Khopra Danda Trek is yet another exciting trek on the Annapurna region, which offers a truly breathtaking beauty of snow-capped mountains, green hills, and terraced valleys, in addition to fantastic views of the Annapurna range. The highest elevation you will reach during the trek will be theKhopra Ridge at 3600mor theKhayer Lake at 4600m.
Since the trek is newly opened, it is not listed in most guidebooks, and few trekking companies offer this package. Throughout the trek, you’ll hike through dense forests up to a ridge where you’ll see the Himalayas from afar. As you walk along the trail, you will be amazed at the view ofAnnapurna South (7,219m),Annapurna II (7,937m),Annapurna III (7,555m),Machhapuchhre (6,993m), andDhaulagiri (8167m).
The Khopra Danda Trek is the perfect way to refresh yourself and escape the busyness of day-to-day life. At only8-9 dayslong, it’s a perfect trip for adventurers of all ages and experience levels. One of the best things about the Khopra Danda Trek is that it takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery Nepal has to offer.
From the moment you start trekking, you will be surrounded by towering mountains, lush green forests, and pristine rivers. The views only get better as you make your way up to Khopra Danda.
If you are looking for a challenge, you can always add a side trip toKhayer Lake. This adds an extra day to the trek, but it is well worth it. The lake is located at an altitude of4,600 meters, and the views from the lake are truly breathtaking.
No matter what your reasons for taking the Khopra Danda Trek, you are sure to have an incredible experience. This is a trek that you will never forget.
Best Time To Hike Khopra Ridge
Regardless of when you choose to hike Khopra Ridge, you’re in for an amazing experience. Among the most popular treks in Nepal, Khopra Danda Trek is one of the most famous treks in Nepal for a good reason. It is a fairly challenging trek that can be completed in 9 days without special skills or previous experience. Plus, the spectacular scenery makes it worthwhile to explore.
Choosing the right season is key for the best experience. The autumn and spring months have the best weather for this trek.
Autumn (September - November): This is the best time to go. The skies are clear and blue, offering sharp views of the high peaks. The weather is stable and pleasant, which makes for perfect walking conditions.
Spring (March - May): This is the second-best time. The weather is warm, and the hills are alive with color. The famous rhododendron forests on this trail are in full bloom with red and pink flowers.
A Typical Day on Your Trek
Morning: Your day starts around 6:30 AM with a hot cup of tea. You will pack your main bag for your porter. Then, you will have a healthy breakfast at the lodge around 7:30 AM.
Trekking: You start walking around 8:00 AM. The pace is relaxed, with lots of time to take photos. You will walk for about 3-4 hours before your lunch stop.
Lunch: You will stop at a small teahouse on the trail for a one-hour lunch break. It is a great time to rest and enjoy the quiet nature around you.
Afternoon: You will walk for another 2-4 hours. The trail is often through beautiful forests. You usually reach the next lodge by the afternoon.
Evening: You can relax with a book or talk with your guide. Dinner is served around 7:00 PM in the warm dining hall. Your guide will brief you on the plan for the next day.
Trekking Map, Route & Accommodation To Khopra Danda Trek
Our journey will start with a long drive fromKathmandutoPokharaby Tourist bus, where we’ll have a rest after the long drive and explore the beautiful city of Pokhara.
Next morning after breakfast, we’ll drive from Pokhara to Kimche and Hike up to 4 hours from Kimche to Tadapani.Tadapaniis a good viewpoint where we can clearly seeAnnapurna South (7,219 m)andHimchuli (6,441 m)andMt Macchapucchre (6,993 m).
The following day, we will trek fromTadapani to Dobatoand have lunch at Isaru after breakfast. It will take us approximately five hours to complete the entire trek, during which we can view majestic views ofDhaulagiriandSouth Annapurna, a major attraction inDobato.
The next day, we entered the dense ridge ofKhopravia the forest with juniper trees and tropical bushes lined with them. If you are on your own, there are few marks on trees that help you identify the trail, but trekking alone in this area is not recommended. After about6-7 hoursof trekking, we reachKhopra Danda(3660m), which is the highest point of our trek.
On day five, after breakfast, we’ll make our way up toKhayer Lake at 4650m. The lake is considered to be a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists. The journey will take us eight hours to complete, and we’ll have the opportunity to visit the lake and the ridges surrounding it. We’ll return back to the hotel for an overnight stay at Khopra Danda.
The next day, our trek continues toSwanta villagefromKhopra Danda. Along the way, we’ll get more views ofMount Dhaulagiri, with this mountain providing a lovely backdrop to the terraced fields and traditional houses in the nearby villages. At Swanta village, it is worth visiting Swanta Primary school, where the profits from the community lodges fund two teachers.
Soon our trail will join the main trail toGhorepani, where we will join other trekkers along the way and visit theGhorepani Pool Hill (3,210m), a favorite spot for sunrise views over the Annapurna Mountains. The following morning we will begin our trek toTikhedhunga, a1,000mdescent by 3,200 stone steps, and then board our jeep toPokhara.
As for Accommodation, there are a few basic tea houses along the trekking trail providing good rooms and comfortable beds in standard with the Nepal trekking. Each tea house provides a bucket hot shower for the guests who may want to take a hot shower by charging a certain amount of money. Some places have solar-powered bathrooms, but the majority do not.
Khopra Danda trek requires a permit ofAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)&Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)which you can get at NPR 2000.
In order to avoid any additional costs, you should review your itinerary to see what is included and what is not. Be sure to bring gear, snacks, and clothes for your trek.
Meet Your Guide and Porter Team
You will have a professional and friendly team to support you on your trek.
Your Expert Guide: All our guides are local to the mountains of Nepal. They are trained, licensed, and speak English. They are experts on the Khopra Danda trail and the local culture. Each guide is also trained in first aid and mountain safety.
Your Strong Porter: We hire friendly local porters who are fit and reliable. One porter will carry the main bags for two trekkers. This lets you walk with just a small daypack for your daily items.
Our Team's Care: We are committed to the welfare of our team. We make sure all our guides and porters get fair pay, good food, and proper lodging. We also provide them with good insurance coverage.
Safety on the Khopra Ridge Trek
Your safety is our first concern. We have clear plans in place to keep you safe.
Good Acclimatization: This itinerary is designed to help you climb slowly and safely. This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude. Your guide will watch you for any signs of sickness.
First Aid: Your guide carries a complete first-aid kit. It has supplies for common trekking issues like cuts, blisters, and stomach problems.
Emergency Plans: Our office team in Kathmandu is available 24 hours a day. Your guide will have a phone to contact them in an emergency. If a rescue is needed, we will help you arrange it through your insurance.
Trek Difficulty: Is This Moderate Trek for You?
This trek is rated as moderate. It is perfect for people with some hiking experience and good fitness. Most days involve 4 to 6 hours of walking.
However, there are two challenging days. The trek from Dobato to Khopra Danda is a long 7-hour day. The optional day hike to Khayer Lake is also long and strenuous due to the high altitude. You do not need any technical climbing skills for this trek.
Food and Community Lodges
Lodges: You will stay in a mix of private teahouses and community-run lodges. These are simple, clean, and cozy. They provide a true sense of local hospitality. Rooms have two beds. Bathrooms are usually shared.
Meals: We provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day on the trail. The food is fresh, healthy, and tasty. You will eat Nepali food like Dal Bhat (rice and lentils). You can also get items like noodles, potatoes, and porridge.
