The Khopra Danda Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering stunning views of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare (Fishtail), as well as an opportunity to experience the local culture of remote villages. The trek is less crowded compared to other popular treks in the Annapurna region, providing a more serene and tranquil trekking experience.
This Khopra Danda Trek begins from Pokhara and follows a less-traveled route through picturesque villages, terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and high-altitude meadows, all leading to Khopra Danda. The trek also offers a side trip to Khopra Ridge, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Khopra Danda Trek Highlights
- Poon Hill: Early morning sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Khopra Danda: A less-crowded and peaceful viewpoint offering panoramic views of the mountains.
- Khayer Lake: A sacred high-altitude lake with stunning views (optional side trip).
- Local Culture: Interaction with friendly locals from Gurung, Magar, and Tibetan backgrounds, and exploration of traditional Nepali villages.
- Rhododendron Forests: Colorful forests filled with blooming rhododendron flowers during spring.
Trekking Information
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate. The trek involves ascending to high altitudes and some steep paths, but it is suitable for trekkers with average fitness levels.
- Accommodation: Most of the accommodation is in basic teahouses that offer simple but comfortable lodging and local food.
- Food: Typical Nepali food such as Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos, noodles, and tea. Higher altitudes may have limited options.
- Altitude Acclimatization: The trek reaches altitudes above 3,600 meters, so it’s important to take it slow and stay hydrated to prevent altitude sickness.
Permits Required
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for trekking in the Annapurna region.
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Required for all trekkers in the Annapurna region.
Safety & Health Tips
- Altitude Sickness: While the highest point of this trek is Khopra Danda (3,660 meters), it's still important to acclimatize properly. Ascend slowly and stay hydrated.
- Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions. The mornings and evenings can be cold, while the days are generally warm.
- Physical Preparation: The trek involves some steep ascents and descents, so it's recommended to be physically prepared for moderate-to-challenging conditions.
Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival
- Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Transfer to Hotel, Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 2: Drive/Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Duration: 6-7 hours by bus or 25-30 minutes by flight
- Arrive in Pokhara, a picturesque lakeside city. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by Phewa Lake or exploring the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, and Sarangkot for great views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains.
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga
- Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
- Elevation: Nayapul (1,070m) to Tikhedhunga (1,540m)
- Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5-2 hours by jeep or bus).
- Begin your trek from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga, passing through lush forests and small villages.
- The first part of the trek is relatively easy and gives you a chance to acclimatize.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Tikhedhunga.
Day 4: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Elevation: Tikhedhunga (1,540m) to Ghorepani (2,850m)
- Today’s trek is a steady climb through rhododendron forests and terraced fields.
- You’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks as you ascend to Ghorepani.
- Ghorepani is a popular stop on the Annapurna Circuit, offering panoramic mountain views.
- Overnight stay in Ghorepani.
Day 5: Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Swanta
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Elevation: Ghorepani (2,850m) to Swanta (2,200m)
- Wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m). This is one of the most famous viewpoints in Nepal, offering incredible views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare ranges.
- After sunrise, descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast.
- Continue the trek towards Swanta, a charming village located in a lush valley surrounded by terraced fields and forests.
- Overnight stay in Swanta.
Day 6: Trek from Swanta to Khopra Danda
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
- Elevation: Swanta (2,200m) to Khopra Danda (3,660m)
- Begin your ascent to Khopra Danda, a ridge that offers some of the best views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- The trek takes you through dense forests, past waterfalls, and along ridges with sweeping views.
- Once you reach Khopra Danda, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare.
- Overnight stay at a teahouse in Khopra Danda.
Day 7: Explore Khopra Danda and Visit Khayer Lake (Optional)
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours (if opting for Khayer Lake trek)
- Elevation: Khopra Danda (3,660m) to Khayer Lake (4,600m)
- Optional side trip to Khayer Lake: Early in the morning, you can choose to make a day trip to the stunning Khayer Lake, which lies at an altitude of 4,600 meters. The trek to the lake takes around 5-6 hours one way, and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and the surrounding landscapes.
- If you don’t want to go all the way to Khayer Lake, you can spend the day exploring the area around Khopra Danda, enjoying the tranquility and the surrounding views.
- Return to Khopra Danda for the night.
Day 8: Trek from Khopra Danda to Swanta
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Elevation: Khopra Danda (3,660m) to Swanta (2,200m)
- Retrace your steps back down to Swanta.
- The descent is easier and faster, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings as you pass through forests and villages.
- Overnight stay in Swanta.
Day 9: Trek from Swanta to Tikhedhunga and Drive to Pokhara
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Elevation: Swanta (2,200m) to Tikhedhunga (1,540m) and drive to Pokhara
- From Swanta, trek down to Tikhedhunga and then take a jeep or bus ride back to Pokhara.
- The drive will take around 1.5-2 hours.
- Once in Pokhara, relax by Phewa Lake or explore the local markets.
Day 10: Drive/Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Duration: 6-7 hours by bus or 25-30 minutes by flight
- Drive or fly back to Kathmandu.
- End of your trek and optional evening sightseeing or shopping in Kathmandu.
Day 11: Departure
- Drop to airport
- Fly back to home or onward destination.
Cost Includes
- All transport as per in itinerary.
- Twin share hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara on BB (Bed & breakfast) basis.
- Twin share or multi share basic lodge accommodation on trek.
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trekking.
- Annapurna Conservation entrance fees & Trekking permit (TIMS).
- 1 Porters on each 2 trekkers to carry personal gear
- 15kg luggage allowance while on trek
- English speaking trekking guide
- Comprehensive medical kit
Cost Excludes
- International Flight Ticet.
- Nepal visa fees.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry.
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
- Travel insurance.
- Emergency evacuation.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of our company.
- Domestic flight ticket (optional)