The Khopra Ridge trek is Nepal's finest example of community-managed tourism. Every lodge on the route is owned and operated by local cooperatives — your accommodation fees directly fund village incomes and forest conservation in the Annapurna foothills. The views from the ridge (3,660m) of Dhaulagiri's towering north face and the entire Annapurna South and Nilgiri massifs are among the best of any accessible trail in Nepal.
This 6-day loop departs from the classic Poon Hill route (Ghorepani), branches south onto the lesser-traveled Khopra trail, climbs to the ridge, and offers an optional pilgrimage to Khayer Lake (4,660m) before returning via Ghorepani. Minimal crowds, maximum impact.
6 days (5 trekking + 1 travel)
3,660m (Khopra Ridge) or 4,660m (Khayer Lake)
Moderate
October-November, March-May
ACAP ($30) + TIMS ($10-20)
Community-owned cooperatives
~2,000 (very low)
Yes — Day 2 includes Poon Hill sunrise
The Khopra Ridge Community Lodge System
Unlike standard teahouses on the Poon Hill circuit, Khopra Ridge accommodation is managed through a community lodge network established by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and local cooperatives. Key features:
- Revenue to community: Lodge profits fund schools, health posts, and conservation
- Fixed pricing: Standardized rates prevent exploitation; ask at each lodge for the current tariff
- Quality control: ACAP monitors lodge standards across the network
- Limited capacity: Lodges are smaller than standard teahouses — advance communication recommended in peak season
Altitude Profile
| Day | Destination | Altitude | Daily Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara → Nayapul → Ghorepani | 2,860m | Start |
| 2 | Poon Hill (3,210m) → Swanta | 2,200m | +350m, -1,010m |
| 3 | Swanta → Khopra Danda | 3,660m | +1,460m |
| 4 | Khopra Danda → Khayer Lake (4,660m) → Khopra | 3,660m | +1,000m round trip |
| 5 | Khopra Danda → Ghorepani | 2,860m | -800m |
| 6 | Ghorepani → Nayapul → Pokhara | 820m | -2,040m |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Pokhara to Nayapul, Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m)
Drive time: 1.5 hours Pokhara to Nayapul Trek distance: 12km | Trek time: 5-6 hours
Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. Trek through Tikhedhunga and up the famous Ulleri stone staircase through dense rhododendron forest to Ghorepani. This is the classic Poon Hill approach — well-established, beautiful, and the only part of the Khopra Ridge trek that shares the main tourist route.
Ghorepani has excellent teahouses with mountain views.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghorepani Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Poon Hill Sunrise, Trek to Swanta (2,200m)
Pre-dawn hike: Poon Hill (3,210m) — 30-45 min up from Ghorepani Trek to Swanta: 12km | Trek time: 4-5 hours
Pre-dawn: Climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) for the famous sunrise over Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South (7,219m), and Machapuchare (6,993m). One of Nepal's most spectacular mountain panoramas.
After breakfast: Leave the main Poon Hill circuit at Ghorepani and take the trail south toward Swanta. This is where the crowds disappear. Within 30 minutes of Ghorepani, you'll likely have the trail to yourself.
The descent to Swanta passes through rhododendron forest and small scattered farmsteads. Swanta village is a quiet Magar community with basic community lodges and outstanding rural mountain atmosphere.
Accommodation: Community lodge in Swanta Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Khopra Split
At Ghorepani, the main trail continues east to Tadapani and eventually ABC. The Khopra Ridge trail heads south toward Swanta. This junction is clear on trail maps but may lack signage — confirm the direction with your guide or Ghorepani teahouse owners.
Day 3: Swanta to Khopra Danda (3,660m)
Trek distance: 11km | Trek time: 6-7 hours
The longest and most demanding day of the trek. The trail climbs from Swanta through forest and rhododendron scrub, gaining 1,460m of altitude over the day. The upper section above 3,000m transitions to open ridge terrain with increasingly dramatic mountain views.
Khopra Danda (3,660m): The ridge itself. The panorama that greets you is extraordinary:
- Dhaulagiri (8,167m) — massive and close to the northwest
- Dhaulagiri II, III, IV — the full massif in sequence
- Nilgiri (7,061m) — dramatic tower to the north
- Annapurna South (7,219m) — immediately to the northeast
- Tukuche Peak and Thapa Peak — completing the Dhaulagiri-side panorama
Accommodation: Community lodge at Khopra Danda (the main ridge lodge — largest on the route) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pro Tip
The sunset from Khopra Danda is one of Nepal's most underrated mountain experiences. As the light changes from afternoon gold to pink alpenglow on Dhaulagiri's north face, the scale and proximity of the mountain becomes visceral. No other accessible trek in Nepal puts you this close to Dhaulagiri.
Day 4: Khopra Danda — Optional Khayer Lake (4,660m) Day Trip
Optional hike to Khayer Lake: 6km up, 6km return | Trek time: 5-6 hours return Elevation gain: 1,000m (3,660m to 4,660m)
The lake: Khayer Lake (also called Khayar Lake) is a sacred alpine lake at 4,660m beneath Annapurna South. It is a pilgrimage destination for Hindu and Buddhist communities — hundreds of devotees visit during festivals (especially autumn equinox). The lake itself is stunning: turquoise water in a glacial cirque with Annapurna South rising immediately above.
Trail: The path from Khopra Danda to the lake is steep and requires care on loose sections. A good guide is strongly recommended for this section. The trail involves some scrambling in the final approach. Not technical, but more challenging than the main Khopra route.
Start time: Depart by 7:00 AM for best conditions. Clouds often build by midday.
Entry fee: NPR 500-1,000 per person ($4-8) collected at the lake entrance.
If skipping Khayer Lake: Rest day at Khopra with exploration of the ridge. The views from the lodge terrace alone justify the day.
Accommodation: Community lodge at Khopra Danda (same as Day 3) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Khopra Danda to Ghorepani (2,860m)
Trek distance: 11km | Trek time: 5-6 hours
Retrace the route back through the forest to Ghorepani. The descent is much easier than the ascent — good trail through rhododendron forest with mountain views throughout. Ghorepani feels like a proper mountain town after Khopra's community lodges.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghorepani Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Ghorepani to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara (820m)
Trek distance: 10km | Trek time: 3-4 hours Drive: 1.5 hours to Pokhara
Final descent from Ghorepani via Tikhedhunga to Nayapul. The trail is well-maintained stone path through forest and terraced hillside. At Nayapul, take a local jeep or private vehicle back to Pokhara.
Arrive Pokhara: By early afternoon. Hot shower, lakeside meal, and Phewa Lake reflection in sight.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara Lakeside Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Community Lodge Booking
Booking in advance: Not required in most seasons. Peak October and April, consider contacting ACAP Pokhara office or a local agency to check availability, particularly at Khopra Danda (the main ridge lodge has limited capacity).
ACAP Community Lodge Contact: Pokhara ACAP Office — ask at any Pokhara trekking agency for current lodge contact details.
Khopra vs Poon Hill: The Comparison
| Factor | Khopra Ridge (6 days) | Poon Hill Only (4-5 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 3,660m (4,660m optional) | 3,210m |
| Mountain views | Dhaulagiri close-up + Annapurna | Annapurna panorama |
| Crowds | Very low | Very high (Ghorepani) |
| Lodge type | Community-owned | Commercial teahouses |
| Duration | 6 days | 4-5 days |
| Best for | Responsible travel, unique views | Classic sunrise, less time |