TRIP INFOMATION
Khopra Ridge Community Trek is a marvellous adventure where exotic cultures blend together with natural beauty and Himalayan ethos to present trekkers with an experience that embeds itself into the minds for years. The trek is off-the-beaten-paths journey taking place in the gorgeous Annapurna region of Nepal. The trekking routes are adorned with unique topographical and edifying cultural hallmarks of the region giving surfeit of opportunities to enchant you during the length of the trip.
The Khopra Ridge Community Trek starts from the beautiful city of Pokhara- the second-largest metropolis of Nepal. In addition to being known as the “Tourist Hub” of the country, Pokhara is also situated close to the Annapurna Mountains, and its location right next to the pristine Phewa Lake makes it one of the most sought-after mainstream centres of tourism activity. From the city, the trekking journey continues on to the far-off settlements and villages of the region like the Syauli Bazaar, Dobato, and Chistibang among many. Although the Khopra Ridge Community Trek follows the same initial path as that of the famous ABC Trek, it diverts away from the main trail and instead meanders through the hidden valley into enveloped areas of the region. Because of this, the trekking journey is also one of the best alternative options for people who are looking for a journey that isn’t as crowded as other Annapurna treks. Moreover, the Khopra Ridge Community Trek also has many highlights; trekkers visit the beautiful Lake Kaire, situated above the Khopra Danda. Many trekkers even put forth the notion that the panoramic view of the Marsayangdi River valley and of the Annapurna Himalayas decorating the skyline of the river gorge is the most amazing view in the entire region. The Khopra Ridge Community Trek is a moderate trekking journey that anyone can do with relative ease. However, the best time to do the journey would be from March to May and September to December as these months present favourable weather conditions.
The Khopra Ridge Community Trek by Himalayan Recreation is one of the best off-beaten journeys of the Annapurna. The trekking package includes all of the best features and is made with the best services in accordance with transportation, accommodation, guide, and meals. It is an all-rounded journey that you surely do not want to miss out on!
You may arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our staff members. He will help you to get to your Hotel in the city. Further plans and programs will also be conveyed to you. There is nothing else planned for the day, so you can check-into your Hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
This day is scheduled for you to have a wonderful sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu city. Especially, you will be visiting the four major UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. The sites include the Pashupatinath Temple, the Swayambhunath Stupa, the Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Boudhanath Shrine. Each of the sites of the city holds religious and historical significance and is important to the cultural continuity of the city’s people. Moreover, these sites are also built in unique architectural styles and showcase amazing dexterity via art done on the buildings. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your Hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
From Kathmandu, you will have your early morning flight to Pokhara. It takes about 30 minutes and you can enjoy the views of the mountain peaks on the journey. Upon landing in Pokhara, you can immediately see the majestic view of the Annapurna and the Machhapuchhre Himalayas. From here, you will then begin your trekking journey to Ghandruk, after driving to the Syauli Bazaar. The drive is quite pleasant as you will catch sights of the meandering river and the verdant hills. From Syauli Bazaar, you begin the trek to Ghandruk as you trek through lush forests. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
From Ghandruk, you will trek through the rhododendron forest and lush alpine acreages to reach the village of Tadapani. The views of mountain peaks like the Hiunchuli (6441m), the Gangapurna (7454m), the Annapurna I (8091m) and the Annapurna South (7219m), along with Mount Machhapuchhre (6997m) among many others along the journey are quite spectacular. Along the way, you will also pass through small settlements and can see the local people going about their day, working on the terrace farms of rice and potatoes or herding cattle. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
The trekking journey from Tadapani to Dobato consists of you making your way along the narrow track that is cut into the hillside. As you trek forward, you will be gaining elevation and can see the gushing river flowing far down below from the hill path. The path then eventually opens up and widen out into a vast pastureland. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
From Dobato, you will be trekking to Upper Chistibang, passing through wide verdant Himalayan pastures until you reach lower Chistibang. From here, you will gradually ascent into the woods and continue on your path until Upper Chistibung. The woodlands here are home to many Himalayan birds, and while trekking- you can also spot several colorful Danphe birds roosting on the tree branches. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
From Upper Chistibang, you will gently climb up the steep slope towards the Khopra Danda. When you reach Khopra Ridge, you can take in the amazing panoramic view of the entire Kali Gandaki River valley. From the ridge, you can also get amazing views of the Dhaulagiri Peak (8167m), Mount Nilgiri (7061m) and the Annapurna range. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Beginning the trek early in the morning, you will be making your way towards the sacred Kaire Lake. The trek is relatively pleasant, but the journey lacks tea houses, thus you will be packing your lunch today as there are no stops at teahouses along the way. The Kaire Lake is a sacred lake and has many Hindu shrines and small temples built on its banks. Along the journey, the looming view of Mount Fang (7647m) also adds to the natural beauty. After enjoying the lake and taking in the environment, you will trek back to Khopra Ridge.
From the Khopra Danda, you will trek steadily down the terrain and pass by the Himalayan meadows to reach the Swanta village, a traditional settlement that is situated in the rather hidden part of the region. It has beautiful traditional houses of mud and thatch roofs and you can see the villagers drying spices of cardamom and red chilly on the roofs in the afternoon sun. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
From Swanta, you will descend through the fields to a small river where a river mill is situated. From here, you will make your way across the suspension bridge towards the village of Chitre, trekking through amazing rhododendron woods. Continuing further along the trail from here, you will then reach Ghorepani, from where you will then make way to Ulleri. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
From Ulleri, you will then trek to the settlement of Nayapul, from where you will drive back to Pokhara. The trek from Ulleri to Nayapul is quite beautiful as you will be trekking up and down the hills and passing through terrace farms and pastures. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will be transferred to your Hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
During the initial part of the day, you will have a sightseeing tour of the Pokhara city, where you can visit some of the city’s landmarks, like the Davis Fall, the Mahendra Cave and the Tal Barahi Temple located in the middle of the Phewa Lake. After spending time at Pokhara, you will fly back to Kathmandu, saying goodbye to the Annapurna Mountains one last time. Overnight say at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be transferred back to the airport from where you will depart.
TERM
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Proof of travel insurance is mandatory before starting the trek. Standard policies often only cover medical evacuation to 4000m so make sure the policy you get covers trekking as an activity up to 6000m. You only need to be covered on the policy for the days you will actually be trekking. We have some suggestions on finding an insurance company on our Terms of Service Page
EXTRA COSTS AND EXCLUSIONS
Our trekking packages are pretty much all inclusive when you arrive in Nepal. Here are additional expenses that you can plan on while trekking:
- For visas please click here.
- Sleeping Bag Rental $20 and Down Jacket $15 if needed.
- All the meals are included on the trek but we only include breakfast while you are in Kathmandu.
- We suggest a tip for the guide and porter after the trek – Plan on around 10% of the cost of your trek.
- We don’t include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find the good places to fill your water bottle).
- The other things not included on the trek are like Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few of the tea houses for between $4 and $6. Charging electronic devices is possible in the tea houses and charging costs between $1 and $3 an hour.
- Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($40/night) and meals in Kathmandu or Lukla for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.
SOLO TRAVELERS
We generally don’t charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Kathmandu but will need to share a room with other group members during the trek. If availability allows we will arrange private rooms on the trek as well upon request.
CANCELLATION POLICIES
We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your deposit minus a $150 cancellation fee. If your travel dates change we can generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least 7 days advance notice.
EQUIPEMENT
The following are what we advise you obtain in the way of equipment and gear before trekking in Nepal, and are meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of expected weather conditions. Trekking gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu at cheaper prices, remember Nepal is the home of Mount Everest, there is plenty of choice and our staff can assist you with the necessary arrangements. Except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by porters. There is an allowance of 33lbs/15kg per person. Additional personal items not needed for the trekking portion of the trip can be checked in the hotel’s storage room for no extra cost.
HEAD
- Sun hat or scarf
- Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
- Sunglasses
- Head torch
UPPER BODY
- Cotton T-shirts or Thermals
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
LOWER BODY
- Lightweight cotton pants (long)
- Waterproof Pants
FEET
- Thin inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
- Comfortable Hiking boots
HANDS
ACCESSORIES
- Sleeping bag rated to – 20°C
- Trekking bags/duffel bag
- Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
- Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
- Water bottle or camel bag
- Toiletries
FAQs
THE BASICS
Trekking is an adventure, a long arduous journey the combination of hiking & walking around the remote villages & unknown trail where the terrain is usually hilly & you're likely to encounter snow in higher altitude.
The best season for tekking in nepal is known be to after fall & after winter, the following month mid of September to mid of December consider ever best season of trekking in Himalayas. During this period of months, the weather is pleasant, not so cold & not so hot.
Trekking is for everyone who is physically fit & loves the outdoors & adventures.
If you're confident then you can guyide yourself but we suggest you to travel with guide not only for the safety but also to make your trip more enjoyable. Our guides are trained, well-knowledged & aware about all the trails of remote villages which will make your trek to any part of the country a lot more easier. Even if you're well- knowledged & confident, we recommend you to travel with guide which will surely help you enhance your experience.
WHO CAN GO?
There aren’t any certain age limits for Himalayan trekking since we've had families with kids of 8 years & our eldest trekkers have been in their late 70's. As long as the trekker is physicaly fit & willing to trek, there is no age limits for adventure.
People of all type of shape can go for this trekking as long as he/she is physically fit & healthy. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. We suggest you to go for short treks & hikes before your departure inorder, to feel comfortable during your trekking.
Generally, anyone who have a good stamina will be able to cope with higher altitude & lower oxygen density. But we do suggest one to have short treking or hiking experience at any part of the world for maximum enjoyment of you Himalayan trek.
PREPARATION
Things that you will need to bring for your trek to Everest Base camp or any other place are listed below; • Clothing -Base layer -Insulation layer -Third layer • General Trekking gear -Trekking trousers & shirts -Trekking shorts -Waterproof shell jacket & trousers -Underwear • Headwear -Hat -Beanie -Neck gaiter • Handwear & Footwear -Inner Gloves -Outer isulated gloves -Hiking boots -Trekking shoes/sandals -Hiking socks -Warm thermal socks -Gaiters • Bag & backpackers -Duffel bag -Backpack -Dayback -Raincover -Dry bag • Sleeping gear -Sleeping bag -Liner -Ear plugs • Poles & Headgear -Trekking poles -Sunglasses -Headlight • Important accessories -Water bottle/Hydration bladder -Towel -Pee funnel -Lock -Waterproof bag • Extra accessories -Camera -Portable charger -Books -Cards -Passport,Money • Medications & Toiletries Water purifiction tablet, Isotonic powder, Diamox, Common Medications, First aid kit, Sunscreen, Baby wipes, Toilteries, Plasters, Oximeter, Hand sanitizer.
Travel insurance is compulsory & it is the responsibility of traveler to do so before beginning their journey. Register your insurance with our company name & be sure to give us the copy of the Insurance Certificate and point out the Emergency Telephone numbers.
It depends on your specific trek. For some trekking, it requires special permit & for some you’ll just have to get a simple pass to enter conservation areas & national parks. Most require a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card. We handle all permits for you, so you wouldn’t need to worry about this.
Yes, please bring a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport and 3 photos (passport size) with you for your trip to Nepal. You would need photos for permits.
ABOUT THE TREK
The number of your trekking days usually depends according to your trekking but mostly Himalayan treking lasts for 2-4 weeks.
Trekking hours might differ according to the place you're trekking to but generally, trekkers walk for 4-6 hours each day.
If you're trekking to Everest base camp, one of the most unpredictable thing is weather & temperature. So, the best option is to always be prepared for any conditions. The weather & temperature tend to be somewhat predictable based on the months & seasons. for eg; • Spring-March, April, May, June Spring happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit the Everest region, although because of this, it can become somewhat crowded. During springtime, the average temperature is 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), with a maximum of 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters. • Monsoon season-July/August through mid-September This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains in the lower altitudes, below 3500 meters. Duringthis time, the average temperature is 22 degrees C (71.6 Degrees F), with a maximum of 30 degrees C (86 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters. • Autumn-End of September, October, November This is also one of the best season to trek in Everest region. The average temperature during the fall is 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude. • Winter-December, January, Feburary The average temperature during the winter is 10 degrees C (50 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude.
You can find telephones in some villages on your way to Everest region from which you can make international calls. Except that all our guides carry local sim cards of both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client.
ACCOMMODATION, FOOD & TRANSPORTATION
In Kathmandu, We use standard rooms at three star hotels with breakfast & meals included. Duriong trekking, Unless you signed up for a camping trip specifically, most treks include lodge or guest house accommodation. Incase if there are not any guesthouse or lodges, you'll be sleeping in tents.
We eat our meals most of the time in guesthouse, lodges & teahouses where Continental menus are generally available, along with soups and dishes of noodles or rice. On most of the remote routes, only traditional dal, bhat, curry & noodles will be available.
We provide all the meals during the trek, butit won't be piossible for us to provide water. The tea houses will give you good quality free water and you can also get along the trail but you will need to treat it. The best option is to treat the local water either with chlorine/iodine tablets or to use a steri pen. On most treks you can buy mineral water along the trail. A liter of mineral water at lower elevation tea houses costs around $1 USD but at higher elevations can cost up to $4 so the cost can add up.
Most of the tea houses do have western style flushing toilet however in higher elevation you could only find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside of the room.
No, that is not a problem at all as most of the lodges in Everest region serve vegeterian meal & it is best to have vegeteraian meal to avoid food poisoning.
Yes, the food prepared in mountains are very safe to eat. All the foods are fresh & healthy. We suggest you to eat vegeterian meal during trek & follow the suggestions of your guide.
Mode of transportation during your trek may vary according to the places you're visiting & trails.The transportation to & from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation. You'll be provided with our private vehicle most of the times. We'll be arranging all the transportation services for you to feel as comfortable as you can so you wouldn't have to worry about it.
You'll have to book you internation
HEALTH & SAFETY
Good overall fitness, flexibility, and healthy will ensure your trek safely and comfortably. Those with acute or chronic health conditions impacting their stamina, range of motion, coordination, or balance may have difficulty completing the trek. Foe those who havesome doubts about their fitness, the best option would be to try some hiking & short trek before your journey.
You'll have to book you international flight on your own since we are a local agent well handle evrything for you once you arrive Nepal.
There are high chances of getting altitude sicknes when you travel to higher elevation. As you climb higher, your body will start to show some symptoms as it is not used to the high altitude. To avoid altitude sickness, you can find acclimatization day in most of the trek when we take rest at certain place & go for short hikes around the area to adjust our body to the increasing altitude.
We take all the responsibility of your health & wellness during thetrek. If you get sick in Higher altitude, we immediately take you to lower altitude for recovery & if needed your guide will utilize your travel insurance information to call a rescue helicopter, and you will be flown to Kathmandu or Pokhara for medical attention.
Yes, it is very much safe for female & male both to travel solo in Nepal or himalayas. We take all the responsibilty of safest of our guest either it is female or male .So, we assure you that you wouldn't need to worry about safety while travelling with us.
EXTRA/PRACTICAL MATTERS
Yes, our representative from Himalayan Recreation Treks will be there to pick you up at the time of your arrival & drop you off at the time of your departure.
Yes, you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. A tourist Visa with multiple entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, a tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100.
It depends on your spending habits but generally, in Kathmandu US$15 to US$20 will be enough for dinner & lunch per day per person & US&10 to US$15 will be enough to to buy bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks during the trekking. You should note that the price gets higher as you go to higher elevation.
Although the possibility of flight getting delayed or cancelled is really rare but if it gets delayed due to certain weather condition then, in Kathmandu we will rebook your flight for the next day. We may also be able to provide an option for a privately chartered helicopter. If you choose to take the helicopter this can cost an additional $500 or more depending on availability and group size. Extra hotel nights ($40) and meals in Kathmandu are not included when flights are delayed although we will make arrangements for you. If your flight is delayed from Lukla you are responsible for extra accommodation and meals (approximately $30).
If you decide to travel solo & not join our group treks then, you'll be charged US$15 extra for porter as well as for addittional hotel charge.
Sometimes trekkers cannot complete the trek due to their schedule, health problem or any other personal reasons. In this case, we request to be understandable that we cannot offer you the refund for unused days on trek. Please understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides and porters for the time they have committed.
The trip will be confirmed only when we receive the completed final booking form and 30% deposit payment. You can pay the rest of the balance when you arrive in Kathmandu by USD Cash, Credit cards (Master, Visa and American Express) any card payment requires 4% bank fee while doing the transaction, which is taken by bank itself.
Cancellation notice is required, minimum of 20 days before trip departure. If the reason is valid the Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and the cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid ampount. If you do not cancel your trip before 20 days, you must be aware that the trip you’ve already bought is completely non-refundable as per our terms and conditions.
Yes, all our guides have received 45 days training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).
All our guide are trained to use first aid kit incase of emergency & are 24 hours available for your service. They have knowledge to use Oximeter in order to track your oxygen level just to make sure you are fit enough to continue your high altitude walk. Guides also carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.