Main Info
TRIP FACTS
Are you on the hunt for the less explored and short trek around the lap of the Annapurna Region? If that’s the case, then we will suggest the Khopra Danda Trek, also known for the grandeur of the Annapurna Region. This trek features every beauty that has to offer at every turn. It includes glorious mountains, deep valleys, tranquil forests, farmlands, and local settlements.
Khopra Danda Trek, also called Khopra Ridge Trek, is a less beaten path trek with an excellent option for a short trek. You will pass through fast-flowing rivers, lush forests, captivating Himalayan views, cultural villages, and farming lands. Keep your eyes open and feel your presence in your body and the larger space around you. Also, appreciate the presence of rhododendron forest, Himalayan wildlife, and grazing herds of yak.
One aspect that has been achieved with persistent interest is recreation. Enjoy your interest in enjoying the surroundings during the walk. Pass through the ups and downs and let your attention be drawn toward the beauty you will find in every curve. Complement the view of mountains including Annapurna Range (8,091 m), Hiunchuli (6,470 m), Dhaulagiri (8,176 m), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), Nilgiri Himal (7,061 m) and many more.
Khopra Danda Trek Highlights
- Enjoy a fantastic sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.
- Panoramic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Mt. Nilgiri, Annapurna Range, South, Mt. Hiuchuli, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Manaslu, and many other mountains
- Unwind in a completely natural hot spring.
- Off-beat path for an adventurous journey, including magnificent forests of trees, including oaks and pines, and rhododendrons.
- Visit Khayer Lake after an exciting and rewarding trek to an altitude of 4,660 meters, considered a holy site by Hindus and Buddhists.
Khopra Danda Trek Route Map
Are you wondering about the map of the Khopra Danda trek? If you click the infographic image below, you will see the route map of Khopra Trek.
We have designed the digital map for simplicity and practicality and to enhance your trekking experience. In addition, this map portrays the extension trails, peaks, rivers, and religious sites. Click the infographic image below to learn about the route.
Khopra Danda Trek distance is ten days, starting with the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. The whole distance of the Khopra Danda Trek Itinerary is about 320 km. The distance differs from the days of the itinerary and the trek start point. Our trek starts ahead of Nayapul, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Chistibung, and finally, Khopra Ridge.
We will return to Dobato, Ghandruk, Pokhara, and then Kathmandu. On the map, you will see the extension route of the Khopra trek. Upon your interest, we can also extend the trail to Mohare Trek or ABC Trek for more exciting adventures and views.
Is Khopra Danda Trek difficult?
The Khopra Danda walking path is surprisingly demanding, given that it is at most 4,000 meters in altitude (12,000 ft). A significant section of the trek is entirely uphill on steep slopes. The trekking distance is extremely extensive. However, we only need to walk for up to five hours daily.
Sometimes you have to walk for six hours straight, so we highly recommend making preparations before trekking. When hiking for a significant distance, the trails will take you from a lower to a higher altitude.
Khopra Danda Trek Permit
Khopra Danda Trek requires two permits: an Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit and a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card). Before starting a trip in the region, you need all the above permits. At different checkpoints along the way, you will have to show them.
For more info, visit: Trekking Route and Permit Fee
Note: When making an official document, you usually have to give a copy of your passport and a photo the same size as your passport. Bring at least eight to ten passport-sized photographs. We will acquire the necessary travel permits and handle all legal documentation.
Khopra Danda Trek Cost Details
Price Includes
- KTM-PKR-KTM bus fare as per itinerary
- Permit Cards Expenses
- Experienced Himalayan trek guide for 09 days
- One porter for two of you for trekking for 07 days (prepare to give max. 15 kgs’ luggage from each of you so that it will not exceed 30 kg. for your porter)
- Basic yet comfortable accommodation for 06 nights on a twin-sharing basis during the trekking as per itinerary.
- Staff insurance
- 06 x set breakfast, 07 x set lunch and 06 x set dinner while on the trek
- Purified drinking water during the entire trekking as per itinerary
- General first aid medicine kit
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Duffle bag during the trek
Price Excludes
- International Flight Fare
- Food and Accommodation in KTM and PKR since there are many possibilities available.
- Personnel expenses of any kind
- Any Travel Insurance
- Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances that may lead to a change in itinerary.
- Tips for any staff and guide
- Anything that is not listed in the “PRICE INCLUDES” section above
Itinerary
We will check out of the hotel after breakfast in the early morning. The distance between here and Pokhara is 126 miles, and it will take us around 7 hours to drive there today. You may feel crazy, as such a short-distance trip will take around 7 hours to reach Pokhara. That’s Nepal for you, as the Himalayan road has much to do with it.
The bus climbs gently out of the Kathmandu valley onto the mountain route that leads to the Prithivi Highway. It's adventurous as you make your way through the narrow corridors and down the steep slope.
Green hills, the swiftly flowing Trishuli river, little settlements, and distant white peaks provide enough visual stimulation to keep one awake on such a lengthy journey. When you get there, you can relax in Pokhara.
After breakfast, we will leave Pokhara and head toward Baglung Bus Park. We book the ticket for the bus to Nayapul. After some minutes of waiting in the bus park, we will leave Pokhara. You will drive for about two hours to reach Nayapul. The route to Nayapul is reckless because of bumpy and windy roads.
After 2 hours, you will finally reach Nayapaul and get ready for a short walk toward Tikherdunga. After walking around 1.5 KM from Nayapul, you will reach the ACAP check-post at Birethati. We will then turn left and ascend gradually along the small village of Tikhedunga. You will notice many lodge options as soon as you enter the village.
We are still on the same trail as the Poon Hill trek, so you may find many tourists on the way. You will find all ages of tourists enjoying this trek because it is marked as an "easy trek." However, some tourists find this trek hard as they have to climb the rocky stairs to reach Ghorepani.
After finishing the stone stairs, the trail became much more gradual as we climbed to Ghorepani. In the peak season, you might feel frustrated as some parts of the trail need to be wider to pass. After some hours of additional walking, you will finally reach Ghorepani.
People travel to Ghorepani mainly for the fantastic sunrise view from Poon Hill. It is marketed as the most beautiful view of the Himalayas because it is accessible for all ages. You can get a better view if you ascend further into the mountains.
After breakfast, we will leave the main trail behind and start the actual trek ahead of us. After some moments leaving the main trail, we will meet the suspension bridge. Crossing that bridge before the steep climb, we will reach Swanta village.
From this village, we will again continue our walk to our destination. The trail waves through a dense forest, moving away from civilization and sounds. After some additional hours of walking, you will finally reach Chistibung.
Today you will only walk for about 2.5–3 hours to reach Khopra Ridge. During the winter, you might find layers of snow covering the trail. The trail is steep and gains 200 m in elevation for every 1 kilometer.
After you leave the treeline near Chistibung, the view of the mountain starts to appear. After the trail started taking a steep turn, we began to stroll around the ridge to the community lodge. You will see Mt. Dhaulagiri, the 7th highest mountain in the world, in front of us. You will have enough time to rest here and enjoy the beautiful view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South right in your face. As the sun began to set, the peaks looks more beautiful, painted with the rays of the sun forming orange in color.
Today we will walk up before the sun to see the sunrise view over the Himalayas. Wrapped in thick clothes, waiting until the sun rises, you will suddenly see an unbelievable sight in front of you. The Himalayas lit up a bright orange as if on fire as the sun hit them first thing in the morning. This might be a memorable sunrise if the weather is clear.
There is also the side trip above Khopra Ridge. That place is called Khayer Lake, at a height of 4600 m. The trail to reach there is very demanding and exceptionally beautiful too. If you have the time and courage to climb further, please visit Khayer Lake.
Coming to our usual routine, we will have breakfast with a fantastic view of the mountains. After that, we will head down to Chistibung, which takes 1.5 hours. From here, we will turn left and head toward Dobato. We will descend steeply through the dense forest and reach a river. After some additional descending, we will reach Bayeli.
After resting and gaining some energy, we will hear the Dobato. From here, it is about 2.5 km to reach Dobato. After about 4 hours of walking from Bayeli, we will finally reach Dobato.
If you like to see another magical sunrise view, we will wake up early morning before the sun at Muldai Viewpoint. This viewpoint is located at an altitude of 3,640 m, and another exceptional view is awaiting us. It takes only 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint, but the trail is steep.
As you reach the top, you will see amazing views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchare, and even Mt. Manaslu. The panorama of mountains is soo exceptional from here. Please be careful while going down, as the trail might be slippery.
We will be back at the lodge and have breakfast before heading further. After some hours of walking, you will be hitting the dirt trail, which is easy to walk. We will now reach Tadapani, the major trekking junction and a popular short hike from Pokhara.
The trail will be crowded again in peak season because this route is also an alternative trail to Poon Hill. We will continue walking down to the mossy and blooming rhododendron forest. After some minutes, we will reach Ghandruk.
Early in the morning, we will have breakfast and walk for around 1 hour to catch the public bus to Pokhara. On the way, you will see a beautiful waterfall and small settlements. There are many food and accommodation options, so you can choose what suits your taste. After 3 hours of a bumpy and adventurous ride, you will finally reach Pokhara.
Today we will return to Kathmandu, passing through the green hills and thundering rivers. After 7 hours of riding on a bumpy road, you will finally reach Kathmandu.
Maps
