Annapurna Khopra Ridge Trek

Khopra Trek Difficulty

This 15-day trek is a quiet, relaxing walk in the mountains. Despite being extended, it is quite an easy trek in Annapurna. Mostly, we walk for 4 to 7 hours each day, leaving plenty of time for rest and acclimatization.

Khopra Trek distance

The round Khopra Trek distance is about 120 km. Although Khopra Ridge is only 39.8 km from Pokhara, our trip covers many other highlights, making it longer. If you only travel to Khopra Ridge and avoid other destinations like Poon Hill, the trek from Ghandruk is about 60 km. We walk 10 to 15 km daily, which takes about 6 hours. Some days might be longer, but this is an average time.

Khopra Trek altitude

Khopra Danda is 3640m above sea level, and it takes us many days to get there. So, it’s likely to get altitude sickness before Khopra Danda ( unless you are highly dehydrated). However, our primary destination, Layer L, is almost impossible to reach; at 4,660m, it is the trek’s highest point. So, the only chance you can be caught with altitude sickness is between Khopra Danda and Kayer Lake.

Best time to Trek Khopra Danda

Khopra RidgeKopra Danda Trek is among the significant high-altitude Treks in the Annapurna region. This means the weather at Khopra Danda significantly impacts the comfort one experiences during the trek.

The government issues the Khopra Danda Trek permit throughout the year, and there is no restriction on travelling in any season. However, for trekkers wishing for a comfortable trek in the Khopra region, it’s suggested that you hike during peak season only.

Heechseizoen: Autumn (September, October, and November) and Spring ( March, April, and May) are the best times for the Khopra Danda Trek. With stable weather, autumn makes the best views, while spring is known for the colourful blooms of wildflowers. Spring might have some rainy days in Pokhara and the lower region, but the weather is good for the trek.

Spring also makes the surroundings magical with the blooms of wildflowers all around. And since other hikes like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are exceptionally crowded, Kopra Ridge is a perfect escape. Poonhill Ghandruk is very magical during spring.

Off-season: Summer ( June, July, and August) with regular rainfall is not good. Since Pokhara receives the highest amount of rain in the entire Nation, this is not the ideal season for the Kopra Ridge Trek. Similarly, the winter trek with regular snowfall is challenging to walk in. All areas above Upper Chistibung are covered in snow. However, the lake looks magical when surrounded by snow, and the views are fantastic. We suggest a winter trek in Khopra Ridge when all other Annapurna high passes are closed to trekkers. However, having proper guidance from MyEverestTrip is essential.

Kopra Ridge Trek cost

The newly made Kopra Ridge Trek trail is still in the promotion phase, with minimal competition. Thus, the price is low: Chopra Ridge Trek costs $850 for a 13-day, 12-night trek. In addition, you will spend about $300 on gear, snacks, tips, and donations. 

All other costs, including two-way transportation to and from Pokhara, are included. You don’t need to worry about any extra hidden costs. It’s way lower than the Everest Base Camp Trek and other treks like the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The price mentioned above is the Khopra Trek package by MyEverestTrip. You might find other cheaper Packages, but they don’t cover all the expenses of a trip. Independent and solo traveling is also allowed at Kopra Ridge.

Independent Travelers pay about $25 for food per day, $5 for accommodation, and $40 per guide and Porter per day. The one-time cost includes transportation of about $100 and permits of about $50. In the end, Solo travellers end up paying more than $850.  

Poonhill and Khopra Danda trek itinerary

Our Khopra Danda trek Itinerary moves from Ghandruk to Tadapani and diverts to Bayeli Kharka. Ghandruk, a popular homestay destination in Nepal, has a Gurung settlement. This is the first highlight of our trip.

From Bayeli Kharka, we head towards Khopra Danda, then reach Ghorepani via Swanta Village. From Ghorepani, we walk to Poon Hill, a famous viewpoint offering an astounding panorama of the mountain peaks. We visit Poonhill on the 11th day of our trek.