Khopra Ridge Trek is a pioneering community-owned eco-tourism initiative in the Annapurna foothills of Nepal. Founded through the vision of local communities and social entrepreneur Mahabir Pun, the project was created to ensure that mountain tourism directly benefits the people who call the Himalayas home.
Unlike conventional trekking routes, every community lodge along the Khopra Ridge trail is collectively owned and managed by local village committees. As a result, 100% of accommodation profits remain within the region to fund English-medium teachers, support rural health clinics, maintain mountain trails, and operate solar-powered telemedicine and communication networks in remote communities.
The trek offers a less-crowded alternative to popular routes such as Poon Hill and Mardi Himal, taking travelers through traditional Magar and Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Visitors experience authentic cultural exchange while directly contributing to sustainable community development.
Today, the Khopra Ridge community lodge network supports more than 1,200 local households and helps fund multiple schools and healthcare initiatives. By choosing Khopra Ridge Trek, travelers become part of a responsible tourism model that combines adventure, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and meaningful social impact in the Himalayas.