Khopra Danda Trek - 12 days

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Things to Know
  • Duration12 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Altitude 4,660m Khayer Lake
  • Trip Type Trekking | Hiking
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time Feb-May, Sep-Dec
What You’ll Do
  •  Panoramic Himalayan Views – Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri & Machhapuchhre.
  • Sacred Khayer Lake – Beautiful alpine lake at 4,500 m.
  • Authentic Villages – Experience Gurung & Magar culture and hospitality.
  • Rhododendron Trails – Walk through forests, meadows, waterfalls & ridges.
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path – Peaceful trails away from the crowds.
  • Local Community Experience – Stay in cozy lodges and enjoy local cuisine.

The Khopra Danda Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna Region, offering a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path alternative to crowded trails like the Annapurna Base Camp route. This scenic Himalayan trek takes you through traditional Gurung villages, dense rhododendron forests, and stunning alpine ridgelines, leading to Khopra Danda (3,660m)—a spectacular viewpoint with panoramic views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri Himal.

The journey begins from scenic flight to pokhara then with adventurous jeep drive to Ghandruk, a beautiful cultural village, followed by a gradual ascent through forest trails to Tadapani. As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms into open alpine meadows via Bayeli Kharka, finally reaching Khopra Ridge with breathtaking 360° Himalayan views. An optional hike to the sacred Khayer Lake (4,600m) adds a spiritual and adventurous highlight, especially revered during Janai Purnima. The descent follows a scenic route through Swanta Village and Ghorepani, including a sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), one of Nepal’s most iconic viewpoints. The trek concludes at Ban thanti, followed by a drive back to Pokhara for relaxation by the lakeside. This  rewarding 12-day trek is ideal for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, diverse landscapes, and less crowded Himalayan trails. From walking through deep valleys and spotting Nepal’s national bird, the Danphe, to witnessing unforgettable mountain panoramas from Khopra Ridge, this trek perfectly combines adventure, nature, and cultural immersion in Nepal.

Itinerary
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  • Altitude1,400m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time1-2 hours

Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Iconic Holiday Nepal signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.

  • Altitude1940 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time25 min fligh | 3 hrs drive

From Kathmandu, you will take a scenic 25-minute flight to pokhara. After landing at pokhara airport, enjoy some time for lunch before continuing your journey by jeep toward Ghandruk. Nowadays, road access is available all the way up to Ghandruk, making the journey more comfortable and convenient. Upon arrival, you can relax and soak in the stunning mountain views of Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Annapurna III along with the beautiful traditional Gurung village atmosphere.

  • Altitude2610 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4 hrs

Today’s trail climbs gradually through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. During spring, the forest is ablaze with colorful rhododendron blossoms. Along the way, enjoy occasional glimpses of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Tadapani is a peaceful settlement set amidst dense forest with excellent mountain views.

  • Altitude3,420 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5 hrs

Leave the main Annapurna Base Camp trail and enter a quieter, less-traveled route. The trail passes through enchanting cloud forests and alpine meadows. As you gain elevation, the scenery becomes more open and offers panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. Dobato is a small highland settlement with basic lodges.

  • Altitude3000 m
  • AccommodationTea house
  • Time6 hrs

Wake early for a short hike to Muldai Viewpoint, one of the finest sunrise viewpoints in the Annapurna region. From the top, enjoy an extraordinary panorama of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and many other Himalayan peaks. After breakfast, descend through forests and pastureland to Chistibung, a small yak grazing area surrounded by wilderness.

  • Altitude2,660 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4 hours

Trek from Chistibung (3000 m) to Khopra Danda (3,660m) via Danda Kharka. This is a short but rewarding trek of around 3–4 hours with a gradual uphill climb, offering stunning views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri along the way.

  • AltitudeKhayer Lake (4,660m)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time9-10 hrs

Today is a remarkable and difficult day. It is remarkable because you will arrive at Khayer Lake, the highest point of the Khopra Danda Trek. 4660 m above sea level. Additionally, it is challenging because you must walk for almost ten hours straight to get to the highest point and back to Khopra Ridge. At the base of Annapurna South, there is a holy lake called Khayer Lake. For both Buddhists and Hindus, it is a significant place of pilgrimage. It is thought that taking a bath in the Khayer Lake and visiting the Khayer Barahi Temple can aid you in achieving Nirvana. Amazing views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri can be seen from the Khayer Lake Valley, which is located at an elevation of 4660 m

  • Altitude2270 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5 hrs

After returning to Khopra Danda, you will trek down to Swanta Village. This charming village is well known for its community cheese factory, where you can explore the local lifestyle and enjoy tasting fresh, locally produced cheese.

  • Altitude2880 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time6 hrs

Descend to the suspension bridge over the Chhistibung Khola and climb gradually through forests to Ghorepani, a bustling village famous for its panoramic mountain views and access to Poon Hill.

  • Altitude822 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time5 hrs

Early in the morning, hike to Poon Hill for one of the most iconic sunrise views in Nepal. The panorama includes Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then descend to bhanthati, from there, drive back to Pokhara.

  • Altitude1400m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time5-6 hrs

Enjoy the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. It’s a great time to reflect on your adventure and maybe sort your trek photos. By evening, you’re back in the bustling streets of the city.

    Enjoy the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. It’s a great time to reflect on your adventure and maybe sort your trek photos. By evening, you’re back in the bustling streets of the city.

    Trip Cost Details
    Included
    • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
    • Three star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
    • Twin-sharing or dormitory guesthouse accommodation during the trek in the Annapurna region
    • Standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek
    • Experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed, english-speaking trekking guide
    • Permit for Annapurna Conservation Area
    • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
    • Flight ticket from kathmandu to Pokhara
    • Jeep from Pokhara to Ghandruk and Banthati to Pokhara
    • Trip completion certificate
    • All administrative expenses and government taxes
    Excluded
    • International flight fare 
    • Nepal visa | Nepal Visa Information
    • Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
    • Tips to trekking staffs | Expected 
    Useful Info

    Best Time

    The Khopra Danda Trek is possible throughout the year, but spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best seasons for comfortable trekking and clear Himalayan views. Spring brings colorful rhododendron blooms, while autumn offers crisp skies and excellent mountain visibility. Weather becomes wetter during the monsoon and significantly colder at higher elevations in winter.

    Spring (March–May): Generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 10°C to 20°C at mid-to-high elevations. At Khopra Ridge (around 3,660 m), morning and night can fall to around 0°C to 5°C. March and April are particularly beautiful for rhododendron blooms and mountain scenery.

    Summer/Monsoon (June–August): Warm, humid, and frequently wet, with temperatures at lower and mid elevations generally around 15°C to 25°C. Heavy rainfall can make trails muddy and slippery, while clouds often obscure the mountain views.

    Autumn (September–November): Considered the best overall trekking season, with generally dry conditions, fresh air, and excellent Himalayan visibility. At Khopra Ridge, daytime temperatures are typically around 10°C to 15°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to around -2°C to -5°C, particularly in October and November.

    Winter (December–February): Cold and quieter, with clear days but a possibility of snowfall at higher elevations. Temperatures around Khopra Ridge can fall below freezing at night, while daytime conditions are often cool and sunny. Proper warm clothing and a good sleeping bag are essential. The temperature in the trekking regions can be as low as -10 °C in nighttime.

    FAQs
    • The Khopra Dada Trek typically takes 6 to 10 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary and your walking pace.

    • The best time to undertake the Khopra Dada Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. You can experience the most favourable weather conditions in these months, with clear skies.

    • Talking about the difficulty, it is considered to be a moderate trek. While it does not require any technical climbing skills, it does involve steep ascents and descents, so a good level of fitness and trekking experience is recommended.

    • You can get different aids and valuable insights from the guides if you hire one, and a porter will help you to carry excessive loads.

    • You will need two permits to trek in the Khopra Dada area: The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits are obtainable in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

    • Yes, teahouses and lodges are available along the Khopra Dada Trek route. These provide basic accommodation and meals, making it unnecessary to carry camping gear. It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance during the peak trekking seasons.

    • Altitude sickness can be a concern as you ascend to higher elevations during the trek. It's essential to acclimatize appropriately and stay hydrated. In case symptoms worsen, descending to lower altitudes is crucial.

    Client Reviews
    • corinne f
      corinne fFranceDec 13, 2025

      Excellent

      Trek dans la vallée de Naar Fu puis Ghorepani dans la région des Annapurna fait sur mesure C est magique, peu de monde , sentiers faciles , organisation au top et le guide ITTA est super

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