Khopra Danda Trek
Everest Region Trekking

Khopra Danda Trek

Explore the quieter side of Nepal's Annapurna Region on the Khopra Danda Trek, featuring traditional Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, Khopra Ridge, sacred Khayer Lake and spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri and surrounding Himalayan peaks.

12 Days / 11 Nights Moderate to Challenging 4660 m 2-12
Trip Overview

About This Journey

The Khopra Danda Trek is a scenic and comparatively less-crowded trekking route in Nepal's Annapurna Region. The journey combines traditional mountain villages, dense rhododendron forests, alpine landscapes and exceptional Himalayan viewpoints while offering a quieter alternative to some of the Annapurna Region's busier trekking trails. The trek begins after traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara and continues through settlements such as Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato and Chistibung before reaching Khopra Danda, also known as Khopra Ridge. From the ridge, trekkers can enjoy expansive views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Fang and other surrounding peaks. A major highlight is the optional but rewarding excursion to Khayer Lake, a sacred high-altitude lake situated at approximately 4,660 meters. After Khopra, the trail descends through Swanta and connects with the Ghorepani area, allowing trekkers to experience the famous sunrise panorama from Poon Hill before returning to Pokhara. The Khopra Danda Trek is ideal for travelers looking for mountain scenery, village culture, forest trails and a less-crowded Himalayan experience while still enjoying some of the Annapurna Region's most impressive viewpoints.

Trip Highlights

  • Panoramic Himalayan views from Khopra Danda
  • Optional high-altitude excursion to sacred Khayer Lake at approximately 4,660 meters
  • Views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri and surrounding peaks
  • Trek through traditional Gurung and Magar villages
  • Explore the beautiful village of Ghandruk
  • Walk through rhododendron and alpine forests
  • Experience quieter trekking trails away from the busiest Annapurna routes
  • Stay at community lodges along parts of the Khopra route
  • Visit Ghorepani and enjoy the famous Poon Hill sunrise
  • Experience both mountain culture and spectacular Himalayan landscapes
Day by Day

Trip Plan Details

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet the trekking team for a briefing about the Khopra Danda Trek, route, equipment and upcoming journey.

1400 m Airport transfer and briefing Welcome dinner or according to package plan Hotel in Kathmandu

Travel west from Kathmandu to Pokhara through river valleys, hills and countryside. After reaching Pokhara, transfer to the hotel and prepare for the trek.

822 m Approximately 7-8 hours by road Approximately 200 km Breakfast Hotel in Pokhara

Drive from Pokhara toward the Annapurna trekking area and begin walking toward Ghandruk. Explore the traditional Gurung village and enjoy views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre when weather conditions are clear.

1940 m 4-5 hours trekking Approximately 8-10 km Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Tea house in Ghandruk

Leave Ghandruk and trek gradually uphill through dense rhododendron and oak forests toward Tadapani. Enjoy peaceful forest scenery and Himalayan views from the settlement.

2630 m 4-5 hours trekking Approximately 7 km Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Tea house in Tadapani

Follow a quieter trail through forests and mountain ridges toward Dobato. The route gradually gains altitude and provides increasingly impressive views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

3420 m 5-6 hours trekking Approximately 9-10 km Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Community lodge in Dobato

Rise early for an optional sunrise hike to Muldai Viewpoint for panoramic mountain scenery. Return for breakfast and continue through forest trails and open terrain toward Chistibung.

Approximately 3000 m 5-6 hours trekking Approximately 8-10 km Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Community lodge in Chistibung

Climb steadily above the forest line toward Khopra Ridge. As the trail gains altitude, expansive views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri and the surrounding Himalayan landscape become increasingly dramatic.

3660 m 4-5 hours trekking Approximately 6-7 km Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Community lodge at Khopra Danda

Begin early for the challenging excursion toward sacred Khayer Lake. The route climbs through rugged high-altitude terrain and provides impressive views of the surrounding peaks. After visiting the lake area, return to Khopra Danda.

4660 m 8-10 hours hiking Approximately 14-16 km round trip Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Community lodge at Khopra Danda

Descend from Khopra Ridge through alpine terrain and forested trails toward Swanta village. Enjoy changing perspectives of the mountains and peaceful village surroundings.

2200 m 5-6 hours trekking Approximately 10-12 km Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Tea house in Swanta

Continue through villages, terraced landscapes and forest trails before joining the classic Annapurna route toward Ghorepani.

2860 m 4-5 hours trekking Approximately 8-10 km Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Tea house in Ghorepani

Wake early and hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, descend toward the road-access point and drive back to Pokhara.

3210 m at Poon Hill 5-7 hours trekking plus drive Varies depending on road access Breakfast, Lunch Hotel in Pokhara

Travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Depending on your onward schedule, transfer to your hotel or Tribhuvan International Airport, concluding the Khopra Danda Trek.

1400 m Approximately 7-8 hours by road Approximately 200 km Breakfast
Know Before You Go

What's Included?

Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara as specified in the itinerary
  • Tea house and community lodge accommodation during the trek
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during trekking days
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porter support according to group size
  • Tourist bus or arranged transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Ground transportation to and from the trekking trailhead
  • Required Annapurna trekking permits
  • Guide and porter accommodation, meals and insurance
  • Basic first-aid support
  • Government taxes and service charges

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Travel and emergency evacuation insurance
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi and personal lodge expenses
  • Alcoholic, bottled and specialty beverages
  • Extra meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Emergency evacuation expenses
  • Additional accommodation caused by delays or personal circumstances
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Any services not specifically mentioned under included services

Accommodation

Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with locally operated tea houses and community lodges throughout the trekking route.

Transportation

Airport transfers, tourist bus or arranged road transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and private or shared local transportation between Pokhara and the trekking trailhead.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided during trekking days. Mountain lodges generally serve dal bhat, soups, noodles, rice, potatoes, pasta, eggs, vegetables and other locally available meals.

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful answers before you plan this journey.

The main Khopra Danda route is generally considered moderate, but the long excursion to Khayer Lake makes the complete itinerary more challenging. Good fitness and trekking preparation are recommended.

Khopra Danda is approximately 3,660 meters above sea level. Trekkers completing the Khayer Lake excursion reach approximately 4,660 meters.

On clear days the route provides excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri and several surrounding Himalayan peaks.

No. The Khayer Lake excursion is optional because it is a long and physically demanding high-altitude day. Travelers may remain at Khopra Danda if they prefer.

March to May and September to November are generally the preferred trekking seasons because weather conditions are usually more stable and Himalayan visibility is often clearer.

The Khopra route is generally quieter than major Annapurna trails such as Annapurna Base Camp and the main Ghorepani route, particularly between Tadapani and Khopra.

Accommodation consists mainly of locally operated tea houses and community lodges. Facilities are simple but suitable for trekking travelers.

Comprehensive travel insurance covering trekking, medical treatment and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.

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