Khopra Danda Trek
Mountain Hawk Trek
Annapurna RegionModerate

Khopra DandaTrek

Walk the quiet Khopra Ridge (3,660m) with views of 20+ peaks including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Nilgiri. Side trip to sacred Khayer Lake at 4,500m. Gurung and Magar villages, rhododendron forest. 14 days, from USD 875.

View Itinerary
14
DaysTotal trek duration
3660m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Sep–Jun
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$875
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

Khopra Ridge at 3,660m offers one of the widest panoramas in the Annapurna region. The ridge is an exposed viewpoint between the Ghorepani and ABC trail systems, overlooking the Kali Gandaki valley to the west and the Annapurna Sanctuary to the north. More than 20 named peaks are visible from the community lodge.

Khayer Lake (4,500m) is a sacred glacial lake reached by a steep day hike from Khopra Ridge. The lake sits in a rocky basin directly below Annapurna South (7,219m). Local Gurung communities consider it a pilgrimage site and perform annual ceremonies at its shore.

The eco-tourism model on this trail means community-managed lodges at Swanta, Dobato, and Khopra Ridge. Lodge profits fund local schools and conservation. The trail was designed to spread trekking benefits to villages that the main ABC and Poon Hill routes bypass.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Khopra Danda Trek is a 14-day route to Khopra Ridge (3,660m) in the western Annapurna, offering panoramic views of over 20 Himalayan peaks with almost no other trekkers. The trail follows an eco-tourism route through Gurung and Magar villages, pine and rhododendron forests, and high alpine pastures. A side trip reaches Khayer Lake (4,500m), a sacred glacial lake at the foot of Annapurna South.

From Nayapul the route passes through Ghandruk (1,940m), then diverges from the ABC trail at Swanta, climbing through forest to Dobato (3,460m) and Khopra Ridge (3,660m). The community-operated lodge at Khopra Ridge sits on an exposed ridgeline with Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, and Machhapuchhre spread across the horizon.

The Khayer Lake excursion is a demanding full-day side trip from Khopra Ridge, climbing 840 meters to 4,500m. The lake sits in a glacial basin below Annapurna South and is considered sacred by local communities. The return descends through forest back to Ghandruk and Nayapul.

Permits: ACAP (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card, both included. Licensed guide mandatory. Community-managed lodges support conservation.

For a shorter viewpoint trek from the same area, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek reaches 3,210m in 8 days. For higher altitude, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek enters the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m in 13 days. Another off-the-beaten-path option is the Mardi Himal Trek (11 days, 3,900m) with Machhapuchhre views.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
3,660m3,081m2,503m1,924m1,345mKathmanduGhandrukTadapaniBayli KharkChhistibungKhopra DandaSwantaGhorepaniKathmandu3,660m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

14 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Drive to Pokhara

Pokhara

Drive to Pokhara, approximately 6 hours. Overnight at hotel.

865m6h trekHotel480m
Day03

Drive to Nayapul & Trek to Ghandruk

Ghandruk

Drive to Nayapul (1 hour) and trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,940m5h trekTeahouse1,075m
Day04

Trek to Tadapani

Tadapani

Trek to Tadapani (2,650 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,650m6h trekTeahouse710m
Day05

Trek to Bayli Kharka

Bayli Kharka

Trek to Bayli Kharka (3,450 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,450m5h trekTeahouse800m
Day06

Trek to Chhistibung

Chhistibung

Trek to Chhistibung (2,975 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,975m4h trekTeahouse475m
Day07

Trek to Khopra Danda

Khopra Danda

Trek to Khopra Danda (3,660 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,660m4h trekTeahouse685m
Day08

Explore Khayar Base Camp

Khopra Danda

Exploration day to Khayar Base Camp, visiting Khayar Lake and the Annapurna South glacier, approximately 11 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,660m11h trekTeahouse
Day09

Trek to Swanta

Swanta

Trek to Swanta (2,400 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,400m7h trekTeahouse1,260m
Day10

Trek to Ghorepani

Ghorepani

Trek to Ghorepani (2,800 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,800m4h trekTeahouse400m
Day11

Trek to Nayapul & Drive to Pokhara

Pokhara

Trek to Nayapul (5 hours) and drive back to Pokhara (1 hour). Overnight at hotel.

865m5h trekHotel1,935m
Day12

Drive Back to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel480m
Day13

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per Person
USD 875
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

10

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel: 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara, breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and teahouse accommodation during the trek.

A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and all other necessary permits.

Surface transfer from Kathmandu.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge and VAT.

Not Included

8

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

International airfare and Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.

Personal trekking equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

Note: We kindly offer the option of a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back at an additional cost of US$200 per person (US$100 for one way). Additionally, should you require extra accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, the rates are US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

Over 20 peaks visible from Khopra Ridge in a single panorama. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and more.

Thrill

One of the quietest established treks in the Annapurna region. You may not see another trekking group for days.

Connection

Khayer Lake at 4,500m is a hidden gem: a sacred glacial lake below Annapurna South that few trekkers visit.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You want off-the-beaten-path trekking with serious mountain views. Khopra Ridge rivals Poon Hill with far fewer trekkers.

You can walk 5 to 6 hours a day for 11 trekking days. The Khayer Lake day trip adds a strenuous 840m ascent.

Maximum sleep altitude is 3,660m at Khopra Ridge (or 4,500m if camping at Khayer Lake). Moderate altitude risk.

You appreciate eco-tourism and community-run lodges. This trail was built to benefit villages off the main routes.

Budget is USD 875 or higher. Very good value for a 14-day guided trek with permits and full board included.

Gear Up

What to pack

The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.

Equipment

Packing checklist

26 items

Duffel or Rucksack bag (This should be nice with good zipper)

Daypack

Down Jacket (Company also nice and clean down jacket provide)

Sleeping bag

Hiking pants

Full, sleeves shirt

T, shirts

Trekking boots (Water proof)

Camp shoes/Sandal

Cotton socks several pairs

Raincoat

Sun hat

Beanie

Light Gloves

Sun block for lips

Sun lotion

Goggles or sunglasses

Underwear

Thermal Long underwear

Water bottle

Sewing kit

Flash light with spare batteries

Walking stick

Camera

Personal towel

Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
Trail Stories

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