Khopra Danda Trek
Trip at a Glance
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Country: Nepal
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Trip grade: Moderate
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Destination: Annapurna region
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Activities: Trekking
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Accommodation: Hotels/Lodges
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Meals: Full-board on trek
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Transportation: Private vehicle/Plane
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Maximum altitude: Khayer Lake (4660m)
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Group size: 2 pax min
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Best Season: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Khopra Danda Trek is a less-crowded trekking path with some of the best Himalayan panorama the Annapurna region is bestowed with. Besides, one gets to witness the authentic local culture, discover traditional mountain villages and hike to another Himalayan viewpoint in Annapurna at Khopra Danda.
Khopra Danda or hill located at 3640 meters offers brilliant views of peaks like the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including the majestic Fishtail Peak. If you are adventurous enough then a side excursion to Khayer Lake (3640m) from Khopra Danda adds yet another dimension to the trek. This will take you about 7-8 hours but the result will be rewarding with more dazzling Himalayan views.
Khayer Lake is a sacred lake that Hindu pilgrims and especially Magar community visit the lake to pray the Goddess Khayer Barahi whose small temple is located at the lake’s bank. During the Hindu festival of Janai Purnima, Hindu devotees flock to Khayer Lake to get blessings. You will have to cross over a brown and barren landscape to get to Khayer Lake with occasional sightings of the local shepherds on the trail.
The trek to Khayer Danda begins after a scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul then a trek to Tikhedhunga. Then you will have to follow the Ghorepani Poon Hill trail and further continue passing along traditional Nepalese villages, dense forests, and lush meadows with spectacular Himalaya views on your backdrop.
Eventually, you will reach Khayer Danda where fewer lodges are scattered which commands a great panorama of the surrounding mountains. You can climb up to the Khopra Ridge which offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains like the mighty Annapurna range, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fang, and Machhapuchhre ‘Fishtail’.
Khopra Danda Trek is a great option for trekkers looking for an off-the-beaten-path trek in Annapurna and exploring the remarkable landscapes of the Annapurna region while avoiding the crowds of the more popular trekking routes.
Khopra Danda Trek Highlights
- Pokhara- the most beautiful lakeside city & natural wonder of Nepal.
- Grand amazing sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.
- Witness a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas from Khopra Danda ridge.
- Hike to sacred Khayer Lake at the foot of Mt. Annapurna South.
- Trek off the beaten track.
- Majestic views of peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South & Nilgiri.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Drive or fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m)
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk (1940m/1.5 hrs) & trek to Tadapani (2,300m/5-6 hrs)
Day 04: Trek from Ghandruk to Dobato (3350m/5-6 hrs)
Day 05: Hike to Muldai Viewpoint (3,637m) & trek to Chistibung (3000m/4-5 hrs)
Day 06: Trek from Chistibung to Khopra Danda (4020m/4-6 hrs)
Day 07: Hike up to Khayer Lake (4827 meters), explore & back to Khopra Danda (4020m/8-9 hrs)
Day 08: Trek from Khopra Danda to Swanta (2270m/5 hrs)
Day 09: Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani (2850m/4-6 hrs)
Day 10: Hike to Poon Hill (3210m/1 hr) & back to Ghorepani & trek to Birethanti (1039m/6 hrs) then drive to Pokhara
Day 11: Drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 12: Final departure
Arrive in Kathmandu and one of our representatives will receive you and then transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the time is free to explore the city where your hotel is located which is usually at Thamel – the popular tourist hub in Kathmandu where every needs and facilities for the tourist are located like hotels, pubs, restaurants, departmental stores, trek gear shops etc. Or you can simply rest at your hotel if you are jet lagged and get ready for an amazing Himalayan trek.
Early in the morning take a bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The early departure ensures that you reach Pokhara by early afternoon, leaving you with enough time to explore the city on the same day. The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara is incredibly scenic, offering stunning views of lush hills, terraced farms, and the Himalayan mountain range. Keep your camera ready to capture the breathtaking landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check-in hotel and the rest of the time is free to explore or rest.
Option: You can choose to either take a private vehicle or flight (25 min) for Kathmandu/Pokhara or Pokhara/Kathmandu transfers.
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk with glimpses of rural Nepali life and stunning mountain landscapes. Arrive at Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung village known for its traditional houses, slate roofs, and panoramic views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Take some time to explore the village then start your trek Tadapani. The trail ascends through rhododendron and oak forests, offering glimpses of the Himalayas. Tadapani is a small settlement with a few teahouses.
Start your trek after breakfast which involves a significant ascent, taking you higher into the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail passes through dense rhododendron forests. Continue your ascent. As you gain altitude, the vegetation changes, and you'll start to experience the high-altitude environment. Soon Dobato is reached which is a small and peaceful settlement.
Start up early to for a hike to Muldai Viewpoint to witness the Himalayan sunrise. This short but steep ascent offers incredible panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and more. Afterward, start descending to Chistibung from Dobato. The trail leads you through forests, offering a change of scenery. Arrive at Chistibung, a peaceful and relatively less-visited location.
Today you will have to climb up from Chistibung to reach Khopra Danda. This is a challenging but rewarding day as you gain significant altitude. The trail gradually ascends through barren landscapes with stunning mountain vistas. As you approach Khopra Danda, the views open up dramatically, revealing the awe-inspiring Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. Khopra Danda offers one of the most spectacular panoramic viewpoints in the Annapurna region.
Today is a long and challenging day, but incredibly rewarding. Start early to reach Khayer Lake. The trail is steep and rocky in places, traversing high-altitude terrain. Khayer Lake is a sacred glacial lake located beneath Annapurna South. Take time to explore Khayer Lake, enjoy the tranquility, and soak in the breathtaking mountain scenery. The views are absolutely phenomenal. Begin your descent back to Khopra Danda and relax and celebrate your achievement.
After breakfast, begin your descent from Khopra Danda towards Swanta. The trail drops significantly in altitude, taking you back into greener landscapes. You'll pass through small villages and terraced fields. Continue your descent, enjoying the changing scenery to Swanta, a charming traditional village.
After breakfast, trek from Swanta to Ghorepani. You have to gradually ascends again passing through rhododendron forests. Arrive at Ghorepani, a bustling trekking hub popular for its proximity to Poon Hill. You'll notice more trekkers here.
Wake up before dawn for the hike up to Poon Hill which takes about an hour. Witness the spectacular sunrise at Poon Hill with panoramic views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Then descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Begin your long descent from Ghorepani to Birethanti going downhill, passing through villages like Ulleri (with its thousands of stone steps) and Tikhedhunga. Arrive at Birethanti and drive back to Pokhara.
After breakfast drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara by a tourist bus retracing the same highway route which you took earlier. Upon reaching Kathmandu, check-in hotel and the rest of the time is free to explore or rest. In the evening is Farewell Dinner at one of the authentic Nepali Restaurant with a cultural show. Alternatively, you can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (25 minutes).
A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the airport for your final departure. Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your adventure companion in Nepal again. You need to be at least 3 hours prior to your flight time at the airport.
You can always extend your trip to try out some of our other adventurous packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu & Pokhara with breakfast as per itinerary.
- Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu by tourist bus. (Option: Private vehicle/Flight)
- Pokhara/Nayapul & Tatopani/Pokhara transfers by private vehicle.
- All trekking accommodations with Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at local lodges.
- Four seasonal sleeping bags (to be returned after trip completion) & Marron Treks duffel bag
- A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide)
- Experienced Government licensed English Speaking Guide & Porter (1 porter for two people) including their food, accommodation, salary & insurance.
- Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- Farewell dinner with Nepalese cultural program.
- All government and local taxes.
What is not included?
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (USD30 for 15 days)
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
- Other expenses of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower etc.)
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
- Tips for guides & porters
Route Map
Trip Info
Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 4- or 5-star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (4-star), Hotel Manaslu (4-star), Radisson (5-star), Yak & Yeti (5-star), or similar. During the trek, you will be accommodated in a local mountain lodge, better known as Tea House. These lodges and teahouses provide good services and are equipped with basic amenities. We will endeavor to provide you with the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.
Meals
We never compromise the quality of food or the health of the trekkers as well as the crew members. Generally, we opt for the fresh and nutritional local community food available. You could make your delicious pick from an array of traditional foods like Sweet potatoes, buckwheat barley, etc. This way, you could not only get a real sense of the local culture and life patterns but also contribute to promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads, Masala curry, etc. are also available in the restaurants for your retreat.
Acclimatization
Altitude sickness is a serious risk while trekking in the Himalayas. It's important to acclimatize properly by spending a few days at lower altitudes before heading higher. By spending time at lower altitudes before pushing higher, your body has time to adjust. Our trekking packages have enough acclimatization days planned where you'll be spending a day or two at lower altitudes, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Electricity & drinking water
For an additional cost, you can use the electricity in all tea houses and lodges to recharge your batteries. The lodges have packaged mineral water for sale, or you can fill your bottle with boiling water. To make water drinkable, you can use water purification tablets too. But, due to hygienic issues, you should avoid drinking water from taps, rivers, or wells in trekking areas.
Communication
At lodges, restaurants, and hotels, Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee in the most popular trek regions, like Everest, and Annapurna. However, at high elevations, phone calls are the only means of connection. Our office in Kathmandu is in constant communication with your trek guide. In Kathmandu, you can purchase a local sim card for communication purposes. At high elevations, the mobile signal might not be as strong, though.
Luggage
Our porters are paired with one trekker for every two hikers, and one porter can safely carry 30 kg maximum weight. Therefore, we advise you to fill your duffle bag not more than 15 kg with your belongings. You may carry a small backpack with your valuables and informational documents. The things you are not taking along on the trek can be stored in a hotel in Kathmandu free of cost.
Typical Trek Day
Mostly your trek day starts with breakfast at 7-8 am, followed by a 3-4 hour morning trek. Lunch break is around an hour, then you continue trekking to your destination for the day. After reaching the teahouse lodge, you can relax, explore nearby areas, and enjoy dinner at 6-7 pm. Evenings involve socializing, a trek briefing, and leisure activities before bed.
Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical and evacuation costs. Having travel insurance with you makes your trip secure and hassle-free.
Our Guides
Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you can actually connect with nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides who are very well-versed in the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the trek region you are traveling in. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining but also equally informative.
Porter and Staff Care
When it comes to high-altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitudes are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. All our field staff are covered by insurance.
