Khopra Danda Trek

Trip Facts

  • Duration 15 Days
  • Trip Difficulty moderate
  • Max. Altitude 4,700 meters
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time March to May and September to November
  • Accommodation Tea house

Trip Highlights

Panoramic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, and more. Exploration of the pristine Khayer Lake (4,700 m). Cultural immersion in Gurung and Magar villages, experiencing their traditional lifestyle. Blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers in spring. Various landscapes: terrace farms, deep forests, alpine meadows, and wildlife sightings. A peaceful trekking alternative to the more crowded routes in the Annapurna region.

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.


Best Time to Trek to Khopra Danda

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.

  • For stunning mountain photography, the ideal months are November and December.
  • For colorful rhododendrons and alpine flowers, visit during April and May in the spring.

Physical Fitness Requirements

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.


Essential Items for the Khopra Danda Trek

Make sure to pack the following gear and essentials:

  • Map, compass, GPS, and altimeter
  • First aid kit
  • Mobile phone, charger, extra batteries
  • Trekking poles
  • Good-quality camera, memory card, charger
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Gloves, waterproof hiking boots, super down jacket, raincoat
  • Fleece jacket, wool or cotton socks, T-shirts, hiking trousers
  • Quick-dry towel, toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Snickers, dry beans, cookies, or other energy snacks
  • Credit card and some local cash
  • Comfortable hiking clothing, travel journal, and pen

How to Hire or Book a Trekking Guide

You can hire a trekking guide in the following ways:

  • Local travel agencies (highly recommended for safety and reliability)
  • Personal recommendations
  • Social media platforms

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

  • Licensed English-speaking guide: USD 40 per day
  • Assistant guide (for groups over 5 trekkers): USD 30 per day
  • Porter: USD 25 per day

What's included

What's not included

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival

    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.

    Altitude: 1270 meters
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: 3 star level hotel
  • Day 2: Fly to Pokhara – Drive to Ghandruk (1,960 m)

    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.

    Altitude: 1960 meters
    Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
    Accommodation: Tea house hotel
  • Day 3: Trek to Dobato (3,455 m)

    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.

    Altitude: 3,455 meters
    Meals: B.L.D
    Accommodation: tea house hotel
  • Day 4: Trek to Sistibung (3,100 m)

    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.

    Altitude: 3,100 meters
    Meals: B.L.D
    Accommodation: tea house hotel
  • Day 5: Trek to Khopra Danda (4,025 m)

    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.

    Altitude: 4,025 meters
    Meals: B.L.D
    Accommodation: tea house
  • Day 6: Hike to Khayer Lake (4,700 m) and Return

    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.

    Altitude: 4,025 meters
    Meals: B.L.D
    Accommodation: tea house
  • Day 7: Trek to Tatopani

    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.

    Altitude: NA
    Meals: B.L.D
    Accommodation: tea house
  • Day 8: Trek to Ghorepani

    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.

    Altitude: 2,800 meters
    Meals: B.L.D
    Accommodation: tea house
  • Day 9: Sunrise at Poon Hill – Trek to Ulleri – Drive to Pokhara

    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.

    Altitude: NA
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: 3 star level hotel
  • Day 10: Sightseeing in Pokhara

    Enjoy sightseeing at:

    • Annapurna Mountain Museum
    • Cultural Museum
    • Seti River Gorge
    • Davi’s Falls
    • 1-hour boating on Phewa Lake

    Optional (self-pay): Paragliding, ultralight flight, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and more.
    Overnight in Pokhara.

    Altitude: 800 meters
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: hotel
  • Day 11–12: Drive to Chitwan National Park

    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.

    Altitude: 810 meters
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu

    Drive back to Kathmandu along the Trishuli River, passing terraced fields and rafting spots. Optionally, join a river rafting adventure.
    Overnight in Kathmandu.

    Altitude: 1,270 meters
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 14: Everest Region Mountain Flight + Kathmandu Sightseeing

    Take an optional mountain flight to see Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and more. Then visit:

    • Boudhanath Stupa
    • Swayambhunath Stupa
    • Pashupatinath Temple
    • Kathmandu Durbar Square

    In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.
    Overnight in Kathmandu.

    Altitude: 1,270 meters
    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 15: Free Day and Departure

    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.

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