Khopra Danda Trek

Explore the Lower Foothills of Annapurnaratingbased on 3 reviews
  • Duration12 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 3660 meters/ 12008 feet.
  • Starts Ghandruk
  • Ends Pokhara
  • Group Size 1 - 20
  • Best Season March to May & September to November
Group Discount Prices
  
1 paxUS$790
2 - 6 paxUS$690
7 - 10 paxUS$645
11 - 15 paxUS$595
16 - 20 paxUS$545
Khopra Danda Trek Highlights
  • Incomparable Muldai Viewpoint
  • A quieter, more intimate, and culturally pristine experience of the Annapurna region
  • Wide-ranging landscapes of dense jungle, rhododendron forests, and soaring mountains
  • Panoramic views of the Himalayas from the close proximity of Kopra Danda
  • An excellent opportunity to experience the community lodge and their hospitality
  • Supreme sunrise views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from Ghorepani Poon Hill
  • Khayar Lake and reflection of the Himalayas

Khopra Danda Poon Hill Trek:

The Khopra Danda Trek is equally famous as the Khayar Lake Trek or the Khopra Ridge Trek. Only recently opened, the Khopra Trek offers a less explored, less crowded, and off-the-beaten trail in the Annapurna Region. This is the perfect route for those looking for shorter alternatives to the classic treks in the area that offer a certain level of seclusion and serenity in addition to the region’s famous mountain panoramas and intriguing cultures.

Starting with the drive from Pokhara to the most beautiful Gurung village Ghandruk where we pause for Lunch and hike to Tadapani which offers an outstanding view of Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Dobato is the next destination, trailing through lush jungles en route to the village, then the trek moves on through dense rhododendron forests and a patchwork of Yak pastures to Bayeli Kharka – if trekking in spring the rhododendrons are a blaze of color from their flowers. Gradually the trek inclines upwards through the tree line to open slopes below Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, offering superb views of the two legendary peaks.

A side trip from Khopra Danda to Khayar Lake (4600m) is an option that adds even more luster to the journey, offering sublime reflected views of the Himalayas from the sacred Hindu waters.

Two challenging days of hiking lead to Ghorepani Poon Hill via Swanta village and the supreme daybreak vistas from Poon Hill (3210m), Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Fishtail, and a host of other Himalayan giants aglow in the warm light of sunrise. Ultimately, we enjoy a huge rhododendron, pine, and oak forest towards Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.

Furthermore, you may consider the less frequent treks, such as the Nar Phu Valley Trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, or the Upper Mustang Trek.  

Best Time for the Khopra Danda Poon Hill Trek:

As with many of the treks in the region, the optimal times to consider the Khopra Danda Trek are the spring season of March to May (the best time of the year to explore varieties of rhododendron flowers) or the autumn period from September through November. That’s simply a guideline though, and for those wishing to traverse the region in the quieter months of the year, we have the connections and experience locally to make it viable year-round. The Khopra Ridge Trek is the perfect expression of all that hiking in Nepal has to offer, so feel free to get in touch with us and allow our experienced staff to discuss all the options available to you.

Useful Information

Accommodation at the Khopra Danda Trek

There are plenty of tea houses to choose from in the famous Annapurna region of Nepal, so there's no need to carry camping or cooking supplies. The Annapurna routes are well-loved and well-traveled, meaning that tea houses ranging in quality have been established to meet the range of needs of travelers. At lower elevations and busier areas, you can choose more fully equipped tea houses with electricity, wifi, and en suite bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets. There are also more rustic, basic tea houses available, especially at higher elevations, that have simple rooms and basic services. Bathrooms might be shared and have a squat-style toilet. At these tea houses, you can pay a small fee for services such as wifi and hot showers. We provide you with a clean, -20°C sleeping bag to keep you cozy and warm.

Meals at the Khopra Danda Trek

There are plenty of tea houses to choose from in the famous Annapurna region of Nepal, so there's no need to carry camping or cooking supplies. The Annapurna routes are well-loved and well-traveled, meaning that tea houses ranging in quality have been established to meet the range of needs of travelers. At lower elevations and busier areas, you can choose more fully equipped tea houses with electricity, Wi-Fi, and en suite bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets. There are also more rustic, basic community homestays (the money that you spend goes to the local community) and tea houses available, especially at higher elevations, that have simple rooms and basic services. Bathrooms might be shared and have a squat-style toilet. At these tea houses, you can pay a small fee for services such as Wi-Fi and hot showers. We provide you with a clean, negative 10/20°C sleeping bag to keep you cozy and warm.

Transportation at the Khopra Danda Trek

All transportation fees and arrangements are included in your trekking package when you book with Nepal Trekking Experts. To start your adventure on the Khopra Danda Trek, there are many transport options depending on your interest (by flight, by car, jeep, van, or tourist bus), time frame, and budget. A common route is to travel via tourist bus from Kathmandu (Sohrakhutte) to Pokhara (normally 7 hours, but it takes 10 hours now due to road construction and poor road conditions, which are already included in the package). If you take a flight, it takes 20 minutes. Common starting points include Nayapul, Kimche, or Ghandruk. The further you travel via Jeep, the less trekking you'll do by foot.

Bus rides can be part of the exciting, immersive experience of being in a foreign country, but they are not for everyone. If you would like a more comfortable alternative, we can arrange a private car, Jeep, or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Private transportation shortens your travel time considerably, and you can stop for breaks at your leisure. With so many travel options, we'd be happy to talk things through with you to find what suits you best.

Battery Charging at the Khopra Danda Trek

Despite trekking deep into the Himalayas, most of the tea houses have either electricity or solar power. Depending on the tea house, you might be able to charge your devices in your rooms. Otherwise, you can pay a few dollars (paid in local rupees) to charge your battery in the main dining hall. Carrying a power bank is recommended during your trek in the Khopra region.

Telephone availability at the Khopra Danda Trek

Nowadays, most villages have phone service and mobile reception, although it can be quite unpredictable. NCELL and Nepal Telecom are the two major SIM card providers. Nepal Telecom is recommended by the NTE for better reception in the Annapurna region. You can purchase a SIM card in Kathmandu when you arrive.

Internet at the Khopra Trek

Many tea houses have wifi to purchase for around 2-3 dollars per night, which is paid in local Nepali rupees. Please be aware that internet services may not be completely reliable due to weather and other issues.

Porter

Our tailor-made packages do not include a porter, so you can make the decision based on your own needs and preferences. Although not necessary, having a porter can make a massive difference in the enjoyment of your trek. If you are new to trekking at high altitudes, then we would recommend having a porter in the Annapurna region carry your bag across the rugged terrain. One porter carries the bags of two people (around 20kg) so that you can carry a small daypack. If you are undecided, we would be happy to discuss porters in more detail when you book your trek or on arrival in Kathmandu. If you ask us, we recommend taking a porter for a pleasant and successful trek.

Khopra Danda Trekking Permits

When trekking with Nepal Trekking Experts, the permit fees are included in your package. We will take care of all required trekking permits on your behalf. To enter the Annapurna region, you will require two permits, which can both be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before commencing your trek.

  • The TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card costs 2000 Nepali rupees, and as per the latest rule, it will be obtained through the trekking agencies only.
  • The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs 3000 Nepali rupees, is available through the Nepal Tourism Board, Bhirkutimandap Kathmandu, or Pokhara.

Khopra Danda Trekking Gear Checklist

Clothing:

  • Raincoat, poncho, or combination jacket/trousers
  • One-down jacket/Gore-Tex jacket
  • Two pairs of hiking pants (depending on the duration of the trek)
  • One pair of shorts
  • Three or four T-shirts (depending on the duration of the trek)
  • One MIT/fleece jacket
  • One pair of base layers (merino wool or similar thermal ware)
  • Three to four pairs of hiking socks
  • A pair of waterproof or windproof gloves
  • Undergarments

Footwear:

  • Trekking boots (water resistance, ankle support)
  • Flip-flops for leisure time around camp or one pair of sneakers

Other equipment:

  • Sunglass, sunscreen, lip balm, sun hat, woolen/fleece hat/beanie, neck gaiter, first aid kit, Swiss army knife (optional), luggage cover, headlamp, trekking poles, water purification tablets or steripen, extra batteries, adapter, power bank, water bottles/camel bags/thermos, washing powder/multi-purpose soap, shampoo, a small towel, antiseptic hand wash, toiletries, female hygiene products, wet wipes, mosquito spray (optional), whistle, earplugs, reading books, playing cards/chess
  • Sleeping bag rating: negative 5 degrees Celsius extreme temperature depending on trekking route and season
  • Backpack (60 liters)
  • Daypack (25 to 30 liters)

Travel Insurance:

It is one of the most important things you'll need overseas, particularly when trekking in Nepal. A policy that covers loss and theft, medical and hospitalization, evacuation from high altitude, and adventure activity coverage are among the basics you'll need. A wide variety of policies are available, so make sure to shop for the best possible options. You need to have a policy that's specific to the maximum height on your trek, bearing in mind that several companies place restrictions on that score—look closely at the fine print so that you're sure to get the right coverage, especially in the event of an emergency such as altitude sickness—helicopter evacuations are horrendously expensive.

Also note that most medical treatment and facilities in Nepal, such as hospitals, require payment upfront or approval from your insurance company, so it’s wise to choose a policy that pays the bills directly rather than lumping the burden on you and leaving it till later for the insurer to reimburse you.

Nepalese currency and payment:

The currency of Nepal is the rupee. The ideal currencies for exchange are those of the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, and Singapore, as well as the Euro, any of which can be readily exchanged in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in major tourist-class hotels, restaurants, airlines, and larger stores in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, etc. A surcharge of 3.5% is typically levied on all purchases or payments.

ATMs are also very common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with Thamel being a particular area of focus for their use. Some ATMs only allow a daily maximum of Rs 20, 000 to be withdrawn, while others allow for as much as Rs 35, 000. A charge of USD 4 is usually applied per transaction, on top of which your bank may also apply a fee of its own.

Can I get an on-arrival visa in Nepal?

On arrival in Nepal, you can obtain the requisite visa at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, or you can choose the alternative of applying for it at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departure. The visa is also available at land-based points of entry such as Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairawa, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar. The Kodari Pass is the access point from Tibet where the visa can be obtained.

While you can use different modes of payment at the visa fee counter, we advise you to bring cash in the following currencies: US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, pound sterling, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, and Japanese yen. Credit card payments are also available nowadays.

As per a recent update, the visa fee costs you the following amounts:

  • Multiple entries for 15 days—USD 30 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 30 days—USD 50 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 90 days—USD 125 or equivalent
  • You should also have a minimum of six months of validity remaining on your passport.
  • Visa extensions are available from the offices of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • For more details, please go through the Nepal Immigration website or contact us.

How can I book the Khopra Trek?

To book your trek with us, you have to send a deposit of 10% of the total cost of the trek. Please also forward a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and full flight details if and when available. For your convenience, you may forward the deposit to us online through our website. It is completely safe, and as soon as you make it, you will get an automatic receipt in your inbox. The rest of the payment can be paid upon arrival.

For more details, our teams are ready to assist 24/7. Please drop us a line.

Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Accommodation:3 star hotel

Nepal Trekking Experts will welcome you at the airport and then transfer you to the Hotel.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:3 star hotel

Free day for final trekking preparation, guide meeting then spend the day the way you wish.

  • Max. Altitude:822m/2697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:3 star hotel

Kathmandu to Pokhara drive by tourist Bus. Then, have a small sightseeing around the natural beauty city of Pokhara, Phewa Lake.

  • Max. Altitude:2630m/8628ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Our first day commences with a two-and-a-half-hour road trip towards the Annapurna Massif; the spectacular views help to make up for the potholed road we need to encounter on the way. The drive over by the most beautiful Gurung village named Ghandruk. From here, we begin the climb to Tadapani through the lush jungle. Tadapani is known as a viewpoint and offers stunning views of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre, along with the sunrise.

  • Max. Altitude:3350 m./10990ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

After breakfast we continue ascending through stone paved stairs then the trail will lead through a massive beautiful forest and some waterfalls. If you are trekking in the spring season, then you will have a great opportunity of exploring the blooming colorful Rhododendron forest during this trek. Ghorepani is situated at an open place that will offer magnificent mountain vistas including 8000m plus Dhaulagiri and Annapurna first.

  • Max. Altitude:3035m/9957ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The 45-minute hike takes us to the Muldai viewpoint 3637 m./11932 ft. which offers panoramic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas with the finest sunrise. After catching the beauties of nature, we return to the tea house and continue to Dhankharka for an overnight. The trail continues with increasingly vivid views toward the nearby mountain range, including the formidable summits of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Dhampus, and countless others.

  • Max. Altitude:3660m/12008ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

After two hours of steep ascending, we reach one of the splendid viewpoints of Khopra Danda. Today you have plenty of time to explore the nearest views of the towering Himalayan surroundings. The ridgeline is another of the region's premier viewpoints for spectacular sunrise panoramas, though the outlook is breathtaking at any time of the day.

  • Max. Altitude:3660m/12008ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

After reveling in the glorious sunrise from the ridge the opportunity awaits to enjoy the day's other addition to the trek's highlight reel, a visit to beautiful Khayar Lake and its high altitude setting amidst a magnificent amphitheater of surrounding snow-clad peaks. The lake is sacred to Hindus and constitutes a major pilgrimage site during Janai Purnima, a ceremonial day in August that highlights kinship, particularly the bonds between brothers and sisters. Visiting the lake at any time of the year is an amazing experience — visiting it during Janai Purnima makes it even more enthralling.

  • Max. Altitude:2214 m/7264 ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

From the heights of Khopra Danda, the trail descends rapidly to Swanta via Dhankharka, one of the peaceful villages on the trekking route.

  • Max. Altitude:2874m/9429ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House

The first part of the trail leads us down to the river, and after crossing a suspension bridge, we ascend continuously to the classic Ghorepani village.

  • Max. Altitude:3210 m/10531 ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast and Lunch
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

The trek's dramatic climax comes early in the day—at dawn, to be precise. Rising pre-dawn, we make our way up to nearby Poon Hill (3210 m./10531 ft.) via a short one-hour hike and watch in wonder as the magnificent panorama slowly unfolds before us, with a dense green jungle in the foreground giving way to Himalayan foothills in the near distance that would stand proud in any other setting, yet barely pass muster as all eyes are drawn to the magical allure of the soaring and snow-covered peaks in the background—Singa Chuli, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, and the entire Annapurna massif—glow from the sun's warm embrace. The view is justifiably world-famous, and after taking time to bask in the scenery, we return to Ghorepani for a welcome breakfast before heading out to Pokhara via Nayapul, from where we catch a cab.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast

A long day's drive by bus provides numerous scenic opportunities - and thrills - along the way.

    Farewell and drop-off at the airport.

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    Note

    The above itinerary is a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us. (We provide city tours on request)

    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • Complimentary airport pick-ups and drop-offs
    • Complimentary welcome dinner
    • Two-night accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast included.
    • Two-night accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast included.
    • All necessary trekking permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, TIMS Card, etc.
    • All accommodations during the trek
    • Three meals a day during the trek
    • A cup of tea or coffee each time with the meal
    • Fresh fruit each day, if and when available
    • Complimentary duffel bag, agency T-shirt, trekking map, and sleeping bag if needed
    • Government-registered and first-aid-trained professional local guide who speaks English
    • First-aid kit
    • Return travel by tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara
    • Return travel by private taxi between Pokhara and Ghandruk/Nayapul
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • Rescue arrangements, if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government tax (VAT)
    • Certificate of achievement
    Cost Excludes
    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu/Pokhara
    • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
    • Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
    • Sightseeing costs in the city. (temples, monasteries entrance fees, etc.)
    • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
    • Tips for staff
    Route MapDownload Map
    Khopra Danda Trek map
    Dates & Availability
    Start:MondayNov 25, 2024
    End:FridayDec 06, 2024
    PriceUS$790
    StatusGuaranteed

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the fixed departure dates? If not, do not worry! We are more than happy to organize private vs. group joining on any dates you prefer. Let's contact the local experts now.

    Photos & Videos
    FAQs for Khopra Danda Trek
    • Khopra Danda Trek is in the west part of Kathmandu, which lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal.

    • Khopra Danda is 3660 meters (12008 feet).

    • The Khopra Danda Trek is 63 km (39 miles), which takes 10–15 days.

    • The Khopra Danda Trek costs 500-1000 USD. It depends on the number of days, group size, and the service you are looking for.

    • As per the height and number of trekking days, the Khopra Danda Trek is considered a moderately difficult trek in Nepal.

    • Poon Hill is situated at an altitude of 3210 meters (10532 feet).

    • The elevation of Muldai is 3637 meters (11932 feet).

    • Yes, you can do the Khopra Ridge Trek in winter, depending on the weather conditions.

    • As per the Nepal Tourism Board rule, and for your safety, a guide is mandatory, but so far it has not been strictly implemented. We recommend you take a guide or a porter for your safety.

    • You can expect a maximum of 20°C in the first couple of days and a minimum of -10°C during the night in the high-altitude areas.

    • The best time for Khopra Danda Trekking is September to November and March to May, like most of the popular treks in Nepal, but you can do it in December, January, and February as well since we are not going very high altitude.

    3Travelers' Reviews
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Khopra Danda Trek - Czech trekkers in Nepal

      We returned home very satisfied with the progress of the entire visit to Nepal. Nepal trekking experts are real experts not only in high mountain tourism, but also in the perfect organization of visitors' stay in their country. Thank you for catering to all our requirements beyond their internet offering. We thank their capable and friendly team that took care of us on the trek (mountain guide Dinesh and porters Mom and Thakur) and we thank the management of the agency for its seriousness and impeccable organizational work.
      Khopra Danda Trek is beautiful.

      R
      Radovan MDec 10, 2023Czechia
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Brilliant Trekking Company!

      Had a wonderful experience with Nepal Trekking Experts. We'd never hired a guiding service before, usually preferring to explore on our own, and were a bit concerned that it might be an awkward, or uncomfortable experience having both a guide and porter helping us out. Turns out our concerns were completely unwarranted.

      Rabin and Gautam were wonderful companions on a trek that finished in rather ... interesting ways. We chose to do the Khopra Trek because it was a 'less travelled' route into the Annapurna Sanctuary. When we reached the high point of our trek, five days in at Khopra Danda, we got the news that many countries were starting to close their borders due to the coronavirus, and if we didn't get to Kathmandu asap we might not be able to leave Nepal. In difficult hiking conditions (snow & ice at Khopra Danda and a steady rain in lower elevations), Rabin and Gautam brought us safely into Kathmandu in two days!! This entailed a 10K foot descent on foot followed by a 5 hour taxi ride on the first day, and a 7 hour bus ride into Kathmandu on the second. Unfortunately, we were still unable to get a flight out of Nepal before the airport shut down, and Kathmandu went under a strict shelter in place order.

      During the time we were sheltering in place in Kathmandu, Nepal Trekking Experts found us a wonderful hotel to stay at, and checked in on us multiple times to make sure we were safe and comfortable. We were able to get seats on a flight chartered by the US Embassy back to the USA a week and a half later, and Rabin even checked in with us after we landed to make sure we made it back to the US safely!!

      All of this was well above and beyond the call of duty for a trekking company. We will be forever grateful to the boys at Nepal Trekking Experts for the extra efforts they made to see to our safely, both during and after our trek, in what were obviously very, very challenging times for them and the people of Nepal. Thank you! We hope things return to normal very soon for fine businesses like Nepal Trekking Experts!!

      C
      Christopher SalcedoJul 24, 2020United States
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