Overview

  • Duration: 14 Days
  • Diffculty: Leisurely Plus 
  • Best Time: Oct -May
  • Max. Altitude: 4500 m

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek the Less Trodden Community trail

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek also known as Khopra Ridge trekking is one of the best scenic two weeks community-based finest tea house treks in Nepal. No other treks offer such a rich variety of spectacular scenery, peaceful isolation, and the experience of so many diverse Himalayan cultures. We stay at community-run and managed lodges, whose profits directly benefit local schools and people. The Khopra Danda Khayer Lake Trail passes through many interesting traditional villages, beautiful forests, and rarely trekked high alpine pastures. Truly magnificent views of the spectacular Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges also known as the Khopra Danda trek.

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek - Community lodge trekking on less trodden remote but beautiful trails into the wonderful heart of the Annapurna region.

On your arrival in bustling Kathmandu, Mountain Monarch organizes an authentic Nepali welcome dinner with ethnic cultural dances. We explore the sights and sounds of world heritage sites in Kathmandu before we drive to the peaceful lake city of Pokhara. Furthermore, we take a short drive to Nayapul and then ascend slowly and steadily through the lust forest to Ghandruk and Tadapani to start this Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek. No doubt traditional ethnic settlements with the most stunning mountain profile of the Annapurna and Machapuchare. Surprisingly combination of charming tiny thatched roofed settlements set among the narrow terraced fields on the backdrop of breathtaking mountain ranges simply amaze you.

Stunning views from Khopra Ridge Trek

Once we leave Tadapani our route is through the remote and less trekked high alpine settlement of Bayeli and Dobato on our way to Kopra Danda. Undoubtedly Khopra Ridge trek offers probably the most incredible views of the colossal ramparts of Dhaulagiri. It plunges dramatically into the misty depths of the Kali Gandaki - the deepest gorge in the world. Which is surrounded by the spectacular lofty peaks of Nilgiri, Annapurna I, and Annapurna south which dominates the North. We do an exploration hike to the Khayer lake, an ancient pilgrimage temple beneath the awesome face of Annapurna Fang on our Annapurna Dhaulagiri trekking journey..

We return by a different trail to Ghorepani via Swanta after a week-long Khopra ridge trek. This is a fabulous and isolated route through open alpine pastures, oak, and rhododendron forest. We hike up to Poon hill to capture the magical panoramic 8000 meters peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Besides that many more other satellite peaks including Hiunchuli, Annapurna south, and the fluted peak of Machhapuchhare distinctly seen. We hike down to Nayapul to end the memorable tea house trip to the Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek.

Trip in Nutshell

  • Less trodden 2 weeks Khopra Danda trek into the heart of Annapurnas
  • Community base teahouse trek to Best of Annapurna Dhaulagiri
  • Explore the diverse cultural and topography 
  • Witness the Himalayan vista from the famed Poon hill
  • Medically trained trek guide with a supplementary Oxygen tank
  • Full board meals on the trek with tea and coffee
  • Exploration of sights and sounds of Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hotel, transportation, and all permits looked after

Trip map

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek map

Itinerary

  • Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel and check in to the room.
  • Welcome group dinner with the guide. 
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Altitude1340 m

  • Half-day sightseeing tour of world heritage site Pasupatinath and Boudhanath.
  • PM trek preparation with a briefing and gear distribution. 
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340 m

  • 7 Hours Drive via Prithiviraj Marg Highway to Pokhara.
  • In Pokhara, your spare time can be used to explore the peaceful surroundings of Lakeside or boating on the Fewa Lake.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude920 m

  • Drive to Nayapul trek starting point.
  • MMA crew will be waiting to organize the load before we set off. We cross Iron.
  • Bridge on Modi River in Birethanti and endorse permit at Annapurna Conservation Check Post.
  • After lunch, the trail continues to traverse and reach the hamlet Ghandruk for a night's stay.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude2000 m

  • Gradually climb predominantly rain forest throughout the day.
  • Beautiful Campsites middle of the forest with spectacular Mountain Views.
  • Many Tibetan Vendors in Town.
  • Being off the beaten track barely could see other trekkers on the trail. Keep your eyes open for chances to encounter wildlife.
  • We take a morning hike to the view tower above Dobato camp to observed panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • After breakfast follows the sharp ridge towards the north initially and Travers to the west.
  • After lunch trek down to Chistebung Khola through thick bamboo and subtropical forest, the trail ascends steeply through grazing pasture and reaches an open clearing area in Chistibung for the night Stay.
  • Khopra is the last designated and most highlighted camp at an altitude of 3760 Meter initially there is a steep climb that takes above the tree line.
  • The duration of the walk is shorter so more time permits you for a slow and steady walk enjoying extraordinary down valley view and adjacent mountain panoramas
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude3820 m

  • Early morning starts walking to Khair Lake.
  • Trekkers get possibly the closes magnificent Mountain View on the way to Khair Lake, the highest point on the trek and along the way watch the overwhelming sunrise on Dhaulagiri and its dominants.
  • Descend after the exploration of the lake surrounding and adore pack lunch on the way down.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude3820 m

  • Retrace to Chistebong and follow the southward track, which leads us to the camp Swanta village.
  • Lunch above the Chistebong Khola beautifully set up teashop in open pastures. After lunch, it is an easygoing trek through the bamboo forest to camp.
  • Ghorepani is a popular touristic town on the ridge at an elevation of 2860 meters with the impact of modernization, access to the internet, book shops, souvenir shops, mini departmental stores, bakeries, and snooker houses.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude2820 m

  • Morning hike to natural view tower (3,220 m)“Poon Hill “ for astounding sunrise on Annapurna’s, Dhaulagiri, and its dominants.
  • The trekkers get possibly the most magnificent mountain panorama from Poon Hill.
  • Descend to Hile 1340 meters
  • Trek follows the downstream of Bhurungdi towards the Nayapual and then drives to Pokhara for 1: 30 hours.
  • Once we check in to the hotel you are free to explore around your own self unless you feel escort by your guide and he is happy to accompany you on the requirement.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Lunch
  • Altitude920 m

  • The morning after breakfast 7 hours drive back to Kathmandu and the afternoon free to explore Kathmandu before flying back home.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340 m

Your trip to Annapurna Dhaulagiri ends today with customizing airport transfers

  • MealsBreakfast

Khopra Ridge Trek Itinerary

What's Included
  • Private Arrival / Departure transfers on both domestic and international flights.
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin share BB basis as an itinerary.
  • Full board meals while trekking (breakfast, lunch, and Dinner) on the Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek.
  • Accommodation at a local tea house while on this community trail trekking.
  • Welcome dinner as listed in the Khopra Ridge Trek
  • Half-day guided city tour with world heritage entrance fees as listed in the itinerary.
  • Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as applicable.
  • Mountain Monarch Trip Gears - sleeping bag, fleece inner liner, down jacket for use during the trip.
  • Professional and experienced Trek Leader / Guide trained in Wilderness First Aid with comprehensive medical kit box
  • Support trek crew including trek porter with proper insurance and gear
  • Complementary trek Duffle bag, Mountain Monarch T-shirts, and trek map.
  • TIMS / Trekking permit, Annapurna conservation entry fees for Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek.
What's Excluded
  • Nepal entry Visa fees
  • Your travel insurance of any kind.
  • International Airfare
  • All Drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Tips and Items of personal expenses like the hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks etc

Dates & Availability

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek Dates

We have pre-set departure dates for 2022 and 2023 to join this less trodden route of Khopra Ridge Trek in Nepal.

October Departure
     
Start DateStart DateOctober 15, 2022End DateEnd DateOctober 28, 2022StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS$1150
Start DateStart DateOctober 22, 2022End DateEnd DateNovember 04, 2022StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS$1150
Start DateStart DateOctober 29, 2022End DateEnd DateNovember 11, 2022StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS$1150

FAQs

  • Q1. Does Annapurna Dhaulagiri Hike have a trip grading ? can anyone join?

    Annapurna Dhaulagiri also known as Kaire lake treks is pretty new, very untouched, and entirely different to that of Everest or Annapurna base camp. Anybody can join and it is attainable for anyone from all walks of life as AD is simply a moderate, away from being strenuous with the beautiful effortless trail that has more of a lord of the rings forest setting and unique mountain views including the sensational sight of sunrise and sunset which is very dramatic. Moreover, altitude isn’t an issue since the highest you go is 3600m and with Mountain Monarch you can take your time, set up your own pace and enjoy the experience.

  • Usually not more than 4 to 7 hours excluding lunch. However, it also depends on your pace though we allow you enough time to set up your own pace to make everyday more entertaining. We usually start early so that you could reach the destination on time leaving you enough time to explore and enjoy the serenity of the place.

  • If you are looking for hassle free holiday in terms of the permit, hotel, flights, transportation etc, and someone to cater to you from the time of your arrival till your departure it's best to go with a reputed company that offers you, knowledgeable leaders and professionals. Reputed companies are there to provide you with quality service at a very competitive price and are there to guarantee your safety which I suppose is the biggest concern. Leaders, besides giving you all the necessary information, are there to cater to you at times of any crisis no matter if it’s a mountain ailment or any weather mayhem.

  • April to mid-June during spring and September to November during autumn before the harsh winter is the best time to trek to Annapurna Dhaulagiri when the view stunning landscape and the soaring mountain is at its best state. To capture the incredible beauty of AD travelers from far and wide do trek in winter (December till February) despite the serious wind chill factor and lower temperature - however, there might be a possibility of the only existing community lodge being closed, especially at Khopra ridge. Trekkers are requested to prepare for the worst of circumstance and probability of change in the itinerary from your leaders.

  • Other than your group leader you will have assistant guides in your group. Your leader will sort out assigning each of his assistants in the group systematically while he takes responsibility for the slow walking people being at the tail of the group making it utterly non-strenuous. Nevertheless, your leader would be counseling everyone in the group to stay together and walk collectively as a team.

  • Since we employ professional, qualified and competent employees- all our group leaders are very well with English and medical knowledge who would be catering you from the day of your arrival until your departure. They being typically local have advance knowledge about the culture and history of the region and are always ready to go an extra mile to give you the necessary information. Besides facilitating you with the incomparable service they are there to ensure that all our local staffs (porters and assistant guides) are very well looked after.

  • Depending on the weight restriction on most international airlines and 15 kg in our domestic airlines it's always wise to minimize your weight limitation. However, you will receive a trip dossier with a specific detailed list of what you need to bring. While on a trek you will be carrying your day pack containing your valuables and essential gear for the day, whereas your entire gear goes into the company trek duffel bag to which you will have access only once you get to your destination.

  • We oppose the use of plastic mineral water bottles for environmental concerns. Instead, our staff will supply you with appropriately boiled water every morning and evening on your trek to the Annapurna Dhaulagiri trip. We suggest you bring at least 2 metal or plastic Nalgene bottles so that you can have enough to last the duration of the day. Besides you can use the hot bottles at night as a hot pack in your sleeping bag and can still drink it during the day when it's still warm.

  • Food poisoning and stomach problems are the common ailments that aren't simply confined to Nepal- this is a calamity trekkers may encounter while being in the wilderness trekking routes to Annapurna no matter which part of the world you are in. In regards to precaution to all these ailments, your group leader will update you with preventive measures of choosing the right food, maintaining the precise pace while walking etc

  • Since this Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek started as community tea house trekking lately the accommodation can be pretty basic except for few villages. However, we use the family-oriented lodges with twin bed sharing rooms with clean common toilets and occasional rooms with attach toilet bathrooms. Despite being relatively basic and electricity problem lodges in AD are at their best offering you the comfort experience and its typical local environment. You have a variety of choices for the food and most lodges prepare delicious food. So far there have not been any complaints whatsoever in regards to food and accommodation provided by us.

  • Yes, as per the time convenient to you and the level of fitness you can always modify the AD trek. Mountain Monarch has always been unbeaten in customizing trek as per our guests' requirements and time duration.

Book with flexibility
All-Inclusive CostUS$1150

This trip can be booked privately if you’re travelling solo or private.

Make an InquiryCheck Availability
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Customer Reviews

  • paul cownley
    paul cownley 5.0United KingdomMarch 27, 2022logo

    WOW, WOW, WOW !! best ever !

    Mountain Monarch was recommended to me by a friend and I am so glad we used them! Pradip was very helpful on the run-up answering all our questions and ensuring it was all straightforward. The route we did was quiet which is what we wanted and at the remoter tea houses we stayed in we were often on our own, our guides CP and Yam made the trip extra special giving us information as we went along and generally talking to us about what we were seeing and then when we arrived at our overnight stop they would do everything to ensure we were happy comfortable well-fed and watered. The whole experience was unbelievable with great views that were well worth an early start see. From when we arrived at Kathmandu airport and were greeted by CP till when Pradip said goodbye as we left we couldn't have felt more part of the Mountain Monarch family and can't recommend them and the team highly enough, we will be using them again!

  • M
    Maureen E 5.0AustraliaSeptember 17, 2016logo

    Well managed company

    A well-managed company with Pradip at the helm who has great communication and organizational abilities. We had such capable and interesting leaders in Dipen and Prakesh who were a source of constant support and amusement to us on our trekking journey. It was an enhanced experience walking with the Mountain Monarch Nepalese team and I particularly enjoyed learning Nepalese and playing UNO with them all. Any concerns we had were worked out and options were offered. I would definitely travel with Mountain Monarch again and hope to do so in the next few years.
with thanks to the M. Monarch TEAM

  • M
    Murray Lonsdale 5.0United KingdomJune 12, 2016logo

    Excellent adventure in Nepal and Himalaya

    Vicky and I would like to thank Mountain Monarch for an excellent 2-week adventure in Nepal and the Himalayas in March 2016. From our pickup at the airport to departure we were looked after really well. Our guide Dawa and our porter Ram were courteous and kind all the way. The trip was a great mix of cultural tour (1 day), rafting (1 day), and trekking (10 days). I will always remember our rafting day “please Sir, swim for pleasure !?” and the generosity of Dawa, Ram, and Pradip. You probably cannot find a better value package for a Nepali adventure.

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