Authentic Annapurna: the Khopra Trek
On the secret trails of Annapurna, far from the crowds, towards the purest panoramas of the Himalaya.
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
This short trek is a magnificent natural escape. In the heart of the Annapurna, but away from classic trails, it is perfectly suited for families and less experienced trekkers. It offers stunning views of prestigious peaks such as Dhaulagiri (8167m), Machhapuchhre (6993m) or Hiunchuli (6441m). This trek, which remains very little frequented, is especially designed for nature lovers seeking authenticity.
Through rhododendron forests, high altitude pastures and traditional villages, this itinerary reveals a preserved Népal, where the pace of life has remained unchanged. Encounters with local communities add a human dimension to this adventure, while sunrises and sunsets over the Himalayan peaks offer unforgettable moments. The Khopra Ridge viewpoint is one of the highlights of the route, with an exceptional panoramic view of the Annapurna range.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome and assistance by our representative at Tribhuvan international airport, in Kathmandu.
A short car ride takes you to your hotel where you can rest for a few moments.
Route to the Annapurna!
After breakfast, you head towards the second major tourist city in Népal, Pokhara.
It has become an important tourist destination since the advent of trekking in Népal. It is established in the heart of a large subtropical valley. The Pokhara valley also has several lakes, including the country's largest, the Phewa Lake, southwest of the city. It forms the heart of Pokhara's tourism industry. You can enjoy pleasant walks or bicycle rides along the shores of the lake.
It is possible to rent a small rowboat to enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of this beautiful lake.
Beginning of the Trek: Kimche - Tadapani
Your driver picks you up at your hotel after breakfast and after approximately 1 hour of driving drops you off at Kimche, the starting point of your adventure! The trail winds upward.
In the village of Chane, you can enjoy beautiful panoramas. From Chane, the path climbs towards the top of the village of Gandrung, where we stop for lunch. Superb views of the Annapurnas and Machapuchare. We resume climbing in the direction of the Komrong Danda pass (2650 m). Very beautiful views of Machapuchare. A balcony path leads to the villages of Melanje (2050 m) and Chiule (2050 m). The path steepens and crosses a forest of imposing rhododendrons, veritable trees, in bloom from March onwards. Perched on the ridge, Thadapani (2590 m) offers a sweeping view over the steep valley leading to the Annapurnas sanctuary. Annapurna III (7555 m) and Gangapurna (7454 m) dominate the scene… Night in lodge.
Tadapani - Dobato
You leave the main path leading to Ghorepani to follow a trail rarely used by anyone other than local residents. The path first climbs through a thick rhododendron forest before reaching the water buffalo pastures. Short grass is a precious commodity in these villages. The views of the Annapurna range emerging above the tree line are superb. Night in a lodge.
Dobato - Chistibung
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 walk, small pass and long descent through the rhododendrons to reach the valley floor, then climb again, always through the rhododendrons. Night in a lodge.
Chistibung - Khopra Danda
The path crosses a beautiful rhododendron forest to a small sacred pond; the view opens up; the trail winds between the boulders and reaches a spur from where the view of Dhaulagiri is remarkable. One more effort to reach Khopra community lodge. Grandiose views, extraordinary panorama formed by South Annapurna.
After lunch, to enjoy this sumptuous landscape even more, a hike on the ridges that overlook Khopra Ridge, in the direction of the sacred lake of Khayar (4025 m), is possible.
Night in lodge.
Khopra Danda - Swanta
You follow the trail that descends regularly and steeply. This region is known for its wildlife ; if you are attentive, you may spot a Himalayan tahr, a robust and agile mammal, or a Danfe pheasant, the national animal of Népal. You rediscover the dense forest of rhododendrons, pass by the Chistibung lodge before reaching a wooden bridge spanning a river. The path continues, pleasant and well marked. You arrive at the lovely hamlet of Swanta, in the middle of rice fields. Night in lodge.
Swanta - Ghorepani
Trekking through the rice fields. You descend to a small river and take a quick look at the water mill supplying the many villages in the surrounding area. From there, crossing of the suspension bridge and climb back up to the village of Chittre. You then join the main path connecting Tatopani to Ghorepani (end of the great Annapurnas circuit). The path climbs to reach the village of Ghorepani, from where the view of the stages from the previous days is magnificent. Night in a lodge.
Ghorepani - Hille - Pokhara
Welcome back!
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 monument entries
- 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)
- Private vehicle transfers at the beginning and end of the trek
- The guidance of an English-speaking Nepalese guide
- A porter for 2 trekkers
- Trekking 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
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
