Khopra Danda Trek—A Wilderness Adventure in the Annapurna South Ridge
The Khopra Danda Trek is one of the best wilderness treks along the Annapurna South Mountain ridge. This trail offers spectacular close-up views of three of the world’s highest mountains—Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, and Mt. Annapurna I—each standing above 8,000 meters, along with a dozen other snowy peaks.
The trek takes you through a variety of terrains, including terraced rice fields, dense rhododendron and pine forests, pastoral meadows of yaks and sheep, and cultural villages inhabited mainly by the Gurung and Magar communities, well-known for their service in the British Gurkhas. This scenic journey up and down the high-altitude hillsides allows you to fully immerse yourself in Nepal’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Khopra Danda sits on the lap of Mt. Annapurna South, at an altitude of 4,025 meters, and the nearby Khayer Lake reaches 4,700 meters. The best trekking seasons are from October to mid-December (autumn) and March to May (spring) due to clear weather, excellent visibility, and moderate temperatures.
The Khopra Danda Trek is a moderately difficult Himalayan trek. You need to be in excellent physical condition, with good health and a strong mindset. Physical preparation is key to a successful trek, especially when hiking in high altitudes for several days or weeks.
Make sure to pack the following gear and essentials:
You can hire a trekking guide in the following ways:
Local agencies provide trained, insured, English-speaking guides familiar with the terrain, culture, and local biodiversity. They also arrange official trekking permits and coordinate emergency rescues when needed. However, you must carry your own travel insurance.
Guide and Porter Costs for the Khopra Danda Trek
Our representative will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, we’ll review the trekking plan together. If you have outstanding dues, please settle them during this meeting. You may explore Thamel or relax for the evening.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Fly to Pokhara in the morning (35 minutes) with scenic views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Lamjung, and the Annapurna Ridge. Then, drive 3 hours by private jeep to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village with views of Machhapuchhre.
Overnight in Ghandruk. Meals included.
Begin trekking through stone-paved trails, rhododendron forests, and small villages. After lunch in Tadapani or Deurali, continue ascending to Dobato, watching for barking deer, birds, and butterflies.
Overnight in Dobato.
Before breakfast, hike to the Muldai Viewpoint for a magical sunrise over the Himalayas. Then return to your hotel for breakfast and trek to Sistibung, enjoying incredible views along the way.
Overnight in Sistibung.
Ascend to Khopra Danda with spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre. Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise and the panoramic view of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge.
Overnight at a tea house in Khopra Danda.
After breakfast, hike to Khayer Lake, known locally as Goddess Kali Lake, nestled beneath Annapurna South. Return to Khopra Danda for the night. If you feel altitude symptoms, descend immediately and inform your guide.
Overnight in Khopra Danda.
Descend through scenic trails to Tatopani, located in the Kali Gandaki River gorge. Relax in the natural hot springs by the riverside.
Overnight in Tatopani.
Climb through Sikha and Chitre villages to reach Ghorepani after 8–9 hours of trekking. Celebrate your last trekking day in this beautiful mountain town.
Overnight in Ghorepani.
Wake early for a sunrise hike to Poon Hill, offering mesmerizing views of the Annapurna range. After breakfast, trek down to Ulleri, then take a private jeep back to Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Enjoy sightseeing at:
Optional (self-pay): Paragliding, ultralight flight, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and more.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Travel by tourist bus to Chitwan National Park, a renowned conservation area teeming with wildlife, butterflies, and bird species. Explore the area and enjoy nature walks, canoeing, and local village visits.
Overnight in Chitwan.
Drive back to Kathmandu along the Trishuli River, passing terraced fields and rafting spots. Optionally, join a river rafting adventure.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Take an optional mountain flight to see Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and more. Then visit:
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Spend your free day shopping, relaxing, or exploring more of Kathmandu. Later, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your final departure, taking back unforgettable memories and stunning Himalayan views.
Customize Your Trek
We can modify this itinerary based on your preferences. Additional costs may apply depending on the number of guests and optional activities such as paragliding, mountain flights, or ultralight adventures.
If you have questions or want to personalize your journey, feel free to email or call us anytime.