Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: Tourist Bus & Private Vehicle
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Pokhara Hotel & Teahouse
  • Group Size: 2-16
  • Max Elevation: Khopra Ridge (3660m)

Highlights

  • A lovely bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back. 
  • Trek through villages that are set against a backdrop of towering mountains.
  • Learn the Gurung culture in the biggest Gurung village of Annapurna region- Ghandruk.
  • Delightful mountain views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range from Khopra Danda
  • Trek to the holy Khayer Lake.
  • Trek through lush rhododendron forests of ACAP region.
  • Explore the flora and fauna of the Annapurna region.

Description

The Khopra danda trekking trail is one of the relatively new trekking routes in the Annapurna region. The trekking trail to Khopra Danda is also connected with Annapurna Base Camp trail. In the Khopra Danda trek organized by Mount Mania, you will also trek to Khayer Lake (Tal).

All in all, this trek lasts for 13 days. First, you will go to Pokhara in a scenic bus ride along the hills that surround the Kathmandu valley alongside Marsyangdi and Trishuli river. From Pokhara, you will again drive up to Nayapul and then start your trek. 

After trekking to various picturesque villages of the Annapurna region like Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Chistibung, you will get to Khopra ride. Along the way, you will trek through dense rhododendron forests where you might be able to see various animals and birds like Himalayan Thar and Lophophorus. 

Khopra Danda (Hill) offers some of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas of the Annapurna region. These include mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna (I, II, III, and south), Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal and Nilgiri. 

From Khopra Hill, you will trek uphill to get to Khayer Lake. This holy lake of the Hindus lies at an altitude of 4827 meters. The lake area also has some Hindu as well as Buddhist shrines. This gives you an insight into the amazing religious diversity as well as tolerance in Nepal. 

Khayer Lake is an off-the-beaten-path trekking destination in Nepal. As a result, the trekking trails are quite fresh and the landscape is also authentic. Further, the amazing hospitality of the people in the Khayer Lake region is also something that every trekker should look forward to.

After an excursion to Khopra ridge and Khayer Lake, you will make your descent to Nayapul after trekking past Swanta village and Ulleri. 

You can also trek to Khayer Lake and Khopra Danda while you come for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Poon Hill Trek. You can contact Mount Mania easily. We will then be able to customize your trip to Khopra Ridge easily.

A trek to Khopra Ridge by Mount Mania takes you to a unique region and geography as well as wonderful views of the mountains and the lush, green rhododendron forests of the Annapurna region. 

11 Days Khopra Danda Trek Itinerary

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You will leave your hotel early morning for a drive with scenic views along the road to Pokhara via Prithvi national highway. Along the highway, you can see the Marsyangdi and Trishuli River. After a drive of 6-7 hrs, you will reach Pokhara (820 meters).

Pokhara is the most popular tourist destination in Nepal. It is home to many wonderful lakes like Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa lake. You can also go for boating in these lakes. There are also some adventurous caves in Pokhara like Gupteshwor cave, Bat Cave, etc. You can also head out to these caves and explore them.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 820m

After taking breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara, you will take a taxi from our hotel to Nayapul. After a drive of about 1 hour, you will reach Nayapul. A 4-5 hour trek from Nayapul will take you to Ghandruk(1950 meters).

The village of Ghandruk is also known as Ghandrung. It is the largest Gurung settlements in the Annapurna region. This village is set in a wonderful backdrop of mountains that includes the likes of Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mount Annapurna and others. You can also visit the Annapurna Mountain Conservation Area Project (ACAP) headquarters located in Ghandrung. You can also take a tour of the Gurung museum in Ghandrung. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 1950m

Today’s trek to Tadapani will give you great views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli Mountains. You will trek through the dense rhododendron forests along the way. The Rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and when they bloom, the forests turn into gardens of dazzling red flowers.

You will experience the wilderness of nature along the way as you hear the sound of waterfalls and chirping. There are no villages along the trekking route today. However, there is a huge buffalo pasture. You will have a momentary break here to have some snacks. After trekking for 3-4 hours, you will reach the village of Tadapani(2590 meters). This quaint village offers you excellent views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and Hiunchuli mountains. Tadapani is also your overnight stop. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 2590m

After having a hot breakfast, you will start your trek by entering into a beautiful rhododendron and oak forest on an upward trail. After a small descent, you will further trek uphill through rhododendron forests. You will also pass a bigger ridge top at Dobato. On clear days, the ridge offers splendid views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. From the ridge, you will continue your uphill trek to Bayeli Kharka. From the village, you will enjoy mesmerizing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri- the seventh highest mountain in the world. The trek from Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka (3420 meters) is 5-6 hours long. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3420m

After breakfast, you will descend through open ground and beautiful forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung. Next, you will trek a gentle uphill through a forest before reaching Upper Chistibung (2975 meters) where you will spend your night. The trek up to Upper Chistibing from Bayeli Kharka is 4-6 hours long. Upper Chistibung has a temporary herder’s settlement. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the colorful Lophophorus (Danphe), the national bird of Nepal. You might also catch sight of Himalayan Thar on the grassy ridge high above the trail. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 2975m

Today, you will have a fairly reasonable trek to Kopra ridge(3660 meters). The trek is merely 3-4 hours long. This is the first day in the trek where you will cross the elevation of 3000 meters. So we advise you to have a sufficient breakfast. You should also carry some in order to maintain your energy levels while trekking.

The trek takes you along quite a steep uphill. You will ascend above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures to reach Khopra. So you will have to take some frequent breaks in between. You might also catch glimpses of Himalayan tahr (the wild goat) and Lophophorus. As we reach, Khopra Ridge we can see the view of Annapurna South.

You will reach Kopra ridge for your lunch. Upon reaching Khopra, we will go for a short walk down Khopra Ridge to a viewpoint overlooking Kali Gandaki river far below in this deep valley. You will have wonderful panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri, Bahrasikhar, along with their foothills. The community lodges in Khopra ridge are well-known for the warm hospitality they provide to all their guests.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3660m

After a hot breakfast, you will head out on a 3-4 hour journey to Khayer Lake. Khayer lake is an excellent vantage point to get views of Fang (7,647m) and the surrounding mountains. This lake is a sacred lake of the Hindus. People believe that taking a bath here will help achieve Nirvana. As Hinduism and Buddhism are closely related in Nepal, you can even see a number of Hindu and Buddhist shrines on the lakeside. If you do not want to trek all the way to the lake, we can also arrange a hike of half a day of a trek from Khopra ridge.  

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 4620m

After observing panoramic views of the mountains in the morning at Khopra ridge, you will initially descend along a steep trail to Chistibung. The trek to Chitsibung is merely 2 hours long. A one hour trek from Swanta will take you to pasture land. Pasture land is also known as a Kharka in Nepalese language. You have your lunch in this Kharka.

From the Kharka, the trek takes you along some uphills and downhills until you reach Swanta Village (2200 meters). Along the way to Swanta, you will also get views of Mount Dhaulagiri with a lovely backdrop to the terraced fields and traditional houses in the nearby villages. Altogether, today’s trek is 5-6 hours long.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 2200m

Today, you will descend to Ulleri (2050 meters) on a 5-6 hour trekking journey. Initially, you will descend through village fields to a small river. You will also have a quick look at the local water mill along the way. After crossing a suspension bridge, you will trek uphill to the village of Chittre. Trekking further, you will reach Ghorepani. Ghorepani is the home to the largest rhododendron forest in the world. From Ghorepani, you will descend through rhododendron forest to until you reach Ulleri. You will have your overnight stay in Ulleri.  

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 2050m

After breakfast, you will be heading for Pokhara. During the trek, you will enjoy the amazing hilly landscape of western Nepal. The trek from Ulleri to Pokhara is a healthy descent as you trek down through more than 3000 staircases along the way. After trekking for 4-5 hours, you will reach Nayapul. This is where the Khopra Ridge Trek ends. A private vehicle will pick you up and drive to Pokhara. The drive to Pokhara is 1 hour long. You can enjoy the rich nightlife in Pokhara after you get there. 

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 820m

After early breakfast at a hotel in Pokhara, you will check-out from the hotel. You will then head out to the Tourist Bus Park in Pokhara to catch your tourist bus. The bus leaves at 7 AM in the morning, The bus ride will take you past small towns on the way. You will also get to see rural settlements, gushing rivers, terraces, and green rural landscapes. After 6 hours drive, you will arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. One of the Mount Mania representatives will invite you to attend a farewell dinner with a cultural show in the evening. After dinner, you will go to your hotel for your overnight stay. 

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1320m
Customize my trip

Trip Map

11 Days Khopra Danda Trek map

What to Expect

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup and Drop
  • Teahouse Accommodation during the trek
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • Round Trip Tourist Bus Ticket (Kathmandu and Pokhara)
  • Hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast (Twin Sharing)
  • English Speaking Trekking Guide with Food & Accommodation, Insurance, and Transportation
  • All Trekking Permits (ACAP and TIMS Card)
  • Use of sleeping bag & Duffel bag (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed)
  • Daily seasonal fresh fruits after dinner 
  • A first aid kit carried by the guide (Oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse in high altitude) 
  • All Government and Local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
  • Hotel & Meals in Kathmandu
  • Meals in Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation in Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Personal expenses (WiFi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
  • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Tips for Guides, Porters, and Drivers

Optional

  • Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight USD 106$ Per Person  
  • Pokhara to  Kathmandu  Flight USD 106$ Per Person
  • Hotel in Kathmandu Twin sharing On BB USD 60$

Before departure to the trip, there will be a group meeting with the trekking guide at the office. He/She will answer all the queries that you have on your mind.

Meeting Location: Mount Mania Treks & Expedition P. Ltd., Samarpan Marg, Banasthali, Kathmandu, Nepal

Note: If you find difficult to come to our meeting location, send us the hotel details via email. Our guide will come to meet up with you individually. 

Useful Information

Khopra Danda Trek Difficulty 

Khopra Danda trek is a moderately difficult trek. 

The total length of the Khopra Danda Trek is 13 days. As you will trek to an altitude of more than 4000 meters, you will have to prepare to keep altitude sickness away.

You will also encounter some steep uphills during this trek, especially when you trek up to Khayer Lake. So you will need a physical preparation of around a couple of months before coming to this trek. 

There are various ways of preparing for this trek. These include running, cycling, jogging, strength training, etc. 

Best Time for Khopra Danda Trek

The best time to complete the Khopra Danda Trek are the seasons of Autumn (September, October, and November) and  Spring (March, April, and May). 

The temperature of the Annapurna region during the autumn and spring seasons are quite pleasant. The views of the various mountains from different villages and lodges during your trek are also really pleasant in these seasons. 

As this trek takes you to an altitude of more than 4500 meters during this trek, it can get quite cold in the winter season (December, January, and February). So you should pack well in the winter season to keep the cold away. 

If you want to do the summer trek (June, July, and August) to Khopra Danda, you will need good trekking equipment. This includes sturdy trekking boots, raincoats, and umbrellas. All of these will make the summer trek to Khopra Danda easier as it will help you to deal with the monsoon of this season.