Khopra Danda or Khopra Ridge Trek has merely known treks that lie very close to South Annapurna Mountain in Annapurna Region and this Trek is perfectly matched for those trekkers who are looking for great views, less crowded and off-the-beaten-path trek.
Khopra Danda is one of the best viewpoint alternative treks to Poon hill of Ghorepani Trek and an extension of Mohare Danda Trek. This trek can be done within a very limited time. Khopra Ridge trek can be done in one week from Pokhara, from where many trekkers set off their major treks to Annapurna and Mustang Regions. In the past Khopra Ridge Trek can be done only by camping-style trek. But now tea houses are available which help to reduce trekking costs.
How To Get Khopra Danda?
Khopra Danda trek start by driving from Pokhara to Nayapul and your trek start from Nayapul to Ghorepani Poon Hill which takes two days by walking. Local jeeps are available to Ulleri from Nayapul and Private 4x4 Jeep from Pokhara. If you take direct jeeps from Pokhara then it will take 2-3 hours to Ulleri depending on road condition. From Ulleri it takes a minimum of 3 days to reach Khopra by spending overnight in Ghorepani, Swanta, and Chistibang. Each daybreak has an average of 3-4 hours daily walking because the trek route to Khopra Danda is a mostly uphill climb to avoid altitude sickness.
Side Trek to Khayer Lake from Khopra Danda
Khayer Lake lies at the height of 4500 meters from sea level. Most of the trekkers spend one extra day in Khopra Danda to explore the holy Khayer Lake. During Janai Purnima (religious festival of Hindus) many locals from nearby villages come to Khayer Lake and worship there. This festival happens in August every year. The nearest village to Khayer Lake is Paudwar village which lies west of Khopra Danda at the height of 2000 meters from sea level. Some trekkers exit their Khopra Danda Trek by trekking to Paudwar village (3 hours walk) for lunch and then continue to Gharkhola Gaon (another 3 and half hours). From Gharlhola Gaon jeeps are available for Pokhara that drive through Beni Bazaar.
Himalayan Wander Walkers is expertise for organizing treks in major remote areas of Nepal that covers from Kangchenjunga area of Eastern Nepal to Western Limi valley. If you are looking for the most extreme, remote, and less known treks contact us for more details.
If you are looking for a different itinerary of Khopra Ridge than the itinerary provided here please Customize Your Trip.
Scenic drive to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft), 6hr drive
We early drive to Pokhara. From Ktm we follow the Prithvi Highway that leads to Galchi and Mugling Bazaar. After (6hr) drive we reach at Pokhara (823m). Pokhara is a beautiful valley and is overlooked by the Mt. Annapurnas and Mt. Machhapuchhare, one of the most idiosyncratic of the Himalayan peaks, where we stay overnight.
[Included meals: Bed and Breakfast]
Overnight at hotel
Scenic drive to Nayapul (1070m/ 3510.499 ft.) trek to Ulleri [2050m/6725ft], 1h drive+5h walk
We drive to Nayapul. From here we begin a trek to a bridge over a stream and follow the road along the bank of the Modi Khola and a further short walk brings us to Berethanti (1000m). Birethanthi is a riverside village at the confluence of the Modi Khola and the Burungdi Khola. From here we continue to Hill (1510m) via climbs steadily up the side of the valley and the next short walk brings us to Tikhedunga (1540m). We climb very steeply on a stone staircase, a few hrs of trek bringing us to Ulleri Magar village, where we stay overnight. From here we overview perfect view of Annapurna South and Himchuli
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner]
Overnight at teahouse
Ascent through rhododendron forests to Ghorepani (2750m/ 9020ft.), 4hr walk
Trek commences with ascending through cultivated fields. The field soon gives way to deep forests as the trail climb to Banthanti. Further trail is fascinated with magnificent oak and rhododendrons forests and crosses sparkling clear streams before the final climb to Nangathanti (2460m). Further, an hour of trek brings us Ghorepani. From here we see splendid mountain views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung, and other Himalayan. In the winter the trail can be covered with snow.
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner]
Overnight at teahouse
Journey to Swanta (2270m/7447.507 ft.), 3-4hr walk
Trek begins with descending from the ridge-top of a bunch of lodges at Ghorepani on the Annapurna Circuit trail, through rhododendron forests towards the spread-out settlement of Chitre(2390m). The village of Chitre amalgamates with that of the smeller Phalate (2280m). From here follow down a steep staircase towards Swanta and Khopra Ridge. We drop quickly to the Ghar Khola and pass stone houses, several retaining, and traditional rock-slab shingles-great chance from the everywhere-blue corrugated iron of Ghorepani. Further 20min of trek brings us to Margar settlement of Swanta
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner]
Overnight at teahouse
Trek from Swanta (2260m) to Chistibang (3020m)
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner]
Overnight at teahouse
Trek from Chistibang (2260m) to Khopra (3660m)
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner]
Overnight at teahouse
Side Trek to Khayer Lake (4500m) and Return to Khopra (3660m)
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner]
Overnight at teahouse
Trek from Khopra (3660m) to Dobato (3440m)
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner]
Overnight at teahouse
Trek from Dobato (3440m) to Ghandruk (1940m)
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner]
Overnight at teahouse
Drive to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu (1350m/4429 ft.), 6hr drive
We early drive to Kathmandu. After (6hr) drive we reach at Kathmandu.
[Included meals: No]
We will book in Kathmandu on request.
Why Guide for Khopra Ridge Trek Essential?
Khopra Danda Trek is considered off-the-beaten-path which is better if you hire a guide. There are many cases where trekkers lost on the Khopra trekking route and didn’t found yet. Off the beaten path means a less used route where there are multiple narrow ways where some of them lead to the grassing area for domestic animals and some are used by shepherds to fetch water, firewood, and grass for animals.
Mountains that are seen in Khopra Danda Trek
Khopra Danda is known for Khopra Ridge in another name where you will see some of the most splendid mountains along the trekking route. In this trek, you will witness 360-degree views of Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Bara Shikhar, Tukuche peak, Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna south, Machapuchhre, Mardi Himal along with a myriad of smaller snow-covered beauties.
Khopra Danda/Ridge Trek Altitude Profile
Trekking to Khopra Danda is considered a moderate to advance trekking grade. In grading, it is 3 out of 5 where there is mostly uphill climb until Khopra Danda, and then return will be downhill.
“Poonhill, a scenic viewpoint which offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.” Poonhill (3,210m) Trek is also known as Annapurna panoramic trek. It is a popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region. Within four to five days of the...