Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge loop is a very newly introduced trek. In fact, it is the combination of one of the best kept secrets of Annapurna region. The trek is a result of road expansion in the Annapurna region which created an urge to discover new trails far from the development. Nevertheless, we now have one of the best offering trek which has been offering travellers with a classical experience. Also, this trek does not mingle with the mainstream trail. Avoiding all the traffic, Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Loop make its way from 800 meters to 4700 meters in just 12 days.
To begin with, this trek starts from Kande and climbs its way to lush green forest. These forests are homes of indigenous people. These people are the most hospitable people in the world. Religiously and culturally rich, the people of this region leave you stunned with their practices. Furthermore, these forests are homes of some rarest flowers, birds and animal. High chances that we are often accompanied by one or the other species of birds or animals.
Moving on, you will stay in the tea houses owned by the locals. Interesting fact about these teahouses is that they contribute a little to their own community. Meaning, your money will help them build schools, health posts and also maintain security. Also, the teahouses are very basic but will give you the authentic rural experience. The settlement is however very sparse and you will see more buffalos than the humans. Having said that, you will also come across very view trekkers who love travelling the road less travelled.
Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge loop is very rewarding trek. It includes walking on the trails which passes to one village after another. It includes possibility of sighting wildlife and taking a bath in natural hot spring. Furthermore, there are several vantage points which offer incredible views of the mountains in the Annapurna. Book this amazing trek today!
trip overview
| Trip Code: BT147 | Total Duration: 15 days |
| Destination: Annapurna Region | Best Time: March - May & Sept - Dec |
| Trip Grade: Moderate | Group Size: 2 - 12 |
| Max Elevation: 4750m |
itinerary
expand all
Collapse All
Arrival in Kathmandu
You could be already in Kathmandu or you may be arriving on this very day and whatever it is we welcome you to Nepal! Thank you for choosing Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Loop with budget trekking. On this first day we transfer you to your hotel/hostel. You will not do much except observing the ambiance around you and get acquainted with the country.
Accommodation
- Hotel in Kathmandu ( 1 Night)
No Meals Included
Trek preparation and shopping
This is an important day because today is the day when you will meet with your guide. The guide or one of our team members will brief you about the trek about more or less everything you need to know. After briefing we would thoroughly go through the trekking gear that we have. Furthermore, if there is anything that is not according to the trekking standard we will do last minute shopping of the trekking gears. On the other hand one of our backend office staff will get busy preparing required permits and logistics.
Accommodation
- Hotel in Kathmandu ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast only
Kathmandu - Pokhara (5-7 hours of drive)
On this day need to be up and running by 6:00 a.m. in the morning. Once ready and bags packed, we will head towards tourist Bus Park at Thamel and board a tourist bus to Pokhara. The bus ride will take around 7 hours through curvy roads of hilly terrain with couple of breaks in between for snacks and lunch. The drive to Pokhara on one of the major highways is exhilarating with beautiful views of never leaving tributaries, lush green hills and roadside settlements.
Accommodation
- Hotel in Pokhara ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast only
Pokhara - Kande - Deurali (1-2 hours drive, 5:30 - 6:30 hours trek)
The drive from Pokhara to Kande usually takes around 45 minutes in private vehicle and 1 and half hours on a bus (public). Kande is a small hilltop town nearby Pokhara - Baglung highway. The drive through the scenic road, through the lush green hills and along the seti river is beautiful. The view of mountains and Pokhara valley from Nau danda, on the way to Kande is splendid. Once we reach Kande we begin to ascent through the forest of rhododendron and red sandalwood. Another 45 minutes of gradual ascend and descent in slow pace we reach Australian base camp. The views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and the fishtail is highly acclaimed. From here we descent through the same sandalwood forest for 15 minutes to Pothana and further 45 minutes to Pitam Deurali. Overnight in Deurali.
Accommodation
- Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Deurali - Forest Camp (4 - 5 hours trek)
You again run into the forest you had left behind the previous day. Playing hide and seek with the sky and the mountains. Tentatively, you will be walking around 4 - 5 hours with normal pace and with multiple breaks in between. The only thing that you would seen in between this trail is a small tea shop. Hence, you will eat your breakfast and reach Forest camp for lunch. There are 3 basic tea houses in Forest camp. Few with dining hall and few with just kitchen. The bathroom in one of the the teahouses is modern and squat pans in other. Overnight in Forest camp.
Accommodation
- Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Forest Camp - High Camp (6 - 7 hours trek)
Deurali onwards the Mardi Himal trek officially begins and it takes 6- 7 hours until Low camp. The views of Dhaulagiri and Manaslu is very beautiful in this final section of the trek, if the weather is on the brighter side.We begin out of forest camp by climbing gradually for around 45 minutes to rest camp. From rest camp it is a gradient ascent but however the trails are not demanding. Majority of today’s walk is through the dense forest of Rhododendron. Towards the end of the day’s trek and when close to low camp, the trail becomes flat and the forest opens to a meadow land. You will first come across low camp where awaits the magnificent views of Himalayas. You will walk furthermore to the beautiful High camp. Overnight in High Camp.
Accommodation
- Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
High Camp - Mardi Himal Base camp (4500m/14,764 ft) - Badal Danda (3-4 hours trek)
It takes around 3 to 4 hours on this day in order to reach the viewpoint and return back at High Camp. The high camp has no food and accommodation option, which is why we pack our food to the vantage point. Except for some sections where the trail shoots up the trail is not very demanding. In one section of the trail where the trail is exposed to a steep fall on the both end, it is recommended to be extremely careful. The views once we reach the top is world class. If we are blessed by the mother nature and the weather remains clear we would be able to spot Annapurna I 8091m, Annapurna south 7219m, Himchuli 6441m, Baraha Shikhar (Fang) 7647m, Tent peak 5695m, Singu Chuli 6501m, Gangapurna 7454m, Gandharba chuli 6248m, little summit of Annapurna III 7555m, Machhapuchre (Mt. fishtail) 6993m and Mardi Himal 5553m. Towards the south we can see as far as Pokhara including MBC (Machhapuchre Base Camp), Deurali, Dovan, Sinuwa, Chhomrong, Ghandruk. After spending some time on the top we return back to High Camp. We take the same route on our way back and all the way to low Camp. This section includes the view of Annapurna base camp trail. From low camp the trail is downhill all the way to Badal Danda. This place receives its name from the terrific cloud formation and views seen in the valley below. The walk is through dense subtropical forest and the chances of spotting wildlife is a high possibility. It takes tentatively 5-6 hours to reach Badal Danda. Overnight in Baadal Danda.
Accommodation
- Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Badal Danda - Landruk (4-5 hrs trek)
From Badal Danda you will trace your way back to Low camp and further to Forest camp. From forest camp the trail branches to Landruk. Initially you will walk inside the forest but quickly the forest opens to villages. It takes around an hour to reach Landruk from Forest camp. Overnight in Forest camp.
Accommodation
- Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Landruk - Ghundruk - Bhaisi Kharka (4-5 hrs trek)
From Badal Danda you begin on the same trail until Pothana and then the trail branches off and lowers. It still is a roller coaster ride, meaning the trail ascents and descents. In between Pothana and Landruk you will come across traditional houses dwelled by the locals. Usually Landruk is a stopover destination for most of the trekkers but we head to the biggest village in the loop namely Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a pure Gurung village and their culture is reflected by the houses that they live in and the activities they carry out on everyday basis. You can also visit the Gurung museum located in the village. After exploring the village, we will head towards the less touristy Bhaisi Kharka. Bhaisi Kharka is a grassland where people graze their cattle. Overnight in Bhaisi Kharka
Accommodation
- Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Bhaisi Kharka to Dobato (4-5 hrs trek)
After spending a night in this small rest area surrounded by the forest of Rhododendron, we move ahead towards Tadapani. Around 250 meters of uphill and we are in another beautiful village of Tadapani. From here our trail branches off from the regular trail to Khopra. Out from Bhaisi or out from Tadapani, you mostly walk through jungle and the forest of Rhododendron. In spring, you can enjoy the views of mountains in the backdrop with beautiful views of Rhododendron blossom of pink, red and white colour. The trail is mostly uphill from here and looks almost like that of riverbed. In between, it is very rare to come across any village or even trekkers in influx. Overnight in Dobato.
Accommodation
- Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Dobato to Khopra (5-6 hrs trek)
The day’s walk is easier than the days earlier. You will not directly march towards your final destination of the day but you would take a small detour to Mulde Peak. A small peak at an elevation of 3637 m, is an excellent viewpoint. Once spending sometime watching stunning mountain panorama we walk towards Khopra. The trail gets much flatter and the walk gets much easier once the forest opens up to a ridge with beautiful views of the mountains. After crossing the first ridge we further climb uphill until another ridge and then we finally arrive Khopra. overnight in Khopra.
Accommodation
- Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Khopra to Khayar Lake back to Khopra (8-10 hrs trek)
On this day, we begin as early as 5:30 in the morning. We need to pack our lunch and also chocolates and energy bars. There are no teahouses in between and we will have to reach the lake and return to Khopra on the same day. Khayar lake lies on the foot of Annapurna south and is made of the glacial deposits of the same mountain. Khayar is a sacred lake and is flocked by Pilgrims at various occasions throughout the rituals to perform rituals. The trek is long, and is also uphill and since you will be walking beyond 3500 mark, you will also likely feel slow. The view however is magnificent and keeps changing after every bend. Towards the lake the trek becomes more steep and it is important to become cautious. Once we explore the lake, we will head back to Khopra and call it a night.
Accommodation
- Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Khopra to Tatopani (5-6 hrs trek)
This is the final day of Khopra ridge trek on foot and majority of today’s walk is gradual downhill. We walk through the lush green subtropical forest all the way to the banks of Kali Gandaki river until we reach Tatopani. We walk for almost 5 hours before we reach our destination of the day. The views of valleys and river is very beautiful but the views of the mountain is close to none on this day. We call it a day at Tatopani and enjoy the natural hot spring and revitalize our bones and muscles. Overnight at Tatopani.
Accommodation
- Local Teahouse ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu.)
Tatopani to Pokhara (5-6 hrs drive)
The bus journey starts as early as 7 and 8 am to the latest. The first couple of hours on the bus is bumpy. Once you arrive at Beni, you will have to transfer to another vehicle. You guide will arrange everything. The bus from Beni takes around 4-5 hours. The road is narrow but is black topped and much better than the first half. Once in Pokhara your guide will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Pokhara.
Accommodation
- Hotel in Pokhara ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- 2 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch or any one item from the menu.)
Pokhara - Kathmandu (5-7 hrs drive)
The bus ride takes around 7 hours to Kathmandu. The bus traverses through beautiful lush green hills and views of mountains (only in season). Once we reach Kathmandu we transfer you to your accommodation and hence officially come to the end of Khopra Ridge trek.
Accommodation
- Hotel in Kathmandu ( 1 Night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast only
cost includes
- All government and local taxes
- A comprehensive medical kit
- Trekking Guide
- All accommodations on the trails and 3 times meals during the trek (staple meal of Daal Bhat for lunch and dinner or any one item from the menu )
- 3 Cups Tea while on the Trail ( in most of the places where applicable)
- Best available local lodges / Teahouse in mountain
- Taxi to and from airport
- Certificate of trek Completion
- Porters
cost excluded
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, mineral water etc)
- Additional food
- Tips for guide
- Anything else that is not mentioned on what is included
Important Notes
- Please bring 2 passport size photographs for your trekking permit to the group meeting.
Essential Trip Information
- The trip begins from Kathmandu
- You need to arrive at least 2 days prior to your scheduled trek initiation date
- You will begin your trip from day 2 of your arrival and only after signing necessary formalities
- You need to bring along at least 2 passport sized pictures and hand it to the company on day 2.
- In case of trek cancellation or trek forfeit due to unseen circumstances, we shall compensate with an alternate itinerary or activities.
- You need to bring along at least 500 dollars additional in cash. The funds will help you in case of delayed flights or unseen circumstances
- You need to aware of the company of any medical conditions developed recently
- You need to be of age 15 and above to join this trip
places to visit
reviews
Submit your review | |
Average rating: 14 reviews
May 2, 2019
Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Loop trip was an unforgettable experience.
Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Loop trip was an unforgettable experience. The walking was challenging but so enjoyable as we passed through rhododendron and bamboo forests, crossed rivers and waterfalls, walked through villages, passed terraced farms, and ultimately trekked through snow. The mountain scenery was stunning, especially at sunrise. My group and the Vajra Adventure guides were wonderful and made my experience so enjoyable. The Nepali people are so friendly and I loved learning about their culture as well. I highly recommend this trek for anyone who loves adventure, culture, and nature - it has it all.
Apr 24, 2019
Best company & guides you will find in Nepal!
We went on an 11-day tour for the Mardi Himal trek, followed by the Khopra range trek. Both of which were simply beautiful! We contacted Vajra Adventure while we were still at home to plan everything ahead and they couldn't have been more helpful! They answered all of our extensive questions with great knowledge and advice. Once we arrived they took even more time to plan everything out and were very easy and helpful when we had to delay the trip due to an injury. Helped and provided us with all the equipment we needed as well.
Then during the trek, I can honestly say that we had the best guiding experience I ever had. Our guide was named 'Govin' and our porter was 'Hem'. Both of them made our trip even more special. They took care of us every minute of the day (and night if needed), Govin was very knowledgable, good English skills, had very good connections with all the locals and was sincerely interested in making this trip very special to us. (For example, we saw guides from other companies who told their guests that the weather/view was bad at the viewpoints in the morning, while that wasn't the case, to avoid having to get up early. Govin and Hem both offered us all the different options full of enthusiasm)
Although you might occasionally find cheaper treks when walking around in Thamel (Kathmandu center), we have heard horror stories about bad equipment, Porters running away with your bags etc. So I can all but recommend choosing for these guys, it will really make your trip extra special!
Apr 20, 2019
Really amazing experience
Really amazing experience, entry level fitness required, easy going trek
Apr 17, 2019
This trip has some of the most incredible scenery.
This trip has some of the most incredible scenery. A bit of effort is required, but the reward is more than worth it. Don't forget to regularly stop walking and take it all in!
Apr 15, 2019
greatest experiences in my life.
This trip was out of this world. It is a tough but rewarding climb through the beautiful Nepali country side to the most amazing sights in the world at Annapurna Region. The guides are perfect, Sudip, and Dipesh made this trip one of the greatest experiences in my life.
Apr 5, 2019
Best train for alot of steps though!
This trek is a great opportunity to see some of the best views you will ever see in your life without too much intense hiking! Great for people who like to hike or want a bit of a challenge. Best train for alot of steps though!
Apr 5, 2019
You won't regret it.
If you're thinking about doing this trip with Vajra Adventure go for it! You won't regret it. The people you meet, places you go and connections you make will be amazing and the sense of achievement is immense! The staff are all amazing, especially our guide Govinda.
Apr 2, 2019
Would highly recommend this to anyone.
This was a wonderful trip with amazing guides and porters. The scenery and mountains are absolutely stunning and the walking isn't too strenuous. Would highly recommend this to anyone.
Mar 29, 2019
I have are priceless memories
The Himalayas far exceeded my expectations, its even more beautiful when viewing with your own eyes. This trekking trip was amazing, the terrain was so varied, the people were so friendly, the food was great (try the Dal Bhat every day its different!) and the memories I have are priceless.
Mar 20, 2019
summiting a great peak
The most majestic views you will ever see without actually summiting a great peak! This is slow-paced enough for almost anyone, even though you have some steep climbs occasionally. Expect to be cold at the teahouses and you wont be disappointed! Don't expect wifi everywhere, which is a good thing !
Mar 18, 2019
knowledge and culture with Vajra Adventure
Vajra Adventure is for travelers who are looking for sustainable tours and adventures. With the use of local guides, authentic knowledge, and culture withVajra Adventure.
Mar 1, 2019
best trekking
Fantastic trekking with friendly and knowledgeable staff wanting to help you at any point!
Apr 22, 2018
Awesome experience
Awesome experience which was well organised by Dev. Govinda much fun and knowledgeable and Ostar was an excellent support in pacing. Magnificent views. Authentic cultural opportunities. Preparation wise. It was well worth taking diox as an AMs preventer and pre plastering on rubbing points on shoes with compeed plasters. Training wise - stair training was well worth it. Equipment- poles excellent support, bring a good rain jacket and pack cover as it does rain daily. Quick dry important as only one place had a drying fire. Hydration satchets and tummy stuff a good investment. The food was great it’s just different to what your body may be used to😉. I’ve pen with water filter works great. Just be aware at higher altitudes the batteries may not work as well. Highly recommend this trip and guides. Was a lifetime wish of mine and it fulfilled all expectations and more🌈
Apr 20, 2018
Marhi Himal and Khopra Range; very professional agency
My girlfriend and I trekked the Marhi Himal and Khopra Range for 9 days (excluding transportation from KTM to Pokhara) starting March 5 so quite early in the season.We made or arrangements with Sameer in KTM and were introduced to our guide Govina on the night before departure.
'Flexible' a term that applies to all facets of the agency while they can basically arrange any itinerary based on your requirements. Also with taking us to their office (which is located in a cool hostel little outside of the city) to arrange the payment when our bank was giving us some trouble. Super skilful and knowledgable team with helpful advice e.g. showing you what supplies to bring and helping with sorting out extra gear needed.
Bus to KTM was good; hotels before and after trek were good quality and clean demonstrating their great relationships with suppliers and showing they are not a mass agency but a good agency catering to individual needs.
The trek itself was amazing, little to no tourists as also outside main season. Very doable and our guide made sure to check if we were fit enough to walk or had to break up early stopping at a different teahouse. We out walked our guide most parts but this was good as we could spend time together. Govin demonstrated flexibility at points we wanted to interact or encountered other hikers which he helped give advice for their trek too.'Lucky' a term that applies to our trip, even our guide admitted we were super lucky with the weather conditions; these are the Himalayas so you never really know but the conditions made our trip even Govina admitted.
A special word goes out to Mr. Him our porter; he went over and above to help get our luggage through the mountains. Final advice (next to everything else you read about the yes/no of renting guides, porters): if you are in doubt always book a guide and porter this makes your trip much more memorable as you are able to enjoy much more not having to worry about any planning etc. This was definitely a big insight for us.Would definitely book again and recommend this agency.