# 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 facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 8 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 3,660 m / 12,008 ft (Khopra Danda) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Dec - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, community and teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$690 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/khopra-danda-trek - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=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 factDetailsDuration8 days from Kathmandu (5 days of trekking)Highest overnight stopKhopra Danda, 3,660 mOptional side tripKhayer Lake, 4,660 m (extra day)GradeModerateAccommodationCommunity lodges and teahousesPermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)Best timeMarch–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. ## 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 ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) We pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel. Trek briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (820 m) A scenic 6–7 hour drive to Pokhara, with an evening by Phewa Lake. _Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 200 km drive_ ### Day 3: Drive to Nayapul or Ulleri, trek to Ghorepani (2,860 m) Drive to the trailhead and climb the famous stone steps through Ulleri and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 2,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 12 km_ ### Day 4: Poon Hill (3,210 m) sunrise, trek to Tadapani (2,630 m) Climb Poon Hill for sunrise, return for breakfast and follow the forested ridge via Deurali to Tadapani. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,210 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 5: Trek to Dobato (3,420 m) Leave the main trail and climb through quiet forest to the community lodge at Dobato, with views of Annapurna South. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,420 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Community lodge · Distance: 8 km_ ### Day 6: Trek to Khopra Danda (3,660 m) Walk via Bayali Kharka and yak pastures to the Khopra Ridge for sunset over Dhaulagiri. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,660 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Community lodge · Distance: 9 km_ ### Day 7: Trek to Swanta or Tatopani, drive to Pokhara Sunrise on the ridge, then descend through villages to the road and drive back to Pokhara. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 1,200 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 8: Return to Kathmandu and departure Drive or fly to Kathmandu and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is 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 information ### 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 ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is Khopra Danda? On a ridge west of the Annapurna Sanctuary, above the Kali Gandaki valley, reached via Ghorepani and Tadapani. ### How long is the Khopra Danda trek? This itinerary is **8 days** from Kathmandu, with 5 days of trekking. ### How high is Khopra Danda? About **3,660 m**. Khayer Lake, an optional side trip, is at about 4,660 m. ### How difficult is the trek? **Moderate**, with steep stone steps and 5–7 hours of walking a day. ### What are community lodges? Lodges built and run by local villages, with profits supporting schools and health services. ### Does it include Poon Hill? Yes, the trek begins with the Poon Hill sunrise. ### When is the best time? **March–May** for rhododendrons and **September–December** for clear skies. ### Is it crowded? After Tadapani, the trail is very quiet compared with the Poon Hill loop. ### Do I need a permit? Yes, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), included. ### Can I visit Khayer Lake? Yes, with an extra day from Khopra. It is a long, steep day to about 4,660 m. ### Is it suitable for beginners? Yes, for fit beginners who are comfortable with long uphill days. ### How much does the Khopra Danda trek cost? Prices are per person and drop for larger groups; the price box shows the rates.