Khopra Danda Trek — Trip Dossier | Mountain Hawk Trek

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Overview

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.

Trip Highlights

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.

At a Glance

Panoramic views of 20+ peaks from Khopra Ridge (3,660m) including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I
Side trip to sacred Khayer Lake (4,500m) at the foot of Annapurna South
Off-the-beaten-path route with very few other trekkers
Walk through Gurung and Magar villages: Ghandruk, Swanta, Dobato
Dense rhododendron and pine forests between 2,500m and 3,200m
Community-managed lodges supporting local conservation efforts
Views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna
Alternative to Poon Hill with higher elevation and more solitude
Full board teahouse accommodation with licensed guide and porter
All permits included: ACAP and TIMS card

Elevation Profile

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

1,345mHotel

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

Day 2

Drive to Pokhara

865m6h walkingHotel

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

Day 3

Drive to Nayapul & Trek to Ghandruk

1,940m5h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 4

Trek to Tadapani

2,650m6h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 5

Trek to Bayli Kharka

3,450m5h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 6

Trek to Chhistibung

2,975m4h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 7

Trek to Khopra Danda

3,660m4h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 8

Explore Khayar Base Camp

3,660m11h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 9

Trek to Swanta

2,400m7h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 10

Trek to Ghorepani

2,800m4h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 11

Trek to Nayapul & Drive to Pokhara

865m5h walkingHotel

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

Day 12

Drive Back to Kathmandu

1,345mHotel

Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13

Departure

1,345mTransfer

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

What's Included

Included

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

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.

Equipment Checklist

Duffel or Rucksack bag (This should be nice with good zipper)DaypackDown Jacket (Company also nice and clean down jacket provide)Sleeping bagHiking pantsFull, sleeves shirtT, shirtsTrekking boots (Water proof)Camp shoes/SandalCotton socks several pairsRaincoatSun hatBeanieLight GlovesSun block for lipsSun lotionGoggles or sunglassesUnderwearThermal Long underwearWater bottleSewing kitFlash light with spare batteriesWalking stickCameraPersonal towelPersonal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Khopra Danda Trek cost?

Our 14-day guided package starts from USD 875 per person, including all transport, ACAP and TIMS permits, full board meals, community lodge accommodation, licensed guide, and porter.

Is the Khopra Danda Trek crowded?

No. This is one of the quietest treks in the Annapurna region. Above Swanta, you may see only a handful of other trekkers. The trail was designed to spread visitors away from the busy ABC and Poon Hill routes.

What is Khayer Lake?

A sacred glacial lake at 4,500m below Annapurna South. Reached by a steep day hike from Khopra Ridge (3,660m), gaining 840 meters. The lake is small, turquoise, and considered a pilgrimage site by local Gurung communities.

How does Khopra compare to Poon Hill?

Khopra Ridge (3,660m) is 450 meters higher than Poon Hill (3,210m) with wider views and far fewer trekkers. Poon Hill is 8 days and easy; Khopra is 14 days and moderate. Both show Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.

When is the best time for the Khopra Danda Trek?

October and November for clear skies. March to May for rhododendron blooms and warmer forest walking. Monsoon (June to August) brings rain and leeches on the lower trail.

What peaks can I see from Khopra Ridge?

Over 20 named peaks: Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and more. One of the widest panoramas in the Annapurna region.

Is the Khopra Trek suitable for beginners?

The trek is rated Moderate. The trail is well-maintained but steeper and more remote than Poon Hill. Prior trekking experience is helpful. The optional Khayer Lake day trip is strenuous and better suited to fit trekkers.

What is the accommodation like?

Community-managed lodges at Swanta, Dobato, and Khopra Ridge. Rooms are basic: twin beds, blankets, communal facilities. The lodges are clean and well-run, with profits funding local conservation and education. Below the ridge, the trail shares teahouses with the Ghandruk route.

Why This Trek

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

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

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

Community-managed lodges mean your trekking fees directly support local conservation and education.

The rhododendron and pine forest between 2,500m and 3,200m is some of the best in the Annapurna region. Dense, mossy, and spectacular in spring.

Is This Trek Right for You?

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.