Khopra Ridge Community Trek

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Driving Time: Approx. 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic

Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Our staff will accompany you and help you with the check-in at your accommodation. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration:  8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu or similar

9:00 AM: After breakfast, you start a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. Experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Local Market Tour

Take a short drive to Ason. Then, start wandering Ason and Indrachowk marketplaces to get a glimpse of traditional Nepalese life. Witness the bustle of the market, see how locals purchase the products, and haggle for a bargain. Whilst walking around, enjoy the lively and vibrant atmosphere this local market has to offer. Observe firsthand the local produce people from Nepal actually purchase. You will also take in the sights and smells of the market. Your friendly tour guide will explain in full detail all the products and procedures you will see. There are lots of photo opportunities to capture with your camera.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Next, head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Thereafter, take a short drive towards Boudhanath.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupa in Nepal built in the 5^th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. Observe a beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

Witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, visit Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. Witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also, see elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Altitude above sea level: (1,100 m) Syauli Bazaar

Flight duration: 25 minutes approx.

Hike Duration: Lumle- Syauli Bazaar, Approx. 3-4 hrs.

Driving Duration: PKR-Lumle 1 hour

Accommodation: Tea house Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After having a decent breakfast, our representative will transfer you to the airport for a short, spectacular flight to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara take a drive along the Seti River valley to the trek starting point off the road at Lumle.

The path follows through the forest in the lower foothills of the Annapurna, where there are good views of the mountains and of Modi River far below in the valley. The trail passes through Tomijung known as the bee village due to the old-style beehives attached to the side of the traditional houses. There are terraced fields nearby growing rice and maize as well as a variety of vegetables. Descending from Tomijung, cross the suspension bridge over Modi River, and then it is a short walk along the jeep track to Syauli Bazaar.

Altitude above sea level: (2,012 m) Ghandruk Village

Hiking Duration: 5-6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea house lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you hit the trail to Ghandruk village. The trail goes up between the picturesque agricultural terrace fields. Along the way, you will witness the mesmerizing view of Machhapurchhre Himal (6,696 m).  After passing through small villages, terraced rice fields, and forests, eventually, you arrive at the flag-stone-lined streets of the Gurung settlement of the Ghandruk.

Ghandruk is a major settlement of the Gurung, an ethnic group of Nepal. Exploring around this village gives you a glimpse of the local way of life in Nepal’s mountains, especially that of the Gurung people. From here, you have an incredible panorama of the surrounding Annapurna massif. Also, it is a famous Gurung village with terraces and offers splendid views of sunrise and sunset. After arriving, you can stroll around to explore the large old-style village, visiting a cultural museum and monastery.

Altitude above sea level: (2,590 m) Tadapani

Hiking Duration: 3-4 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea house lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Early morning starts with the superb view of the Annapurna range and adjacent snowy peaks smiling towards us. You will have a hearty breakfast in Ghandruk and admire the sunshine and mountain views.

You will begin trekking uphill through Deurali, and then through lovely forests of rhododendron. Further, you will hike to a small pass to reach Tadapani settlement. The trail is going to be picturesque, and you will get to see the magnificent scenery during the trek. If you are trekking during the Spring, then, you will witness hills covered with blossomed rhododendrons. Upon reaching Tadapani, you can take a rest and spend the evening at leisure.

Tadapani is situated in the midst of a beautiful forest with rhododendron, magnolia, and oaks trees with marvelous views of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.

Altitude above sea level: (3,420 m)  Bayeli Kharka

Hiking duration: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Community Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leaving Tadapani behind, you will leave the main trail and trek to more unexplored villages of the Annapurna region. Today you will trek through lovely forests of oak and rhododendron trees. Then, you ascend along the tree line and follow a ridge to Deurali (small pass). On the way, you will see a spectacular view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), the seventh-highest mountain in the world.

From here, the trail leads you to Bayeli Kharka where you will spend the night. As you reach Bayeli Kharka, the wide-open grassland provides a magnificent view. The meadow is filled with mountain goats and sheep grazing peacefully on the mountain grass. The sight of the distant lofty mountains covered with glistening snow makes the entire scene heavenly.

Altitude above sea level: (3,150 m) Upper Chistibung

Hiking duration: 4-5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Community Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you leave Bayeli Kharka behind and head towards Chistibung. You start walking on a grassy slope and pass through pastureland with a number of herder’s huts and Dzo grazing (crossbred cow and yak). Along the way, you may encounter the colorful Danphe pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Even, you may also have a glimpse of the Himalayan Tahr on the grassy ridge high above the trail. Hiking through such a naturally rich trail crossing through small villages, you will reach Upper Chistibung.

Altitude above sea level :(3,660 m) Khopra Ridge

Hiking duration: 3 – 4 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Community Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you take a gradual ascent through alpine meadows then as you approach Khopra Ridge, you can witness the tip of Annapurna South.  This is also a hint that you are close to Khopra Ridge.

You will reach the lodge on Khopra Ridge in time for lunch. Upon reaching Khopra ridge, you have an awe-inspiring view of the Annapurna South, soaring directly above you at only six kilometers away, with Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north.

After lunch, you can take a short walk down Khopra Ridge to a vantage point overlooking Kali Gandaki river far below in this deep valley. Over the Kali Gandaki Valley, you will see the astounding views of Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri Mountains.

Altitude above sea level : (4,600 m) Khayer Lake

Hiking duration: 9-10 hrs. Approx. (roundtrip)

Accommodation: Community Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, after breakfast, you make a day hike to the holy Khayer Lake. In order to reach the lake, you ascend the steep slopes of the Annapurna Massif.  Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, Khayer Lake is a sacred high-altitude mountain lake. Hindu shrines dot the periphery of the lake. The Hindu pilgrims, visit the area on the occasion of Janai Purnima, usually in August.  Locals believe that a dip in this lake would get Nirvana.

After savoring the beautiful view over the lake and the surrounding mountains, retrace your steps back to your lodge at Khopra Ridge.

Altitude above sea level : (2,214 m) Swanta village

Hiking duration: 5-6 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Community Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you descend off the hillside and continue sharply downhill. You will retrace the way back to Chistibung. You walk through dense green oak trees that are relatively different from Brown oak and pass the lodge of Chistibung before reaching a wooden bridge. Then, the trail takes you through the dense forests of bamboo up and down to the beautiful village of Swanta. The views open up brilliantly as you enter Swanta village. The villages are filled with traditional houses surrounded by paddy and potato fields.

You can have the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the surrounding village. It is worth visiting Swanta primary school. There are two teachers funded by the profits from the community.

Altitude above sea level: (2,050 m) Ulleri

Hiking duration:  5 – 6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Community Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having a hearty breakfast, you descend through the village fields to a small river and take a glance at the local watermill.

From here, you cross the suspension bridge and climb up to the village of Chittre, where join the main trekking trail to Ghorepani. After Ghorepani, you descend through rhododendron forest on a steep trail to Ulleri.

Altitude above sea level: (895 m) Pokhara

Hiking duration: 6 hr. approx.

Driving duration: 1.5 hr. approx. (Nayapul-Pokhara)

Accommodation: Mount Kailash Resort or similar

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

After a hearty breakfast, you hike downhill through the hills, settlement areas, farmlands, and ethnic villages to Nayapul. Once you arrive, you’ll meet your private jeep transfer waiting to take you back to Pokhara.

Check-in at the hotel and spend some time at leisure exploring Pokhara. You can either visit caves and pagoda or hire a boat that takes you to Tal Barahi, a temple that sits on a small island in Phewa Lake.  It is worthwhile visiting International Mountain Museum if you are keen on Nepal’s indigenous history and mountain climbing.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m), Kathmandu

Flight duration: 25 minutes approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu or similar

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you take a short flight back to Kathmandu. Check-in at the hotel and spend some time at leisure. You can spend your leisure time shopping for souvenirs for your beloved ones or simply relax after an exhausting but momentous adventure.

Driving Duration HTL-APT: Approx. 25-30 minutes depending on traffic

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the terrific experiences of Nepal in mind. Make sure you reach TIA airport on time, as you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight. If you wish to stay a few more days, there are still plenty more places to explore around Kathmandu valley.