Khopra Ridge/Danda Trek

USD 755

Activities

Khopra Ridge/Danda Trek
Max Elevation

Khayar Lake (4,660m)
Trip Duration

10 Days
Trip Grade

Moderate
Lodging

Eco Lodges
Meals

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Transportation

Private Vehicle
Communication

Yes
Group Size

Minimum 2
Best Season

Spring and Autumn
Per Day Walk

Approx 5 - 6 Hours

Khopra Ridge/Danda Trek Highlights

Visit and support the local community and stay in the community tea houses throughout the trails,
Trek along the beautiful Annapurna region and visit the mesmerizing Khopra Danda,
Get a chance to be in the vicinity of the holy Khayar Lake,
Experience the beautiful vistas of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Hiuchuli, etc.,
Spend a serene and joyful time trekking to an offbeat area with very little crowd,
Get a perfect blend of a trekking experience with a local countryside stay, Himalayan vistas, and interaction with locals,
Pass through the beautiful villages of Ghandruk and Ghorepani along your journey,
Visit the beautiful city of lakes, Pokhara,
Pass through many dense forests, rice fields, and pasture lands,
Experience panoramic views of the nearby mountains from the Khopra Danda,
Witness the wide range of flora and fauna of the region.

Khopra Ridge Trek, or Khopra Danda trek, is a very up-and-coming adventure trekking in Nepal. The trek takes place in the remote trails of the Annapurna circuit area. The trek takes you to hidden trails that show you mind-blowing vistas of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Hiuchuli, and many other peaks. The Khopra ridge trek is an eccentric way to visit the mountains of Nepal. Many popular variations of treks take you around the Annapurna region. However, this will be a new and unique way of exploring the area.

The Khopra Danda trek is also a great way of encouraging the locality’s economic growth. Despite the beauty and travel suitability, trekkers never discovered the area. A popular activist in the local area, Mahabir Pun, was among the first people to promote this trail. Slowly but surely, the area has been gaining a lot of attraction. Hence, this has led to a tremendous improvement in the villages that lie along the trails.

We at Nepal guide treks have an excellent package to let you explore this peculiar place. It is the 10-day-long Khopra Ridge trek. The trek is an easy-to-approach adventure that takes you to the Annapurna trails and the hidden Khopra village. The trek is quite suitable for beginners too. We begin by traveling to Pokhara and end the trip by returning to Kathmandu from Pokhara.

The itinerary will include a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara at first. Then, we move to Nayapul from Pokhara by road. We will kick off our trekking journey from Nayapul as we head to Tadapani. Then we ascend towards Bayeli Kharka from Tadapani. We will then move down to Upper Chistibung from Bayeli Kharka. Upper Chistibung will lead us to the main part of our journey at Khopra Danda or Khopra Ridge. After our arrival at Khopra ridge, we will also travel to Khayar Lake for a day trip and return. Now we will make our way back to Pokhara as we travel from Khopra Danda to Swata Village. From Swata Village, we make our way to Nsyapul via Ulleri. We will then take a vehicle from Nayapul to reach Pokhara and then eventually Kathmandu.

This short, suitable, and easy-to-approach package of the Khopra ridge trek is great for any group travels. If you wish to do the Khopra ridge trek with your family, it is possible. People of any age, and even little kids, can come with you to this serene village between the Himalayas. Stick with us if you wish to know more about this adventure as we break it down for you!

Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Pokhara’s altitude – 830 meters

Time taken – 6 to 7 hours

Overnight stay at Hotel / Resort in Pokhara

Meals – BB Plan

The first day of the Khopra Ridge trek or Khopra Danda trek, begins from Kathmandu. We will gather in the capital of Nepal to head toward the beautiful city of lake Pokhara.

We must follow the Prithvi highway’s route in order to travel by road. Depending on the size of our group, we may either travel by jeep or by tourist bus. We will come to the gorgeous Trishuli river flowing while traveling. The landscape gradually warms up as you move on, and you will pass by breathtaking snow-capped mountains. After passing through a number of charming hamlets in western Nepal, we will eventually arrive in Pokhara in around six to seven hours.

Upon arrival, we will check into a local resort or hotel. Then we will have the rest of the day to explore the area before officially starting our trek the next day.
Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Tadapani
Tadapani’s altitude – 1940 meters

Time taken – 4 hours to 5 hours.

Overnight stay at Eco Lodges in Tadapani

Meals – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Today, we will leave early morning from Pokhara to reach Nayapul after our breakfast. It takes about an hour to reach Nayapul from Pokhara on the road. We will kick off our trek from Nayapul as we head toward Modhikhola.

After reaching Modhikhola, we will trek ahead, crossing a small river at Birethati. This leads us to cross the Sauli Bazaar and arrive at the beautiful village of Ghandruk. During this part of the journey, we can find a beautiful dense forest of rhododendron. Passing these trees, we will reach the day’s destination, Tadapani.

The village will warmly welcome you at its small hilltop location. You will get amazing views of the sun at dusk and dawn from Tadapani.

Upon arrival, we will check into a local teahouse in the area. This will mark the end of day two of our Khopra ridge trek.
Day 03: Trek from Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka
Bayeli Kharka’s altitude – 3420 meters

Time taken – 5 hours to 6 hours

Overnight stay at Eco lodges in Bayeli Kharka

Meals – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Today we will head to the next destination of our 10-day-long Khopra Danda trek. We move to Bayeli Kharka today. It will be a gradual uphill ascend for a while. Then we will go down a slope to reach a pass. Then the trail will take us to open country side where we will be able to experience the best views of the Annapurna mountain.

Now, we will go downhill towards an open rhododendron forest that is our day’s destination, Bayeli Kharka. You can find great vistas of Dhaulagiri mountain from Bayeli Kharka. Upon arrival at the destination, we will check into a local lodge. We will spend the night here and call it a day.
Day 04: Trek from Bayali Kharka to Upper Chistibung
Upper Chistibung’s altitude – 2975 meters

Time taken – 4 hours to 5 hours.

Overnight stay at Eco lodge in Upper Chitibung

Meals – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

On the fourth day, we will head towards Upper Chistibung from Bayali Kharka. The trek will include a walk via a forest and a short ascent through a steep trail. Then we will pass through various pastures and reach the settlement area of Upper Chistibung.

Upper Chistibung is also a very cozy and beautiful place to stay. We will find a community lodge upon arrival for our stay. The place is very hospitable, and we can spend our time interacting with the locals.
Day 05: Trek from Upper Chistibung to Khopra Ridge
Khopra ridge’s altitude – 3660 meters

Time taken – 3 hours to 4 hours

Overnight stay at Eco lodge in Khopra Ridge

Meals – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

We will complete the major part of our Khopra ridge trek or the Khopra Danda trek. Today, we will head to the main destination of our trip, the Khopra danda. We will begin today’s hike with a steady ascent. We will then pass through a jungle. The forest is a popular shelter for the wildlife of the region. Along with the general wildlife of the Himalayas, the region is also popular for housing Himalayan Thar and Lophophorous. Lophophorous or Danphe is the national animal of the country, so this region is very treasured.

After passing the forest, we will continue our climb. We will then reach a part of the trail that shows extraordinary panoramic vistas of mountains. You will be able to see the Annapurna south and Nilgiri.

We will find the Khopra danda after around 3 to 4 hours worth of walking above the Kali Gandaki valley. The Khopra Community is a settlement area within the ridge that is a hidden village. We will be checking into a lodge within this hidden village for our overnight stay. This will mark the end of our fifth day of the Khopra ridge trek.
Day 06: Day Trip to Khayar Lake from Khopra Ridge and trek back to Khopra Ridge
Khayar lake’s altitude – 4500 meters

Time taken – 10 hours to 11 hours

Overnight stay at Eco Lodge in Khopra Ridge

Meals – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

The sixth day of our Khopra ridge trek will be separated for exploration. We will take a walk to reach Khayar lake. This holy lake lies at an altitude of 4500 meters above sea level. Our hike today will take us around 9 to 10 hours. This will be quite an exhausting task physically. So, you should eat a satiating meal and prepare yourself physically and mentally.

Upon arrival at the lake, you will find that the region has no tea houses. However, the place is a popular Hindu pilgrim site. You will find many people celebrating various festivals, especially Janai Purnima, during August at the lake. There is even a fair during the Janai Purnima festival in the region.

Along with the religious significance, the lake, and its vicinity has excellent landscapes. If a trek to Khayar lake is too tiresome for you, we can take a trek to Thanti. A trek to Thanti is comparatively easier and takes lesser time. After our day’s exploration, we will return back to Khopra danda. We will stay at our lodge in the region and call it a day.
Day 07: Trek from Khopra Ridge to Swata Village
Swata Village – 2200 meters

Time taken – 5 hours to 6 hours

Overnight stay at Eco Lodge in Swata village

Meals – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Today, we will leave Khopra ridge and make our way back home. We have to climb down a hillside and continue a descent. Then we will retrace our steps to reach back to Upper Chistibung. From Chistibung, we will head toward the village of Swata. The trail takes us through dense forests and tiny hamlets. You can find a diverse range of floras and faunas along the trail. The trek also gives you amazing vistas of the mountain range nearby.

After about 5 to 6 hours worth of walking, we will reach Swata village. The village houses a cheese factory where you can visit and try cheeses.

We will check into a local lodge in the village for the day. This marks the end of day seven of our Khopra Danda trek.
Day 08: Trek from Swata Village to Ulleri
Ulleri’s altitude – 2050 meters

Time taken – 5 hours to 6 hours

Overnight stay at Eco lodge in Ulleri

Meals – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

We will head back to Ulleri to get back to Pokhara. Today’s journey will begin by trekking to Ulleri village from Swata village. We will hike downhill, passing various villages and fields. We will also cross a suspension bridge to reach today’s destination.

Today’s trek will give us mesmerizing vistas of mountains like Annapurna South, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri Massif. We will make a few stops in some villages en route and reach Ulleri after 5 to 6 hours worth of walking. Upon arrival, we will check into a local lodge in Ulleri and call it a day.
Day 09: Trek from Ulleri to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
Pokhara’s altitude – 830 meters

Time taken – 7 hours to 8 hours

Overnight stay at a hotel or resort in Pokhara

Meals – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Today’s final destination will be back to the city of lake Pokhara. We begin the day’s journey by making a trek, tracing our steps back to Nayapul from Ulleri. The trek requires us to descend toward the valley along the trail via Birethati. Then we will again pass the suspension bridge over Modi Khola to arrive at Nayapul. Our trekking journey will end here.

Now we will take a ride from Nayapul to head back to Pokhara. A short hour’s drive will take us back to the beautiful city of Pokhara. We will check into a resort or hotel in Pokhara and relax after our tiring journey. This will mark the end of day nine.
Day 10: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Kathmandu’s altitude – 1380 meters

Time taken – 6 hours to 7 hours

Overnight stay at Hotel or Resort in Kathmandu

Meals – Dinner

Today we will depart Pokhara and return to Kathmandu. You’ll recognize the road because it’s the same one we traveled on the first day of the TREK. We’ll travel the Prithvi highway, which runs alongside the Trishuli river. It will take us around 6 to 7 hours of ride to reach Kathmandu.

We will check you into a hotel in Kathmandu upon arrival. This will mark the end of our Khopra ridge trek or the Khopra danda trek.

Includes/Excludes

What's included?

Airport Arrival and Departure transfer by private vehicle
Hotel/Resort Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with BB Plan –as per mentioned in Itinerary
Teahouse lodges accommodation during trekking
All meals- B/F, Lunch & Dinner during the trek
TIMS – Trekkers Information Management System and Annapurna Conservation Area Fee
All required ground transportation by private vehicle
Highly experienced trekking guide
A required number of Porter – Between two clients one porter ratio.
Staffs insurance, salary, and clothing
General first aid kids
Farewell dinners
All applicable tax, Vat, service charge, and paperwork

What's not included?

Personal Travel Insurance
Personal nature expenses
Bar bill and all kind of drinks
Rescue & Evacuation
Gratitude (tip) for staff

Fixed Departure

The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.

Check our assured departure schedules given below:

Start Date	End Date	Price	Availability	Booking
7 Oct, 2024	16 Oct, 2024	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
15 Oct, 2024	24 Oct, 2024	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
23 Oct, 2024	1 Nov, 2024	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
28 Oct, 2024	6 Nov, 2024	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
6 Nov, 2024	15 Nov, 2024	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
13 Nov, 2024	22 Nov, 2024	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
22 Nov, 2024	1 Dec, 2024	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
26 Nov, 2024	5 Dec, 2024	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
2 Mar, 2025	11 Mar, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
9 Mar, 2025	18 Mar, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
16 Mar, 2025	25 Mar, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
23 Mar, 2025	1 Apr, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
30 Mar, 2025	8 Apr, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
2 Apr, 2025	11 Apr, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
9 Apr, 2025	18 Apr, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
16 Apr, 2025	25 Apr, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
23 Apr, 2025	2 May, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
3 Sep, 2025	12 Sep, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
10 Sep, 2025	19 Sep, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
17 Sep, 2025	26 Sep, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!
24 Sep, 2025	3 Oct, 2025	USD 755	GUARANTEED	Book Now!

Useful Info

Why do the Khopra ridge trek?

A chance to visit the splendid city of lakes

The first day of our itinerary will include a road trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Upon our arrival at Pokhara, we will check into a resort or hotel in the area. Then we will have the rest of the day to explore the beautiful city.

Pokhara is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Nepal. The city is exciting, breathtakingly gorgeous, and a great place to visit. When you approach the city, a stunning view of the mountains and lakes greets you. The mountains’ reflections in the lakes are breathtaking. In most areas of the city, mountains like Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchre can be observed.

The stunning Phewa lake in the tourism district is another element enhancing the area’s quality of life. The fact that the hotels are located close to Phewa Lake allows you to stay near a body of water. You will therefore value the views of mountains like Machhapuchre reflecting on the lake everywhere you go.

Observe the variety of flora and fauna of the ACAP region

The Khopra danda trek occurs within the region of the Annapurna Conservation Area. So naturally, you will find many precious floras and faunas around the area. The trek will show you various dense alpine forests like pine and oak. You will also pass through various bamboo trees and rhododendron shrubs. If you travel in spring, the trails will be filled with beautiful red rhododendron flowers.

The Swanta village between Khopra danda and Ghorepani houses around 14 species of rhododendrons. The flower is special in the Nepali community as it is also the country’s national flower. A site with such massive rhododendron trees will be a sight for sore eyes.

You will also find various other vegetation and wildflowers during your trek. The trekking route shows you that the region houses various wildlife and birds. There are chances of getting a glimpse of danphe(Lophophorus), wild boars, monkeys, Himalayan tahr, etc.

Visit the Khopra Danda and Khayar lake

The main destination of our trip will be the Khopra danda and the Khayar lake. This trek gives you an excellent opportunity to visit the Annapurna range. It also shows you two beautiful, never heard before destinations that you will adore.

Khopra danda is a beautiful hilltop or ridge that lies at an altitude of 3660 meters. The ridge lies on the borders of Nepal’s Myagdi and Kaski districts. The ridge’s top houses a beautiful small local community that will hospitably welcome you.

You can travel to Khayar lake, which lies nearby, during your stay. It will be a 4 to 5-hour long hike to reach the lake. But the hike will be worth it as the lake gives you awesome vistas.

Not only is the lake immensely beautiful due to the views of peaks and glaciers, but also it lies at a high altitude of 4500 meters. The route towards the lake from Khopra danda is a little nosy. During the trek, you will pass through various waterfalls and dry lands (or snowy land, as per weather). The lake also houses the Khayar Barahi temple. The place is swarmed with many pilgrims during August in the festival of Janai Purnima.

Sustainable/ Eco-friendly trekking route

The Khopra danda trek is a trekking idea generated to help support the area’s local communities. The trek is not as advertised as other famous trekking routes in Nepal. This allows trekkers to have an unadulterated experience of trekking in Nepal.

You get to live within the communities and intimately interact with the locals. It gives you a certain amount of insight into the locals and their way of living. Trekking this region, you will not only enjoy the beautiful landscapes but also make a huge contribution to the community. It can be an adventure to support a noble cause.

Khopra Ridge trek difficulty

The Khopra ridge trek is moderately difficult. Our itinerary allows you to complete the trek in 10 days and is made in such a way that it is beginner friendly. We go as high as 4500 meters in altitude at Khayar lake. So, you might have minor issues of altitude sickness. But performing this trek with caution will make it tenfold easier. The trek from Khopra danda to Khayar lake might be a bit more challenging. However, we have an alternate exploration location to Thanti for an easier hike.

To minimize your trek difficulty, you can take certain precautionary measures. Such as:

Drink enough water and rehydrate yourself,
Build your stamina and physical fitness beforehand so that you can approach the trek easily,
Do not take high amounts of caffeine or drink alcohol, or smoke during your trek,
Eat enough volume of meals to get enough energy for the trek,
Do not hesitate to take breaks and walk at your own pace.

Permits needed for the Khopra Ridge trek

You will need two permits for the Khopra Ridge trek. The first is the Trekker’s Information Management System permit (TIMS). The other one is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP). Our team will manage these permits at Nepal guide treks if you wish to do the Khopra Ridge trek with our package.

Best time to do the Khopra Ridge trek

The Khopra ridge trek is suitable for any time of the year. But Nepal’s autumn and spring seasons will be the best time for this trek. Autumn in Nepal occurs from mid-September till mid-December. On the other hand, spring starts from the beginning of March until the end of May. These times of the year make for the best weather and clear vistas of the mountains.

Moreover, the wildlife of the region also blossoms in these seasons. The jungles are colorful, and the flowers bloom during spring. Similarly, the temperature of these seasons is suitable. The night’s temperature ranges from -20 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius. The daytime temperature ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius.

The lack of rain also makes the trail very suitable for trekking in spring and autumn.

Annapurna Region Treks:

Food and Accommodation in the Khopra Ridge trek

The Khopra Ridge trek’s primary overnight option is a local tea house or lodge. Twin bedrooms and common baths are provided in such tea houses. Hikers can gather in communal eating spaces at each tea house to dine and socialize. This will be a great medium to experience this lovely local region authentically.

However, we will stay in hotels or resorts overnight in cities like Pokhara or Kathmandu.

The most popular cuisine on Nepali hiking trails is “Daal bhaat tarkari.” It consists of rice, lentils, vegetable curry, and pickles. You might also eat mo: mo, a Nepalese dumpling served with achaar (a spicy sauce). Chowmein is another frequent dish offered in Nepalese hotels and tea houses. You’ll be served extremely sanitary cuisine, providing you with the energy you need for your hikes. The options for food might be limited in the remote trails of the trek. But the hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu will have plenty of options for your palette.

FAQ

How long is the Khopra Danda Trek?

The Khopra Danda trek usually takes anywhere from 8 to 15 days. On our package, however, the Khopra Ridge trek will be 10 days long.

What is the best time to go on the Khopra Danda Trek?

What is the difficulty level of the Khopra Danda Trek?

What is the altitude of Khopra Danda?

What is the highest point of the Khopra Danda trek?

What are the accommodation options on the Khopra Danda Trek?

Do I need a permit for the Khopra Danda Trek?

What should I pack for the Khopra Danda Trek?

Is it safe to trek to Khopra Danda?

Can I customize my Khopra Danda Trek itinerary?

Prakash Devkota

Meet with Prakash Chandra Devkota, Managing Director and Team Leader

Mr. Devkota hails from the beautiful hilly region of Gorkha District. He started his career as a guide in 1997 and quickly became a reputed figure in the Tourism Industry because of his extensive experience. He has gathered impressive experience in all Trekking and Climbing Routes, such as Mera, Island, Lobuche, Ama Dablam etc.

His success also lies in his brilliant mind and hospitable nature. He is fully dedicated to providing excellent services and introducing innovative concepts. With more than 15 years of experience in trekking and expedition operations in Nepal, Tibet, India, and Bhutan, he has earned a reputation as a renowned leader in the field. He understands the importance of personalized service for creating memorable experiences for his clients and constantly seeks innovative company operation methods.

Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices.