Khopra Ridge/Danda Trek
Khopra Ridge/Danda Trek Highlights
- Stay in the community tea houses throughout the trail
- Ascend the stunning viewpoint of 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 dense forests, rice fields, and pasture lands
- 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 trek in Nepal. The trek takes place in the remote trails of the Annapurna circuit area. It takes you to hidden trails that show you mind-blowing vistas of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Hiuchuli, and many other peaks. This trek is a new and unique way of exploring the Annapurna region.
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 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 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 travel. 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!
- Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Pokhara’s altitude – 822 meters
Time taken – 7 to 8 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 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 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.
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 Syauli 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 journey.
- 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 ascent for a while. Then we will go down a slope to reach a pass. Then the trail will take us to the open countryside 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 through 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 home to the wildlife of the region. After passing the forest, we will continue our climb with the views of the Annapurna South and Nilgiri.
We will reach the Khopra danda after around 3 to 4 hours of walking above the Kali Gandaki valley. There is a beautiful Khopra Community, a settlement area within the ridge. 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 spent exploring. 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 be long. This will be quite an exhausting experience physically.
The lake is a popular Hindu pilgrimage 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 have excellent landscapes. If the Khayer Lake is too tiring for you, you can take the optional hike to Thanti. After our day’s exploration, we will return 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
Swanta 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 our 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 flora and fauna 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. 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 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 a 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 Khopra Danda/Ridge Trek itinerary. We’ll ride through the Prithvi highway, which runs alongside the Trishuli river. It will take us around 6 to 7 hours of riding 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.
- 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
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Personal nature expenses
- Bar bill and all kind of drinks
- Rescue & Evacuation
- Gratitude (tip) for staff
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Sep, 2026 | 12 Sep, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 10 Sep, 2026 | 19 Sep, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 17 Sep, 2026 | 26 Sep, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 24 Sep, 2026 | 3 Oct, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 7 Oct, 2026 | 16 Oct, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 15 Oct, 2026 | 24 Oct, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 23 Oct, 2026 | 1 Nov, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 28 Oct, 2026 | 6 Nov, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 6 Nov, 2026 | 15 Nov, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 13 Nov, 2026 | 22 Nov, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 22 Nov, 2026 | 1 Dec, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 26 Nov, 2026 | 5 Dec, 2026 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 2 Mar, 2027 | 11 Mar, 2027 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 9 Mar, 2027 | 18 Mar, 2027 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 16 Mar, 2027 | 25 Mar, 2027 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 23 Mar, 2027 | 1 Apr, 2027 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 30 Mar, 2027 | 8 Apr, 2027 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 2 Apr, 2027 | 11 Apr, 2027 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 9 Apr, 2027 | 18 Apr, 2027 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 16 Apr, 2027 | 25 Apr, 2027 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 23 Apr, 2027 | 2 May, 2027 | USD 755 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
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 is another element enhancing the area’s beauty. The fact that the hotels are located close to Phewa Lake allows you to stay near a body of water. You will see 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 Annapurna Conservation Area. So naturally, you will find many precious flora and fauna 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 presents around 14 species of rhododendrons. It is the country’s national flower.
You will also find various other vegetation and wildflowers during your trek. The trekking route shows you that the region is filled with 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 adore the Annapurna range.
Khopra Danda is a beautiful hilltop or ridge that lies at an altitude of 3660 meters. The ridge lies on the border 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 hike to reach the lake. But the hike will be worth it with awesome vistas of the Himalayas surrounding the pristine, shimmering lake.
Not only is the lake immensely beautiful due to the views of peaks and glaciers, but it also lies at a high altitude of 4500 meters. During the trek, you will pass through various waterfalls and dry lands (or snowy land, as per the weather). 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 detailed insight into the locals and their way of living. Trekking in 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 with altitude sickness. But undertaking 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, alcohol and cigarettes during your trek,
- Eat substantial 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 a single permit for the Khopra Ridge trek. It 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 us by booking 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 to 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 becomes active in these seasons. The jungles are colorful, and the flowers bloom in the spring. Similarly, the temperature of these seasons is suitable. The night’s temperature ranges from -20 to 5 degrees Celsius. The daytime temperature ranges from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius.
The lack of rain also makes the trail very suitable for trekking in spring and autumn.
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 tea houses. Hikers can gather in communal eating spaces 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 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). Chow mein is another frequent dish offered in tea houses. You’ll be served very hygienic and well-prepared food, providing you with the energy you need for your hikes. The options for food might be limited in the remote trails of the 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. It includes all the key highlights that the trek has to offer, along with the required acclimatization and exploration day at Khopra Danda.
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.
GLIMPSES OF Khopra Ridge/Danda Trek
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