Highlights:
A unique experience of traditional culture and lifestyle because of community-based lodges.
Lush forests with waterfalls cascading down along a well-worn trail.
Breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains.
Beautiful sunrises and sunsets among the Himalayas.
Little to no crowd.
Flashy nightlife along the lakeside of Pokhara.
Introduction
Among the hills and by the mountains lies a 3660m high ridge nestled between Tatopani and Khayer Lake. Khopra trek is a perfect alternative trekking trail for beginners. Peppered with waterfalls, cobbled stone ways, and swaying suspension bridges, Khopra feels like an ideal travel montage. It differs from other treks in the sense that accommodations are Community-based lodges.
The end of the khopra ridge trek leaves you with a spectacular 360° view of mountain ranges such as Mt. Dhaulagiri(8167m), Annapurna South(7219m), and other glimpses of Mt.Annapurna-I(8091m), Mt. Macchapucchre(6993m), Annapurna-II(7937m), Annapurna-III(7555), Mt. Gangapurna(7453m), Tukuche Peak(6920m), Dhampus(6012m), Mt. Hiunchuli(6441m), Gurja Himal(7193m), Mt. Nilgiri(7061m). The Trek’s obscurity is both a challenge and a plus point.
Khopra ridge trek itinerary could vary from 6 days to 11 days long, depending upon travel agencies. You can do your research and choose accordingly to avoid overspending on tour packages that are over-extended for no other reason than money. The tour cost starts from $600 and reaches $1300. You can also travel in larger groups and choose a public vehicle for cheaper options.
The starting point of the Khopra Trek
Khopra trek starts in the northeast of Pokhara in the north-central, bordered by Myagdi and Kaski districts.
Usually, guides start the Trek from Ghorepani and move up to Khopra ridge and circle around Tadapani. Still, you get to see much more scenic views if you start the Trek from Naya pul and eventually move past Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, Dan Kharka, Khopra Ridge, and finally, Ghorepani.
Take a short trip from Pokhara to the head of the trial village Phedi by a private or public vehicle.
If you start from Ghorepani, the Trek may take a little longer and slow during the monsoon.
If you start from Dobato, you get magnificent mountain views from the windows of traditional teahouses. If you go an extra step to challenge yourself, you can also spend some time around Hidden Lake.
Starting at Phedi, you enjoy terraced farms along the sides of traditionally set-up villages and eventually end up in Ghandruk for the night.
At one point, the journey may feel tedious. Still, once you reach the ridge, you will be blown away by the close-up view of mountains like Annapurna South and other Annapurna mountain ranges.
Flora and Fauna in Khopra:
The area is rich in biodiversity and harbors 1,352 species of plants, 128 species of wild mammals, 518 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, 23 species of amphibians, and 348 species of butterflies are found. You can expect potential sightings of animals like snow leopards, musk deer, varieties of rhododendron, and other creatures that reside there.
Side treks you can add to your list:
Khayer Lake:
Khayer lake is a freshwater lake in a remote area with sacred value to Hindus and Buddhists. Suppose you have enough time along your actual Trek. Take a day to climb up the altitude and enjoy the tranquil lake at 4660m. You can also spend some time connecting spiritually in the Khayer Barahi Temple for peace of mind. You can also expect potential sightings of exotic birds if you are a bird-watching enthusiast. The Trek is about 5 hours long, and you must bring food and water since it’s remote.
Mohare Danda:
Mohare Danda is another eco-friendly trek you can add to your Khopra trek. It is an absolute must if you travel anywhere around autumn since the weather is perfect in Mohare. With an altitude of 3300m, Mohare danda is a peaceful place to enjoy snow-capped mountains after a vibrant trek through orange orchards and traditional houses. You can head to Mohare after your Khopra trek if you still need to have your fill of mountains. Then you can head to Beni and eventually to Pokhara.
Khopra Danda Trek Difficulty Level-
Khopra trek is easy to moderate, depending on how experienced you are. If you have been on similar treks before, you won’t have much of a problem, but beginners should go with a slower pace. Usually, the Trek is 5-6 hours long days, and the guide breaks it into smaller chunks of 2-3 hours for morning and noons.
Certain parts of the trails, like Birethanti, Poonhill, Ghandruk, and Ghorepani, can be crowded around peak trekking seasons because the trekkers aim for Annapurna Basecamp Treks; otherwise, the Trek stays peaceful enough on the off-beaten trials.
If you are traveling in the monsoon, look for heavy downpours, which may cause landslides. Slippery and muddy trails might be challenging, so make sure you make your Trek slower. The temperature in autumn during the daytime is about 15-20℃, and it drops to 5-7℃ at night. The winters get pretty chilly as the temperature drops around -17℃. Hence, stock up on warm layers and liquids to avoid frostbite and dehydration.
The upper regions are remote, and the roadways aren’t as developed. Due to transportation costs, the essential items may be expensive, and you will not find any ATMs or similar bank services for the upper reasons, so make sure you carry sufficient money. There aren’t any foreign exchange services, so make sure you have Nepali currencies. You will not find any random shops in the area, either make sure you stock up on enough snack packets in case you need help finding food to your liking or none at all.
Another thing you will want to keep in mind is the place lacks technological facilities like the internet or sometimes electricity. So, ensure you have a charging bank if you carry electronic devices.
Make sure you are prepared for altitude sickness if you are a beginner.
Here are some symptoms you might experience from altitude sickness:
Nausea
vomiting
weakness
exhaustion
Headache
Breathlessness
sleep deprivation
Ways to handle these situations:
Stay hydrated and drink water or hot liquids time and again.
Avoid any alcohol, sleeping tablets, and smoking.
Acclimatizing your body to the weather with sufficient relaxation will also help you.
You can also carry pills like Diamox to prevent the sickness.
