Authentic Annapurna: the Khopra trek
On the secret trails of the Annapurna, far from the crowds, toward the purest panoramas of the Himalayas.
Duration
11 days
From
€1,373/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover the Annapurnas away from Nepal's most crowded trekking trails. Accessible to families and less experienced hikers, this trek to Khopra Ridge invites you to explore a preserved region, between mountain landscapes, nature and authentic encounters. Along your hike, you cross rhododendron forests, high-altitude pastures and traditional villages, where you discover the daily life of local communities. This little-frequented route offers an immersion in Nepalese culture, at the pace of walking and encounters. The landscapes reveal beautiful panoramas over several Himalayan peaks, notably Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m). Sunrises and sunsets over the mountains accompany this adventure in the heart of nature. Among the highlights of the circuit, the Khopra Ridge viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Annapurna range. A wonderful opportunity to contemplate Himalayan reliefs in a peaceful environment. This trek in Népal combines accessible hiking, cultural discovery and immersion in nature, for an authentic adventure away from classic routes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, you are welcomed and assisted by our local representative. A short car transfer takes you to your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy a moment of rest after your journey.
Route to the Annapurna!
After breakfast, you head towards Pokhara, one of Népal's main tourist destinations. Located in the heart of a vast subtropical valley, the city has developed with the growth of trekking in the Himalaya.
The Pokhara valley is home to several lakes, including Phewa Lake, located south-west of the city. A true hub of local tourist life, its shores invite pleasant walks on foot or by bike.
You can also rent a rowing boat to navigate the peaceful waters of the lake and enjoy the tranquility of the place.
Beginning of the trek: Kimche - Tadapani
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel to take you to Kimche, the starting point of your trek in Nepal. You begin your hike on a winding trail that gradually climbs through the region's terrain.
Your hike takes you to the village of Chane, where you enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail then climbs towards the upper part of the village of Gandrung, where you take a lunch break facing the Annapurnas and Machapuchare. You resume your ascent towards the Komrong Danda pass (2,650 m), offering beautiful views of Machapuchare. A balcony trail then leads you to the villages of Melanje (2,050 m) and Chiule (2,050 m).
The path becomes steeper and crosses a rhododendron forest, whose imposing trees are covered with flowers from March onwards. You finally reach Thadapani (2,590 m), perched on a ridge overlooking the enclosed valley leading to the Annapurnas sanctuary. Annapurna III (7,555 m) and Gangapurna (7,454 m) rise on the horizon.
Trekking Off the Beaten Path in the Annapurnas
You leave the main trail leading to Ghorepani to take a little-frequented route, mainly used by the inhabitants of the surrounding villages. The path rises through a dense forest of rhododendrons before joining the pastures where water buffalo graze. In these villages, short grass is a precious resource. As you climb, you enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Annapurnas mountain range, whose peaks reveal themselves above the treetops.
Ascent of Thorong La Pass in the Annapurnas
Very early departure to witness the sunrise. You progress through a rhododendron forest. At the summit, Dhaulagiri appears in all its splendor and completes the spectacle of South Annapurna, Huinchuli and Machapuchare. Beautiful ridge trail, small pass and long descent through the rhododendrons to reach the valley floor, then climb again, still through the rhododendrons.
Trek to Khopra Ridge and Dhaulagiri Panoramas
You continue your trek in the Annapurnas through a rhododendron forest to a small sacred pond. The landscape gradually opens up, while the path winds between rocky blocks to reach a spur offering a remarkable view of the Dhaulagiri. You continue your ascent to the Khopra community lodge, from where you enjoy a vast panorama dominated by South Annapurna. After lunch, you can extend your hike on the ridges overlooking Khopra Ridge, towards the sacred lake of Khayar (4 025 m), to admire more of the mountain scenery.
Khopra Danda to Swanta Crossing
You begin a steady descent on a steep trail, in the heart of a region renowned for its Himalayan wildlife. By remaining attentive, you may have the chance to spot a Himalayan tahr, a robust and agile mammal, or a Danphe pheasant, the national bird of Népal. Your hike continues through a dense rhododendron forest, passing by the Chistibung lodge. You then cross a river over a wooden bridge before following a pleasant and well-marked trail to the hamlet of Swanta, nestled in the midst of rice paddies.
Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani through the rice fields
You continue your trek in the Annapurnas by walking through rice fields, before descending to a small river. You discover a water mill that supplies the surrounding villages, then cross a suspension bridge to climb back up to the village of Chittre. You then join the wide path connecting Tatopani to Ghorepani, which marks the end of the great Annapurnas circuit. A final climb takes you to the village of Ghorepani, from where you enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the landscapes you crossed during the previous days.
Last stage of the Annapurnas trek towards Hille
Your trek in the Annapurnas is coming to an end. Enjoy one last time the panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya before starting a long descent to the village of Hille, which marks the end of your hike.
Welcome back!
According to your flight schedule, your transfer to Kathmandu International Airport is organized approximately three hours before your departure. Your journey to Nepal is coming to an end, after a wonderful discovery of the Himalayan landscapes.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel insurance: cancellation / repatriation / trip interruption / baggage loss
- International flights
- Visa fees 30 USD for 15 Days
- Personal expenses: drinks, souvenirs, telephone, spa, etc.
- Tips
- Meals outside of breakfasts in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- The cost of entry to monuments
- All things not mentioned
Included
- All meals during the trek
- 2 nights in Kathmandu at Nomad hotel on B&B
- 2 nights in Pokhara at Temple Tree hotel on B&B
- Airport-hotel transfers in a private vehicle
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu transfers by tourist bus (in private vehicle if you have more than 6 participants)
- Transfers at the beginning and end of the trek in private vehicle
- Guiding by an English-speaking Nepalese guide
- A porter for 2 trekkers
- Trek permits
- Nights during the trek with 3 meals per day
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Annapurna Massif
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou (Naxal)
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
