Khopra Danda Trek - 13 DaysKhopra Danda Trek - 13 Days

Khopra Danda Trek - 11 Days

Key Information
  • Duration11 Days
  • Difficulty LevelModerate
  • Max Altitude4665m/15305ft
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • Best TimeMarch-May/Sep.-Dec.
  • Group Size1-16

Khopra Danda Trek in a nutshell

Khopra Danda, also called Khopra Ridge Trek, is a new route in Annapurna Himalayas Region. This trek is one of the best community treks in Nepal. You will pass through puffing uphill surrounded by the magnificent display of great mountains. It includes Annapurna Range (8,091 m), Hiunchuli (6,470 m), Dhaulagiri (8,176 m), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Dhampus Peak (6,012 m), and Nilgiri Himal (7,061 m).

During the trek, you will experience sacred Khayar Lake. Stay in communities, interact with local peoples, and know the local culture and hospitality.

Why Khopra Danda Trek?

Splendours of nature and the grandeur of the Annapurna Himalaya are the synonyms of this trek. If you are on a hunt for a pleasant and less explored destination, then Khopra Hill Trek is the best choice. While ABC trek is already famous, this trek is still a less-trodden trail with undulating beauty.

If you are looking for 11 days long adventure on the less-beaten path, this trek is an excellent option for you. This trek features every attraction that has to offer. It includes tantalizing Himalayan views, cultural villages, high valleys, farmlands, and tranquil forests.

Khopra Danda Trail goes through the north of Ghorepani and climbs to another ridge called Khopra. Nowadays, this trial is getting popular year after year for its majestic view and nature. Those who love adventure and prefer homestay treks will feel comfortable.

You will witness the local community, culture, food, and less crowded remote routes. You will get an amazing opportunity to go away from the hassle of the hectic city and enjoy the natural beauty.

Khopra Danda Trek in Nepal Himalayas is recognized as the best viewing spot in the region. You will walk through plenty of ups and downs during the walk. You will be well-compensated with a close view of the lush valley and the high Himalayas. A trip to Khopra Danda follows the majestic view of Annapurna Ranges, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and many more.

Also, enjoy the scenery of rhododendron forests with overwhelming nature. You will be blessed with the sacred Khayar Lake (4,665 m), which is famous among the wanderers in Nepal. This lake is also sacred for Hindus and is believed to meet nirvana by taking a dip in it.

Walkers can also stay at community villages which helps you to get real interaction with Gurung and Magar communities. You will get to know the local cultures, traditions, and hospitality of the trek.

Khopra Danda Trek in 11 days route

Trek to Khopra Danda starts after we reach Nayapaul from Kathmandu. This point is also the trek starting point for Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill. We pass through the local village of Birethanti, Syauli Bazar, and reach the beautiful Ghandruk. This village is attractive in both view and preserved Gurung culture. You will also explore the historic Gurung Museum, Ancient Buddhist Monastery, and School.

The trial continues to follow, ascending to stroll on rhododendron and pine forests and reach Tadapani. Further, you will pass through Dobato, Chistibung, and Khopra Danda. As you reach the ridge, you will feel blessed with the sunrise and sunset.

Also, witness h a closer view of stunning snow-capped ranges. We spend one more day at Khopra to traverse sacred Khayar Lake (4,827m). Early in the morning, hike for 2-3 hours to reach Khayar Lake. This is a beautiful spot to view the beautiful mountains and crystal clear lakes.

Flora and fauna are extra attractions that make the trek even more delightful. That day we trek back to Khopra Danda. As we are returning, we will witness Natural Hot Spring and drive back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

Is Khopra Danda Trek Difficulty?

Khopra Danda Trekking is not so difficult. But if you are visiting Khayar Lake, then the trek to the lake is a bit tougher. The highest altitude of the lake is 4,600 meters which may cause altitude sickness too. The Khopra Ridge is lower than the lake, but the Khopra Danda is at 3,640m which itself is a high one.

Mainly, trekkers from low sea levels might get altitude sickness. You will trek through the remote area for several weeks, and the trails are rugged and remote. In many places, you are walking through dense forests, rivers, and thin settlements. The weather is also another major factor during the trek.

If you are looking during off-seasons, you must look at weather conditions. The trial will become wet and slippery, making your trek adventurous on off-seasons. Yet, with proper knowledge and climate, you will have an excellent time in Khopra Ridge.

Khopra Danda Trek Cost

When you are thinking about exploring this trek there will be many factors to consider, like route, best time, and how fit we need to be? But one of the most important confusion will be, “How much does Khopra Danda Trek cost?”

Whether you are budget dependent or not, it is essential to analyze how much you want to pay for the trip and its actual cost. The baseline cost of the Khopra Danda Trek will depend on the number of variables. Your cost will change based on how comprehensive you want your trip to be.

On average, the trek will generally be 10-14 days, and the cost is generally somewhere between USD 780 to USD 950. This price includes domestic flights, trekking permits, meals, professional trekking guides, porters, accommodation, entry fees, and others. You will get some discounts if you are in groups. The cost of the trek highly depends upon travelling in private or in a group.

Khopra Danda Trek Altitude Profile

                                                Photo: Altitude Chart

Highlights

  • Bird’s eye views of beautiful Pokhara Valley.
  • Unique cultural and traditional villages of Gurung and Magar tribes.
  • Enjoy off the beaten path of the Khopra with relatively less crowd on the trail.
  • Visit Ancient Buddhist Monastery and School.
  • Walking inside the forest of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines.
  • Spending time for sunrise and sunset views from PoonHill, Khopra Ridge.
  • Visit the local cheese factory at Paudwar.
  • 360-degree scenery from Khopra Ridge.
  • Hike to the quaint and Holy Khyar Lake.
  • Beautiful Mountain views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, etc.
  • Opportunity to dip and get relaxed in a natural hot spring.

Itinerary

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It is a notice to all our guests joining Khopra Danda Trekking that our journey will begin with a 7-8 hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then Syauli. This will be included in the package; however, you can book a Private Jeep or domestic flight at an additional cost. If you took a private jeep or domestic flight, you could save around one day of your trek.

We, The Himalayan Odyssey, will organize the Khopra Danda Trek with the most suitable arrangements. However, there can be some issues that are beyond our handle. Heavy rainfall, snowing, avalanches and landslides can extend the trip in the lower altitude region.

This itinerary is only for guidelines. We can customize the itinerary according to your requirement and the time you have.

Abbreviation

B - Breakfast
L - Lunch
D - Dinner

  • Pre-trip discussion, and safety briefing on the trek
  • Meet up with trek members
  • Last minute shopping for personal ites before the trip
  • Interact with your guide and do some shopping for your trek
  • Spend night in Kathmandu
  • Maximum Altitude1,300 m/4,264 ft
  • With an early morning breakfast, we will travel to Pokhara by tourist bus
  • Scenic drive-through green hills will take around 6 hours of ride from Kathmandu
  • After reaching Pokhara, we will transfer you to the hotel
  • During the evening time, you can enjoy the lake view or enjoy the beautiful Pokhara city
  • Overnight at Hotel.

If you have any time to spend in Pokhara, you can also visit some interesting places like Devi's fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Barahi Temple, or boating on Phewa Lake.

  • Accommodation Normal Hotel
  • Time5-6 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude822 m/2697 ft.
  • Early morning after breakfast, we will drive to Nayapaul, which will be our trekking starting point
  • After 1 hour, we reach Nayapaul and start the trek to Ghandruk
  • Ghandruk is the largest Gurung village of the Annapurna region, and it is famous for the famous Gurkha soldiers
  • Overnight in Ghandruk.
  • Accommodation Teahouse Lodge
  • MealsB,L,D
  • Time5-6 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude2,012 m/6,601 ft.

  • Today we enjoy a heartily breakfast with the view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli on our backdrop
  • After breakfast, we continue uphill through Deurali and enter deep into the rhododendron forest
  • Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal, and in a state of bloom, the entire forest turns into a garden of dazzling red flowers
  • We cross a small pass and reach Tadapani, where we can catch an excellent view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and the Hiunchuli mountains.
  • We walk to the Tadapani, leaving the mainstream trail, and walk on an off-beat path for the next five days
  • On the way, we get the opportunity to admire the stunning flora and fauna of the region and, of course, the stunning Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South
  • The trail to Dobato is relatively flat and easy
  • Overnight in Dobato.
  • Accommodation Teahouse Lodge
  • MealsB,L,D
  • Time7-8 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude3,350 m/10,990 ft.
  • After breakfast, we drop down through the open ground and beautiful forest until Lower Chistibung
  • Then we rise through dense forest to Upper Chistibung – the summer settlement of herders
  • On the way, we might spot the colorful Danphe – the national bird of Nepal and Himalayan Thar grazing on high slopes above the trail
  • Overnight in Upper Chistibung
  • Accommodation Teahouse Lodge
  • MealsB,L,D
  • Time4 – 5 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude2,975 m/3,198 ft.
  • Today we climb on a steep trail above the tree line; alpine scrub and sparse vegetation confirm the altitude
  • We walk past alpine meadows and pastures to reach Khopra ridge
  • On the way to Khopra, we get the tip view of Annapurna south, and as we reach Khopra
  • Then a short walk to the viewpoint overlooks the dramatic Kali Gandaki River far below in this deep valley
  • Overnight in Khopra Ridge.
  • Accommodation Teahouse Lodge
  • MealsB,L,D
  • Time3 – 4 hours
  • Maximum Altitude3,660 m/12,007 ft.
  • Today we start early, around six in the morning
  • After a hearty breakfast, we climb towards Khayer Lake (4,660m/15289ft), which commands a superb view of Mt. Fang and surrounding mountains
  • Highly sacred for Hindus, it is believed that soothing in this lake will help them attain Nirvana
  • We take a packed lunch today, as there are teahouses on the way
  • Overnight in Khopra Ridge.
  • Accommodation Teahouse Lodge
  • MealsB,L,D
  • TimeRest Day
  • Maximum Altitude4,660m/15289ft
  • From Khopra Ridge, we drop down steeply through lush forest with the impressive view of Mt. Dhaulagiri
  • We further descend along with the terraced fields and traditional houses to reach Swanta village
  • Overnight in Swanta Village.
  • Accommodation Teahouse Lodge
  • MealsB,L,D
  • Time5 – 6 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude2,200 m/7,217 ft
  • From Swanta, we climb down through the terraced fields to the Small River and explore the water-driven mills.
  • Then we cross the suspension bridge and climb to the Chittre village
  • It is from where we will join the main Ghorepani trail
  • After Ghorepani, we drop down steeply through dense rhododendron forest to the small village of Ulleri
  • Overnight in Ulleri.
  • Accommodation Teahouse Lodge
  • MealsB,L,D
  • Time5 – 6 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude2,050 m/6,725 ft
  • After breakfast, we drop down further through a dense forest of hilly landscapes
  • Today is the last day of our walking adventure, and we will end our trek at NayaPul
  • Today’s trail consists mainly of downhill hikes, so we will enjoy an easy walk and explore the surrounding landscapes tirelessly
  • Once we reach NayaPul, we board our vehicle to Pokhara – the beautiful lake city
  • Overnight in Pokhara.
  • Accommodation Teahouse Lodge
  • MealsB,L,D
  • Time6-7 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude1,040 m/3,510 ft.
  • Today we will return through the green hill to reach Kathmandu
  • Drive to Kathmandu will take a 6 to 7 hours ride
  • As you reach Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel.
  • Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
  • MealsFarewell Dinner
  • Time5-6 Hours
  • Maximum Altitude1,300 m/4,264 ft.

Cost Details

Included
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu with BB plan
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
  • Annapurna Conservation Area entry fee and TIMS card
  • Experienced Himalayan trek guide and porter (2 trekkers: 1 guide and porter)
  • Tourist Bus for Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu. (domestic flight if extra charge added)
  • Private vehicle from Pokhara to Nayapul to Pokhara
  • Arrival transfer from the international airport to your hotel
  • Tea house lodge during your trek
  • First Aid Kit during the trek
  • Staff Insurance
  • Salary, food, and accommodation of your staff during the trek
  • All ground transportation as per itinerary
  • Tour Certificate
  • Farewell Dinner
Excluded
  • International flight ticket
  • International airport tax
  • Visa Fee
  • Other personal items. (Phone calls, snacks, hot and cold drinks, laundry, alcohol, extra porter, shower, etc )
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for staff and guide
  • Private Travel Equipment
  • Excess baggage cost during your domestic flight
  • Anything that is not listed in the “PRICE INCLUDES” section above

Good to Know

Khopra Danda Trek Weather

Spring Season

March to May is the best weather for Khopra Danda Trek. The weather is good throughout the trek. Panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri Himal, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre, and the many White Mountains.

The temperature will be rising from the middle of March. There will be blue skies, white-snowcapped. So many travellers often succeed in their climbers in this time. On the way, you can see Nepalese national flowers blossoming in red, white, and pink colors with luscious green and dense forest.

Summer Season

This season falls between June to August; it is summer/monsoon Season. Summer Season Falls from the Month-end of June to August. This time is the hottest, with a variety of vegetation blossoms during this season. The valley will be green with a totally different view than the spring and autumn seasons. If you are going to travel this season, you have to be more careful with trekking trails. Because of the monsoon season, it might be muddy and slippery. There will be regular rains and the hottest during this season.

Autumn Season

Another best time to do for the Khopra Danda Trek is from September to November. This season is the peak of tourists due to the excellent weather conditions. As monsoon season slowly ends, the best trekking weather sets itself. The temperature will be reaching 15 degrees in the daytime and 3 to 5 degrees during the night. This time is while travellers relax with natural views and culture.

Winter Season

The coldest time begins from December to early February. The places along the Khopra Danda Trek can be cold during the winter, but that excites most trekkers. The temperature of the Khopra Danda Trek itself can be as low as -2 degrees Celsius, which invites trekkers to visit this region in gratifying climatic conditions.

Daytime is pleasingly and relatively mild with sunshine. Despite being freezing, the skies are usually clear, mountain views are most enjoyable. It may not be a good season for beginners, but skilled trekkers will have no problem with Khopra Danda Trek.

Packing List for Khopra Danda Trek

Every trekking requires certain preparation of gears and types of equipment for the journey to make your trip more comfortable. It is recommended to carry the necessary and light things so that it will be easy while you are walking. The following belongings are recommended that should be brought, although we concede that our clients have their own decision for the clothing. To know what to expect in the Khopra Danda Trek, we have prepared some useful clothing & gear during the trek.

Travel Documents

  • Airline tickets (confirmation and itinerary)
  • Nepal Visa form (may be obtained at Kathmandu Airport)
  • Travel insurance policy documents
  • Valid passport
  • Copy of passport (2 copies, first page only)
  • Passport photos (4)

Travel Equipment

  • Duffel bag (100 liters; no wheels or rigid handles)
  • Lightweight, duffel bag
  • Luggage locks
  • Travel wallet
  • Passport/money belt
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Travel plug adapters
  • Electrical converter

Travel Clothing

  • Quick-dry undergarments
  • Synthetic or wool T-shirt
  • Long-sleeve, travel-friendly shirt and pants
  • Casual shoes
  • Mid-weight wool or synthetic socks

Trekking Equipment

  • Day pack (25–35 liters)
  • Sleeping bag comfortable to 0°F (dependent upon season, weather forecast and personal preference)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Camp shoes (down booties or running shoes)
  • LED headlamp with extra batteries
  • Trekking poles

Trekking Clothing

  • Wool or synthetic T-shirts (2)
  • Mid-weight fleece or soft-shell jacket (2)
  • Mid-weight down or synthetic parka with hood
  • Convertible hiking pants
  • Fleece pants or insulated pants
  • Lightweight waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants
  • Mid-weight waterproof and fleece gloves or mittens
  • Sun hat
  • Mid-weight wool or synthetic socks (3 pairs)
  • Liner socks (optional)
  • Glacier sunglasses
  • Neck gaiter, balaclava, Buff or bandana

Food

  • Energy bars
  • Electrolyte replacement drink mix
  • Snacks (cookies, GORP, Snickers, etc.)

FAQs

  • Q1. Where is Khopra Danda?

    The Khopra Ridge is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal.

  • Trek to Khopra Danda starts after we reach Nayapaul from Kathmandu by bus. We pass through the amazing local village of Birethanti, Syauli Bazar, and Ghandruk. The trial continues to Tadapani further Dobato, and Chistibung, where the trail leads us to Khopra Danda.

  • The elevation of Khopra Danda Trek is 3,660 meters and the highest trekking point is Kayer Lake (4,660m/15289ft)

  • If you are looking for adventure on the less-beaten path, this trek is an excellent choice for you. Khopra Ridge Trek in Nepal provides to see the charming mountain views of Annapurna Range (8,091 m), Hiunchuli (6,470 m), Machhapuchhre (6,995 m), Dhaulagiri (8,176 m), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Dhampus Peak (6,012 m), and Nilgiri Himal (7,061 m), etc. You will also get to identify the local cultures, traditions, and hospitality of Khopra Danda.

  • The best time to trek Khopra Danda Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The rainy weather stops, and thick sun-blocking clouds also decline. The clear skies provide the most spectacular vistas with those breathtaking views during those seasons.

  • Yes, you will need an Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit while trekking to Mardi Himal.

  • Yes, it is possible to trek Khopra Danda Trek without a guide as this is not a restricted area. But you need to be a little careful while traveling solo to Nepal Himalayas as the trial is a little adventurous.

  • The daily gain in altitude during Khopra Danda Trek is about 400 to 450 meters above sea level.

  • It takes about 10 to 15 days to complete Khopra Danda Trek depending upon your itinerary.

  • The menu in Khopra Danda is a mixture of traditional local, and some western food but as we go up close, the menu will be limited. We extremely suggest liquids green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea and garlic soup(must), etc. at high altitude and also the fresh vegetable items for well-being.

  • Khopra Danda Trek with kids is suitable as this is an easy and short trek. A kid age above 12 years old can easily trek this destination.

  • It is always an excellent plan to include in physical exercises before trekking. Not that you have to be all athletic. A normal level of physical fitness will make the trip less stressful.

  • If you are allergic to specific medicines, it is better to consult your doctor and bring your own. The Himalayan Odyssey will facilitate you with medical kits and other safety concerns to avoid altitude sickness and other sicknesses.

  • To accomplish this trek, past hiking experience would be an advantage although no technical skills are necessary. Novice trekkers can do this trek but should be able to walk 5 to 6 hours a day at a fair pace with a light day pack. 

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