ANNAPURNA KOPRA RIDGE TREK

Arrive in Kathmandu

Upon arrival meet and assist by Parikrama Treks representative. Transfer to Hotel. ON the way get the view of Hindu religious Pashupatinath Temple.

Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu valley & an orientation:

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 Kilometers west of Kathmandu) - 6 Hours

We drive along the scenic Trisuli and Marsyangdi River to reach Pokhara, it’s a pretty good drive as we go by the beautiful river which is also good for rafting;  we view Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak as well during the driving. Pokhara is a tourist's paradise full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, & temples of Buddhists and Hindus along with her lovely mountains; after 6 hours of driving; we will arrive in Pokhara, the city of lakes…Welcome to this beautiful town of serene lakes that gives so much meaning to your holidays. Overnight at your Hotel (B)

Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk

After having breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara we will drive to Nayapul which takes about 1 and half hours then we will start the trek to Ghandruk. The village is a major recruitment center for the famous Gurkha soldiers and is the hub of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which promotes many varied ecological projects. Overnight in the lodge (B, L, D)

Ghandruk to Tadapani (2,590m) 3-4 hours

In Ghandruk, we get to enjoy astonishing views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and the Hiunchuli mountains. From here we continue upwards through Deurali and into the dense rhododendron forests. The Rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and when they bloom, the forests turn into gardens of dazzling colorful flowers when seen from the air or from afar. After trekking over a small pass we reach Tadapani where we get to enjoy excellent views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Hiunchuli Himalayas. There are many Tibetans in the village that sell things for the tourists to take back home as souvenirs as well, overnight at the lodge. (B, L, D).

Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka (3,420m / 5- 6 hours)

After Tadapani, we leave the main trail and for the next few days then we will walk in a more remote area of the Annapurna region. We begin our trek by entering into a beautiful rhododendron and oak forest on an upward trail. Then after a small descent, we continue climbing to the shoulder of a hill through a rhododendron forest that is reminiscent of images from Lord of the Rings. We also pass several clearings with abandoned shacks before arriving on a bigger ridge top clearing at Dobato, which in good weather should provide splendid views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. We continue ascending up to Bayeli Kharka. From the village, we enjoy arresting views of Mt. Dhaulagiri which is the seventh highest mountain in the world, overnight at the community lodge/house. (B, L, D)

Bayeli Kharka to Upper Chistibung (2,975m / 4-5 hours)

After breakfast, we descend through open ground and beautiful forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung. then we ascend gradually through a forest before reaching Upper Chistibung which is a temporary herder’s settlement. If you’re lucky you might even spot the colorful Lophophorus (Danphe), the national bird of Nepal, as well as Himalayan Thar on the grassy ridge high above the trail, overnight at community lodge/house (B, L, D)

Trek to Khopra Ridge (3,660m / 3-4 hours)

We embark on a steady climb above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures to reach Khopra Danda. As we approach Khopra Ridge, we see the top of Annapurna South. Upon reaching Khopra, we will go for a short walk down Khopra Ridge to a viewpoint overlooking the Kali Gandaki river far below in this deepest valley. From Khopra, we also admire the stunning mountain panorama including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South, overnight at Community lodge/lodge (B, L, D)

Rest day in Khopra Ridge: Tour of Khaire Lake (4500m / 10-11 hours)

Today we embark on a long journey to Khopra ( Khaire) Lake from where we attain excellent views of the Fang and surrounding mountains. Considered to be a sacred lake by the Hindus, it is believed that bathing in the lake will help attain Nirvana/Heaven. As Hinduism and Buddhism are intricately related in Nepal, we can even see a number of Hindu and Buddhist shrines on the sides of the lake. For those of us, who do not want to walk all the way to the lake, a half-day walk from Khopra can also be arranged. Overnight at community lodge/house (B, L, D)

Trek to Swanta Village (2,200m / 5 hours)

From Khopra Ridge we descend off the hillside and continue downhill on a steep trail. Along the way, we get more views of Mount Dhaulagiri with the mountain providing a lovely backdrop to the terraced fields and traditional houses in the nearby villages, overnight at Community lodge/house (B, L, D)

Trek to Ghorepani (4 hours)

After breakfast at the tea house, the trail drops down to Chitre and up to Ghorepani which is a popular trekking trail again where you meet other trekkers. Ghorepani is a popular spot for trekkers to see beautiful distance views of Annapurnas and Dhauligiri. Poon hill is another attraction of Ghorepani where most people do a sunrise trips which is the best views to all Annapurna from the same spot.  Overnight at lodge (B, L, D)

Trek to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Hille (1475m / 5 Hours)

We will start our trekking with an early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over the Himalayas including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. We then return to the lodge and have breakfast, we again follow the gradually descending path through the forests of rhododendron and oak up to Banthanti. It is a small village where you can haul up for hot and cold drinks. Then the trail descends to Ulleri (1960m.), a big Gurung village where we will enjoy the views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. From here the trail up to Tikhedhunga is steeply descending passing through terraces and some robust villages. After a short walk of 15 minutes from Tikhedhunga, we reach Hille. Overnight at Lodge (B, L, D)

Trek from Hille to Nayapul (1050m.) via Birethanti and drive to Pokhara (4 Hours)

Today is the last day of our Trek and it is a pretty easy hike day as well. The trails gradually descend following Bhurung Khola (Bhurung Stream) all the way to Birethanti before we cross the Modi Khola over the suspension bridge a short walk & we reach Nayapul, where our vehicle will be waiting to drive us back to… well, do we call it civilization? Or it was probably better in the mountains, Overnight at Hotel (B, L).

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (6 Hours)

We hope our tourist bus at 7 AM after b/fast to drive to Kathmandu and the driving will be a fantastic experience as we drive past many satellite towns on the way and we are able to see rural settlements, gushing rivers, terraces and green rural landscapes; after 6 hours driving we will arrive Kathmandu and its overnight at your hotel, then we would offer you to have dinner with us for your last night stay in Nepal and talk about your recent trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, trip concludes on this day. ( B, D)

Final Departure