Along the trail, you’ll pass through several villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities, known for their warm hospitality.
Along the trail, you will pass through several villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities, known for their warm hospitality. You can interact with the locals, learn about their customs, and witness their unique cultural practices.
You also have the opportunity to visit Khayar Lake. Situated at an altitude of around 4,500 m, this serene glacial lake is considered sacred by the locals. The lake is surrounded by alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and stunning mountain views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), among others.
The sunrise and sunset views from Khopra Ridge are particularly famous and offer a mesmerizing display of colors on the snow-capped mountains.
“Best of Annapurna” is the latest term associated with the fast-growing Khopra Danda Trek. Trekkers can find outrageously beautiful and rarely seen views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m) from the hilltop at Khopra. A side hike to the spectacular Khayar Lake during this trekking experience adds an extra spark. Trekkers are amazed to find this tranquil place above the clouds along the off-the-beaten-path trails of the Annapurna region. The world-famous sunrise viewpoint of Ghorepani Poon Hill can also be included during the trip. All in all, the journey adds a memorable dimension to your trekking holidays in Nepal.
This natural holiday begins similarly to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek. A bus drive takes you to Nayapul, and the trek continues along lush green forests through Ulleri toward Ghorepani, passing the campsite of Tikhedhunga. During the rhododendron season, the trail becomes absolutely vibrant with colorful flowers. The iconic sunrise view from Poon Hill marks the beginning of the best moments of the Khopra Danda Trek. As you witness the sun rising from the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri, the journey heads on to the village of Swanta. The hilltop of Khopra awaits you, lying above the clouds with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna framing the view. The hike to Khayar Lake the following day is the perfect opportunity for photographers of every level. The journey then returns to Khopra before continuing to Tadapani. From this point, you follow the same path back toward Tikhedhunga for the bus drive to Pokhara. You can also choose to extend your time around Ghandruk.
Mountain Hawk Treks offers the Khopra Danda Trek to travelers from around the globe for an authentic experience of the Annapurna region of Nepal. This is one of the best trekking routes in Annapurna for experiencing the Himalayas, diverse flora and fauna, and hill culture. This off-the-beaten-path trail will make you believe that heaven really does exist on earth.
14 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Pokhara, approximately 6 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Nayapul (1 hour) and trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Tadapani (2,650 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Bayli Kharka (3,450 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Chhistibung (2,975 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Khopra Danda (3,660 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Exploration day to Khayar Base Camp, visiting Khayar Lake and the Annapurna South glacier, approximately 11 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Swanta (2,400 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Ghorepani (2,800 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Nayapul (5 hours) and drive back to Pokhara (1 hour). Overnight at hotel.
Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.
