Trek: Khopra Trek via Gorepani

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Chad Francis
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1 Trek: Khopra Trek via Gorepani Duration: 12 Days Max Elevation: 3700 meters Grade: Medium Cost: US 1400 Trip Introduction This spectacular adventure treks through the Annapurna foothills to the wild and remote Kopra Ridge one of the best vantage points in the Himalaya. We stay in tea houses while on the main trail but after we leave the main trail at Tadapani we stay in the community lodges.the profits go directly to the local community thus helping them with village and school projects. We leave the popular main trail and for the next week head through remote alpine terrain to Bayeli, before ascending to Khopra Ridge. Here we view the mighty peaks of Nilgiri, Annapurna South,Vara Shikhar and Tukuche. Dhaulagiri dominates the western skyline across one of the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Ghandaki. Our return route descends through open alpine pastures, oak forest and rhododendrons to Swanta, Fulbari and then to Poonhill for the sunrise. We rejoin the main trail at Ghorepani and follow the Burungdi khola to Nayapool where we end the trek.

2 Day-to-Day Itinerary Chettris,Brahmins and Gurungs. Soon you will reach the small hamlet of Shyauli Bazaar where you will stop for the day. Dec 01 : Kathmandu (1360m) This spectacular adventure treks through the Annapurna foothills to the wild and remote Kopra Ridge one of the best vantage points in the Himalaya. We stay in tea houses while on the main trail but after we leave the main trail at Tadapani we stay in the community lodges.the profits go directly to the local community thus helping them with village and school projects. We leave the popular main trail and for the next week head through remote alpine terrain to Bayeli, before ascending to Khopra Ridge. Here we view the mighty peaks of Nilgiri, Annapurna South,Vara Shikhar and Tukuche. Dhaulagiri dominates the western skyline across one of the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Ghandaki. Our return route descends through open alpine pastures, oak forest and rhododendrons to Swanta, Fulbari and then to Poonhill for the sunrise. We rejoin the main trail at Ghorepani and follow the Burungdi khola to Nayapool where we end the trek. Dec 02: Fly to Pokhara & trek to Syauli (1160m) You will have an early departure from the hotel today for your flight to Pokhara. The flight time is about 30 minutes with spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. In Pokhara you will be transferred by road (private bus) to the starting point of the trek at Nayapul. We stop for a while to get the crew organize your load. You leave Nayapul following the Modi Khola River to Birethanti where you will have your trekking permits checked. From here you get great views of the fish tail Machapuchhare (6993m). You will continue to hike on the dirt road following the Modi Khola passing through terraced fields and settlements inhabited by the Dec 03: Trek to Gandruk (1950m) Today you will start the climb to Ghandruk. The trail gradually climbs out of Shyauli, and you will cross a steel suspension bridge. From here the trail climbs more steeply up stone steps through settlements of Klieu and Kimche.You stop in for a rest and can enjoy a hot drink or maybe a soft drink. From the small village of Chane the trail traverses and then climbs up to the village of Ghandruk, where you will stop for lunch and spend the night. Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung villages in the area. Ghandruk is well known for the number of its men folk who have served and is still serving in the British Gurkha regiments. You will have spectacular views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machapuchhare (6993m), and Hiunchuli (6434m). Dec 04: Trek to Tadapani (2450m) Todays walk will be easier with not many steep ascents to encounter. Once you leave Ghandruk, you enter into oak and rhododendron forest keeping you cool. The forest is comes alive with the sounds of birds, streams and small waterfalls. There are no villages on today s walk, but there a few teahouses at Bhaisi kharka.we stop in for your morning tea and rest. There will be fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m) teasing you all along the way.

3 Your lodge at Tadapani is perfectly located between the rhododendron forest. Sunrise and sunset views is a must to see from here. Dec 05: 10th Trek to Bailikharka (3400m) You will leave now leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani today and follow a rarely used trail (mainly used by the local shepherds). you trek through thick rhododendron forest,pine and bamboos and soon emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range and the Fishtail mountain. There are little teashops here and we stop for lunch. After lunch you will continue to climb gradually through rhododendron forest.to reach Dobato. From here you get great views of the fish tail Machapuchhare (6993m) and Annapurna south. The trail descends for a while before making the final ascent to Bayli Kharka where you stop for the night. This is the first community lodge of the trek. From the lodge there are great views of Dhaulagiri Himal. Dec 06: Trek to Dhankharka (Chisteybung)(3000m) This morning you will descend through open ground, forest and crossing the river to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung. You now make the climb from the river to reach a clearing and temporary herders settlement at Dhankharka or upper chistibung. Being off the beaten track, the villages haven t previously enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the construction of the Community Lodges, there are profits to benefit local projects and schools. This lodge supports the school at Kindu, a nearby village. Dec 07: Trek to Khopra Ridge (3700m) To reach the ridge at Khopra, you will embark on a steady climb that carries you above the tree line. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take your time and rest as often as you wish. You come across few herders with their Yaks grazing on the slopes. You will reach the lodge on Khopra Ridge in time for lunch and will be greeted by more awe-inspiring views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna south, towering directly above you, Varashikar and Nilgiri prominent to the north. Across the depths of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. Kopra Community Lodge supports the secondary school at Nangi. Sunset and Sunrise is spectacular from here. Dec 08: Trek to Swanta (2200m) From Kopra Ridge you will descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. You will retrace the route back to Chistibung. You will then head to the village of Swanta, where you will stay overnight in the newly constructed lodge. This lodge supports the school at Swanta. You have time to pay a quick visit the school and interact with the kids and the teaching staff. Dec 09: Trek to Gorepani (2800m) From Swanta you will descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here you will cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where you ll join the main trekking trail for a little while through the rhododendron forest and finally get to Gorepani. Dec 10: Trek to Poonhill Ulleri (1900m) Today will be a special day because we conquer Poon Hill- an icon of

4 Annapurna region. To catch the magnificent splendor of sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill. Poon Hill is a great viewpoint from where we will be able to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Mustang part and Pokhara valleys including the closest views of more than 20 highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photos and having some coffee or tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Gorepani. Upon breakfast. We descend through rhododendron forest and slowly head towards Ulleri via Bhanthanti. transfer to hotel. Dec 13: Fly back to Kathmandu (1360m) After breakfast we are transferred back to the airport in the morning for our return flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu we are met and transferred back to our hotel. Nov 13: Kathmandu (1360m) After breakfast you can explore the city and shop around. Standard time for check out from hotel is 1200 noon. Our guides will help you with airport transfer according to your international departures. Dec 11: Trek to Nayapool and drive to Pokhara (850m) Another early start today, to make the most of the day ahead. After giving your knees some time to recover, you will leave the lodge at Hile and continue a more gentle descent to the village of Birethanti, on the banks of the Modi Khola. Here you will stop in for a rest or enjoy some soft drinks and then cross the new bridge to the east bank, before following the river back to the pick-up point at Naya Pul. After saying farewell to your porters, you will be transferred by coach back to Pokhara and checkin at the Hotel located in the lakeside. The afternoon is free for you to relax or do some exploring. In the evening there is option to dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants. Nov 12: Fly back to Kathmandu (1360m) After breakfast we have free time till our flight to Kathmandu, which is at afternoon. (If interest you can book a paragliding or ultra light flight, our guide will assist you). 2 pm we will fly back to Kathmandu and

5 WHAT IS INCLUDED? WHAT IS INCLUDED? - All airport/hotel transfers - Personal trekking gears - Accommodation in Kathmandu - International round-trip airfare to (2 night) and pokhara (1 night and from Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis - Lunch and evening meals in - Flight from Kathmandu to Kathmandu and pokhara (and Pokhara to Kathmandu also in the case of early return - All trekking permits and TIMS from mountain than the card scheduled itinerary) - NNMGA guides - Extra night accommodation - Trekking and teahouse in Kathmandu because of early arrangements on full board basis arrival, late departure, early on trek (Food & accommodation return from mountain (due to on trek) any reason) than the scheduled - Insurance for all Nepalese staffs itinerary - All government taxes and agency - Nepal Visa fee service charge - Tips for Guides and other staffs - Personal communications (Satellite phone, phone, fax, ) - Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottle water, shower, heater, etc.) - Nepal Custom Duties - Personal travel /medical cancellation/rescue insurance - Any rescue costs or costs of early departure from the expedition - All the accommodations are in twin sharing basis.

4 Days Poonhill Trek From Kathmandu or Pokhara

4 Days Poonhill Trek From Kathmandu or Pokhara Introduction Poonhill trek is a short and relatively easy trek into the Annapurna region. This trek is suitable for those who do not have much time to spend