Khopra Danda Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek 6 days
Starting Price:
$750Per Person
$750
( Based on 5 Reviews )
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Trip Highlights

  • Trip Code:NHA213
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Total Duration:13 Days
  • Trip Price:$750
  • Trip Grade:Moderate
  • Best Time:Feb to June and Sep to Dec
  • Max Elevation:3210
  • Start Point:Kathmabdu
  • End Point:Kathmandu
  • Max Group Size:Min.1
  • Accommodation:Lodge to Lodge
  • Transportation:By Land

Trip Highlights

  • Scenic flight from Kathmandu valley to Pokhara Valley.
  • Bird’s eye views of Pokhara valley and Phewa lake.
  • Experience unique cultural and traditional villages of Gurung and Magar tribes.
  • Enchanting forest of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines.
  • Off-pitch adventuring trails.
  • Extravagant sunrise and sunset views from PoonHill, Khopra Ridge.
  • Panoramic views of Annapurna ( I, II, III, and South), Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Himchuli, and Nilgiris.
  • Get relaxed on hot springs at Jhinu Danda.
  • Holy and Religious Khayer Lake.
  • 360-degree scenery from Khopra Danda/Ridge.

Tour Overview

Khopra Danda Trek also known as Khopra Ridge Trek is a fresh trekking route in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. It is a better option for those who want to avoid the crowd of Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek. it is an easy and more adventurous trekking trail of Nepal.  

Trekking routes to Khopra Danda or Khopra Ridge (khayer lake trek) is off-beaten that takes you under the lap of great Annapurna Range. Throughout the off-pitched roads, you can have breathing taking views of Mt. Annapurna I, II, III and south, Mt.Dhaulagiri, Mt.Machhapuchhre (Mt.Fishtail), Nilgiris,  Himchuli and many other nearby peaks.  

The beautiful Khopra Danda Trek journey starts from a beautiful city of Pokhara after a drive from Kathmandu; and heads towards higher altitudes; as you cross famous villages of Gurung and Magar, walking across the alluring rhododendron forest, dazzling rivers and waterfalls; and then climbing to PoonHill and Khopra Danda viewpoint for magical sunrise views.

Throughout the Khopra Danda Trek, you pass remote villages, farmlands; and enjoy the best sunrise views along with a birds-eye outlook of apex summit of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare; from places like PoonHill, Khopra Danda, etc. Annapurna Sanctuary is famous for the cultural and traditional villages of Gurung people. And, throughout this Khopra Ridge Trek, you can explore this village; and have a taste of their unique culture, traditions, foods, and drinks.

 khopra danda offers magnificent 360-degree views of entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and fishtail ranges. Our final destination is holy and religious Khayer Lake which lies at an altitude of 4,660m. During the festival pilgrimages from all over Nepal flocks to this place in the month of Janai purnima.  Hence, became a popular destination for Khopra Danda Khayer Lake Trek. 

Detail Itinerary

Once your arrival at Kathmandu Airport then our crew members will pick up you and then transfer to your hotel for overnight.

Distance: 200 KM Drive

Duration:  6 hours drive to Pokhara

 

With an early morning breakfast,  we take a tourist bus to get Pokhara and take a 6 hours drive from Kathmandu to get Pokhara city through Prithvi Highway. after reaching Pokhara, and transfer to Hotel. In the evening you will enjoy the lake view and a city view of Pokhara. 

Distance: 40 Km Drive and 12 KM trek

Duration: 1:30 min drive to Naya pool and trek to Tikhedhunga. 

after breakfast at Pokhara hotel you will drive to  Nayapool and then start your trek through Birethanti, then trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri. This trek basically starts from here that leads us to outstanding greenery views with magnificent mountain range along the way. After hiking for hours, we reach Tikhedhunga which is a small but gorgeous town situated on the riverside. We overnight here at a local lodge.

Distance: 9 km

Duration:  5 hours walk

Today we ascent more than 1200 meters to Ghorepani, our hiking kicks off after having breakfast with gently climbing, to the hill to Ulleri which resides at 2,350 m height. Ulleri is a beautiful village of Magar community which is the first destination for observing  Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks. Tea houses on the trails of Khopra Danda Trek offer resting spots as well as refreshing hot tea with beautiful greenery forest, hills, and cool breeze. As soon as we reach Ghorepani, we need ACAP permits and TIMS cards to enter this region. We overnight at Ghorepani lodge enjoying the wide picture of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.

Distance: 9km

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes to go and return from PoonHill and 3/4 hours walk to Swanta

On this day, you will be rewarded with a view of a glorious sunrise over the Himalayan range from Poon Hill. We hike early in the morning to Poonhill to witness this mesmerizing view of sunrise over Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Capture the views of  Mt. Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Annapurna III (7855 m), Machhapuchhare (6993 m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Varaha Shikhar  with the glorious views of sunrise over the most beautiful Himalaya range from Poon Hill.

Today we will be descending through the beautiful mixed forest of rhododendron, oak, and pine. Walking downhill for 3 hours, crossing a small river, we continue to follow the downhill path to Swanta (2,200 m). We overnight at Swanta.

Distance:  6.5km

Duration: 5 hours walk

Our beautiful day will start after having breakfast in the early morning with the glorious sunrise view, today's hike is a climb to the popular lookout mountain Poon Hill. The comprehensive view extends from the Dhaulagiri peak in the west and Tukuche over the Kali Gandaki valley, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal to the Manaslu massif in the east.

Distance: 7km

Duration: 4 hours walk

Today is the exciting days to explore Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif, our journey will begin after a light breakfast. Trek routes lead us to a short and decent walk along a mountain slope to the foothills Bara Shikar (nearly 8,000m). Finally, we reach Kopra Danda ( Danda = open ridge ) which is situated at an elevation of 3,660 m. This opens up a breathtaking 360-degree view of the great Himalayas. And, we overnight at nearby tea house.

Distance: 9 km.

Duration: 8 hours walk

Today is the day for an excursion to the beautiful Khayer Lake (4,600m), which takes 8 hours of a long day hike. This holy and religious Khayer Lake is one of the popular pilgrimage sites for Hindus. As people visit this sacred site during the festival that occurs on Janai Purnima (July or August as per the Georgian calendar). Overnight at a nearby lodge.

Distance: 8.5km

Duration: 5/6 hours walk

Leaving the main pathway we head into the dense and untouched Rhododendron mixed forest. Little over-committed paths it goes slowly uphill. The forest sparse out at 3,100 m elevation and the path leads to open grassland. In Sumphul Danda (3,400 m) we reach a pass that gives us a marvelous view of the western mountains of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and the Annapurna massif to Machhapuchhre in the east. After a short and decent hours walk we reach Bayeli Alm (3,400 m). This “Community Lodge " is managed jointly by the inhabitants of the surrounding villages.

Distance: 10km

Duration:  7 hours walk

With great views of mountains, our early morning walk continues downhill into the forest of rhododendron, oak, and magnolia, and must part of the forest, then reaching the main trekking route at Tadapani, overnight in the lodge, and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Annapurna south and Fishtail summit.

Distance: 8 km.

Duration: 3 hours walk

After breakfast, we start our trek from Tadapani with a downhill walk towards Ghandruk village, through Rhododendrons forest.  we reach Ghandruk which showcase the wonderful view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and other snow-capped mountains along the way to Ghandruk village. Reaching Jhinu, you can enjoy the village, Gurung culture Museum and, gumba and traditional views of the village, and get back to lodge for overnight. 

Duration: (3 hours walk and 2:30 drive)

In the morning, after breakfast at the lodge, our trek begins over the downhill towards Syauli bazaar and, we trek through the beautiful village, forest, river, and finally reach Birethanti then Nayapool.  from where you will drive to Pokhara. and transfer to the hotel and overnight there.

Duration: 6 hours Drive,

After breakfast, you will drive to the tourist bus park to take a bus to drive Kathmandu. after reach to Kathmandu, one of our staff will drip you back to the hotel.

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup and Drop by private Vehicle.
  • Two Night Accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B.
  • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu tourist bus ticket for the guide.
  • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu tourist bus ticket for the client. (if you need flight ticket, you must pay extra cost for your flight)
  • Two night accommodation in Pokhara with B/B.
  • Private transport to the trekking starting point and back.
  • All teahouse (lodge) accommodation during the trek
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • An experienced English-speaking trekking guide and necessary porters to carry luggage. Note: (1 porter can carry two people's luggage up to 30 kilograms)
  • Trekking crew's salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
  • Annapurna Conservation Area permit & TIMS(Trekkers Information Management System)
  • Free Company's Duffel Bag.
  • Free Trekking Maps and NHA T-Short
  • Company service charges
  • VAT and local Tax

Cost Excludes

  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Lunch and Dinner at Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle er, shower etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Any extra activities after the trek

Cost and Dates

All the available dates are guaranteed to departure so please pick your date and secure your trip. 

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1st July, 2024 13th July, 2024 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
4th July, 2024 16th July, 2024 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
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15th July, 2026 27th July, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
18th July, 2026 30th July, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
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24th July, 2026 5th August, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
27th July, 2026 8th August, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
30th July, 2026 11th August, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
2nd August, 2026 14th August, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
5th August, 2026 17th August, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
8th August, 2026 20th August, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
11th August, 2026 23rd August, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
14th August, 2026 26th August, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
17th August, 2026 29th August, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
20th August, 2026 1st September, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
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26th August, 2026 7th September, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now
29th August, 2026 10th September, 2026 US$ 750 Guaranteed Book Now

Additional Info

Best Season for Khopra Danda Trek

Well, Khopra Ridge Trek can be done throughout the year but there are some advantages and disadvantages depending on the trekking seasons.

March-May and September-November is the best season or time for trekking in Khopra Ridge. During these seasons, the weather is cool and favorable, the sky is blue and clear, mountains views and surrounding scenery are crystal clear and attractive. The entire routes are filled with a variety of rhododendrons and magnolias. It is also the peak season of the year. The month of October, and April  is considered the clearest month of the year which provides mind-blowing views and scenery.

December-February is the coldest season of the year and during the winter season, the trekking routes are covered with thick snow with frequent snowfalls, extreme coldness. Hence, trekking in khopra danda during winter is very difficult for beginners but adventuring for experienced trekkers.

June-August is the season of monsoon/summer. This is a season of heavy rains, hot weather, storms, etc. Thus, it is an off-season of the year for Khopra Ridge Trek as the rain clouds block most of the views and scenery which may ruin the journey. But views after a heavy storm is very pleasant and relaxing as the storm clears the rain clouds.

Khopra Danda Trek Difficulty

As per the difficulty, Khopra Danda Trek is considered easy and short as compared to other Annapurna Region Trekking such as Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, etc. Trekkers have to walk 5-6 hours a day to most part of the trek with frequent rest at tea houses and lodges. Sometimes requires 8 hours of walking hence we recommend to take some preparation before trekking. As the trails move from low altitude to higher altitude with a long distance walk.

Khopra Danda Trek Routes

Khopra Danda Trek also Known as Khopra Ridge Trek. Khopra Danda Trek is the ideal journey which is around high hills in the close shadow of the massive Annapurna range of mountains, where the walk takes you to the scenic ridges to close between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya while facing an exceptional panorama of peaks. From the Khopra Danda trek, you will also get the full views for Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South ( 7219 m), Machhapuchhre (6993 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Gangapurna (7455 M), Tukuche peak (6920 M), Dhampus peak (6012 M), Hiunchuli (6441 M), Gurja Himal (7193 M), Nilgiri Himal (7061 M). However, the best view you will get is at Annapurna South.

At the beginning of the trek enjoying time within the tranquil environment, you also continue to climb up at the Khopra Ridge a scenic spot with a breathtaking Himalayan vista. After reaching Khopra Ridge you will also take the time to visit Khayel Lake, a holy lake where once a year festival takes place and pilgrims come here for a dip in this mystical Lake. After a fun time around remote and hidden areas of Annapurna. 

 Enjoy another spectacular panoramic view with the Sunrise from Poon Hill. Then you retrace your journey at the Kopra Ridge. The trek is also known as a community lodge-based trek. During the trek, while you go from the mainstream of the Annapurna trail, you will also stay in the community lodge. Community Lodges is also run by local communities rather than privately run lodges. The local woman along the Khopra Trek has also opened a community lodge in 2014. The highest part for the Khopra Danda Trek is 3640 meters (11942 feet). However, if you do the side trek at Lake Khayar then you’ll reach 4,600 meters (15091 feet). Likewise, the highest sleeping point is at the community lodge on Khopra Ridge Phedi which is at 3640 meters (11942 feet).

Khopra Danda Trek Weather and Temperature

Although the Khopra Danda Trek is achievable all year round, spring and autumn are considered the ideal seasons for the trek. These seasons move from Feb to May and September to December. In Spring, the skies are crystal clear, and there is no rain. The weather is also mostly stable. The temperature averages is around 16 to 22 degrees Celsius at the lower reaches of the trek. While in the higher reaches, the temperatures can drop below 5 degrees Celsius at night.

Trekking at the Khopra Trek during the spring also means that you will be walking through forests of rhododendrons in full blossoms. The routes are also filled with colorful flowers and beautiful scenes. The freshness of spring encourages animals and birds to appear more frequently, giving you a better chance of spotting rare and exotic wildlife too. Autumn is among the favorite seasons for whole trekking in Nepal. The skies are the clearest, and the weather is also moderate. The temperature averages around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius at the lower reaches for the trek. However, the temperatures can drop below 5 degrees Celsius during the night at higher altitudes. Clear skies will show off the great views of the high Himalayas during the day and of the starry skies at night. Trekking in autumn also means you will be traveling through forests of colors and walking on leaves. Two of the major festivals of Nepal, namely- Dashain and Tihar, also fall at this season. 

Thus, you will get a chance to go with the locals in their celebrations and fill your trip with even more enjoyment and fun. Months from June to August are monsoon in Nepal. The mornings are usually clear, but the afternoons are mostly rainy. Rain clouds could block the scenery, and the weather is very unstable too. The wet and damp weather attracts bugs and might end up spoiling in your trekking experience. However, during this season, the valleys are lush green with several species of plants in full bloom. Months from December to February are winter, and the temperatures are their lowest. Although the temperatures are warm during the day, the nights are cold, and the temperatures can drop even below -5 degrees Celsius. But if you can withstand the cold weather, the snowy mountain views you get during winter are just that good.

Review

wonderful support and service

The Kopra Danda Trek was an awesome experience. Our group was highly impressed and positively overwhelmed while visiting the places. The memories that we left behind are splendid and one for the ages. We will be coming to these places in the forthcoming future. Lastly, I will thank Nepal Hiking For its wonderful support and service.

Siddhartha Jain,
india

Khopra Dada Trek in mid march

My partner and I booked the Khopra Danda trek in mid March.

Before arriving in Nepal, Bisnhu was excellent at communicating with us; often responding on the same day (depending on time zones). We were able to organise trekking poles and sleeping bags through him, which was convenient.

Ram (our guide) met us at the airport and had arranged transport to our hotel in Kathmandu, where we met Bishnu and settled the outstanding balance of the trip. Everything was smooth. Bishnu accepted either cash or card (3 % bank charge for card). Conversion from USD to NPR was very transparent, by using the rate on the day.

From day 2, Ram managed everything effectively (logistics, accommodation, admin, and navigation). Ram as a guide was very friendly without being overbearing. This made for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. With the Covid-19 situation bubbling, Ram even offered for us to stay at his family village if we had any issues, which was very kind.

The trek itself starts off on a more touristy part of the circuit up to Ghorepani (Poon Hill), before you go off the beaten path. This mix allows you to ease into the trekking lifestyle after a long flight, with the first few nights spent in more hotel-like accommodation. After Ghorepani until Tadapani, the accommodation does become a lot more basic (due to limited options), but the views and experience are even more exceptional.

Worth noting that all accommodation in the mountains is basic compared to the cities. It's the nature of trekking, not a reflection on the tour quality.

The 'Trip Grade' is marked as easy; however this is dependent on the conditions. We were challenged by some unseasonable levels of snow (waist high in places), which meant that there were some difficult, but rewarding sections of the trek. If you're not experienced or comfortable when things get a little sketchy, I recommend going later in the season. Ram was fairly 'hands off' with us over these sections, but we are quite experienced and were comfortable with the terrain, so this was our preference. If we weren't, I'm positive he'd help at any step of the way.

Bishnu had planned to meet us for dinner when we returned to Kathmandu, as we arranged to stay in Pokhara after the trek. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 situation this wasn't possible, but this evidences the high quality of customer service that Bishnu, Ram, and the rest of the team aim to deliver.

When we inevitably return to Nepal, we'll be using Nepal Hiking Adventure Company for any guided trips/treks.

Adam L,
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