Khopra Danda Trek - 12 days

Rating based on 1 verified review.Read all reviews
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
  • Walking through traditional Nepali Villages, a great chance to explore the cultural and traditional diversity
  • Panoramic views of Entire Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massif
  • Explore Hidden Holy Lake-Khayer Lake at 4,660 meters
  • Walk through the community trail and experience the local lifestyle
  • Unique and less crowded off-beaten path
  • Hike to the popular Poon Hill Trek to witness magical sunrise views

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
Expand AllCollapse All

  • 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 Machapuchhre and Hiunchuli, along with the beautiful traditional Gurung village atmosphere.

  • Altitude2610 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4 hrs

After breakfast, the trail follows the Path of Rhododendron and Oak Forest to Baisi Kharka via Tadapani. After ascending to Tadapani, the trail gradually descends through rhododendron trees to Tadapani.

  • Altitude3,420 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5 hrs

Trek from Tadapani (2,610m) to Dobato (3,420m) via Meshar Danda, which takes 5 hours. The trail involves a gradual uphill hike through dense rhododendron forests, offering a peaceful and scenic journey with occasional mountain views along the way.

  • Altitude3574 m
  • AccommodationTea house
  • Time6 hrs

Today is an exciting day as you hike early morning to Muldai View Point for a spectacular sunrise. From here, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Dhaulagiri. After soaking in the best views, return to Dobato for lunch, and then continue your trek to Chistibung, which takes around 4–5 hours through beautiful forest trails.

  • Altitude2,660 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4 hours

Trek from Chistibung (3,574m) 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
  • Time8-9 hours

Today, you will follow the Khayer Lake excursion from Khopra Danda. Starting early, the trail leads through high alpine landscapes with stunning mountain views. After a steady ascent, you reach the sacred Khayer Lake (4,660m), an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, especially during Janai Purnima. Enjoy breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and surrounding peaks before returning to Khopra Danda, completing a rewarding 15 km round trip.

  • 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
  • Time5 hrs

This day we will leave the beautiful village of Swanta and head to Ghorepani—our destination for the day. At first, we descend through the village fields and reach a small river, which we cross on a suspension bridge, then continue upward to Chittre village, where we join the classic Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. We will be ascending for a while to reach Ghorepani.

  • Altitude822 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time5 hrs

We ascend to Poon Hill (3,210m) early in the morning to witness the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, including Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Poon Hill is a favorite spot for photographers aiming to capture the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. We won’t leave without clicking pictures to our heart’s content. After soaking in the heavenly sunrise views of the towering mountains and rice terraces, we return to Ghorepani and trek to Ban Thanti. Then back to pokhara via jeep

  • 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
    • Twin-sharing accommodation in a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
    • Twin-sharing or dormitory guesthouse accommodation during the trek in the Annapurna region
    • Standard meals (breakfasts, lunches, and dinners) during the trek
    • Experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
    • Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
    • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
    • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
    • Flight ticket cost from kathmandu to Pokhara
    • Jeep from Pokhara to Ghandruk and Ban Thanti to Pokhara
    • Trip completion certificate
    • All administrative expenses and government taxes
    Excluded
    • Nepal visa | Nepal Visa information
    • International flight fare and airport departure tax
    • Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
    • Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
    • Tips to trekking staff and driver
    Useful Info

    Arrival, Accommodation & Trek Essentials

    Arrive in Kathmandu at least one day before your trek, with a free airport pick-up from Tribhuvan International Airport, where our team welcomes you with a traditional garland and transfers you to your hotel. Your journey begins with a scenic drive (or optional short flight) to Pokhara. During the trek, enjoy comfortable lodge stays with twin-sharing rooms, warm hospitality, and basic facilities. The package includes full-board meals on the trek featuring local and international dishes, while city meals remain flexible. A porter carries up to 18 kg for two trekkers, and you’ll carry a personal daypack. Safe drinking water, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charging are available at extra cost. A Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival, and travel insurance (including helicopter rescue) is mandatory. Carry Nepali Rupees for personal expenses (around USD 20/day). Spring and autumn are the best trekking seasons, offering clear skies, pleasant temperatures, blooming forests, and stunning Himalayan views. Spring (March-May): Mild weather, clear skies, and vibrant rhododendron blooms make this an excellent trekking season. The mean daily temperature in the high altitudes is between 5°C to 15 °C. Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures but frequent rainfall can make trails slippery. The summer day temperatures at high elevations range from 15°C to 25°C. Autumn (September-November): Ideal trekking conditions with crisp air, clear skies, and stunning landscapes. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 20°C in high altitudes, the nights are colder at around 5°C. Winter (December-February): Cold temperatures dominate, but the fewer crowds and clear skies offer a peaceful experience. The temperature in the trekking regions can be as low as -5 °C. 

     

    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

      TripAdvisor

    Our global team of experts is here to assist you.

    Need Travel Advice