Khopra Ridge and Mohare Hill Trek

As you land at Kathmandu Airport (Tribhuvan International Airport), finish your custom formalities (visa, etc.), and get to the airport waiting terminal, you will find our representative waiting to greet you. He/she will be holding the Icicles Adventure Treks and Tours signboard. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private vehicle. You can either rest in your hotel or shop around Thamel for any gear for your trek. Accommodation: Hotel.

We organize a guided tour to four of the spiritual and historical sites in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites to provide you an insight into the history, religious significance, architecture, and culture of prosperous Kathmandu. Durbar Square is a complex of historic places, courtyards, and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. Scared Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath dates back many hundreds of years. Swayambhunath, popularly known as Monkey temple due to the abundance of monkeys found in the shrine area is a 2000 years old stupa situated on a hillock. It is the world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine and its main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Next, come Bouddhanath which is a Buddhist shrine and one of the large Stupas in the world. Later after the sightseeing program, we will introduce you to your trekking guide and have a small pre-trip meeting. You are advised to pack your things and be set up for transfer to Pokhara from where the real Annapurna Panorama trek begins. Accommodation: Hotel, Including Meal: Breakfast.

We set off for Pokhara after breakfast. Driving today is adventurous and pleasant as it winds down, hugging the mountainside through terraced fields. Following the side of the Mahesh River, we come to the Trishuli River. We follow the Trishuli Riverside up to Mugling, where the Trishuli River confluences with the Marshyangdi River. After crossing a bridge over Marshyangdi River, we head further west to Pokhara. Suppose you are on the right pane of your vehicle. In that case, the journey today provides plenty of opportunities to view cultivated terraced fields, rivers, streams, green valleys, rocky gorges, farmlands, and the typical rural life of Nepal. We take a lunch break in a restaurant along the way. Upon arrival in Pokhara, the naturally beautiful city with many crystal clear lakes, you may take time to spend leisurely at Phewa lakeside or hang around the market. Driving Time: 6-7 hours, Accommodation: Hotel, Including Meal: B, L, D.

We take a taxi from Pokhara and drive for two hours to reach the village of Kimche. From Kimche, we start our trek through skillfully cultivated hillsides. We see the locals living basic life as farmers growing different seasonal crops. We can also see cattle in each household and often meet cattle herds along our trail. Cattle are taken in high pastures in the summer and lower elevations for the winter months. As we pass through these medieval-type villages, we are greeted by "Namaste" from families. Upon reaching Ghandruk in about an hour, we take a short excursion of Ghandruk village, have lunch there enjoy the Himalayan views the village offers. Ghandruk village is perched on a hillside and is one of the major settlements of the Gurung people, who are renowned for their services in the British Gurkha regiments. The skillfully stone tiled paths and slate-roofed traditional houses hark us back to a medieval time, as we have seen in movies. We may visit the village museum representing Gurung culture. It's now two hours walk up to Tadapani through a beautiful forest. The trail climbs gently from Ghandruk and then traverses through the forest on an undulating trail to a small stream. We cross the bridge and climb steeply up to Bhainsi Kharka. Here we climb a little more, entering a thick old rhododendron forest through which the trail to Tadapani heaves gently for about an hour. Driving time: 2 hrs, Walking time: 5-6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Including Meals: B, L, D.

As soon as we leave Tadapani, we enter a forest and climb gently. After half an hour’s climb, we descent short and again continued climbing to the shoulder of the hill through mossy rhododendron forest. Now ahead is a steady climb all morning, the landscape ranging from gentle traverse to prolonged steep climbs through rhododendron and bamboo forests? We also pass several clearings with abandoned sheds before arriving on a bigger hilltop at Dobato, from where in good weather, we can see superb views of Mt. Annapurna South and Mt. Machapuchare. From here, we descend a little past a Chautara, where we take the less noticeable path uphill on the left—arriving on edge, we see ahead a rocky hill that we will be climbing ahead. We need to take care walking as the trail is narrow here. After about half an hour of ascending, the trail navigates briefly to the ridge. After a few minutes’ drop, we reach Dobato. Walking time: 6 – 7 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Including Meal: B, L, D.

The newly developed trail from here is more scenic, traversing across to Khopra. But if you are trekking in early spring and late autumn, there could be heavy snow conditions, so this route may not be possible, and we need to use the alternative way via Shistibong. The direct route trail descends from Bayeli through sparse rhododendron trees and berberi bushes to cross a couple of streams then climb steeply up on the ridge seen from camp. It is a gentle climb from here as we cross a stream then traverse this steep-sided slope to Khopra. The trail undulates with some steep climbs and descends either crossing streams or climbing over spurs. Finally arriving at a small pond and Chautara, we ignore the path continuing straight and taking the ascending left-hand trail climbing in zigzags up the ridge, after another Chautara a short traverse will get us to our destination. Walking time: 6 – 7 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Including Meal: B, L, D.

The first 2½ hours was a gentle walk through the beautiful Rhododendron forest. We can see a lot of Primula. After 65 min. more walk and 4-5 small climbs we reached a little pass and 5 min. later a Chautara (rest place). Shortly after the Chautara, there was a sign to Khopra on our left hand. About here someone has made a tea stop if it is open. Up to the left, there is a praying flag. It is the trail to Deurali. Walk 15 min. up here, and there is a great viewpoint. Now it became hard. It was only a small trail high up on the mountainside, so be careful. Some parts were very gentle around the mountainside and some parts were very steep up. After almost one hour we reached the top, and shortly after we started to go down, we saw the lodge at Baili Kharka. They are planning to make the last part of this trial better. Walking time: 9 – 10 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Including Meal: B, L, D.

After enjoying another magnificent sunrise view we trek back along the short traverse and down to the small pond and chautara. From here we will follow the path descending down towards the valley. From sparse vegetation of berberis and rhododendron we pass amazing oak forest after Shistibong, then down to bamboo and wet mossy forest of mixed vegetation. After crossing the forest there is short climb then the trail undulates through the woodland to Swanta. Swanta is a very beautiful village hosted by Magar ethnicity. With its farmed terraced fields, beautiful surrounding high green hills and villages, and views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range, Tukuche peak and Annapurna South, Swanta village is interesting to spend time exploring around observing lifestyle of the people. There about 75 households in Swanta and most of the men are working in the British and Indian Gurkha Army. Walking time: 5 – 6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Including Meal: B, L, D.

Today’s walk is short so we need not hurry to start trek early. Wake up leisurely and after breakfast we trek down through farmlands, villages, streams. You can even get to see a local small water mill. People believe the grains processed in water mill is tastier than that processed in electric mills. We cross suspension bridge and climb to the village of Chittre and shortly we come to the major trekking trail leaving our off the beaten trek for today. There is a further ascent to reach the village of Ghorepani from where we see great views of the Dhaulagiri massif. We deserve a well-earned rest today at Ghorepani (if you want still to trek off beaten today, you can trek from Swanta to Mohare Danda which is about 6 hours hike through beautiful village, farmlands and forests). Walking time: 4 – 5 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Including Meal: B, L, D.

Depending on season, we wake up least one hour before sunrise and start our hike to Poonhill which takes about 45 minutes. We enjoy the Himalayan sunrise view from Poonhill top. Since we have been trekking off beaten trail for several days we may strangle due to the crowd at Poonhill but the crowd is generally only in the morning at Poonhill. We have breakfast and then start our hike to Mohare Danda through the grassy and rhododendron forests, sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill and sometimes on a flat trail. We have a strenuous climb at Humpal Pass (3098m). Descending past the Humpal Pass we walk along a flat trail and get again into a forest. After short walk again through steep, grassy path along the ridge we finally get sight of Mohare Danda. We walk to Mohare Danda ridge for a spectacular 360 degree mountain view through the Dhaulagiri range (8167m) high, Annapurna range (8091m), Manaslu Himal (8163m) at sunset. The panorama of landscapes is equally fascinating as well. Rest time is spent enjoying the vistas at Mohare Danda top. Accommodation: Local lodge, Including Meal: B, L, D.

Interesting about Mohare Danda is that you don’t need to wake up very early to walk to the top as you did for Poonhill because you will be sleeping right at the Mohare Danda top at one of the community lodge! Early morning you can even see the golden mountains from your bed, but these vistas will definitely drag a diehard lazy chap out of bed with his camera. After feasting the vista of the magnificent mountains, we have breakfast and start our trek down to the village of Ulleri. Walking time: 5 – 6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Including Meal: B, L, D.

Knee hurting climb down through 3280 stone steps. You will be regularly visited by groups of monkeys as you travel through the narrow valley. The trail continues on an increasingly crowded inhabited mountain ridge, through Hille, Sudame, Matathanti, Birethanti, where a variety of lodges and souvenir vendors as well as a police presence will greet you. From Nayapul we take a vehicle for about an hour to get to Pokhara. Once in Pokhara again you can feast on a variety of delicious meals.

Pokhara is a beautiful place to spend time to relax after a trek. If you have buffer time after trek, we suggest you to spend a day in Pokhara instead of hurrying back to Kathmandu today. If you don’t have time you will drive back to Kathmandu today through the winding roads. Accommodation: Local lodge, Including Meal: B, L, D.

Pokhara is situated in a picturesque location by the side of Phewa Lake and is worthy spending time after a hard trek. If you have buffer time after trek, we suggest you to spend a day in Pokhara instead of hurrying back to Kathmandu today. If you don’t have time you will drive back to Kathmandu today through the winding roads. Driving time: 6-7 hrs. Accommodation: Hotel, Including Meal: B, L, D.

Note: You have the option to extend your trip with an extra day at Pokhara (Pokhara is a beautiful city to relax after a trek), Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting adventure, Bungee Jumping, Kayaking, Canoeing, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, Bhaktapur and Patan sightseeing, scenic Everest flight, mountain biking and other activities.

The last day of your Khopra Ridge and Mohare Danda Trek. You can use your hotel room up to 12 noon (1-2 hours negotiable). It will cost additional if you need to occupy more time at hotel due to your late flight. If you don’t have an early flight, you might want to look for souvenirs in the city markets. Three hours before your scheduled flight, our representative will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell. We wish you a comfortable journey home and are sure you will take with you some wonderful memories of this Nepal. Included Meal: Breakfast.