Khopra Ridge shares its start with the classic Poon Hill trek but branches off after Ghorepani onto a quieter, community-managed trail that most Annapurna trekkers never see. The route climbs onto an open ridge with views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri that rival Poon Hill’s own panorama, but with a fraction of the foot traffic thanks to a series of lodges run directly by local villages rather than private operators.
Near the ridge’s highest point sits Khayer Lake, a small, little-visited lake considered sacred by local communities — a worthwhile detour for trekkers with an extra half-day to spare. The descent continues through Chistibung and the well-known Gurung village of Ghandruk before returning to the roadhead.
At eight days and moderate difficulty, Khopra Ridge is a good choice for trekkers who’ve already done Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp and want comparable Annapurna views with a genuinely different, quieter trail — and the appeal of trekking profits going directly to the communities hosting them.
