Khopra Danda Trek: A Great Alternative to Most Popular Ghorepani Trek

Situated between the two famous Annapurna Base Camp and Jomsom-Muktinath trek, Khopra Ridge Khayer Lake trekking is a newly growing trail.

The Khopra ridge trek is a newly established trekking trail in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

Offering the magnificent Himalayan vista, this trek has attracted several trekkers towards the unexplored trails to Khayer lake. The Khayer Danda offers the best glimpses of unbeatable viewpoints.

Khopra ridge trek promotes nature as well as the culture in the Annapurna region. One can enjoy the exotic landscapes, Himalayas, biodiversity, and many others along with enticing villages en route. Inhabited by Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri & many other ethnic groups, the villages manifest diverse cultures, lifestyles, languages, and traditions.

The trekking trail is miscellaneous. It rewards the trekkers with mixed experiences. One can explore the lush jungles, local and indigenous wildlife, phenomenal sunrise views, flocks of domestic yaks, exceptional Himalayan vistas, and a lot more.

Exploring local settlements is a great feeling. You will clearly see the sources of the local economy, the way that people are earning their day to day life. You will see agriculture, mushroom farms, cow and yak farms, and also the yak cheese factory.

The trek to Khayer Lake is miraculous. You will be exploring the high altitude water ecosystem at the Khayer lake. This holy lake is a major point of attraction. The Khopra Danda is a splendid viewpoint from where you will see amazing views of Mt Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Tukuche peak, Dhampus Peak, and the Kali Gandaki valley.  

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Main Attractions of Khopra Danda Trek

• Handmade paper production
• Cheese factory and Mushroom farms
• Visiting Yak and Cow breeding farms
• The Pastoral villages
• Visiting the holy Khayer Lake, 4600 meters
• Explore different settlements witnessing the unique culture and languages of Magar, Gurung, Brahmin, Chhetris, and other ethnic people.
• Incredible views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, II, III and south, Hiunchuli, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Lamjung Himal and Mt. Nilgiri.

Khopra Ridge Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Pokhara

Day 2: Drive to Nayapul. Trek to Ghandruk

Day 3: Trek to Tadapani

Day 4: Trek to Bayeli Kharka

Day 5: Trek to Upper Chistibung

Day 6: Trek to Khopra Ridge

Day 7: Explore Khayer Lake

Day 8: Trek to Swanta Village

Day 9: Trek to Ulleri

Day 10: Trek to Nayapul. Drive to Pokhara

Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu

Accommodation and Food During Khopra Danda Trek

Khopra Danda is a lodge trekking route in the beautiful Annapurna region. There are several tea houses run by the local community.

We will stay at different lodges en route during this trek. The lodges are comfortable. They provide good services for accommodation and food. At the lodges, they will provide you good rooms, and good foods. In addition, they also provide wifi, battery charging, extra blankets, hot showers, and several other services. For the additional services they provide, they charge extra fees.

The lodges have big dining halls where you can stay resting and using wifi. The food is good. You will have several options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Ongoing towards the higher altitudes, the lodges will have small rooms and will have common bathrooms.

Difficulty Level of Khopra Khayer Lake Trek

The Khopra Danda trek is an easy trek. But, if you are also going to Khayer lake, the trek becomes moderately difficult. Some of the difficulty factors during Khopra ridge trek are:

Altitude

The major difficulty factor during Khopra Danda with Khayer lake trekking is the altitude. The maximum altitude during this trek is at Khayer lake, 4600 meters. This is a high altitude. At such altitude, trekkers are prone to altitude sickness.

The Khopra danda height is less than the Khayer lake. However, the Khayer Danda altitude is 3640 meters, which in itself is a high one. Mostly, the trekkers coming from the sea level might get the sickness while trekking here.

Remoteness

The trek to Khopra danda takes you through the beautiful remote villages in Annapurna. You will be trekking for 10 days in a remote place far from the knock of city life. Also, the trekking trails are rugged and remote. At many places, you will be walking through the jungles, along the rivers with no houses around. If you are someone who seeks luxury and comfort, this trek can be difficult for you.

Weather and Climate

The weather is one of the major factors that determine how your trek is going to be. In remote and rugged trails, it is definitely tough to trek if it rains or snows. If you are trekking during off-seasons, you must look for the weather conditions. The trail becomes very wet and slippery making it hard to walk. However, with adequate gears and proper information on weather and climate, you will have a good time trekking.

Khopra Danda to Khayer Lake

Khopra Khayer Lake trek is a newly opened trekking trail in the Annapurna region. One of the major attractions of this trek is the Khayer lake, 4600 meters. The trek from Khopra Danda to Khayer lake is highly remote. It takes around 5 to 6 hours to reach Khayer lake from the Khopra ridge.

There are no lodges on the trail. The trail is remote and is strenuous as well. Most of the trekkers find this part of the trail difficult. Along with being remote, you will gain around 1000 meters altitude in a few hours. You must be very careful while doing this part. Hydrate yourself properly and walk slow.

More challenging is more satisfying, they say. The trail to and from Khopra ridge to Khayer lake is an example. Though the trail is hard, the beauty of the majestic Khayer lake is more than your struggle. The view of this tranquil high altitude lake is more than satisfying. In addition, there is a Brahma temple which adds to the satisfaction.

Most of the trekkers return to Khayer danda after exploring the magnificent view of Khayer lake, the Himalayas, and the Brahma temple. But there are few who want to stay overnight at Khayer lake. If you have something like that on your mind, you should manage a crew for camping. There are no lodges here.

Perfect Season for Khopra Danda Trek

A perfect trekking season is a season when the weather and temperature will be favor a comfortable trek. During the seasons of Autumn (September, October, and November) and Spring (March, April, and May), the weather becomes moderate and calm. You don’t have to walk during heavy downpours as in monsoon or harsh cold as in winter. This makes Autumn and Spring the popular seasons for Khayer lake trekking.

This time also has clean weather and great visibility. The chances of rainfall or snowfall are very less. Even at Khayer Lake, 4600 meters, the temperature will be mild with good weather.

The trekking trail in monsoon (June, July, and August) becomes muddy and slippery due to frequent rainfalls. The Khopra Danda weather might not be fair. The monsoon clouds are disturbing. They cover the skies and also deteriorate the splendid views of surroundings. You might not see the best views of alluring landscapes and the Himalayas.

Winter (December, January, and February) is uncomfortably cold. At the higher altitudes, there are chances that it may snow. Some of the parts of the trail like Khopra Danda to Khayer lake are highly affected by harsh winter winds, thick fogs, and heavy snows. Appropriate winter gear will do good. The cold shall not bother you, but you must be very careful walking over snow piled trails.

Khopra Danda trek Without a Guide

Khopra Danda Trek is a newly established trekking trail. The trekking trails are well marked. You will see sigh boards with altitude information and arrows pointing the further trails. Trekking to Khopra Danda is not very difficult. However, if you are also visiting the Khayer lake, the trek to and from Khopra Danda to Khayer lake is a bit tougher.

Solo trekking is absolutely possible to Khopra Danda. With adequate information and courage, you can do this route alone. But when it comes to finding accommodation and food in peak seasons, your safety concerns, it is always better to go with a guide.

Hiring a guide for the Khopra ridge trek is solely your choice. You can go with or without a guide. But remember, going with a guide has numerous perks over going alone. A guide will always make sure that you have the best journey. S/he will give you a company throughout the trek and will help you out in any difficult situation.

If you have lots of previous trekking experiences at high altitudes and tough trails, you can easily manage to go alone in this trek. Make sure you carry all the essential gear and make good plans.

Khopra Danda Trek Cost

On average, the total cost for Mohare Danda Khopra Ridge trek package is USD $1100. However, the cost varies if you want to customize our package itinerary.

This cost includes:

• Ground transportations on a comfortable vehicle as per itinerary
• Accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and at the teahouses
• Three times meal during trek
• Farewell dinners
• Guide, Porter, and staff costs (excluding their tips)
• Paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)

This cost excludes your extra costs during the stay in Nepal.

• Trekking Permits For Khopra Danda Trek
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
• Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Permit

Some Useful Tips for Khopra Danda Trek

• Carry your own refillable bottle with filter. You should also carry water purifying pills.
• Maintain a constant pace of the walk. Drink plenty of water, especially when you are at higher altitudes.
• Be careful while walking. The trails are rugged and remote. You might get leg injuries or sprains.
• Carry some energy bars and lightweight snacks. They will be really useful if you feel less in energy in the middle of trekking.
• Wear comfortable trekking shoes. An uncomfortable shoe will give you blisters and will make it hard to trek.
• Bring a good quality sleeping bag. Accommodation at higher altitudes isn’t so good. Sleeping bags will help a lot.

What do I Pack for Khopra Ridge Khayer Lake Trekking?

Body wears

• Headscarf
• Warm Hat
• Sunglasses
• Half sleeve T-shirts, moisture-wicking
• Full sleeve T-Shirts (dry-fit)
• A Wind Cheater Jacket
• Waterproof jacket, if you are going in monsoon
• Lightweight thermal tops and bottoms
• A pair of Woolen or Fleece gloves
• Hiking Shorts or Convertible Trekking Pants
• Trekking pants with Fleece
• Waterproof trekking pants, if you are going in monsoon
• Few pairs of normal and woolen socks
• A pair of comfortable trekking shoes

Toiletries

• Soaps and Shampoos
• Toilet Roll
• Body lotion or moisturizer
• Sunscreen lotion with high SPF
• Sanitizer Gel
• A lightweight towel

Medical

• Band-aids
• Anti-loose motion pills
• Anti headache pills
• Medicines for allergies, cold, and cough
• Anti-altitude sickness pills
• Water purification tablets
• Anti-diarrheal antibiotics

Practical items

• Sleeping bag
• A comfortable backpack or daypack
• Camera with extra batteries
• Binoculars
• Guide books
• Power bank
• Headlight or Torches