- Length
- 9 days
- Highest point
- 4,660 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best months
- Oct–Nov, Mar–May
- Starts
- Nayapul / Pokhara
- Group size
- 2–10 People
- Sleeping
- Tea House / Camp
<p>Khopra Ridge is the Annapurna region’s best-kept secret — 270° views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Nilgiri from a peaceful ridge camp, with the sacred Khayar Lake above.</p>
- Khopra Ridge (3,660 m) — off-the-beaten-path viewpoint of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South
- Khayar Lake (4,700 m) — a pristine hidden glacial lake rarely visited by outsiders
- Dobato (3,840 m) community forest lodge: 180° panorama, no crowds
- Dense rhododendron and oak forest trail above the Modi Khola valley
- Combines with ABC or Ghorepani for a fully custom Annapurna itinerary
- Alternative to Poon Hill: same region, same peaks, fraction of the foot traffic
- Magar and Gurung villages on a trail that sees fewer than 200 trekkers per month
The climb, day by day
Day 1Drive Pokhara → Nayapul · Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m)1,540 m
Morning drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. Trek through Birethanti and along the Bhurungdi Khola through terraced farmland and subtropical forest. Reach Tikhedhunga at the base of the Ulleri staircase as the day closes.
- Distance
- 12 km
- Walking
- 3–4 hours
- Meals
- B, L, D
- Night
- Tea House
Day 2Tikhedhunga → Ghorepani (2,860 m)2,860 m
Climb the famous 3,000-step stone staircase through Ulleri (1,960 m) and continue through rhododendron and oak forest via Banthanti. Ghorepani on the ridge offers commanding views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range at sunset.
- Distance
- 11 km
- Walking
- 5–6 hours
- Meals
- B, L, D
- Night
- Tea House
Day 3Ghorepani · Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210 m) · Trek to Swanta (2,200 m)2,200 m
Pre-dawn ascent to Poon Hill for the iconic sunrise panorama over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre and Nilgiri. Return for breakfast then descend south via the less-trodden Swanta trail, leaving the main trekking crowds behind. Swanta is a peaceful Magar village with traditional stone houses and views south towards the Annapurna foothills.
- Distance
- 14 km
- Walking
- 5–6 hours
- Meals
- B, L, D
- Night
- Tea House
Day 4Swanta → Dobato (3,550 m)3,550 m
Trek uphill through mixed forest and open ridgeline to Dobato, a high pasture area with exceptional 360-degree views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna South Face. This upper section of the Khopra Ridge trail sees far fewer trekkers than Poon Hill, offering genuine solitude and superb photography.
- Distance
- 12 km
- Walking
- 5–6 hours
- Meals
- B, L, D
- Night
- Tea House
Day 5Dobato → Khopra Danda (3,660 m)3,660 m
Short morning trek along the ridge to Khopra Danda — a community-managed camp operated by local Gurung communities. The viewpoint here is arguably superior to Poon Hill: an unobstructed panorama of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre, with virtually no other trekkers.
- Distance
- 4 km
- Walking
- 2–3 hours
- Meals
- B, L, D
- Night
- Tea House
Day 6Khopra Danda · Day Hike to Khayar Lake (4,700 m) · Return to Khopra3,660 m
Early start for the day hike to Khayar Lake (also spelled Khayer), a sacred glacial lake at 4,700 m beneath the south face of Annapurna South. The 3–4 hour ascent is steep but the lake — set in a high mountain bowl with prayer flags — is one of Nepal hidden gems. Return to Khopra Danda for the night.
- Distance
- 14 km
- Walking
- 6–7 hours
- Meals
- B, L, D
- Night
- Tea House
Day 7Khopra Danda → Chitre (2,390 m)2,390 m
Descend the western flank of the Khopra ridge through forest and terraced farmland, passing through the village of Chitre on the descent towards the Kali Gandaki valley. The landscape opens significantly and Dhaulagiri remains visible to the north.
- Distance
- 10 km
- Walking
- 4–5 hours
- Meals
- B, L, D
- Night
- Tea House
Day 8Chitre → Tatopani (1,190 m)1,190 m
Descend steeply to the Kali Gandaki river and the hot spring village of Tatopani. Soak in the famous natural hot springs on the riverbank — a perfect reward after days at altitude. Tatopani is a popular overnight stop on the Annapurna Circuit and has good lodge facilities.
- Distance
- 12 km
- Walking
- 4–5 hours
- Meals
- B, L, D
- Night
- Tea House
Day 9Tatopani → Beni · Drive to Pokhara827 m
Final morning trek south along the Kali Gandaki river to the town of Beni (830 m), where the road from Pokhara terminates. Board a private vehicle for the 2-hour drive back to Pokhara through the Kali Gandaki and Modi valleys. Arrive mid-afternoon in time for a lakeside celebration dinner.
- Distance
- 14 km
- Walking
- 3–4 hours
- Meals
- B
- Night
- Hotel
The price includes
- Government-registered English-speaking guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- ACAP permit and TIMS card
- Pokhara–Nayapul private jeep and return jeep to Pokhara
- All teahouse accommodation on trek
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All government taxes and service charges
You pay separately
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
- Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation
- Meals not listed in daily itinerary
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and porters
- Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Any costs arising from illness, injury, or early departure
The Khopra Ridge & Khayar Lake Trek is an off-the-beaten-path gem in the Annapurna region. While crowds flock to Poon Hill, this route climbs higher for better views with a fraction of the people.
What Makes It Special
- Khopra Ridge Camp (3,660m) — panoramic Himalayan views
- Khayar Lake (4,660m) — sacred glacial lake
- Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Fishtail views
- Dense rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages
- Minimal crowds even in peak season