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Duration
12 Days
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Difficulty
Easy
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Max Elevation
3,660m
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Best Season
Aug-Nov and Feb-May
Khopra Danda Trek also known as the Khopra Ridge trek is the newly opened trekking route in Annapurna region and a great alternative to the more popular, Ghorepani trek. Existing to the south of the Annapurna region, the trek is suitable for all trekkers. This trip can be done as a special adventure hike up to holy Kaire lake (4,600m) which is the highest point. The path goes through deeply thriving thick rhododendron, and bamboo forest with spectacular views of Himalayan view which includes Annapurna (I, II, III, and south), Hiunchuli, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, and Lamjung Himal.
Khopra Danda Trek Route
Khopra Danda Trek begins after we take an hour of drive to Nayapul; then we will follow the trail towards the Tikhedunga. Furthermore, we will climb up 1,400m to the beautifully situated village of Ghorepani. Leaving the crowds behind, we detour off the busy path to trek to an authentic village and jungle trails that wander through ridges, river, meadows, and forest. The climb up to Khopra Danda feels visually close to a mountain climbing experience. As you steer up the narrow and steep mountain path with a wonderful view of the mountain below you.
Then we will stay at a community lodge at Khopra Danda. The next morning you will wake up to a golden sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna ranges. When the valley is filled with layers of mountain ridges and clouds below you with Dhaulagiri, the views are dazzling. Every corner presents you with a postcard-perfect view. There is also an option for a day trek to Khayer lake at 4,660m. Then we will trek down through beautiful forest trails to Tadapani and finally to Pokhara. As in the whole, trek to Khopra Danda offers the best views of snowcapped peaks, landscapes, and complete unique heritage and culture.
If you would like to go on a newly discovered yet remote area, Khopra Danda trek should be your choice. Very few people know about this trekking trail also very fewer tourists you see on the way, so it’s quite and peace trail also.
Trip Highlights
- Trek to Khopra Danda (3,660m) and Khayer Lake (4,660m).
- Splendid Himalayan panorama of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhare peaks.
- Off-the-beaten-path and less crowded trekking trail.
- Visit ethnic Magar villages.
Khopra Danda Trek ~ Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1330m).
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative picks you up and transfers you to the hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2
Fly / drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/25 min) and drive from Pokhara to Kimche and trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/1 hr).
We catch our early morning 25-minute scenic flight to Pokhara. After landing, we take a jeep ride to Kimche via Nayapul, which takes about 3 hours to reach. From Kimche, we begin our short trek to Ghandruk ascending on stone steps through the forested path while relishing the beautiful scenery in the background. Ghandruk is the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region where we get to experience the Gurung culture, tradition, and lifestyle. From Ghandruk, we can get a stunning view of Annapurna South (7219m) and Machhapuchhre (6993m). Overnight at lodge.
Day 3
Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani (2,630m): 3 hrs.
Leaving behind the beautiful Ghandruk village, today we trek to Tadapani ascending through the forested path filled with rhododendron and oak trees. Listening to the chirping of birds and relishing the view of small waterfalls and mountains like the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (6993m), and Hiunchuli (6441m) along the way, we arrive in Tadapani, which offers stunning sunset and sunrise views. Overnight at lodge.
Day 4
Trek from Tadapani to Dobato (3,420m): 5 hrs.
We ascend through dense forests filled with rhododendrons, pines, and oaks that lead us above the tree line to an amazing view of the Annapurna range. We continue to slowly ascend through rhododendron forests which take us to Meshar Danda followed by Isharu. We then trek through grassland until reaching a small pass then descend for a while and again ascend between small hills to finally reach Dobato. Overnight at lodge.
Day 5
Trek from Dobato to Chistibung (3,026m): 4 hrs.
We take an early morning 30-minute hike up to Muldai viewpoint which offers a 360-degree view of the Himalayas including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs along with Machhapuchhre Himal (6993m). We then descend through dense forests of rhododendron for a while and ascend until we reach Bayeli Kharka. We then continue descending through the forest and cross a wooden bridge before moving uphill to reach the pasturelands followed by the village of Chistibung. Overnight at lodge.
Day 6
Trek from Chistibung to Kopra Ridge/Danda (3,660m): 3 hrs.
Leaving Chistibung behind, we ascend steadily and emerge above the tree line. We may encounter some animals like Himalayan Thar and Himalayan Monal. We continue to ascend steadily to reach Khopra Ridge, which offers a stunning panorama of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri (7061m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), and other mountains during the sunset and sunrise. Overnight at lodge.
Day 7
Trek from Khopra Ridge to Swanta (2,214m): 5 hrs.
Today we descend steeply through the hillside and retrace the trail back to Chistibung. After descending for 1 and half hour, the trail descends steeply through dense forest until we reach Ratmate. Crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend for a while through the bamboo forest followed by the gradual ups and downs until we reach the village of Swanta. Swanta is a beautiful village inhabited by Magar people. Overnight at lodge.
Day 8
Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani (2,860m): 3 hrs.
Today we trek to Ghorepani descending through terraced fields to a small river. We also get to take a quick look at the local water mill. We then cross a suspension bridge and climb up to the village of Chitre. We continue to ascend through the forested path to reach the village of Ghorepani from where we can catch the amazing view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Overnight at lodge.
Day 9
Trek from Ghorepani to Tikhedunga (1,540m): 5 hrs.
In the morning, we hike up to Poon Hill through rhododendron forest to catch the beautiful view of sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna III (7555m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), and so on. We hike back to Ghorepani and continue to trek through a forested path filled with rhododendron. We then descend steeply on a stone staircase to Bhurungdi Khola where we cross a suspension bridge to reach Tikhedunga. Overnight at lodge.
Day 10
Trek from Tikhedunga to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
For our last day of trekking, we trek to Nayapul, gently descending to the village of Birethanti on the bank of Modi Khola. We then cross the new bridge to reach the pick-up point at Nayapul. From Nayapul, we take a short drive to Pokhara and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight in hotel.
Day 11
Morning Hike to World Peace Stupa and afternoon fly back to Kathmandu.
Early in the morning, we hike up to World Peace Stupa which offers a panoramic view of the different Himalayas from Annapurna to Dhaulagiri along with the beautiful peak of Machhapuchhre (6993m). We also get a view of the entire Pokhara valley and Phewa Lake. After spending some time at the stupa, we hike back to Phewa Lake and take a boat to cross the lake. In the afternoon, we catch a flight back to Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12
Final Departure from Kathmandu.
We drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, hoping to see you again.
Trip Photo/Video Gallery
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