Khopra Danda or Khopra Ridge is one of the least trekked areas in the Annapurna region. Considered one of the most beautiful short treks, this trek is also considered a good alternative to the popular Poon Hill trek. Needless to say that Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is probably the best-liked short trek in the Himalayas as it’s the first choice of many trekkers. Khopra Danda Trek is also no less beautiful yet it remains much calmer and unspoiled offering some majestic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many more mountains along with the beautiful Khayer Lake.
If you want to get away from the crowd and trek in a relatively calmer region in your short holiday, this trek can be a very good choice. A trek of slightly above one week with moderate difficulty, this is an ideal trek for family and senior citizens also. Khopra Danda Trek is a perfect blend of what Nepal offers: great mountain views, beautiful Gurung villages, terraced fields, and high Himalayan pastureland. This trek offers what it takes to enjoy a week-long trek to the fullest.
Starting with a walk to the village of Ghandruk, one of the most beautiful Nepalese mountain villages, the trek goes through another beautiful village called Tadapani. These are not just mere villages but full of culture and tradition and great viewpoints to enjoy the grandeur of the Himalayas. The trail then moves along more serene and unspoiled parts through Dobato, Bayeli, and Chistibung to Khopra Danda/Ridge.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. Welcome and pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Guided city tour of Kathmandu
Day 03: Drive or fly to Pokhara
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul, and trek to Ghorepani 1940m
Day 05: Trek Tadapani, 2610m
Day 06: Trek to Dobato, 3350m
Day 07: Trek to Upper Chistibung, 3025m
Day 08: Trek to Khopra Danda/Ridge, 3640m
Day 09: Hike to Khayer Lake, 4500m, and back
Day 10: Trek to Tatopani, 1250m
Day 11: Drive back to Pokhara
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 13: Departure day
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival you will be greeted and welcomed by our representative at the airport. You will then be transferred to the hotel. A pre departure meeting will be scheduled as time permits. During the meeting, you will be introduced to the leader/guide who will be guiding you all throughout the trek. You will also be briefed about the program that starts from the next day.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 02: Guided city tour of Kathmandu
Today you will be visiting various cultural, historical and architectural monuments of the Kathmandu. The centuries old monuments are full of legends and beliefs and the Durbar squares of medieval Kathmandu are full of intricate carving and superb collection of architectural riches. The qualified and experienced tour guide will lead you and show you around. The time after tour is for preparation for your trip.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Fly or drive to Pokhara, approx 30 mins flight approx 6 hrs scenic drive
If you take a flight, it’s about 30 minutes’ scenic flight. Or a scenic drive of approx 6 hours will take to the beautiful lake city Pokhara. The view along the road is so dramatic with rivers, valleys, terraced fields and charming villages. After checking in to hotel and getting freshen up, you will time to explore the city. Enjoy your time and make preparation for the trip
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 04: Drive to Syauli Bazaar (approx 2 hrs) and trek to Ghandruk (1940m), approx 3 hrs
The day starts with a drive to Syauli bazaar via Nayapul along the Modi river. As the trek starts you will gently ascends through the village and fields to the beautiful village, Ghandruk. The trek approximately takes 3 hours of gentle walk. Ghandruk is one of the most scenic villages in the regions offering astonishing views of the Fishtail, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli and more. And the village of Gurung, one of the major ethnic groups of Nepal, Ghandruk also offers the opportunity for cultural exploration as you stroll around this lovely village.
Overnight: Mountain lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 05: Trek to Tadapani (2610m), approx 4 hours
After a beautiful morning in Ghandruk, the trek to Tadapani starts. It’s rather a short and easy day but a pleasant one. The trail is mainly upwards through the beautiful forest of rhododendrons. You can enjoy the beautiful views all along the way. And during the Spring the rhododendrons blossom beautifully and delightfully. It’s a short walk which allows you have a good rest at Tadapani. Tadapani is also a nice village and also a great view point to enjoy the close-up view of the mountains.
Overnight: Mountain lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 06: Trek to Dobato (3350m), approx 4-5 hours
From today, you will leave the regular trail of the Annapurna behind and walk more remote and off the beaten track. The trail is relatively easy one. As the trail moves upwards through the thick jungle of rhododendron and oak trees, you will appreciate the diverse flora and fauna. If you are lucky you will also have the opportunity to encounter some wild animals. The mountain views which will be dominated by Annapurna South will get more magnificent as you walk closer to them. Dobato is a beautiful and peaceful place. If you wish you could visit Muldai view point which about 30 mins walk from here. The view point offers majestic panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Overnight: Mountain lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 07: Trek to Upper Chistibung (3025m), approx 4-5 hours
Or you could plan the hike to Muldai view point for this morning so that you can the magnificent sunrise view. From Dobato, the trail to Chistibung descends through the open land and forest to reach Bayeli Kharka, a beautiful pasture land. You might come across the beautiful Lophophorus (locally called Danphe), the national bird of Nepal and mountain animals like Himalayan Tahr usually on grassy ridge above your trail. Bayeli kharka is an excellent place for it offers some jaw-dropping view of Mt Dhaulagiri and its range. The further walk of approx 3 hours will take you to your today’s destination. Chistibung is actually herders’ temporary settlement. There are community-run lodges.
Overnight: Mountain lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 08: Trek to Khopra Danda/Ridge (3640m), approx 3-4 hours
A short day for walk which ascends quite steeply. The trail heads through the alpine meadows and pastures above tree-line to reach Khopra ridge. You will simply feel elated when you reach Khopra for the amazing views it bestows on you. The Khopra ridge is marvelous view point overlooking Kali Gandaki river in the deep valley. The Annapurna peaks, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc appear so close and so majestic.
Overnight: Mountain lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 09: Excursion day. Hike to Khayer Lake (4500m), approx 9 hours
It’s one of the highlight days of the trek. And it’s a pretty long day today as one-way walk takes about 5 hours. The option of hiking about half way and come back is also possible. A gorgeous place surrounded by mountains, Khayer lake offers some amazing vistas of the mountains and landscapes. Khayer lake is considered a holy place around which we can see both Hindu and Buddhist shrines. The views absolutely worth the efforts you put in to go and come back.
Overnight: Mountain lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10: Trek to Tatopani, (1250m), approx 5 hours
Although there is an option of heading towards to Ghorepani /Poonhill, this itinerary includes the trek to Tatopani on this day. The trail mostly descends through villages and terraced fields. Tatopani (meaning hot water in Nepali), is the place on the bank of Kali Gandaki river where is natural hot spring spot. This is very popular in the area. Dipping into this natural spring certainly relaxes your body and at the same time it’s believed to cure some bodily and skin problems.
Overnight: Mountain lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11: Drive to Pokhara, approx 6-7 hours
End of the trek. Today you will drive back to Pokhara. Initially it will be an off-road drive and then on the paved road. It’s an interesting and scenic drive along the mountain road.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 12: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu.
Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. You will have a free day for relaxation and also for some shopping.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Departure day
End of the trip. As per the flight schedule, Transfer to airport and fly to onward destination.
Services included:
1. Accommodation in cities on BB basis
2. Sightseeing tours to monumental and cultural zones in cities as stated in itinerary
3. Internal flights/overland transportation to and from Trekking region as stated in itinerary
4. National Park/Conservation Area Trekking entry permit
5. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit
6. Accommodation in Mountain lodges during the trek
7. Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) a day during the trek (as stated in the itinerary)
8. Government-licensed and experienced trekking guide and porter services
9. Accommodation, meals, transportation, daily wages and insurance for all trekking staffs
10. Airport pick-up and drop-off services including all internal airport transfers
Services not included:
1. Meals other than breakfast while staying in cities
2. Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, internet, bar and bottled water bills
3. Clients’ personal and travel insurance
4. Any international flight tickets
5. Tips & gratuities for Trekking staffs
Equipment list of Trekking
Here is a recommended Equipment List for trekking in Nepal Himalayas. You could bring the ones you already have and rest can be bought or hired in Kathmandu or other cities.
Clothing
• Lightweight trekking boots with spare laces
• A pair of track shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when the boot is wet
• 4-season sleeping bag
• Warm jacket ( Fiber fill or down should be adequate)
• A rainproof jacket with hood or a poncho
• Woolen shirts and thick sweaters
• A pair of lightweight/ heavy weight windproof/ waterproof trousers
• Thermal under wears
• A tracksuit useful for wearing in camp and in the tent
• 2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/ skirts
• 1 lightweight long sleeved –shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.
• A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night and a sunhat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck
• A pair of woolen gloves
• 1 pair of sandals to wear in the cities and in camp
• 2 pairs of thin and 2 pair of thick woolen socks
Equipment and Accessories
• Duffle bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking.
• Daypack/ rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g. toilet items, camera, film towel, soap, a boot etc.
• Water bottle.
• Snow glasses and sunglasses
• 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
• Toiletries with large and small towels.
• Small headlamp / torch with spare batteries
• Snow gaiters essential during winter and all treks going over at other times.
• Reading materials, camera, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional).
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