Khopra Danda Trek Nepal | Khopra Ridge Off-the-Beaten Trek

Trip Difficulty: Moderate

Activities: Trekking/Hiking/Sightseeing

Accommodation: Included

Meals: Included

Max. Elevation: 4,600m

Best Season: March to May / September to November

Highlight

Pass via farm fields, terraces, yak pastures, rivers, and more.
An optional visit to the holy and pristine Khayer Lake.
Crystal clear close sights of Mt Annapurna, Mt Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Himchuli and more.
Breathtaking mountain panorama and sunrise/sunset views from Khopra Ridge(3,660m) and Poon Hill.
A peaceful walk through the vibrant woods of Oaks, Pines and Rhododendrons.
Trek via Gurung villages and experience their unique culture.
Experience an off-the-beaten trekking option of the Annapurna Region.
A couple of beautiful evenings in Pokhara, the city of lakes.
Scenic drive/flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu.
An excellent excuse to avoid crowded Poonhill Trekking.

Overview

Also known as the Khopra Ridge Trek, this is a peaceful and less-crowded trekking route in the beautiful Annapurna Region. It is a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy the Himalayas away from busy trails.

The main highlight is Khopra Ridge (3,640m), where you can enjoy amazing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Along the way, you will see Mt. Annapurna I, II, III, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli and many other beautiful peaks.

The trek also takes you through traditional mountain villages such as Ghandruk, Tadapani and Ghorepani, where you can meet local Gurung and Tamang communities and learn about their culture, lifestyle and traditions.

You will walk through beautiful forests, green hills, rivers and changing mountain landscapes. Another highlight is Poon Hill (3,210m), one of Nepal’s most popular viewpoints, famous for its sunrise and wide Himalayan views.

For those who want an extra adventure, the trek can also include Khayer Lake (4,600m), a sacred and peaceful high-altitude lake.

Our 14-day Khopra Ridge Trek starts and ends in Kathmandu. It is an excellent alternative to the busy Annapurna Base Camp route and is perfect for travelers looking for peaceful trails, beautiful nature, local culture and stunning Himalayan views.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 3: Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga(1,600m)

Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani(2,874m)

Day 5: Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Swanta

Day 6: Trek to Dhan Kharka(3,020m)

Day 7: Trek to Khopra Danda(3,660m)

Day 8: Trek to Khayer Lake(4,600m)

Day 9: Trek to Bayeli(3,400m)

Day 10: Trek to Tadapani(2,830m)

Day 11: Trek to Ghandruk(2,012m)

Day 12: Trek to Nayapul and Drive back to Pokhara

Day 13: Drive/Flight Back to Kathmandu

Day 14: Departure

Itinerary

We will receive you at Kathmandu Airport after your arrival. Then picking you up, we will move to your hotel for checking in. You will take a rest after the long flight. In the evening, we will meet again for a welcome dinner hosted by Sabbatical Explore Nepal. We will also talk you through the Khopra Danda Trek itinerary in detail. After a meeting with the team and dinner, you will return to the hotel for the night.

The journey of the Khopra Danda Trek begins from here. We will pack our belongings, and take our breakfast to get ready for the bus drive. The next 6 hours will happen on the scenic Prithivi Highway. During the ride, we will come across Nepal's countryside. Upon reaching Pokhara, we will check into one of the hotels. Following, we will go out on the streets of Lakeside of Pokhara for hangouts. It will be a lovely evening in Pokhara by the Fewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara's hotel.

Now, we set off for the real adventure, the actual start of the Khopra Ridge Trek. We will start the day with an hour-long drive to Nayapul. That will be the starting point of the trek. From Nayapul, we head into the greenery of Birethanti. We will see impressive mountains along the tour. The 4-5 hrs of walking across terrace fields, villages, and woods will bring us to our destination, Tikhedhunga. Overnight in a local lodge.

After eating our breakfast, we will leave Tikhedhunga behind by crossing a suspension bridge. It will be a steep uphill climb on a stone-paved trail up to Ulleri. We will stop for a break and lunch in Ulleri before continuing the trek. Today is a tough day as we will gain about 1000m of altitude. We will trek amid the forest of Rhododendrons several times. Passing via a couple of more villages, we will finally reach Ghorepani. Overnight in Ghorepani.

The day will start quite early as we hike up to Poonhill(3,210m) in the morning. We will witness an astonishing panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from the top. Along with that, the sunrise view will leave your mouth wide open. After the glorious views, we will head back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then we start the second part of the day; the trek to Swanta. It will be a descending and easy trek of 3-4hrs. We will do an uphill hike at the end of the day. Throughout the day, we will pass via green trails, terrace fields, and villages. Ultimately, reaching Swanta, we will have a lovely evening at a hotel.

We will bid farewell to Swanta after breakfast. The trek will take part through the farmlands of the village to the woods. Continuing the walking on a narrow trail and side by side of a sounding stream, we will reach Aal Kharka. We will eat our lunch before joining an uphill hike to Dhan Kharka in Kali Gandaki Valley. We will watch Mt Nigiri, Annapurna South I, and Fishtail from the hills along the trek. The day's hike will end at Dhan Kharka's teahouse.

Here comes the vital day of Khopra Danda Trek when we will reach Khopra Danda(Hill). We will leave Dhan Kharka following breakfast for a short trekking day. It will be a 4 hrs trek on a steep slope. The scenery along the day will be lovely, with mountains and hills all around us. We will trek on a bit of a rough uphill track to reach the Khopra Danda. Following a 3-4 hours trek, we will finally reach the spot to enjoy a mind-blowing mountain panorama. Overnight in Khopra Danda.

The trek to Khayer Lake is an optional hike for those who have no problems with high altitudes. Those who do not want to challenge will take a journey back to Kathmandu from here. If you are going to reach Khayer Lake anyway, let's move forward. It will be a trek of around 7-8 hours to the lake. The trail is steep and rough as well. We will trek calmly along the day, enjoying the beautiful scenery. Khayer Lake(4,600m) is a holy lake of Hindu Pilgrimages. We all explore the gorgeous lake upon reaching the lake before calling it a day in a nearby teahouse.

Now, we leave the shores of Khayer Lake after breakfast. The trek will move into a dense forest of alpine trees. We will walk a couple of uphills before descending to Sumphul Danda. En route, we will come across an open pasture to see the snow-clad mountains once again. In total, we will walk for 5-6 hrs, mainly descending, to reach Bayeli in the evening. Bayeli is a traditional village of Gurungs with several homestays. We will end up in one of them for the night.

We will start the day with mountains in the backdrop. As we leave the village, we will be walking in a deep forest of Oak, Magnolia, and Rhododendron. We will reach the prime trekking trail of Poon Hill Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek out of the woods. Keeping the walk for another 3-4 hours, we will reach Tadapani, a five-star village of Gurungs. We will spend the evening enjoying the golden hours of mountains and landscapes. Overnight in Tadapani.

From Tadapani, taking a descending trail, we will set off for Ghandruk. Shortly, we will trek through another dense forest; the trek will not last more than 4 hours. As a result, we will arrive in Ghandruk early. And we will explore Ghandruk, another traditional village of the Annapurna Region. Not to forget, we will enjoy the glorious mountains from here as well. Overnight in Ghandruk.

It will be the final trekking day of the Khopra Danda Trek. We will take a descending trail from Ghandruk, which leads to Syauli Bazar. Trekking comfortably, we will traverse through forests, villages, and their farmlands to reach Nayapool. We will have a short break in Birethanti in between. From Nayapool, we will take a 2.5 hours long ride back to Pokhara. Another evening in Pokhara.

As per the itinerary, we will take a flight or bus drive to Kathmandu. The bus drive will be 6 hours long on the Prithivi Highway. And the flight will be 20 minutes long. Upon our return to Kathmandu, we will leave you at your hotel for a rest. The rest of the time will be free time in Kathmandu for shopping and hangouts.

It will be the completion of Khopra Ridge Trek. We will transfer you to Kathmandu Airport for your departure. Farewell! We will see you in another adventure with us.

What's Included?

All private transport from airport arrival to departure according to itinerary
Kathmandu and Pokhara Hotel accommodation on BB plan
ACAP trek permit
TIMS (Trekkers's Information Management System) Card
Daily three meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
Mountain Guesthouse/Teahouse accommodation with meals
English or specific language trek guide
A porter for each two trekkers
Travel and mountain Insurance of guide and porter
Daily salary, accommodation and meals for trip staffs
All necessary arrangement during the trip
Government Tax and VAT

Cost Excludes

Nepal Visa fee
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Travel/Medical and Mountain Insurance of trekkers
Personal expenses and natural Calamities beyond our control and expenses incurred during rescue services if in case
Tips to staffs

FAQ's

Where is the Khopra Danda – Khayar Lake Trek located?

The trek is in the Annapurna region of Nepal, starting from Pokhara and passing through Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Khopra Ridge, before reaching Khayar Lake, a serene high-altitude alpine lake.

What is the best time for Khopra Danda – Khayar Lake Trek?

Spring (March to May)
Autumn (September to November)

What is the highest point of the Khopra Danda – Khayar Lake Trek?

The highest point is Khopra Danda (2,700–2,800 meters / 8,900–9,200 feet), offering panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre peaks.

What scenery and landscapes can I expect on Khopra Danda – Khayar Lake Trek?

Panoramic Himalayan views
Rhododendron and oak forests
Terraced villages and rice fields
High-altitude alpine meadows and Khayar Lake

What cultural experiences will I encounter on Khopra Danda – Khayar Lake Trek?

Trekkers experience Gurung and Magar villages, local homestays, traditional festivals, and authentic Nepalese rural lifestyle.

How remote is Khayar Lake?

Khayar Lake is relatively remote, with few trekkers visiting, providing a peaceful and pristine environment, making it perfect for photography and nature lovers.

Is the Khopra Danda – Khayar Lake trek suitable for beginners?

Yes, the trek is suitable for moderately fit beginners. Prior trekking experience helps, but a well-paced itinerary makes it achievable for first-time trekkers.

Khopra Danda Khayar Lake Trek - 14 Days

Price USD 1495 1695

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Reviews

Read Review From

Katmandu, Bhaktapur Patan, and another locals city I forgot the name ( Themi) are the most interesting cultural cities for sightseeing in Katmandu valley. It's a very very vibrant and tremendous and much rich culture in Nepal. I went to Pokhara and on the way rafting in the river was great fun. 8 days of trekking t View More...

Philip Hoffmann

Krems, Austria

We had a wonderful time on our gap year in Nepal. The Total 48 days in Nepal on our career break trip was meaningful and memorable. Kathmandu city is amazing and vibrant with different cultures of Temples, Stupas and also Mosque. Monkey Temple, Pashupati Crematory Kathmandu Durbar square, Bauddha Nath very famous histo View More...

Leah

Netherlands

I had an amazing experience with Sabbatical Explore Nepal when I visited Nepal during my Gap year 2018. Our guide and driver were so experienced and helpful. I remember seeing many animals like tigers, deers, rhinos during Jungle Safari in Chitwan. I even went to the Elephant Breeding Centre and that was amazing. In Lu View More...

Felix

Argentina

We had a wonderful time travelling with Shiva and his team. From the moment we were picked up at the airport until the final drop off, everything was well organised and smooth. We joined the Culture Tour and the Shaman Village hiking trip, which gave us a unique and memorable experience. We visited many important cultu View More...

Magda, Terese and Group

Germany

We recently made trip to Nepal. Shiva from Sabbatical Explore Nepal helped us finalizing trekking itinerary. It was a great trek to Langtang Region. We started it from Syafru Beshi and Gatlang and made very interesting and impressive Tamang Heritage trails. Completing Tamang Heritage trek, we reached to Lama Hotel thro View More...

Anna, Lena & Maria

Spain

The trip was well worth it! I was in Nepal last Autumn with the team of Shiva and Kiran, whom I knew from my colleagues. I was confused about where to go. But my expert friends, Shiva and Kiran, suggested I do their best-selling Nepal Panorama Tour. I'm glad they suggested it. I am not a hiking person, my body does View More...

Dr. M.H. ALHAMRAN

Bahrain

“Lots of Impressions! I had a lot of fun on this trek. We had a seven days trek to Langtang from Kathmandu. My guide Sabin karki was super awesome. He was motivating, fun and the perfect companion for the given situation. I am more than happy with the service provided on this trip. They organized the whol View More...

Steve Smith

Australia

We have just finished the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Sabbatical Explore Nepal, and it was a very beautiful and memorable experience. Our guide was very good, friendly and always ready to help. His English was easy to understand and he made us feel comfortable during the whole trek. He took good ca View More...

Karin and Meli

Switzerland

Dec-2022Chitwan Jungle Safari was a great experience with good value for money. We hired the Car from Kathmandu and stayed for 02 Nights. Our trip was well organized with good service on time. It was rainy and animals were scarce but the driver and Guide worked hard to spot them for us. 01-hour canoeing ride in the mid View More...

Philip

United States

After Everest Base Camp Trek, I did tour to Pokhara and Chitwan National Park. I am thankful to Shiva and his Sabbatical Explore Team for managing a great guide for my trek. I knew the trek is beautiful but not entirely. All the prayer flags, busy farm fields, like traditional hamlets, and yes giant peaks, these all ar View More...

Stefanie Zendler

Austria

I went to Upper Mustang Trek with them, which I can vividly remember even after 2 months now. I found out about this team from one of my friends. I'm glad he suggested it. Everything went well during the trek. The guide was so humble and good. He showed me things that I could never have if I was traveling solo. I f View More...

Ruben Jonas

Germany

Sabbatical Explore Nepal's team planned this excursion, which went excellent and was exceptionally well planned. We had the best guide on this trip who was friendly, humorous, and professional. He made us feel easy throughout the excursion. He was always there to explain the new things of the journey from the View More...

Sarah Green

United States