Khopra Ridge and Muldai Viewpoint Trek
- 12 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide you along the quiet trails of the Annapurna region to the sweeping ridges of Khopra Danda at 3,660 m.
At a glance
Trip overview
We have designed this 12-day itinerary for trekkers who want to step away from the busier tea house routes of the central Annapurna. The trail to Khopra Ridge climbs through dense rhododendron forests, crosses high pastures, and connects traditional Gurung and Magar settlements. We take our time ascending the ridgelines, allowing our bodies to adjust to the increasing elevation as we approach the high plateaus beneath Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.
This route suits hikers with good cardiovascular fitness who feel comfortable walking four to six hours daily on uneven stone steps and dirt paths. While the physical demands remain moderate, the remoteness of the trail means amenities are simpler than those found on lower valley tracks. We stay in community-run lodges managed by local villages, ensuring that our presence directly supports rural schools and healthcare initiatives.
Our lead guides manage the daily pace carefully, keeping groups together as we traverse the quiet sections between Bayeli and Chistibang. Mornings typically bring clear skies and expansive mountain views, while afternoons often cloud in as valley mist rises through the river gorges. We experience genuine hospitality in the high settlements, sharing meals around communal hearths with local families.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Vistas
We witness over 22 Himalayan peaks from the ridges, including close views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.
Muldai Sunrise Panorama
We hike up to Muldai Viewpoint at dawn for unobstructed 360-degree views across the high mountain ranges.
Community-Run Lodges
We stay in locally managed lodges that directly fund community development and education projects in the villages.
Rhododendron Forests
We walk beneath towering rhododendron trees that bloom in shades of red and pink during the spring months.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Route
We follow quiet trails that bypass the main tourist highways, offering a more peaceful trekking experience.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our staff meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in the city. Later, we host a pre-trip briefing where we distribute your sleeping bags, duffel bags, and trekking maps.
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Kathmandu early in the morning and travel west along the highway, following the Trishuli River through terraced hillsides. Upon reaching Pokhara, we spend the evening resting by the lakeside.
Day 3
Drive to Kimche and Trek to Ghandruk
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive to Kimche and Trek to Ghandruk
Meals: B / L / D
A morning vehicle journey brings us to Kimche, where we strap on our boots and begin walking uphill. We reach the large Gurung village of Ghandruk by midday and spend the afternoon visiting the local cultural museum.
Day 4
Ghandruk to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Ghandruk to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail leads us out of the village and into thick forests of oak and rhododendron. We climb steadily along damp stone staircases before arriving at the ridge settlement of Tadapani.
Day 5
Tadapani to Dobato via Isharu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Tadapani to Dobato via Isharu
Meals: B / L / D
We descend through the tree line before climbing past the small settlement of Isharu where we stop for lunch. From there, we tackle a steep pull up open grassy slopes to reach Dobato.
Day 6
Dobato to Chistibang via Bayeli
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Dobato to Chistibang via Bayeli
Meals: B / L / D
We begin the morning with a short hike to Muldai Viewpoint for sunrise before descending through lonely woods toward Bayeli. The path remains quiet as we drop further down into the valley toward Chistibang.
Day 7
Chistibang to Khopra Danda
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Chistibang to Khopra Danda
Meals: B / L / D
Today's walk is short but demanding as we climb a narrow, steep ridge line leading straight up to Khopra Danda. We settle into the solitary community lodge perched on the edge of the high pasture.
Day 8
Khopra Danda to Swanta Village
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Khopra Danda to Swanta Village
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our steps down the steep ridge before turning downward through open fields toward the terraced village of Swanta. We spend the afternoon walking through the village alleys and interacting with residents.
Day 9
Swanta to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Swanta to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Our route crosses a suspension bridge over a rushing stream and climbs through oak forests to join the main Ghorepani trail. We arrive at Ghorepani by early afternoon in preparation for our morning hike.
Day 10
Ghorepani to Banthati via Poon Hill
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Ghorepani to Banthati via Poon Hill
Meals: B / L / D
We make a pre-dawn ascent to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. Afterward, we descend past Nange Thanti through stone-paved forest tracks to reach Banthati.
Day 11
Banthati to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Banthati to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Our final stretch of trekking brings us down to the roadhead where our transport waits to drive us back to Pokhara. We spend a relaxing evening by the lake celebrating the end of our trek.
Day 12
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 12
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B
We board our morning vehicle for the return drive along the Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we transfer you to your hotel for a final evening.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- ACAP entry permit and TIMS card fees
- Twin-share community lodges and teahouses on trek
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- Government-licensed English-speaking lead guide and porters
- Comprehensive medical kit and oximeter monitoring
- Use of down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffel bag
- Surface transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained upon arrival
- Travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue
- Personal expenses such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and bottled water
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our highest overnight stop is at Khopra Danda at 3,660 m, with optional day hiking reaching 4,600 m at Khayer Lake. We maintain a steady ascent profile to give your body time to adjust to the thin air.
Our guides monitor every team member daily for early signs of acute mountain sickness. Drink at least four litres of water daily and notify your guide immediately if you experience persistent headaches or dizziness.
Accommodation & meals
We accommodate you in community-run lodges along the upper ridges and standard tea houses in the lower villages. Rooms are basic on a twin-share basis with wooden beds and foam mattresses.
Meals are freshly prepared, featuring staples like dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetable curry), noodle soups, and momos. We advise sticking to vegetarian options at higher elevations where meat transport is difficult.
Physical fitness requirements
This trek involves walking four to seven hours daily across steep stone steps and narrow dirt tracks. You should engage in regular cardiovascular training and stair conditioning for at least two months prior to departure.
Carrying a small daypack while your main gear travels in the duffel bag helps conserve energy during the steeper ascents to Dobato and Khopra Ridge.
Responsible travel
We operate our treks with a strict leave-no-trace policy, carrying out all non-degradable rubbish. By staying in community lodges, our fees directly support local school teachers and health posts.
We ask that you respect local customs by dressing modestly, removing boots before entering monastery rooms, and asking permission before photographing residents.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking boots with ankle supportEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots are crucial for stone steps.
Woolen trekking socksEssential
Footwear
Bring 4 pairs of moisture-wicking socks.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Provided by us if needed; essential for chilly evenings at Khopra Danda.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Top and bottom merino wool layers.
Waterproof shell jacket and trousersEssential
Clothing
Gore-Tex or equivalent rain protection.
Sleeping bag rated to -15°CEssential
Camping
Provided by us; teahouse blankets can be thin at high altitude.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for early morning starts to Muldai and Poon Hill.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Essential for treating tap and stream water.
Valid passport and travel insurance policy detailsEssential
Documents
Must include helicopter rescue coverage up to 5,000 m.
Trekking poles
Safety
Highly recommended for protecting knees during steep descents.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitRequired for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
PermitRequired registration card for tracking and safety monitoring in Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Khopra Ridge Trek?
We rate this trek as easy to moderate. It requires good physical fitness for daily walks of 4 to 6 hours over steep stone steps and ridgeline paths up to 3,660 m.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No prior Himalayan experience is required, but you should prepare with consistent cardio and stair-climbing workouts for two months before your trip.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
We stay in community-run lodges and traditional teahouses. Rooms are simple with twin beds, and bathroom facilities are shared.
Can I visit Khayer Lake during the trek?
Yes, you can add an optional day excursion from Khopra Ridge up to Khayer Lake at 4,600 m, though it involves an additional 800 m of elevation gain.
What permits are required for this route?
We secure your Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and your Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card before departure.
What is the best time of year for this trek?
The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable and mountain visibility is clearest.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 12 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
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