Overview

Duration :
15 Days
Secondary Activity:
Nature and Culture
Max altitude :
4,700m/ 15,420ft
Transportation:
Private Vehicle
Trip ends in:
Pokhara/Kathmandu
Accomodation:
Lodge and Tea-House
Primary activity:
Trekking and Hiking
Group Size:
1-10
Country:
Nepal
Trip starts from:
Kathmandu/Pokhara
Diffficulty:
Moderate
Meals:
Nepali and Continental
Best Season:
Autumn and Spring
Trip route:
Kathmandu-Pokhara-Nayapul-Ghandruk-Tadapani-Bayli Kharka-Bayli-Upper Chistibung-Khopra Ridge-Swanta-Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Mohare Hill-Tikhedunga -Pokhara-Kathmandu

Trip introduction

Khopra Danda Trek is a newly introduced short and delightful off-the-beaten excursion of Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. It is getting popular among domestic as well as foreign tourists recently. This trek offers excellent panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayan range including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, and other neighboring peaks. Cultural exploration is another major highlight of this short and easy trek.

En Route

We embark on the Khopra danda trek as we arrive at Pokhara, drive to Nayapul, and start trekking towards Ghandruk then Tadapani. We pass through the Rhododendron forest, small and large Gurung, and Magar settlements.

Upon arrival at Khopra Danda, there is an opportunity to see a pristine lake in the middle of nowhere. Along with the old trees, the top of the hill offers spectacular close views of snow-capped mountains including Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and other neighboring peaks. Also, Poon Hill provides magnificent sunrise views of snow-capped mountains like nowhere else. We get back to Tikhedhunga followed by a drive to Pokhara which ends our short and amazing Khopra Danda trek.

Best time for Khopra Danda Trekking

You can join the Khopra Danda Trek any time of the year. But it can be best experienced during March, April, and May in the spring season. During this time, the sky remains clear, and rhododendrons as well as other faunas blossoms magically.

This takes the Khopra Danda trekking experience to a whole new level. Also, we highly recommend it during the autumn months of September, October, and November for unobstructed views of Himalayan panoramas.

Join this short and easy trek with Nepal Mountain Trekkers. We are offering a special discount on Khopra Danda Trek in 2024/2025 along with some other packages to promote tourism in Nepal. Nepali Tourism suffered extreme obstacles due to the global pandemic Coronavirus for the last two years.

Special Note:

If this itinerary doesn’t suit your requirement or if you want to customize it, please feel free to contact us. This trek could be customized as per your required time frame and budget limits.

Overview

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft):
  • Day 2
    Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690 ft): 5-6 hrs drive:
  • Day 3
    Pokhara to Ghandruk(1,940m/6,364 ft) via Nayapul(1,070m/3,510 ft): 1 and half hrs drive and 5 hrs trek:
  • Day 4
    Ghandruk to Tadapani(2,700m/8,860ft) : 4-5 hrs:
  • Day 5
    Tadapani to Bayli Kharka (3,460m/ 11,352 ft): 6-7 hrs:
  • Day 6
    Bayli to Upper Chistibung (2,950m/ 9,679 ft): 4-5 hrs:
  • Day 7
    Chistibung to Khopra Ridge (3,660m/12,008 ft): 3 hrs:
  • Day 8
    Explore Day | Day Hike to Khayer Lake(4,700m/ 15,420 ft): 7-8 hrs:
  • Day 9
    Khopra Ridge to Swanta(2,260m/7,415 ft): 5-6 hrs:
  • Day 10
    Swanta to Ghorepani (2,840 m/9,318 ft): 6 hrs:
  • Day 11
    Ghorepani to Mohare Hill (3,300m/10,827 ft) via Poon Hill (3,210m/10,533 ft): 6-7 hrs:
  • Day 12
    Mohare Hill to Tikedhunga (1,540m/5,052 ft) via Mohare Hill Viewpoint: 6 hrs:
  • Day 13
    Tikhedunga to Pokhara via Nayapul: 4-5 hrs trek and 1 and half hrs drive:
  • Day 14
    Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hrs drive:
  • Day 15
    Departure Day:

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)::

After your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport, a representative of Nepal Mountain Trekkers will be at the terminal to welcome you to the land of the Himalayas. Then you will be taken to your representative hotel and into your rooms so that you can relax your jetlagged body. Now you have time to prepare for the next day ahead. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690 ft): 5-6 hrs drive::

Early in the morning after having breakfast you will start a scenic drive to the beautiful city of Pokhara and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon if time permits boating in Phewa Lake and visits Barahi temple situated in the Center of Phewa Lake, also side trip around the lakeside. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Day 3 : Pokhara to Ghandruk(1,940m/6,364 ft) via Nayapul(1,070m/3,510 ft): 1 and half hrs drive and 5 hrs trek::

From Pokhara, you will be transferred by road (private bus) to the starting point of the trek at Nayapul. The porters will be waiting, and after a brief stop to stretch your legs while the porters organize the load, you will set off on the walk. You will walk through the busy trading post of Nayapul. You will cross a small stream via a suspension bridge and continue on a dirt road before crossing the Modi River to reach Birethanti. Soon you will reach the small hamlet of Syauli Bazaar where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, you will start the climb to Ghandruk. From here the trail climbs more steeply up stone steps through settlements of Klieu, Kimche, and Chane, where one can see beautiful scenery and village life. From the small village of Chane, the trail traverses and then climbs up to the village of Ghandruk. Stay overnight at Ghandruk.

Day 4 : Ghandruk to Tadapani(2,700m/8,860ft) : 4-5 hrs::

Another day ascending ahead, but the walk will be easier now that you’ve found your trekking legs! Leaving the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind, you will enter oak and rhododendron forest. This is a particularly pretty part of the walk, the forest is alive with the sound of birds and small tumbling waterfalls, and if you visit in spring, (late March to April) the rhododendron will be in full bloom. There are no villages on today’s route, but there will be a few teahouses at Baisi Kharkha, providing welcome drinks and a place to rest. There will be fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machapuchare (6993m), and Lamjung Himal (6931m) along the way. Your lodge at Tadapani is the perfect setting for sunset and sunrise views. Stay overnight at Tadapani.

Day 5 : Tadapani to Bayli Kharka (3,460m/ 11,352 ft): 6-7 hrs::

You will leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani today and follows a rarely used trail – initially through thick rhododendron forest – that leads to local water buffalo pastures. The climb is gradual and soon you will emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range. You will take lunch by a small stream and then continue to climb gradually though open countryside to reach a small pass, where the trail descends through rhododendron to an open clearing known as Bayli Kharka and the lodge. From the lodge, there are great views of Dhaulagiri Himal. Stay overnight at Bayli Kharka.

Day 6 : Bayli to Upper Chistibung (2,950m/ 9,679 ft): 4-5 hrs::

This morning you will descend through open ground and forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will continue to walk through the forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herder’s settlement at Upper Chistibung, where you will stay in the small community lodge. For the next few days, you will stay in lodges run by the local communities. Being off-the-beaten-track, the villages haven’t previously enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the network of our Community Lodges and tourism industry, there are profits to benefit local projects and schools. Stay overnight at Upper Chistibung.

Day 7 : Chistibung to Khopra Ridge (3,660m/12,008 ft): 3 hrs::

To reach the ridge at Khopra, you will embark on a steady climb that carries you above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife, so you should keep your eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take your time, and rest as often as you wish. You will reach the lodge on Khopra Ridge in time for lunch and will be greeted by more awe-inspiring views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above you at only six kilometers away, with Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north. Across the depths of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. Stay overnight at Kopra Ridge.

Day 8 : Explore Day | Day Hike to Khayer Lake(4,700m/ 15,420 ft): 7-8 hrs::

It is a very good idea to stay here for at least two days; you can take a beautiful day’s hiking trip to Khayer Lake at 4,700m/15,420ft. This, however, is not recommended for every trekker, because it is a very long way to trek to the lake and come back the same way to Khopra. It takes a minimum of 7 to 8 hours as a round trip but once you make your way up to there, you won’t regret your walk because of the eye-dazzling sceneries of Mountain Ranges including Annapurna I and other surrounding peaks. And it is also a good idea to go as far as Thanti (around 4,200m high) and come back. At Thanti, there are some shelters for yak herders and shepherds to stay in during the monsoon. The views of nature’s beauty are mesmerizing here. Stay overnight in Khopra Ridge.

Day 9 : Khopra Ridge to Swanta(2,260m/7,415 ft): 5-6 hrs::

From Kopra Ridge you will descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. You will retrace the route back to Chistibung. You will then head to the village of Swanta, where you will stay overnight in the newly constructed lodge. We have supported the local school over the years, and there is time to pay a quick visit, and perhaps interact with the kids. Stay overnight at Swanta.

Day 10 : Swanta to Ghorepani (2,840 m/9,318 ft): 6 hrs::

From Swanta you will descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local watermill. From here you will cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where you’ll join the main trekking trail. There is a further ascent to reach the village of Ghorepani where you will be met with great views of the Dhaulagiri massif and a well-earned rest. Stay overnight at Ghorepani.

Day 11 : Ghorepani to Mohare Hill (3,300m/10,827 ft) via Poon Hill (3,210m/10,533 ft): 6-7 hrs::

From Ghorepani, you will follow the trail of Poon Hill for 40 minutes, and then turn left on the grassy and rhododendron forests with small ups and downs until reaching where the trail is flat. Then there is a more strenuous climb up to Humpal pass (3,098m/ 10,165ft). Still, continue hiking along the ridge with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna and Manaslu for sunset vistas makes Mohare Danda is a good place to take an extra day’s rest! Mohare Danda itself is a perfect natural towering ridge. It offers a spectacular 360-degree mountain view through the Dhaulagiri range (8167m) high, Annapurna range (8091m), Manaslu Himal (8163m) vistas of deep magical landscapes, and magnificent sunrises and sunsets over the mountains. You will have your lunch there and return back the same way to Ghorepani. Stay overnight at Ghorepani.

Day 12 : Mohare Hill to Tikedhunga (1,540m/5,052 ft) via Mohare Hill Viewpoint: 6 hrs::

After having breakfast, you will start your walk passing through the beautiful rhododendron forest. You will arrive at Ulleri with plenty of time to explore this picturesque village. From Ulleri there is a very steep descent of 500 meters on a stone staircase to the Bhurungdi Khola River where you will cross a small suspension bridge to reach the village of Tikhedunga. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 13 : Tikhedunga to Pokhara via Nayapul: 4-5 hrs trek and 1 and half hrs drive::

After giving your knees the next day to recover, you will continue a more gentle descent to the village of Birethanti, on the banks of the Modi Khola. Here you will have lunch and then cross the new bridge to the east bank, before following the river back to the pick-up point at Nayapul. After saying farewell to your porters, you will be transferred by coach back to Pokhara where you can rest and relax. Stay overnight at Pokhara.

Day 14 : Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hrs drive::

With an end to your trek, you will head back toward Kathmandu today on a scenic drive of about 5-6 hrs. and after reaching Kathmandu, you can spend your time on activities of your desire as much as possible with the availability of time with you. Stay Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 15 : Departure Day::

Today after breakfast we transfer you to the international airport in Kathmandu for your next destination, at least three hours prior to the flight schedule. We hope that the diversity of culture and tradition, natural beauty and wildlife, flora, fauna, and architectural heritage has created a special place in your memory strong enough to come for another adventure or exploration in this enchanting nation, Nepal.

Price Includes

  • Airport pick up and drop service
  • 2 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or Similar Standard)
  • 2 nights Hotel in Pokhara
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Transportation costs(Drive): Comfortable Tourist Bus (Kathmandu – Pokhara- Kathmandu) with other driving fares(Pokhara-Nayapul-Pokhara).
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations which might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
  • Trekking gears like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
  • T-shirt of Nepal Mountain Trekkers, Duffel bag, and Trekking Map
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • First aid medical box
  • All Government Taxes(13% VAT) and 10% Service Charge
  • Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets
  • Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses (Laundries, Electric accessories, Internet, and so on)
  • All Soft Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages
  • Tips for guide and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments

Head

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Head Torch

Upper Body

  • Cotton t-shirts or thermals
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Down jacket

Lower Body

  • Lightweight cotton pants (long)
  • Waterproof pants

Feet

  • Thin inner socks
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Comfortable hiking boots

Hands

  • Gloves
  • Creams

Accessories

  • Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
  • Trekking bag (Rucksack)
  • Duffel bag
  • Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
  • Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
  • Water bottle or camel bag
  • Toiletries
 

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