Trip Duration
6 Days
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
4,620m / 15,157ft.
Activity
Trekking
Destination
Nepal
Group Size
1-16 Pax
Accommodation
3 star Hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Need help?
Talk to trip expert
Until now, you may have only walked through the renowned trekking spots of the Annapurna region. However, this incredible region also hides one very beautiful corner known as the Khopra Danda trek that offers unadulterated nature and a much-awaited enchanting seclusion.
Our Khopra Danda trek will guide you to such less visited area of Annapurna that lies on the northeastern expanse of Pokhara in Gandaki province between Kaski and Myagdi Districts. Here, the mountains appear so close, that it seems you can almost touch them.
Unlike other trekking trails of Annapurna, our Khopra ridge trek 6 days journey will lead you along the secluded path in the remote wilderness setting of the region.
You will also reach not one but two outstanding viewpoints of the Annapurna region: the Khopra Ridge itself (3660 m) and the Poon Hill Point (3210 m).
These remarkable vantage points present the magnificence up-close sightings of Annapurna II (7937 m), Manaslu (8163 m), Dhaulagiri I (8167 m), II (7751 m), III (7715 m), IV (7661 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Tukuche Peak (6920 m), Baraha Shikhar (7847 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), Fishtail (6993 m), Gurja Peak (7193 m), Kali Gandaki River, Nilgiri South (6839 m), and Nilgiri Mid (6940 m).
Another hidden attraction of our Khopra Danda trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill journey is the ascent to the 4620 m high Khayar Lake. The lake perched high above the valley offers the pristine nature and the much-needed invigorating Himalayan air.
Additionally, our Khopra Danda trek also offers you a splendid time with the amazing Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people along with insight into their Hindu and Buddhist culture.
Our Khopra Danda trek itinerary commences with the beautiful drive to Ghandruk Gurung village from Pokhara. Then beginning the walking, you will discover the hidden beauty of Bayeli Kharka and reach Khopra Danda on the third day.
Our Khopra Ridge trek 6 days adventure also features a day hike to the holy Khayar Lake. Then proceeding through Swanta, you will connect with the Annapurna trail and arrive at the Ghorepani Village of Magar people.
The Khopra Danda trek itinerary will then end with your sunrise trek to the lookout point of Poon Hill from where you will proceed down to Nayapul for a return drive towards Pokhara.
Presentable in every season of winter, fall, summer, and monsoon, our Khopra Danda trek is an ideal dream family vacation that promises you the diverse terrain, nature, and forests, along with the chance to see the amazing Himalayan wildlife of the Annapurna area.
We will initiate our Khopra Danda trek with a private jeep ride towards Ghandruk from Pokhara. The tarmac highway of Pokhara-Baglung Rajmarg will take us to Nayapul (New Bridge) in around one and a half hours.
Driving up and down, we will travel through several delightful settlements of Dhampus, Deurali, Tolkha, and Landruk before reaching Ghandruk. The lovely calming atmosphere of the village will offer us a refreshing pause before we set on our trek to Tadapani.
For a moment, watch the shining glow of Fishtail, Gangapurna, and Himalchuli. The terraced hillside farms and the rich jungle of rhododendrons and oaks will now lead us upward towards Tadapani through Bhainsi Kharka (Buffalo pasture).
In the perfect setting of Tadapani, we will watch the evening pass by over the magnificence of Lamjung, Fishtail, Annapurna South, IV, III, and II.
From Tadapani, we will exit the main trail of Ghorepani to hike along the little-known route towards Bayeli Kharka. The jungle track of rhododendrons will direct us up to the green pasture land of buffaloes.
Shortly, we will be standing at the 2970 m altitude of Meshar Danda watching the mesmerizing profiles of the Annapurna mountain range and Fishtail.
The route will keep us directing upward to 3140 m Isharu, then 3420 m Dobato villages. A more twisting trail will lead us to a junction where we can see the trail moving upward. If we continue on this route, we may see the Hidden Lake perched 1000 m high above.
However, we have to climb down sharply and climb one more time to reach Bayeli where the sky is mostly dominated by the huge frame of Dhaulagiri.
From Bayeli, we will march down through the wide greenland of Lower Chistibung and then gently proceed up to the Upper Chistibung. Here, we can see numerous tea houses run by the local people who work for the upliftment of the village and community.
The trail ahead will move upward till we are standing on the summit of the Khpra ridge itself. When proceeding, do not forget to widen your eyes and lift your head to see the Danphe (Nepal’s national bird) and Himalayan Thar.
Observe in the distance the shining beauties of Kali Gandaki River, Baraha Shikhar, Dhaulagiri range from I to IV, Gurja and Tukuche, Nilgiri South, Nilgiri Mid, and South Annapurna.
After these miraculous wonders, we will move into our lodge at Khopra.
We will have the inexplicable sunrise in the midst of the high Himalayas at Khopra Ridge. Now, we will head on to see the glorious beauty of Khayar Lake – the main attractive feature of our Khopra Danda trek itinerary.
However, to reach this amazing location, we must prepare ourselves for the steep climb and descent along 1000 m elevation. At first, the trail will climb on a gentle slope which then becomes steeper.
Eventually, the vertical stone stairs will appear which will finally lead us to the beautiful sandy banks of this secret lake. This lake is religiously equally important for the Hindu and Buddhist faiths which you can see by the several shrines around the lake shore.
Like other pious lakes, its water is also said to give you salvation. We will now take our feet back to Khopra Danda Lodge.
From Khopra Ridge, the hillside road will sharply take us down back to Chistibung Village. From here, we will make our way upward towards Swanta Village (2200 m) and traverse a high-hung bridge.
Once across, we will proceed with the steady climb to Phalante Village (2270 m). Now we will have to face a demanding ascension to Chitre Village (2390 m).
With Dhaulagiri right in front, we will now begin to trek on the Annapurna classic trekking trail and reach Ghorepani via Tatopani. This Magar settlement was once used as the main location for providing drinking water to tired trade horses, thus the name Ghorepani (Horse Water).
To see the great Annapurna massif range warming under the first rays of the sun, we will rise up before the sun and set on along the 2 km ascending trail towards the Poon Hill Viewpoint- the most known and magnetic lookout point in Nepal.
Under the sparkling sun, we can see the snowy behemoths of Fishtail, Annapurna I to IV and south, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Baraha Shikhar.
Taking our time, we will capture the stunning image and then walk back down to Ghorepani for a wonderful breakfast. After packing, we will now hike back down through Birethanti to Nayapul from where our private jeep will transfer us back to Pokhara.
Unlike other high-altitude terrain treks in Nepal, our Khopra Danda with Ghorepani Poon Hill journey is splendid all year round. However, for the exclusive natural immersion, the journey is most ideal in the enchanting seasons of fall, spring, and also winter.
The autumnal mild chill during September, October, and November creates a perfect scenario to observe the wildlife in their full vigor complemented by the outstandingly clear views of the towering Himalayas.
March, April and May brings the spring flavor in Khopra Ridge area with rich green foliage, full blooming rhododendrons, and mild heat of around 25 degree Celsius.
In December, January, and February, you will also be able to witness the gentle snowfall at Khopra Ridge and Poon Hill but the night heat can drop as low as -5 degrees Celsius.
The Annapurna region endures heavy monsoon downpour in Nepal on June, July, and August. In the absence of rain, the heat rises straight to 30 to 35 degree Celsius making the trip slightly unsatisfying.
Our Khopra Ridge trek 6 days journey is a level 2 moderate level adventure within the Annapurna region of Nepal. Extended to 55 km distance, this remarkable journey will require its adventurers to engage in daily excursion between 4 to 6 hours.
The hiking route leading to the Khopra Danda mostly runs through the beautiful pristine nature with gentle slopes with no steep inclined ascents and descents. The route is always signposted indicating where you are proceeding and has been maintained by the local community thus devoid of any technical flaws.
One particular segment leading to the 4620 m Khayar lake (our maximum point) will however pose a strenuous challenge to those unaccustomed to long high altitude hikes.
We Sherpa Discovery treks however are committed to guide everyone to this outstanding journey. Thus, we have ensured an enduring hiking pace throughout with opportunities for acclimatization and moderate altitude gains not exceeding 1000 m.
Because of its short duration and manageable elevation, this trek can be undertaken by anyone who has moderate fitness and health.
If you are searching for a relaxing hiking experience, then our Khopra Danda trek will be the perfect trip for you. Because of its medium difficulty, this trek invites everyone to join from children above 8 years old to seniors.
In fact, this trip can be the ideal getaway for those who want to escape to nature for a short time. Along the trail, you will also find several community tea houses thus, you will also be supporting the local development as well as community upliftment.
If you are looking for a short romantic getaway, a short family holiday, or your first moderate-altitude trek in Nepal, this trip is for you. And if you feel the Khayar Lake hike may be too much for you, then you can skip it and enjoy your peaceful time at Khopra Danda instead.
Ou have to understand that you may go through some minor AMS or altitude sickness sign during our Khopra Danda trek itinerary. The journey will quickly take you on a rapid ascent from the flatlands of Pokhara to the heights of Tadapani and Bayeli Kharka within a day or two.
By the next day, you will find yourself at the remarkable altitude of 3660 m at Khopra Danda. For your proper adaptation before undertaking the steep ascent to Khayar Lake at 4620 m, you will stay for a night at Khopra Danda.
Our Khopra Danda trek itinerary has been thoughtfully planned with the placement of gradual elevation gains of less than 1000 meters. Still, it is normal for your body to struggle to keep up with the thin air of the Khopra Ridge.
As a result, not all but some may have the occurrence of fatigue, insomnia, vertigo, dizziness, and headache which are the general signs of the AMS.
In such cases, it’s essential for you to focus on rest, hydration, and sufficient sleep. Diamox medicine can also help in the quick acclimatization but keep in mind that it is a diuretic and you should not have any medical issues that would prevent to use it.
If symptoms gets increased or remain prevailing, the tell our guide propmptly and consider descending to a lower altitude.
Our Khopra Ridge trek 6 days journey is within reach of anyone and doesn’t need any rigorous routine or extensive preparation. If you already are an active person and has the habit of taking morning walks, climbing stairs, and playing some sports such as football, volleyball or basketball, then you are already well-prepared.
However, if you are not such an active person, then begin your moderate training session at once. Go on daily walks for around 30 to 60 minutes and also cycle, jog, run and swim. You can also do the pull and push ups along with squats and planks.
Allow Sherpa Discovery Treks to take care of all your lodging, dining, and transportation needs during our Khopra Danda trek. You will have a very comfortable and hospitable twin-sharing room in the best available quality tea houses on route.
The tea houses will offer you beds, mattress, blankets and some basic furnishings. We will do our best to find the tea house that offers the attached bathrooms; if not, you may have to share facilities with other guests.
On request, you can also get the WiFi and hot water for a small additional fee. When it comes to your meals, three times courses (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be offered at these tea houses.
Most of the menu offers you Dal Vat, pancakes, porridge, pasta, mmos, pizza, chowmen etc.
For your travel, a private vehicle will be available to take you to Ghandruk from Pokhara and back to Pokhara from Nayapul.
Our Khopra Danda with Ghorepani Poon Hill journey will first lead you to Khopra Ridge and then on to Ghorepani. However, the secondary path will ascend you to Poon Hill first then on to Khopra Danda.
This route will also commence from Pokhara with a drive towards Ulleri from where you will follow the common Annapurna trail to reach Poon Hill. Then, you will direct your trail towards Dobato and walk up to Khopra Danda.
This route also can be completed within a week with plenty of acclimatization chances.
There are also some outstanding options if you like to extend your Khopra Ridge trek 6 days journey. Not far from Poon Hill, there are other remarkable hidden vantage points known as Mohare Danda at 3300 m elevation and Dhunge Gade Danda at 3081 m.
Dhaulagiri massifs and Annapurna range sparkle splendidly from these ridges. From Poon Hill, you can hike onward through the narrow trail to these two ridges and then tackle the 3098 m height of the Hampal Pass to return via Nangi to Pokhara.
Since the Khopra Danda trek runs inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, we will be needing its entry permit known as ACAP. In addition, the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) will also be crucial paper for walking the Khopra Danda trail.
The tourism office in Pokhara will provide these permits with 2000 NPR each hiker for TIMS and 3000 NPR each hiker for ACAP. Both these fees are included in our total trip cost and our guide will be responsible to acquire the permits in Pokhara.
Travel insurance is requisite for our Khopra Ridge trek 6 days journey which will take you to 4600 m elevation between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
This altitude may not seem very high or extreme but still, you will be walking the mountain trail which can present urgent and unthinkable incidents such as altitude sickness, accidents, injuries, or sudden illnesses that may require urgent rescue or helicopter evacuation.
The costs associated with helicopter services can be very pricey so invest in travel insurance and remain safe in the trip. We advise you to get the insurance coverage to the heights of 4600 m.
Do not forget to share the details of your trip to your insurer so the right coverage is included in your policy. Additionally, tell them about the start and end dates of your adventure so the policy remains valid throughout your trip.
You can also further protect yourself by including protection against baggage damage, loss, theft, trip delays, and extended stays so you will remain safe even before the trip commences.
It is because the Khopra Danda trek is overshadowed by the popularity of the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks. It is also comparatively new trail, however, the recent testimonials from the visitors have made this trek gain recognition now.
Yes, Pokhara, Nayapul, and Tadapani have a few ATM booths for your money withdrawal.
No problem, you can stay back at Khopra Danda and discover the picturesque settings of the village.
Not at all, the Namaste and Ncell work very well in the entire Annapurna region.
Although situated inside the Annapurna area, the Khopra Ridge trek still is less walked by tourists and little known because of which it is easy, authentic, short and comfort trek in the Annapurna area. The other conventional trips in the Annapurna are more commercialized now because of heir growing recognition where large number of foot traffic can be found on the trail
Need help?
Talk to trip expert
English
Dutch
Japanese
Hindi
Italian
Spanish
French
German
Chinese
Korean
Arabic
Hebrew
Russian
Portuguese
Danish
Czech
Polish
Swedish
