Jours: 12 / Difficulté: 3 of 5 (Modérée à intense)
The Khopra trek is one of the most awesomely beautiful untouched nature and newly opened territory for trekking sport. This trek is suitable for all opinioned trekkers. Parts of this trail are more strenuous while other parts are easier. The path goes through deeply lush thick pine, oak, rhododendron and bamboo forest with gorgeous vistas, crossing beautiful Magar, Gurung, Kami, Damai and Kshetri - Brahmin villages with its beautifully terraced farming lands. This trip can be done as a special combined tour and adventure hike up to Khayar Lake 4600m, the highest point, the most spectacular, picturesque and breath-taking views of snowcapped peaks and mesmerizing landscapes! On this trip you will have chances to observe real Nepali life styles (their culture, art of living and religion), stay together with the family at home stay, that's why you have chances to share experiences with the families, hiking in the lush pristine forest with great vistas and the best place being far away of crowd and hectic boring life!! Other main thing to do this trail is; very few tourist you see on the way, so it’s quiet and peace trail also. Mountains views are just awesome 180 degree from Dhaulagiri 8167m, Annapurna I 8091m, Manaslu 8163m etc.... + green high hills, rhododendron forest and the southern green slopes with terraced farming lands. Khopra Trek or South of Annapurna region is one of
Nepal’s last Himalayan jewels; a glittering array of panoramas, gigantic peaks and peaceful nature awaits the adventurous explorer. However, as magnificent as the mountains are, it is perhaps the people of
Nepal that are its greatest asset. Khopra trek is the diversity of ethno-culture, colorful festivals, temples and gompas, mixture settlement of friendly loving people. On this trip you will have chances to mix with those people and observe their lifestyle, culture and traditions. These things make this trip one of the best.
Fact of the Trek;Trek Destination: Annapurna Region
Highest Elevation: 4600m
Best Season: Autumn (Oct-Nov) and Spring (March-April)
Mode of Trek: Lodge to Lodge
Trek Start/End: Nayapul/Nayapul
Grade: Moderate
Trekking Hour: 5-6 hours in a day
Transportation by: Flight and private car
Types of trek/tour: Trekking
Culture: Majority of Magar, Gurung, Kami, Damai and Kshetri - Brahmin
Himalayan Sights: Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m, TukuchePeak 6920m, Nilgiri 6940m, Baraha Shikhar 7847m, Mt. Annapurna I 8091m, Annapurna South 7219m, Annapurna III 7855m, Machhapuchhre 6993m, Annapurna IV 7525m, Annapurna II 7937m, Lamjung Himal 6931m
High Lights of the Trek: Stunning view of high Himalayan Range, unobstructed Sunrise & Sunset view, typical lifestyle and culture of Gurung and Magar, scenic and picturesque villages, ancient Monasteries, wildlife, beautiful terraced fields, dense rhododendron forest, Deepest Kaligandaki Gorge, water fall.
Itinerary in detail
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu and you will be met at the airport by our representative who will be waiting with a Swiss Family Treks sign outside the terminal and transfer to Hotel by private car. Welcome drink and after you settle into the hotel there will be a group briefing with your tour leader. He will discuss the trek details and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 820m/25minutes.
Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the morning with scenic mountain views including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna Massif. Once we reach in Pokhara, we can visit such as interesting places like Devi’s fall, Gupteswor Cave, Temple Barahi and boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk
From Pokhara you will be transferred by road (private bus) to the starting point of the trek at Nayapul. The porters will be waiting, and after a brief stop to stretch your legs while the porters organize the load, you will set off on the walk. You will walk through the busy trading post of Nayapul. You will cross a small stream via suspension bridge and continue on a dirt road before crossing the Modi River to reach Birethanti. At Birethanti your trekking permits will be checked at the Annapurna Conservation Check Post. You will continue to hike following the Modi Khola upstream, passing through settlements inhabited by the Chettris and Brahmins. On a clear day looming majestically in the distance, you will see the Machhapucharre (6993m). Soon you will reach the small hamlet of Shyauli Bazaar where you will stop for the lunch. After lunch you will start the climb to Ghandruk. The trail gradually climbs out of Shyauli, and you will cross a steel suspension bridge. From here the trail climbs more steeply up stone steps through settlements of Klieu, Kimche and Chane, where one can see beautiful scenery and village life. From the small village of Chane the trail traverses and then climbs up to the village of Ghandruk, where you will stop for lunch and spend the night. Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung villages in the area, the difference in the Gurungs lifestyle here to that of their neighbours in the lower areas is very apparent. Ghandruk is well known for the number of its men folk who have served in the British Gurkha regiments. From the lodge at Old Ghandruk, you will have spectacular views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machapuchhare (6993m), and Hiunchuli (6434m). Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 4: Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani
Another day ascending ahead, but the walk will be easier now that you’ve found your trekking legs! Leaving the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind, you will enter oak and rhododendron forest. This is a particularly pretty part of the walk, the forest is alive with the sound of birds and small tumbling waterfalls, and if you visit in spring, (late March to April) the rhododendron will be in full bloom. There are no villages on today’s route, but there will be a few teahouses at Baisi Kharkha, providing welcome drinks and a place to rest. There will be fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m) along the way. Your lodge at Tadapani is the perfect setting for sunset and sunrise views. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 5: Trek from Tadapani to Bayli Kharka
You will leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani today and follow a rarely used trail - initially through thick rhododendron forest - that leads to local water buffalo pastures. The climb is gradual and soon you will emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range. You will take lunch by a small stream and then continue to climb gradually though open countryside to reach a small pass, where the trail descends through rhododendron to an open clearing known as Bayli Kharka, and the lodge. From the lodge there are great views of Dhaulagiri Himal. Stay overnight at Lodge/Home-Stay.
Day 6: Trek from Bayli to Upper Chistibung
This morning you will descend through open ground and forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will continue to walk through forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herder’s settlement at Upper Chistibung, where you will stay in the small community lodge. For the next week you will stay in lodges run by the local communities. We have contributed to the construction of these lodges, part of a series of projects to designed to aid the local community. Being off the beaten track, the villages haven’t previously enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the network of our Community Lodges, there are profits to benefit local projects and schools. Stay overnight at Lodge/Home-Stay.
Day 7: Trek from Chistibung to Kopra Ridge
To reach the ridge at Kopra, you will embark on a steady climb that carries you above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife, so you should keep your eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take your time and rest as often as you wish.
You will reach the lodge on Kopra Ridge in time for lunch and will be greeted by more awe-inspiring views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above you at only six kilometres away, with Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north. Across the depths of the Kali Gandakhi Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. The Kopra Community Lodge is the highlight of our work in the region. Stay overnight at Lodge/Home-Stay.
Day 8: Khopra excursion trip
It is a very good idea to stay here at least two days; you can take a beautiful day’s hiking trip to Khayar Lake at 4600m. This, however, is not recommended for every trekker, because it is a very long way to trek to the lake and come back the same way to Khopra. It takes a minimum of 7 to 8 hours as a round trip. But it is good idea to go as far as Thanti (around 4200m. high) and come back. At Thanti, there are some shelters for yak herders and shepherds to stay in during the monsoon. Khayar Lake is very famous for Hindu belief; on the occasion of Janai Purnima , around the full moon of Saaun (July-August) the high caste men, Brahmin and Kshetri , must change the janai, which they wear looped over their left shoulder. So Janai Purnima brings crowds of pilgrims to this sacred Khayar Lake and many pilgrims come from India as well. There they garland a statue of Shiva and throw coins at a temple and into the lake. There are two places to make pooja, seven minutes before this lake and a temple, where hundreds of sheep and goats are sacrificed on the same occasion. The pilgrims sleep one or two nights at Thanti, where the yak herders’ shelters are used to sleep in, but those are not enough for all these people. They bring large tents and set them up as shelter for many people and then they go up to the lake, making pooja, and it would be fantastic to take the Khayar lake trip. The views of nature’s beauty are mesmerizing!!
Day 9: Trek from Khopra Ridge to Swanta
From Kopra Ridge you will descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. You will retrace the route back to Chistibung. You will then head to the village of Swanta, where you will stay overnight in the newly constructed lodge. We have supported the local school over the years, and there is time to pay a quick visit, and perhaps interact with the kids. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 10: Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani
From Swanta you will descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here you will cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where you’ll join the main trekking trail. There is a further ascent to reach the village of Ghorepani where you will be met with great views of the Dhaulagiri massif and a well-earned rest. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 11: Hiking up to Mohare Hill
From Ghorepani, you will follow the trail of Poon Hill for 40 minutes, and then turn left on the grassy and rhododendron forests with small ups and downs until reaching where the trail is flat. Then there is a more strenuous climb up to Humpal pass (3098m). Over the pass is a shelter with a red tin roof. Now you descend a bit on the other side, walk along a flat trail walk, then go up into the forest. There is a steep, grassy path along the ridge and finally you come to see the house of Moharedanda. Still continue hiking along the ridge with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna and Manaslu for sunset vistas! And views of the surrounding forest and the mysterious, southern landscapes! Moharedanda is a good place to take an extra day’s rest! Moharedanda itself is a perfect natural towering ridge. It offers a spectacular 360 degree mountain view through the Dhaulagiri range ((8167m.) high, Annapurna range (8091m.), Manaslu Himal ( 8163m .) vistas of deep magical landscapes and magnificent sunrises and sunsets over the mountains.To see all these views you don’t need to wake up at 4 o’clock as at Poon hill! You can even view them from your bedroom or fire- heated dining hall or you just can step out of the door to see them. There is a Community Lodge with 10 rooms and 20 beds. There are also a newly built porters’ house and two yak shelters. The Lodge has a fire- heated dining hall, the food is on the menu system, and Wi-Fi internet and solar light are available. There is a communal toilet and a hot bucket shower is available on request. You will have your lunch there and return back same way to Ghorepani. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 12: Early in the morning, 45 minutes hike to Poon Hill through the Rhododendrons forests for the spectacular view of Mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m, TukuchePeak 6920m, Nilgiri 6940m, Baraha Shikhar 7847m, Mt. Annapurna I 8091m, Annapurna South 7219m, Annapurna III 7855m, Machhapuchhre 6993m, Annapurna IV 7525m, Annapurna II 7937m, Lamjung Himal 6931m and unobstructed view of sunrise over the mountains. We can enjoy with brilliant view of mountains and sunrise view. Then we return back to Lodge. After having breakfast, for the rest of the day it is all downhill. The walk passes through beautiful rhododendron forest and you will have lunch at the village of Nangethanti. In the afternoon you will continue to trek through the forest and for those trekking in late March or April the rhododendron should be in full bloom. You will arrive at Ulleri with plenty of time to explore this picturesque village. You will have lunch there and to make the most of the day ahead. From the Ulleri there is a very steep descent of 500 meters on a stone staircase to the Bhurungdi Khola River where you will cross a small suspension bridge to reach the village of Tirkedunga. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 13: Trek from Tikhedunga to Pokhara and flight back to Kathmandu
After giving your knees next day to recover, you will continue a more gentle descent to the village of Birethanti, on the banks of the Modi Khola. Here you will have lunch and then cross the new bridge to the east bank, before following the river back to the pick-up point at Naya Phul. After saying farewell to your porters, you will be transferred by coach back to Pokhara. Afternoon flight back to Kathmandu and our car will wait for picking you up from airport and transfer to Hotel.
Day 14: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements.
Our Tour Package includes;
* Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van.
* 3 nights accommodation in twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at standard hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
* Domestic flight tickets from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu and airport tax.
* Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot water during the Lodge trek.
* Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
* 1 experienced helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 peoples), their food & accommodation, salary, equipment & insurance.
* All transportation by private vehicle.
* Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
* All necessary permits.
* Tourist service charge,
* Office Service charge
* All Government Tax.
Our Tour Package doesn't include;
* Any meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
* International air fare to and from
Nepal.
*
Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipment like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.
N.B: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de and snftnepal@mail.com.np
NOTE: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd. The charges must be paid by clients themselves.
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