The Khopra Ridge Trek is serene and more beautiful in comparison to other Annapurna treks. Contrary to the busy Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani treks, Khopra takes you away from the masses to quiet and high altitude locations where one can indulge in nature to one’s heart’s content.

The trekking route is highly picturesque from the hills with numerous flora and fauna and exclusive cultural activities in Magar and Gurung settlements. Since it is an off-the-beaten-path trekking route, it is tranquil and offers trekkers a real Himalayan experience in solitude and nature. With the picturesque hills of Khopra Danda and the serenity of Khayar Lake, the trekking trail is an adventure and offers fantastic opportunities for clicking photographs in the absence of hassles of big batches.

We eat breakfast in Pokhara and then embark on a 2-hour road trip to Ghandruk, a lovely Gurung village renowned for its scenery and tradition. Upon our arrival, we go to visit the Gurung Museum and the stone houses before beginning the trek.

We follow the trail climbing through dense oak and rhododendron forests, across waterfalls and streams. We reach Tadapani in 4 to 5 hours. It’s on a ridge and offers a wonderful view of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. Overnight at a cozy teahouse.

We take an off-path route to Dobato along a quieter forest track. This path has ancient rhododendron trees and moss-covered trees. Owing to the fact that few trekkers take this route, it is serene and abundant with wildlife.

As we climb, the forest gives way to fields with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. We reach the village of Dobato in 5 to 6 hours. Weather permitting, we visit Muldai Viewpoint in the late evening to watch one of the best concealed mountain views in Nepal.

This is the highlight of the day’s hike. We leave early for a 7 to 8 hour journey to Khayar Lake, a spiritual glacial lake believed to make wishes come true. The hike is steep and challenging, but highly rewarding.
The landscape seems barren but gorgeous as it rises upwards. Rest here awhile near the lake’s edge, unwind, and soak in the tranquil sensations before ascending again to Khopra Ridge to spend the night.