Kopra Ridge Trek - 15 Days
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Kopra Ridge is a fantastic short trek that lets you trudge along the trails of the Annapurna region. It packs breathtaking mountain views, exotic wildlife, varying landscapes, and a mixture of culture into one trek.
You can catch glimpses of famous snow-capped peaks such as Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, and more all along the way. On reaching the ridge itself, you will witness the stunning 360° view, where the mountains seem to almost loom closer. The mesmerizing sunrises you’ll see over Poonhill, Ghorepani and Kopra Danda is sure to be something you will remember forever.
The trek itself will include about 6 days of walking and 10 days in total. Right from the get-go, prepare to feel transported as you walk along vast, green farmlands and cross suspension bridges over fast-flowing rivers. You will also be walking through lush oak and rhododendron forests right in the heart of nature.
Greenery aside, you will get to trek up to Khayer Lake. All along the way are shrines of cultural significance to both Hindus and Buddhists. You will be passing through multiple settlements and get a great look into the everyday lives of people in this region. You will also get to see local shepherds out with their cattle and possibly spot our national bird: Danphe.
The best time to go on this trek is Spring and Autumn. You don’t need any prior trekking experience as this is an easy to moderate trek. We recommend avoiding these trails during monsoon as it does include some steep climbs that might be slippery. The views will also be much clearer during summer and autumn.
With Nepal Social Treks & Expedition, our well trained professional guides are ready to lead you on these trails expertly. Whether you are craving history, culture, or aesthetic beauty, our guides have their stories of the land you trek on. We also have our first-aid kits and a team of porters ready to ensure that this trek is a breeze.
For a trek that combines stunning visuals, holy sites, and diverse cultural beauty, the Kopra Ridge Trek will be a perfect choice.
Highlights
- Panoramic views of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, and some other peaks
- Trekking up to Khayer Lake, a lake that holds considerable spiritual significance for Hindus
- Breathtaking 360° view from Kopra ridge
- Relaxing in the natural hot springs of Tatopani
- Following trails through thick oak and rhododendron forests
- Sunrise from Poonhill (3210M) with breathtaking 360° views
- Experience the Gurung cultures.
- Short and easy trek for beginners.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft)
Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will be ready to pick you up. They will escort you to your hotel, where our staff will help you with the check-in processes. Once you check into the hotel, you will receive the itinerary briefing. In the evening, you will be having a warm and hearty welcome dinner. The first night is all about resting up and gearing for your trek.
Overnight at Three-star Hotel
Only Dinner Included
Highlights
- Hassle-free airport pick-up
- A detailed explanation of the day-to-day itinerary
- Warm and hearty welcome dinner
Special Note:
Make sure to listen attentively when our staff explains the day-to-day itinerary for you. You will get a good idea of what to expect during the trip and the packing list, foods to expect, and more. It will also help you make sure to double-check that you have not forgotten to pack anything essential. In case you want to leave some luggage at the hotel, we recommend you make sure your trekking supplies are in order before heading out on the trek.
Day 2: Flight to Pokhara and drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga (1488m/4882 ft)
Early morning, you will be getting on a plane, leaving Kathmandu behind. The flight will only take about half an hour and promises to be a visual treat. You will be soaring above the valley below and witnessing the majestic, inviting snow-capped mountains.
Once we land, we are ready to begin our trek. Immediately, you will feel the difference in the air itself. As you trek on, you will be treated with greenery as far as your eyes can see. You will also be cheered on by the peaks you see at a distance. You will mostly be trekking alongside vast farmlands and crossing a few suspension bridges.
You might find that the roads tend to be dustier at some locations, but even this just adds to the authentic, off-beaten paths. After a couple of hours of walking, you will be reaching Tikhedhunga. Tikhedhunga is a small but lively mountain village located on the riverside. The trek from this point tends to get more strenuous, so most travelers like to rest up once they reach this village. However, you can still choose to explore and mingle with the locals.
Day 3: Trek from Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani (2875m/943 ft)
On this day’s trek, we will be trekking up to Ghorepani. Once you’ve had a hearty breakfast, you will head out and immediately reach an incline. You will be following this uphill climb until you reach Ulleri.
Ulleri is a largely Magar village located at a hilltop. It offers a great view of the green valley below. If you look at the horizon, you will begin to see peaks like Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peeking through.
This hilltop is a great place to pause for a cup of tea. You will get to enjoy a scenic break before joining the trail again. The trail treats you with nature’s embrace by taking you through a thick, oak, and rhododendron rainforest. The tall trees will provide ample shade as you admire the deep green and bright red colors of nature.
You will be walking for about 4-5 hours before reaching Ghorepani. It is an excellent viewpoint that allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range.
Day 4: Trek from Ghorepani to Upper Chistibung (3000m/9843 ft)
Early morning, you will witness a stunning sunrise over the mountains from Poonhill. Once you’ve snapped your pictures and enjoyed your breakfast with a view, we are ready to head back out. After yesterday’s trek through thick forests, today’s walk will feel like an entirely different experience.
You will be walking along a grassy slope that takes you through vast pasture lands. You will get to see many local shepherds out with their herds, going about their day-to-day lives. There are also plenty of herder’s huts and a good possibility of spotting Danphe (the national bird of Nepal). This day’s trek also includes some uphill climbs and about 5-6 hours of walking to reach Upper Chistibung.
Day 5: Trek from Upper Chistibung to Kopra Danda (3640m/11942 ft)
On this day’s trek, you will be following a steady incline. Today, you will find yourself amidst alpine meadows and vast stretches of green pastures like yesterday’s trek. You will see the tip of Annapurna South inviting and cheering you to get a better look throughout the day.
Once you reach Kopra Danda, you will learn just how majestic this view can be. Not just Annapurna South, but Mount Dhaulagiri, Fang, and Nilgiri eager to mesmerize you. You will be stopping for lunch here, although the sights here are sure to fill your hearts already. After this, you will be walking down the Kopra Ridge. Here, you will get to admire the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki gorge.
Day 6: Rest day in Kopra Danda, Day-trip to Khayer Lake (4660m/15289 ft)
One evening is simply not enough to properly appreciate the beauty of this place. Therefore, we have included this extra day for exploration. First, you will be enjoying the breathtaking 360° view from this ridge. You will feel like you are on top of the world as you witness the majestic mountains appear to be an arm’s stretch away.
You will then be taking an excursion trip up to Khayer Lake, considered to be sacred by the Hindus. You will encounter many small Hindu and Buddhist shrines on your hike to this lake. The hike can be quite challenging considering both the altitude as well as the distance. You can expect to be walking for 7-8 hours on this day.
However, you will get to reach this pristine and untouched lake. It is said that a bath in the waters of this lake will help you attain Nirvana. While enjoying the waters of this sacred lake, the snowy giants Annapurna, Fang, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri will provide an excellent backdrop.
Another interesting tidbit about this lake is that locals gather here in their traditional dresses during the full moon of August. It is believed that praying to the goddess at this lake will help grant all your wishes. Once you finish making your wishes, witnessing the holy lake, and taking tons of pictures, we will be trekking back Kopra Danda.
Day 7: Trek from Kopra Danda to Tatopani (1250m/4101 ft)
On this day, you will be turning your backs to Kopra Danda and descending. You will be walking for 4-5 hours. First, you will reach Paudwar, a small village where you’ll be stopping to have lunch. After lunch, you will be continuing your hike down to Tatopani. The name literally translates to ‘hot water’ in Nepali. You can spend your time dipping into the natural hot springs and relaxing your tired muscles. Here, you can enjoy natural spa therapy like no other.
Day 8: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara (815m/ 2674 ft)
Early morning after breakfast, you will be getting on a private jeep back to Pokhara. You can sit back and enjoy the scenery outside your window. You will be driving through Beni and noticing the rolling hills and small settlements turn to cityscapes. The drive will take about 4 hours, where you can relive your trip through your camera roll.
Once you arrive at Pokhara, you can spend the rest of your day exploring this lakeside city. You can choose to unwind by the lake or celebrate your successful trek by immersing in the nightlife.
Day 9: Morning flight to Kathmandu (1400m/4593 ft)
On this day, we will be completing our trip and catching a flight back to Kathmandu. The flight should only take you about half an hour. After this, you have the rest of the day to do some sightseeing or simply rest up. We have planned a wonderful dinner and a cultural show for your last evening in Nepal.
Day 10: Departure Day
And just like that, you have reached the end of your trip. Our representative will be taking you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Bidding you a safe journey, a camera full of memories, we hope to see you again.
The Cost Include(s)
- Private Arrival & Departure transfers on both international and domestic flights,
- Assistance for the trekking gears and the shopping for the trekking equipment if required,
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu flight.
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during trekking,
- 3-star Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on B/B basis,
- Accommodation in teahouse/lodge during trekking,
- All private overland transports included in the itinerary.
- Nepal Social Treks Gears – sleeping bag, duffel bag for the use during the trip,
- Professional local guide with extensive experience,
- Annapurna conservation area Project fees (USD30) and TIMS (USD10).
- First Aid Kit Comprehensive,
- Necessary Porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment (1 porter per 2 trekkers),
- Insurance for all staff including porters,
- Assistance to evacuation in case of any kind of emergency
- Kopra Ridge Trek map
- Nepal government tax and service fees.
The Cost Exclude(s)
- Any bottled drinks
- Personal insurance for emergency evacuation during trekking or climbing.
- International airfare and airport taxes, excess baggage charges,
- Valid Travel Insurance with Medical evacuation in case of emergency,
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Any personal gear for trekking.
- Any tips or gratuities for the staff.
Booking
Review
Nar phu valley trek with Kamal guide, perfect!
My partner and I went on a 9-day trek in the Nar and Phu Valley. Our Kamal guide was just perfect! Professional and very nice, he accompanied us along with the porter Prim throughout the itinerary, adapting it to our needs and desires. I don't think we could have fallen into better hands than Kamal, he promptly solved all the little problems we encountered, he was fantastic as was the porter Prim. Amazing experience thank you!
Nepal Social Treks Review
I’ve just completed the 15 day Everest Base Camp trek with Nepal Social Treks and can’t praise the company, guide & porter highly enough. My guide in particular, Lhakpa was an absolute star who could not do enough to make the time away as comfortable as possible. Considerate, knowledgeable, funny, kind & inspiring. I genuinely don’t think I could have completed the trek without their support! A lifetime ambition completed thanks :)
EBC by Gokyo
If you are planning to do the EBC, the Agency should be Nepal Social Trek and the Guide should be Santa Thabir Magar. Permanent communication during trekking and excellent coordination at all times. The alternative I recommend is Gokyo. Something heavier than the classic, but definitely extraordinary. Also the views of the great mountains during the circuit, are not to forget them
Ho prenotato il viaggio dall'italia. C'è stato qualche problema non dovuto all'agenzia perchè non sono partiti voli per giorni per l'everest e loro prontamente hanno sistemato tutto. Narayan, la mia guida e amrit il mio porter sono stati fantastici. Grazie grazie grazie
Great Anil Sherpa
FAQs about Kopra Ridge Trek
When is the best time to go on the Kopra Ridge Trek?
For most treks, including this one, Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to travel. The skies are likely to be much clearer and give you an unobstructed view of the snow-capped peaks. Especially on this trek, mountains like Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna, I are visible throughout the trek. Similarly, there is less chance of rainfall, so you can trek for long hours without worrying about any slippery trails.
Do I need any fitness training before going on this Kopra Ridge Trek?
Yes. This trail is easy to moderately difficult, so it will only need you to ensure you are healthy and living a mostly active lifestyle. Please note, you will be walking for 4-6 hours a day, so you at least want to ensure that you prepare for this with exercises like hiking, cycling, swimming, and jogging. These cardio-oriented activities should help you prepare for this upcoming trek. We recommend at least a few weeks of active physical activity prior to this trek.
Could I get altitude sickness on this trek?
The highest point on this trek is at 4500m. At this elevation, there is a good possibility of getting altitude sickness. However, rest assured that we have designed the itinerary to make sure you are paced well with plenty of breaks. You should be able to follow the trek with ease. In case you do experience any discomfort, our first-aid kit and our trained staff will properly take care of you.
Are there provisions for ATMs or credit cards during the trek?
You will have plenty of options for ATM and credit card facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, as we trek into more remote villages and higher altitudes, these will be non-existent. We recommend that you carry the necessary cash for any purchases in these areas. Additionally, we recommend that you exchange all your foreign currency into local money. As we trek into these villages, you are unlikely to find many places that accept foreign currency.
Is it safe to drink tap water during this trek?
Your health and safety have always been our number one priority. As such, we will be ensuring clean drinking water throughout the trek. Bottled water will also be available for purchase. All the lodges on this Kopra Ridge Trek provide safe drinking water.
We strongly suggest you refrain from drinking tap water as your stomach might not have adjusted to the local water. For your safety, only drink bottled water or properly filtered water. Additionally, we recommend carrying water purifying tablets for proper safety.