ridge of Khorpa we embark on a steady climb above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures. This area is noted for its wildlife. As we approach Khopra we go for a short walk down to a viewpoint overlooking Kali Gandaki river far below in the deep valley and we can see the majestic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. Kali Ghandaki is the deepest gorge in the world. Stay overnight in lodge.

Today is long exploring day to Khayar lake (4600m) from where we attain excellent views of mountains, green valleys and river gorges. Round trip takes a minimum of 10 to 11 hours. The lake is a famous Hindu pilgrimage destination on the festival of Janai Purnima as it is believed that bathing in the lake will help out of the cycle of birth and rebirth. Along the side of lake there are a number of Hindu and Buddhist shrines. The nature views are mesmerizing.if you do not want to walk all the way to the lake a half day excursion from Khopra can also be arranged.

From Khopra Ridge we descend the hillside and continue down on a steep trail. We retrace the route back to Chistibung then head to the village of Swanta. Along the way we enjoy the scenic views of mountains, fields terrace and traditional house in the nearby village. Stay overnight at lodge.

Today we descend through the fields to reach a small river which we cross by a suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre and ascend to another beautiful village; Ghorepani. This village is mainly inhabited by Magar ethnic group and is one of the most famous trekking villages in the Annapurna region. Stay overnight in tea house.

Early morning we hike an hour up to Poonhill (3210 m.) to see the spectacular sunrise over the mountain panorama view with Annapurna South and Nilgiri in the north side, Fishtail in the north east side and Dhaulagiri range in the west.

Then, we will hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast before heading to Tikhedhunga. The trail descends through beautiful rhododendron, pine and oak forest up to Banthanti. Then we enter Ulleri village from where we begin a very steep descent on a stone staircase to the Bhurungdi Khola where we cross two suspension bridges to reach the village of Tikhedhunga. Stay overnight at lodge.

On the way to Birethanti is the typical hill landscape of Western Nepal. The trail is easy and our way is downhill on a dirt road leading us to Nayapul. This is the pick-up point to Pokhara. After saying farewell to porters and trekking staff we travel back to Pokhara, the beautiful lake city. We check in at a hotel and rest.

Today there is no program but if you want help with getting somewhere your guide will help and advice you on how to go. We stay in the centre of Lakeside which is filled with shops, restaurants and cafées. You can also choose to visit a Tibetan settlement or learn Nepalese cooking with a trafficking survivor organization. Or why noy visit a women skills handicraft center to see the dyeing and weaving going on. If you are looking for something more adventurous, Pokhara also has one of the world’s longest ziplines!

After breakfast, we drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara, around 9 hours. We drive along the Trishuli river and can see the beautiful Langtang himal, Manaslu and Ganesh himal on the way. We check in at the same hotel where we stayed our first night in Kathmandu.

After breakfast we visit the Bhaktapur royal square with our tour guide. It is a world heritage site with wonderful temples, palace and local life in a calm pace, compared to the busy capital. Back to Kathmandu in the afternoon.

Final Departure

Your journey in Nepal comes to an end today. A Beyond Borders representative will bring you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in Nepal.