Khopra's wild ridge, Khayer Lake pilgrimage, Poon Hill sunrise — finished with Tatopani hot springs.
The Khopra Ridge + Tatopani Trek is the most complete and varied off-the-beaten-path circuit in the Annapurna region — combining the remote Khopra Ridge (3,660 m) and sacred Khayer Lake (4,660 m) with the iconic Poon Hill sunrise, and finishing with a deeply restorative soak at the famous Tatopani hot springs. Beginning in the cultural heart of Ghandruk and ending with a scenic drive along the Kali Gandaki gorge, this 10-day itinerary delivers extraordinary mountain scenery, genuine wilderness, village culture, and thermal reward in a single seamless circuit.
Unlike the Annapurna Base Camp and standard Poon Hill circuits, the Khopra Ridge trail beyond Tadapani sees a fraction of the trekking traffic — giving this route a sense of discovery and solitude that is increasingly rare in the Annapurna region. The combination of Ghandruk's Gurung heritage, the remote alpine meadows of Bayeli Kharka, the ridge panorama at Khopra, the sacred atmosphere of Khayer Lake, and the Tatopani finale makes this the definitive moderate Annapurna alternative.
Trail gallery
Drive: 1.5–2 hrs | Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 1,940 m | Overnight: Ghandruk
A short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul launches the start of your Khopra Ridge journey.
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 2,630 m | Overnight: Tadapani
A beautiful and varied forest walk from Ghandruk climbs through dense rhododendron and oak forest to the ridge settlement of Tadapani (2,630 m).
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 3,450 m | Overnight: Bayeli Kharka
The route leaves the main trekking corridors behind and enters the quieter, less-trodden terrain that defines the Khopra Ridge experience.
Trek: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: 3,660 m | Overnight: Khopra Ridge
A shorter but scenic morning's walk from Bayeli Kharka to Khopra Ridge — arrival before midday allows the afternoon to be spent acclimatizing, exploring the immediate ridge, and absorbing what is arguably the...
Day Hike: 7–8 hrs round trip | Max Altitude: 4,660 m | Overnight: Khopra Ridge
The centrepiece of the entire trek. An early start from Khopra Ridge for the challenging but deeply rewarding round-trip hike to Khayer Lake (4,660 m) — a sacred alpine lake revered as holy by Hindus and set in...
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: ~2,200 m | Overnight: Swanta
Begin the descent from Khopra Ridge through forest and open hillside, dropping steadily into the lush mid-altitude zone around Swanta.
Trek: 5–6 hrs via Chitre | Altitude: 2,874 m | Overnight: Ghorepani
Climb from Swanta through forest and small settlements via Chitre back to Ghorepani — a well-equipped teahouse hub on the main Poon Hill circuit.
Early Start: 5 AM | Trek: 5–6 hrs total | Altitude: ~1,935 m | Overnight: Sikha
Rise before dawn for the celebrated climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) — one of Nepal's most iconic sunrise viewpoints.
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 1,190 m | Overnight: Tatopani
A rewarding descent through terraced farmland, forest, and traditional villages as the trail drops steadily toward the Kali Gandaki valley.
Drive: 5–6 hrs | End of Trek
A final morning by the river at Tatopani before the drive back to Pokhara along the Kali Gandaki valley — one of the most scenically dramatic roads in Nepal, flanked by the towering walls of the world's deepest...
| Permit Type | Cost (NPR) | Obtained From |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 / person | NTB Office or through your agency |
| TIMS Card (with agency) | NPR 1,000 / person | Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) |
| TIMS Card (independent trekker) | NPR 2,000 / person | Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) |
| Trek Duration | 10 Days / 9 Nights |
| Trek Grade | Moderate |
| Maximum Altitude | 4,660 m (Khayer Lake) |
| Ridge Altitude | 3,660 m (Khopra Ridge) |
| Trek Start | Ghandruk (via Pokhara–Nayapul drive) |
| Trek End | Pokhara (via Tatopani drive) |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov) |
| Accommodation | Teahouses / Lodges |
| Meals on Trek | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
| Daily Walking | 3–8 hrs (varies by day) |
| Required Permits | ACAP + TIMS Card |
| Minimum Age | 12+ Years |
Read before you go
Key route details for timing, cash, safety and comfort on this trek.
A licensed guide is strongly recommended — trails beyond Tadapani are poorly marked
Carry all NPR cash needed for the full trek — last reliable ATMs are in Pokhara
The Khayer Lake hike (Day 5) is challenging — only proceed if fully acclimatized and feeling strong
Start early each day — mornings offer the clearest skies and safest trekking conditions
Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory. Carry proof at all times
Teahouse facilities become basic beyond Tadapani — particularly at Bayeli Kharka and Khopra Ridge
Tipping is customary: USD 10–14/day for guide; USD 6–8/day for porter
Flexibility is essential — itinerary may adjust due to weather, trail, or individual fitness
