Just off the busy Poon Hill trail, the Khopra Danda trek climbs to a high ridge with one of the finest mountain panoramas in the Annapurna region, with far fewer trekkers.
Quick answer: Khopra Danda (Khopra Ridge) is at about 3,660 m, facing Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and other giants. The trek takes about 7–9 days from Pokhara, often combined with Poon Hill. An optional day hike leads to sacred Khayer Lake (about 4,660 m).
Highlights
- Sunrise from the Khopra ridge.
- Rhododendron forests in spring.
- Community-run lodges supporting local villages.
- Khayer Lake, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.
Typical route
Pokhara – Ghorepani (Poon Hill sunrise) – Swanta – Chistibang – Khopra Ridge – optional Khayer Lake – down to Tadapani or Paudwar and back to Pokhara.
Difficulty
Moderate, with steep ascents and descents. The Khayer Lake side trip is a long, high day; acclimatise well.
Best time
October–November and March–April.
See also Poon Hill and best treks near Pokhara.
Khopra Danda at a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Highest overnight | Khopra Danda, about 3,660 m |
| Highest point | Khayer Lake, about 4,500–4,660 m (side trip) |
| Duration | About 7–9 days from Pokhara |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and community lodges |
| Permits | ACAP permit; licensed guide required |
A day-by-day itinerary
| Day | Route | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive Pokhara to Ulleri or Hile; walk to Ulleri or Banthanti | About 2,000–2,250 m |
| 2 | To Ghorepani | 2,860 m |
| 3 | Poon Hill sunrise; walk to Swanta | About 2,270 m |
| 4 | Swanta to Chistibang | About 2,990 m |
| 5 | Chistibang to Khopra Danda | About 3,660 m |
| 6 | Optional Khayer Lake day hike; return to Khopra | About 4,500–4,660 m |
| 7 | Khopra to Dobato or Bayeli | About 3,400 m |
| 8 | To Tadapani and Ghandruk | About 1,940 m |
| 9 | Walk out and drive to Pokhara | 820 m |
Routes vary; some itineraries go up via Ghandruk and down via Ghorepani, or exit through Paudwar and Tatopani.
The view from Khopra
Khopra Danda sits on a grassy ridge facing the great south face of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) across the deep Kali Gandaki gorge, with Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre forming a wall of peaks around you. At sunrise, the light moves slowly across Dhaulagiri's face, and the valleys below fill with mist. Many trekkers find the view more intimate and dramatic than Poon Hill, without the crowds.
Khayer Lake
From Khopra, a demanding side trip climbs to Khayer Lake (Khayer Barahi), a small sacred lake beneath Annapurna South, visited by pilgrims during the Janai Purnima full moon. The round trip takes about 7–9 hours, climbing nearly 1,000 m to around 4,500 m or more, so it should only be attempted if you are well acclimatised and the weather is good. Snow can make the route difficult in winter and spring.
Community lodges
The Khopra trek was developed with community lodges, built and run by local villages with support from development organisations, so that tourism income stays in the community and supports schools and health care. Lodges are simple but comfortable, with dining rooms, solar power and hearty food. Staying in them directly benefits the people of the area. See homestays and eco-lodges.
Wildlife and nature
The trail passes through dense rhododendron and oak forest, which turns red and pink in March and April. Look for Himalayan monal (danphe), langur monkeys, Himalayan tahr on the high slopes, and many birds. The quieter trail means wildlife sightings are more common than on the busy Poon Hill route. See wildlife on treks.
Khopra vs Poon Hill
| Poon Hill | Khopra Danda | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 4–5 | 7–9 |
| Max altitude | 3,210 m | About 3,660 m (more with Khayer Lake) |
| Crowds | Busy | Quiet |
| Views | Wide panorama | Closer, more dramatic Dhaulagiri views |
| Lodges | Many, comfortable | Community lodges, simpler |
See Poon Hill.
Difficulty in more detail
The Khopra trek is graded moderate. Walking days are usually five to seven hours, with steep ascents and descents on stone steps and forest trails, especially between Swanta, Chistibang and Khopra. The highest overnight, at about 3,660 m, is high enough for mild altitude symptoms, so take the ascent gradually. The Khayer Lake side trip is a long, high day for fit, acclimatised trekkers. Good hiking fitness, trekking poles and a porter make the trek much more enjoyable. See fitness for trekking.
Best time in more detail
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| October–November | Clear skies and stable weather; the best views |
| December–February | Clear but cold; snow possible at Khopra and on the route to Khayer Lake |
| March–April | Rhododendrons in bloom; some afternoon cloud |
| May | Warmer, more haze and storms |
| June–September | Monsoon rain, leeches and cloud; not recommended |
What to pack
- A warm sleeping bag, rated to about −10 °C.
- Down jacket and layers for cold mornings on the ridge.
- Waterproof jacket and good trekking boots.
- Trekking poles for steep sections.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
- Snacks and water purification.
See packing list.
Permits and guides
The trek lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP permit (NPR 3,000 for foreigners). Since April 2023, a licensed guide has been required in conservation areas. A guide also helps find the less-marked trails between Swanta and Khopra and arranges lodges. See permits guide.
Combining Khopra with other treks
Khopra combines naturally with the Poon Hill and Ghandruk routes, and can be extended towards Annapurna Base Camp via Tadapani and Chhomrong for a longer trek of about 12–14 days. Another option is to descend from Khopra to the Kali Gandaki at Tatopani, with its hot springs, and continue up the valley towards Jomsom. Your guide can help you design a route. See ABC and treks near Pokhara.
Why choose Khopra?
- Some of the closest, most dramatic views of Dhaulagiri in Nepal.
- Far fewer trekkers than Poon Hill.
- Community lodges that support local villages.
- Forest trails rich in wildlife and rhododendrons.
- Easy to combine with Poon Hill, Ghandruk or ABC.
Our Khopra trek
We run Khopra Danda treks with licensed guides from the Annapurna region, staying in community lodges and timing the route for sunrise at Poon Hill and Khopra. We can include Khayer Lake for fit trekkers, or extend the trek to Annapurna Base Camp or Tatopani. Contact us to plan your trek.
Food on the trek
Community lodges along the Khopra route serve hearty Nepali food: dal bhat with refills, noodle soups, fried rice, potatoes, Tibetan bread and porridge, along with some pasta and pancakes. At Khopra, some lodges have been known for local yak cheese and buckwheat dishes. Food is simpler than on the busy Poon Hill route, and prices rise slightly with altitude. Carry some snacks for long days, especially if you plan the Khayer Lake hike.
Responsible trekking
- Stay in community lodges to support local villages.
- Carry out plastic waste and use refill points or purification.
- Respect the sacred Khayer Lake; don't swim or leave offerings.
- Stay on the trails to protect fragile alpine meadows.
Sample costs
Costs for the Khopra trek are similar to Poon Hill per day: ACAP permit, guide and porter wages, lodge rooms and meals, and transport to and from Pokhara. Because it is a few days longer, the total is higher. Community lodges charge fair prices, and the money supports local villages. Ask for a detailed quote including permits, guide, porter and transport.
Sunrise at Khopra
The highlight of the trek is sunrise from the ridge. Wake before dawn, wrap up warmly and walk a few minutes above the lodges. As the sky lightens, Dhaulagiri's vast face appears across the gorge, then the first sunlight strikes its summit, turning it gold and pink while the valleys below stay in shadow. Annapurna South and Nilgiri light up next. Bring a flask of tea and stay until the sun warms the ridge.