Tour Facts
Tour Duration:
12 Days
Country:
Nepal
Activity:
Trekking, Hiking, Cultural Exploration
Region:
Annapurna
Accomodation:
Teahouse, Lodges, Guesthouse
Grade:
Moderate to Strenuous
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ,Tea or Coffee
Best Season:
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
Departure From :
Kathmandu
Khopra Ridge Trek with Mardi Himal 12 Days Overview
The Khopra Ridge Trek with Mardi Himal 12 Days is an exciting Himalayan adventure that combines two of the most beautiful and less-crowded trekking experiences in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This carefully designed route takes you from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then deep into the mountains through the Mardi Himal Trek, traditional villages, rhododendron forests, high mountain ridges, Khopra Danda, Dobato, Muldai Viewpoint, Swanta Village, Ghorepani, and the famous Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint. It is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience diverse landscapes, spectacular Himalayan views, local culture, and peaceful trekking trails in one extended Annapurna adventure.
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the gateway to many famous trekking routes in the Annapurna region. Pokhara is known for its beautiful Phewa Lake, surrounding green hills, and impressive views toward the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges. After spending the first night in Pokhara, you will drive toward Dhampus and begin your trek toward Forest Camp on the Mardi Himal trail.
The first section of the journey follows the peaceful Mardi Himal Trek. You will walk through dense rhododendron, oak, and pine forests before gradually climbing toward the higher mountain ridges. As you gain altitude, the forest becomes thinner and the landscape opens into beautiful alpine scenery. From the higher sections, you can enjoy spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
One of the major highlights is the hike from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp, where you reach approximately 4,500 meters depending on the exact viewpoint and trail conditions. The high ridge provides impressive mountain views and a strong sense of Himalayan adventure. After enjoying the scenery, you descend toward Badal Danda and continue to Landruk, where the landscape changes from high alpine terrain to green hills and traditional mountain villages.
From Landruk, the route continues toward Tadapani, a popular trekking settlement surrounded by beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. From here, instead of following only the classic Ghorepani route, your trek heads toward the quieter Khopra Ridge trail. The route climbs toward Dobato, a high-altitude settlement and important viewpoint area on the Khopra trekking circuit. Dobato is around 3,400 m and is known for wide mountain views.
A particularly special part of this journey is Muldai Viewpoint. Located above Dobato, Muldai offers a wide panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and is an excellent sunrise viewpoint. Current trekking references place Muldai at approximately 3,637 m, although route descriptions can vary in the elevation quoted.
After Dobato and Muldai, the trail continues toward Khopra Ridge, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Annapurna region. Khopra Ridge sits above the surrounding valleys and provides impressive views toward Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and other Himalayan peaks. The route is also known for being quieter than some of Nepal’s more famous trekking trails, giving you a more peaceful mountain experience.
From Khopra Ridge, you will descend toward Swanta Village, a traditional mountain settlement surrounded by terraced farmland. Swanta provides an opportunity to experience local village life and the hospitality of the Magar community. The descent also takes you through rhododendron and forest landscapes as the temperature and vegetation gradually change at lower elevations.
The final section takes you toward Ghorepani and then to Poon Hill, one of the most famous sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. Poon Hill stands at approximately 3,210 meters and offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The early-morning sunrise over the snow-covered Himalayan peaks provides a spectacular conclusion to the trekking portion of the journey.
The Khopra Ridge Trek with Mardi Himal 12 Days is therefore ideal for trekkers who want more than a single popular trail. It combines the Mardi Himal Trek, Khopra Ridge Trek, Muldai Viewpoint, traditional mountain villages, rhododendron forests, high-altitude ridges, and Poon Hill sunrise into one comprehensive Annapurna trekking experience.
Khopra Ridge Trek with Mardi Himal 12 Days Highlight
- Mardi Himal Base Camp – Reach the high Himalayan viewpoint and enjoy spectacular views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
- Muldai Viewpoint – Enjoy a peaceful high-altitude panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from above Dobato.
- Khopra Ridge – Trek to a spectacular mountain ridge with wide views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and surrounding peaks.
- Poon Hill Sunrise – Watch the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from one of Nepal's most famous viewpoints.
- Traditional Villages – Experience mountain culture and hospitality in Landruk, Tadapani, Swanta, Ghorepani, and other settlements.
- Rhododendron Forests – Walk through beautiful forests that become especially colorful with flowers during spring.
- Peaceful Trekking Trails – Explore the quieter Khopra Ridge section away from some of the busier Annapurna trekking routes.
- Machhapuchhre Views – Enjoy close views of the distinctive Fishtail mountain throughout the Mardi Himal section.
- High Mountain Landscapes – Experience a dramatic change from green forests and villages to open alpine ridges and snowy Himalayan scenery.
- Pokhara Experience – Begin and finish your trekking adventure in Pokhara, Nepal's famous lakeside tourism city.
- Cultural Experience – Meet local communities, stay in teahouses, and experience traditional mountain life.
Khopra Ridge Trek with Mardi Himal 12 Days Itinerary
Expand AllToday, you will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus, covering approximately 200 km in around 7–8 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. The scenic journey passes through green hills, rivers, terraced farmland, small towns, and traditional villages. After reaching Pokhara, you will transfer to your hotel and have time to relax around the famous Lakeside area. Pokhara is the main gateway for many Annapurna trekking routes, so this is a good opportunity to prepare your trekking equipment and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere beside Phewa Lake.
Distance: Approx. 200 km by road
Travel Time: 7–8 hours
Altitude: 822 m
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
After breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara toward Dhampus, where your Mardi Himal trekking adventure begins. The trek to Forest Camp is approximately 12–14 km and takes around 5–6 hours. The trail passes through peaceful villages, farmland, and dense rhododendron, oak, and pine forests. As you climb gradually, the busy surroundings of Pokhara disappear and you enter a quieter mountain environment. You may see birds, butterflies, and other forest wildlife along the trail. Forest Camp is surrounded by beautiful woodland and provides a peaceful overnight stop before continuing toward the higher Mardi Himal ridges.
Distance: Approx. 12–14 km
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: Approx. 2,520 m
Overnight: Forest Camp Teahouse
Today, you will continue the Mardi Himal Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp, covering approximately 8–10 km in around 5–6 hours. The trail climbs gradually through dense forest before reaching more open terrain and high ridges. As the trees become shorter, the views toward Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal become increasingly impressive. High Camp is located at approximately 3,580 meters and is an important overnight stop before the next day’s high-altitude hike. The mountain sunset and clear evening views from the ridge can be particularly beautiful in good weather.
Distance: Approx. 8–10 km
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 3,580 m
Overnight: High Camp Teahouse
Today is one of the most exciting days of your Khopra Ridge Trek with Mardi Himal journey. You will start early from High Camp and hike toward the Mardi Himal Base Camp area, reaching approximately 4,500 m. The round-trip/high-route walking section can take around 7–8 hours, depending on weather, trail conditions, and your pace. The trail follows a spectacular ridge with views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and surrounding Himalayan peaks. After spending time at the high viewpoint, you will descend toward Badal Danda, where you will spend the night. The descent provides a welcome change from the high ridge and allows your body to gradually return to a lower altitude.
Distance: Approx. 10–12 km
Trek Time: 7–8 hours
Highest Point: Approx. 4,500 m
Overnight: Badal Danda
Today, you will descend from Badal Danda to Landruk, covering approximately 10–12 km in around 5–6 hours. The trail gradually changes from open mountain ridges to greener landscapes, passing through forests, terraced hillsides, and traditional settlements. As you lose altitude, the air becomes warmer and vegetation becomes thicker. Landruk is a traditional mountain village where you can experience local culture and enjoy views across the Annapurna landscape. After reaching the village, you can relax at your teahouse and enjoy a warm local meal while preparing for the next section of the trek.
Distance: Approx. 10–12 km
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: Approx. 1,565 m
Overnight: Landruk Teahouse
After breakfast, you will continue from Landruk to Tadapani, covering approximately 11–13 km in around 5–6 hours. The trail climbs through forests and traditional mountain landscapes, with sections of rhododendron and oak woodland. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and other surrounding peaks. Tadapani is an important junction in the Annapurna trekking network and is surrounded by beautiful forested hills. After reaching Tadapani, you can relax in the teahouse and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Distance: Approx. 11–13 km
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 2,630 m
Overnight: Tadapani Teahouse
Today, you will leave the more established Annapurna trekking route and head toward Dobato, entering the quieter Khopra Ridge trail network. The trek is approximately 10–12 km and takes around 5–6 hours. The trail climbs through rhododendron and conifer forests before reaching higher terrain where the vegetation becomes thinner and the mountain views become wider. Dobato sits at approximately 3,420 meters and is an important high-altitude stop on the Khopra route. From here, you can enjoy impressive views toward the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and prepare for tomorrow’s viewpoint and Khopra Ridge adventure.
Distance: Approx. 10–12 km
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: Approx. 3,420 m
Overnight: Dobato Teahouse
Today is one of the most scenic days of the trek. Early in the morning, you will hike toward Muldai Viewpoint, located at approximately 3,637 m, to enjoy wide panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The viewpoint is roughly 30–45 minutes from Dobato in commonly used itineraries, although the exact timing depends on the trail and pace. After enjoying the mountain panorama, you will continue toward Khopra Ridge, approximately 3,660 m, covering around 8–10 km in total and taking approximately 5–7 hours depending on the route. Khopra Ridge offers spectacular views toward Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and other peaks.
Distance: Approx. 8–10 km
Trek Time: 5–7 hours
Muldai Viewpoint: Approx. 3,637 m
Khopra Ridge: Approx. 3,660 m
Overnight: Khopra Ridge Teahouse
Today, you will descend from Khopra Ridge to Swanta Village, covering approximately 10–12 km in around 5–6 hours. The trail begins in open high-altitude terrain before gradually entering rhododendron and oak forests. As you descend, the scenery changes dramatically from alpine ridges to green hills and terraced farmland. Swanta is a traditional village and a wonderful place to experience local mountain culture and hospitality. The descent can include steep sections, so careful walking and trekking poles are useful. After reaching Swanta, you can enjoy a warm meal and relax in the peaceful village environment.
Distance: Approx. 10–12 km
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: Approx. 2,200 m
Overnight: Swanta Village Teahouse
Today, you will continue from Swanta Village toward Ghorepani, covering approximately 9–10 km in around 5–6 hours. The trail descends toward a small river and then climbs through forest and mountain farmland before joining the better-known Ghorepani trekking route. You will cross traditional sections of the trail and gradually reach Ghorepani, one of the most popular trekking settlements in the Annapurna region. Ghorepani offers beautiful views toward Dhaulagiri and surrounding mountains and is the perfect overnight stop before your early-morning Poon Hill sunrise hike.
Distance: Approx. 9–10 km
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: Approx. 2,874 m
Overnight: Ghorepani Teahouse
Today, you will wake early and hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill at 3,210 m to experience the famous Himalayan sunrise. The uphill walk usually takes approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on your pace. From Poon Hill, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges before returning to Ghorepani for breakfast. You will then continue trekking downhill toward Hile, covering approximately 10–12 km in around 4–5 hours. From Hile, you will drive to Pokhara by road, which normally takes around 3–4 hours depending on road conditions. After arriving in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and have time to relax beside Phewa Lake.
Distance: Approx. 10–12 km trek + road transfer
Trek Time: 4–5 hours + Poon Hill sunrise hike
Poon Hill: 3,210 m
Pokhara: 822 m
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Today marks the end of your Khopra Ridge Trek with Mardi Himal 12 Days. After breakfast, you will travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus, covering approximately 200 km in around 7–8 hours. The scenic road follows rivers, green hills, terraced farmland, villages, and small towns. After arriving in Kathmandu, your trekking adventure officially comes to an end. You can spend the remaining time relaxing, shopping for souvenirs, or exploring Kathmandu before your onward journey.
Distance: Approx. 200 km
Travel Time: 7–8 hours
Altitude: Approx. 1,400 m
End: Kathmandu
Khopra Ridge Trek with Mardi Himal 12 Days Includes/Exclude
Cost Include
- Tourist bus Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu
- Two Night Hotel accommodation in Pokhara as per itinerary
- Twin/Double sharing guesthouse/tea house accommodation during the trek as per the itinerary.
- Meals-Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and also one cup of tea/coffee everyday during the trek.
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service : 2 pax 1 porter.
- Guide and porter food, accommodation and salary
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card/required trekking permits
- Pokhara–Dhampus transportation
- Hile–Pokhara transportation
- Necessary ground transportation as per itinerary
- Basic first-aid kit
- Government taxes
- Company service charges
Cost Exclude
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Hot shower and charging fees
- Wi-Fi/internet charges
- Extra food and beverages
- Alcoholic drinks
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Personal trekking equipment
- Tips for guide and porter
- Extra accommodation or transportation caused by itinerary changes
- Expenses caused by bad weather or unforeseen circumstances
- Any service not mentioned under the inclusion section
Khopra Ridge Trek with Mardi Himal 12 Days FAQS
Expand AllIt is a combined Annapurna trekking adventure that joins the Mardi Himal route with the Khopra Ridge circuit, including Muldai Viewpoint, Swanta Village, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill.
This package is designed as a 12-day Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu trekking package.
The highest point is around 4,500 m during the Mardi Himal Base Camp section.
The trek is rated moderate to strenuous because of long trekking days, steep ascents and the high altitude around Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Major highlights include Mardi Himal Base Camp, Muldai Viewpoint, Khopra Ridge, Poon Hill sunrise, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri views, rhododendron forests, and traditional villages.
The Khopra route is generally known as a quieter alternative to some of the more heavily traveled Annapurna trails, particularly once the route leaves the main trekking corridors.
Depending on weather and viewpoint, you can see Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and many surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Muldai Viewpoint is a high ridge viewpoint above Dobato, at approximately 3,637 m, offering broad Himalayan views toward the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Khopra Ridge is famous for its dramatic mountain panorama, peaceful surroundings, and views toward Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
Poon Hill is approximately 3,210 m above sea level and is famous for its sunrise views over the Himalayan ranges.
Yes. The itinerary includes an early-morning hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill on Day 11.
You will stay in teahouses, lodges, guesthouses and community-style mountain accommodation during the trek. Facilities become simpler at higher elevations.
Teahouses generally serve dal bhat, noodles, rice, pasta, soup, potatoes, eggs, momo and other basic meals, along with tea and coffee.
Yes. The required trekking permits, including the applicable Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS/other required documentation, should be arranged before starting the trek.
The best periods are generally spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is normally favorable and mountain visibility is good.
Reviews
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Very good
Everest Gokyo Trek
This was a wonderful, educational tour where we learned a lot and had a very fulfilling time from start to finish.
Everest Gokyo Trek an excellent tour of Nepal
Excellent! Bishnu was an excellent guide on our trip. Knowledgeable, kind and answered all of our questions. Thank you for an excellent tour of Nepal!
Annapurna Panorama Trek
Vishnu has been a very insightful guide, taking me and my partner to beautiful places that we couldn't even imagine to see. The views from the mountains left us breathless and we highly recommend Altitude Trek Nepal Pvt. Ltd company for mountain and city hiking and sightseeing.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Vishnu was an amazing guide. Altitude Trek Nepal made the whole trip seamless - they booked our transport, accommodation and helped us to hire the gear we needed. Organising all this without local knowledge would have been difficult, but they made it so easy. The trip itself was amazing! I will never forget it. Thank you so much for everything.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Excellent.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Altitude trek nepal pvt.ltd was a great help in planning my Annapurna circuit trek. When I came to Nepal I had no idea how to move forward with my plans, but these guys helped me and we're very friendly!
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Good guide, always patience and helpful
Everest Base Camp Trek – Smooth, Safe, and Enjoyable Journey
The trek leader from Altitude trek Nepal - Mr Shivaji met us a Lukla airport right when we landed, guided us through our EBC trek and made sure we got back on our flight out of Lukla safely. His experience and guidance was essential to the success of our trek. He was easy to communicate with in Hindi and English. He understood our needs and made adjustments based on our conditions. Would highly recommend him for a safe and enjoyable journey
Annapurna Region Trek – Excellent Organisation and Trusted Guiding.
Altitude Trek Nepal delivered an excellent trekking experience in the Annapurna region from start to finish. Everything was well organized, smooth, and thoughtfully planned, which let us focus fully on the mountains and the journey. The itinerary, pacing, and logistics were spot-on, and the team was consistently professional and friendly. A special thank-you to my guide, Vishnu Kumar, whom I’ve known for many years and trust completely. Vishnu’s experience, calm leadership, and attention to detail made every day feel safe, enjoyable, and stress-free. He always checked in on everyone, handled every small issue quickly, and shared great local insight along the way. I truly appreciate his dedication and warmth, and I can confidently recommend Altitude Trek Nepal to anyone planning an Annapurna trek, or any other trek in Nepal!
