Khopra Danda Trek
The Khopra Danda trek (Khopra Ridge trek) is an 8-day trek from Kathmandu that combines the famous Poon Hill sunrise with a quiet ridge high above the Kali Gandaki. From Khopra Danda (3,660 m) you look straight across the world's deepest gorge to Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), with Annapurna South, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre close by, and an optional day hike reaches the sacred Khayer Lake (4,660 m).
The route leaves the main trails at Tadapani and stays in community lodges run by local villages, so you see far fewer trekkers than on the Poon Hill loop. It is graded moderate and best from March–May for rhododendrons and September–December for clear views. Transport, permits, guide, porters and lodges with meals are arranged by our team.
Trip highlights
- Poon Hill sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas
- Khopra Danda (3,660 m), face to face with Dhaulagiri
- Optional hike to sacred Khayer Lake (4,660 m)
- Quiet trails and village-run community lodges
- Rhododendron forest and Gurung and Magar villages
Short itinerary
View detailed itinerary- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) 1,400 m
- Day 2 Drive to Pokhara (820 m) 820 m
- Day 3 Drive to Nayapul or Ulleri, trek to Ghorepani (2,860 m) 2,860 m
- Day 4 Poon Hill (3,210 m) sunrise, trek to Tadapani (2,630 m) 3,210 m
- Day 5 Trek to Dobato (3,420 m) 3,420 m
- Day 6 Trek to Khopra Danda (3,660 m) 3,660 m
- Day 7 Trek to Swanta or Tatopani, drive to Pokhara 1,200 m
- Day 8 Return to Kathmandu and departure 1,400 m
Khopra Danda Trek overview
Khopra Danda is a grassy ridge on the western side of the Annapurna Sanctuary that most trekkers never see. The trail was developed by a local community project, and the lodges at Dobato, Chistibang and Khopra are run to support schools and health posts in the villages below. It is a trek with a strong sense of place: rhododendron forest, yak pastures, Magar and Gurung villages and, at the top, one of the finest mountain panoramas in Nepal.
This itinerary starts with the classic Poon Hill sunrise at Ghorepani, then turns off at Tadapani towards Dobato and the Khopra Ridge. You return via Swanta and Tatopani or down to the road at Ghandruk, depending on the season and your preferences.
Khopra Danda trek at a glance
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 days from Kathmandu (5 days of trekking) |
| Highest overnight stop | Khopra Danda, 3,660 m |
| Optional side trip | Khayer Lake, 4,660 m (extra day) |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Accommodation | Community lodges and teahouses |
| Permit | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) |
| Best time | March–May and September–December |
Why trek to Khopra Danda?
- Poon Hill sunrise and a much quieter trail afterwards.
- Dhaulagiri face to face across the Kali Gandaki gorge.
- Community lodges that support local villages.
- Khayer Lake, a sacred Hindu lake below Annapurna South.
- Rhododendron forest in full bloom in spring.
How difficult is it?
The trek is moderate, with 5–7 hours of walking a day on steep stone steps and forest trails. The altitude stays below 3,700 m unless you add Khayer Lake. It suits fit beginners who want something quieter than Poon Hill.
Khopra Danda or Mardi Himal?
Both are quieter alternatives to the main Annapurna trails. Mardi Himal is shorter and closer to Machhapuchhre; Khopra Danda is longer, includes Poon Hill and has the better view of Dhaulagiri and a stronger village feel.
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 1 night in a hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara with breakfast
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle
- Transfers between Pokhara and the trailheads
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Teahouse and community lodge accommodation during the trek (4 nights)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 4,700 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters
Useful info
Fitness and preparation
Expect 5–7 hours on your feet most days, often on steep stone steps. Two or three months of regular hill walking, stairs and cardio will make a big difference, and wear your boots in at home, not on the trail.
Altitude sickness
You will reach 3,660 m at Khopra Danda, or 4,660 m if you add Khayer Lake on this trek. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble sleeping, and tell your guide about any of them early. The basics work: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and if things get worse, descend. It is worth asking your doctor about altitude medication before the trip.
Weather and temperatures
The forest is mild, but the Khopra Ridge is open and windy, with frost at night from November to March and occasional snow in winter.
Permits
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is included.
Money, charging and Wi-Fi
Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for extras on the trek; ATMs are rare and unreliable in the mountains. Battery charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi are usually paid extras in lodges, and a power bank is useful.
Drinking water
Skip the plastic bottles. Lodges sell boiled or filtered water, or you can treat tap water with tablets or a filter and refill your own bottle.
Travel insurance
We can't take you on the trek without insurance. Check that your policy covers trekking to 4,700 m and emergency helicopter evacuation, and send us the details before you travel.
Visa
Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Bring a passport valid for at least six months and passport photos for permits.
Packing list
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated to about −10°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Leech socks (spring and monsoon)
Personal items
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
- Khayer Lake day hike with an extra night at Khopra.
- Tatopani hot springs on the way down.
- Paragliding in Pokhara after the trek.
Frequently asked questions
On a ridge west of the Annapurna Sanctuary, above the Kali Gandaki valley, reached via Ghorepani and Tadapani.
This itinerary is 8 days from Kathmandu, with 5 days of trekking.
About 3,660 m. Khayer Lake, an optional side trip, is at about 4,660 m.
Moderate, with steep stone steps and 5–7 hours of walking a day.
Lodges built and run by local villages, with profits supporting schools and health services.
Yes, the trek begins with the Poon Hill sunrise.
March–May for rhododendrons and September–December for clear skies.
After Tadapani, the trail is very quiet compared with the Poon Hill loop.
Yes, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), included.
Yes, with an extra day from Khopra. It is a long, steep day to about 4,660 m.
Yes, for fit beginners who are comfortable with long uphill days.
Prices are per person and drop for larger groups; the price box shows the rates.