Group Size
Min. 2 Pax
Trip Grade
Moderate
Best Season
March, April, May, September, October, November & December
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodge
Max Elevation
4660m, Khayer Lake
Meals
Full Board on Trek
Transportation
Private Vehicle/Car/Jeep/Flight
Trip Route: Pokhara - Ghandruk - Tadapani - Khopra Ridge - Khayer Lake - Ulleri - Nayapul = Pokhara
Trip Overview
- View from Khopra ridge and the whole trek and witness some of the less pictured scenes from this angle.
- Close view of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Mardi Himal, Tukuche Peak, and Nilgiri peak.
- Lesser traveled trail, so new experiences every day.
- Himalayan ecosystem, wildlife and vegetation in the northern side of Annapurna trail
- View and walking along the world’s deepest gorge- The Kaligandaki Gorge or Andha Galchi between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri Mountains
- Majestic Khaire Lake; full of Natural delights and religious importance
- Beautiful rhododendron forest and mountain flowers throughout the trail.
- Himalayan sunrise over the peak with organic tea
- Himalayan culture, tradition, local dress and ornaments with village house experiences
- Dairy products from Yak and Chauri
The Khopra Danda trek is one of the virgin trekking routes in the Annapurna region offering you the unseen and less explored delights hidden in the Himalayas.
Khopra Danda trek or Khayer Lake or Khopra ridge trek is a newly opened trek routes hence not so famous as its fellow route in the western region of Nepal. Perfect for explorers seeking for new experiences, this trek gives you a unique dose of cultural, scenic and natural thrill better than any other trekking routes. The trail comes into life with lush vegetation and wildlife accompanying you throughout the journey. With some of the best natural viewpoints of the Himalayas and a repository of Himalayan culture and tradition, the Khopra region is ready to fulfill your wanderlust.
The Khopra Danda trek overlaps some trail with the Ghorepani-Poonhill route first and heads further North. Along the way, you will have the panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges. Some of the other mountains you will witness are Gurja, Nilgiri south, Tukuche, Thapa Peak, Himchuli, Mardi and also the majestic Machhapucchre (fishtail) mountains. The trail passes through multiple pines, oak, bamboo, and rhododendron forests all providing unique experiences. The trek is highly rated and suggested by our past visitors too. Taking the Khopara Danda trek is one which you will cherish for a long time to come as every experience you collect during it worth every much of your time and money.
The team of Himalaya Pic Du Midi has left no stone unturned when we add a specific program to our services. We had all the information and required resources and guides for the trek, and you can worry less about it. The Khopra Danda trek is compatible with individual travelers too, so a solo expedition is also an option. The trek yields best response and experiences from March to May and from Mid-September to late October. However, one can do this trek any time of the year for witnessing the different shades of Himalayas. Providing the memories worth your money,Himalaya Pic Du Midi present you the best trekking services of the Khopra Danda Trek.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at TIA, Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Fly to Pokhara (820m), Drive to Syauli Bazaar, Trek to Ghandruk (1940m)
Day 03: Ghandruk to Tadapani (2630m)
Day 04: Tadapani to Dobato (3420m)
Day 05: Dobato to Upper Chistibung (3000m)
Day 06: Upper Chistibung to Khopra Ridge (3640m)
Day 07: Tour of Khayer Lake (4660m) and back to Khopra Ridge (3640m)
Day 08: Khopra Ridge to Swanta Village (2214m)
Day 09: Swanta Village to Ulleri (1960m)
Day 10: Ulleri to Naya Pul and Drive to Pokhara
Day 11: Fly/Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 12: Departure
Day to Day Itinerary
Today after your arrival at the Tribhuwan int airport in Kathmandu, our representative will attend you and transfer you to the hotel. After a brief introduction and welcoming, you will get an orientation of the trek. You can have more information about the Khopra danda trek in our office too in your spare time. In a welcome dinner organized by Himalaya Pic Du Midi, you will meet our staffs and get the information on the guides that will assist you throughout this trek. You can try some authentic Nepali staple today and get to know this nation better. Overnight at Kathmandu.
After a light and early breakfast, you will catch a domestic flight towards Pokhara in the TIA. You will have a scenic flight over green hills and snow-capped mountains in the far North. Our Pokhara representative and guides will receive you from the airport, and you will head towards Syauli bazaar in a cab from here. Syauli bazaar is the starting point of the trek, and our guides will check the required materials for the trek. After some comparatively easy walking for about 3-3.5 hours you will reach the Gurung village of Ghandruk. If you have enough time, visit the Gurung museum in the village too.
After a quick village tour and a light breakfast, we will head towards Tadapani today. The trek is short and full of natural delights. Trekking in this stretch of Khopara route is an excellent way to prepare for longer treks ahead. If you are here anytime between March to May, you will get to witness red rhododendron covering the surrounding hills. This walk will get around some of the ridge and through lush subtropical forests. The views of Macchapucchre, Himchuli, and Annapurna south are pristine from the trail. You will pass through small streams and settlements and finally reach Tadapani. Tadapani is a village with Tibetan influence and you will encounter some of them selling souvenirs here too. You can take a short tour of the village before your dinner. Overnight at Tadapani.
The trek stretch from Tadapani to Dobato is one of the most scenic one of your journey. With snowcapped mountains and green hills stretching far and wide, there are multiple great vantage points in the way. From today we will separate through the main trail of the Annapurna trek and take a five-day detour to Khopra Danda. The peaks of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri seems more magnificent from the path here. The diverse flora and fauna you'll encounter in this region will make you feel special, and you will stop now and then admiring the landscape and environment. You will have an excellent view of Annapurna south as you come closer to the village of Dobato. Overnight at Dobato.
After a quick light breakfast, you will descend through the plains and get into a beautiful forest. After a short time, you will reach some pasture land of Lower Chistibung. If you are lucky, you will find different beautiful bird species here including Lophophorus or locally Daphne. It is a colorful bird visible from a distance with its multicolored feathers and is rare too. From here you will start gradual ascend as you reach Upper Chistibung. Being a temporary headers settlement, Upper Chistibung as few tea houses were you will be staying for tonight. The sunset above the grassy ridges from Upper Chistibung is a sight to see. Overnight at Upper Chistibung.
Today you will hike to Khopra from Upper Chistibung. Khopra is a small Himalayan settlement with community lodges and accessories for your travel. Once you start a steady climb above the tree line from Chistibung, you will pass through multiple meadows.
Further up in the distance you will have a distinct sighting of Khopra. You can view the tip of Annapurna South once you are near to Khopra. After reaching their rest and catch some breath. Walk down to a viewpoint in Khopra ridge from where one can see the majestic Himalayas in the top and below the deepest gorge of the world that is the Kali Gandaki gorge. The views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna mountains from here are admirable too. Overnight at Khopra.
Today will be the longest trek of the Khopra danda circuit as you start early in the morning and head towards the sacred Kaire Lake. The whole trek from the lake and back will take almost a whole day, but the trail is mostly moderate. The lake is hidden high in the mountains and is the highest point of your journey. The lake gets many visitors mostly Hindu and Buddhists in different occasion of the year. According to legends one can achieve nirvana and be free of past sins by visiting this holy lake. The lake is also situated in a geographically gifted place with a fantastic view of landscape and mountains from here. Walking around the lake, you can find various small Hindu and Buddhist shrines as well as stone piled up by the devotees here. You will take the packed lunch in the periphery of the lake with an amazing view and continue your descent. Take a rest and overnight at Khopra ridge community lodge.
After breakfast head towards the village of Swanta today. Most of the trail will be steep descend today as you will pass barren plains and small streams along the way. You will have a closer view of Mt. Dhaulagiri which is the seventh highest mountain in the world. As you descend, you will have more sightings of terrace farmlands and denser vegetation. You can witness village life in small villages in the way. Traditional houses made from stone, mud, wood, and straw are typical in these hills. You will reach Swanta village after further hiking. Overnight at Swanta village.
Today will be an easy hike as most of the trail is parallel to the ridges. You will have a quick descend to rice fields and walk in the plains. Here, you will have the experience to witness traditional water mills still operational and handy to the locals. After crossing the suspension bridge following the path, you will head to the village of Chittre. After a few minutes, you will join the trail leading to Ghorepani which is the original trail of Annapurna circuit. We will walk further down to the village of Ulleri from Ghorepani passing through the rhododendron forest. Ulleri will be your final destination of today. Overnight at a hotel in Ulleri.
Today you will officially end your Khopra danda trek by reaching the Naya Pul from Ulleri. Western Hills is best seen from this segment of the trail. After reaching Naya Pul, you will take a cab back to Pokhara and your hotel. Freshen up and rest or head for an evening walk to the Lakeside of Phewa Lake in the evening. A boat cruise to the Lake and heartwarming sunset from the lake will be a perfect way to end your lengthy and fruitful trek of Khopra. You can enjoy the luxury of your hotel and take a look back towards the delightful, friendly local encounters throughout your journey. Overnight at Pokhara.
After an organic honey tea and breakfast to freshen up, stroll around the streets of Pokhara and visit some of the iconic city attractions here. Among Tal Barahi, Davis falls, mountain museum and many more places you can choose to attend them in your spare time before your flight. You will head towards the Pokhara airport in the afternoon and fly towards Kathmandu. After you reach your hotel rest and go on for souvenir hunting in the streets of Thamel. You can find beautiful pictures, garments, ornaments, and handicrafts to take back as a memorandum to your home. You can also enjoy the partying Nightlife in the city by entering some pub and bars here.
Your last day in Nepal will be full of joy and happiness as you look back to the achievements of your trek in Nepal. After a parting breakfast with our company staffs and guides, we will collect your experiences and feedbacks before taking you to the airport for departure. We will follow up with your suggestions and push forward for even better services.
What's Included/Excluded
Accommodation
- Four-night Hotel in Kathmandu and 2 night hotel in Pokhara with B/B basis
- Teahouse Accommodation while on the trek
Meals
- Welcome and farewell dinner at Nepali Kitchen
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee) while on the trek
Transportation
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
Extras
- Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara/entrance fee
- All necessary paperwork and National Park Permits/TIMS
- Professional & government licensed holder English Speaking Trekking Guide
- Entrance fee of all Monastery & Museums while on the Trek
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, transportation, and accommodation
- Warm clothing and other required trekking gear for staff including porters woolen hat, gloves, shocks, shoes & sunglasses etc…
- Trekking Map
- Medicine Box for Guide/Porters
- All government and Local Taxes
Not Included
- International Airfare and Nepal Visa fee
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Emergency Helicopter Rescue Insurance
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Any Alcoholic Drinks, Water and deserts in Trek
- Hot Shower, Battery Charges, International call, WIFI & internet on Trek
- Unforeseen Cost such as Flight Cancellation
- Tips for guides and porters
Notes
* Your big Luggage should be 12 kg each without your Carry bag (small bag). You have to carry 4/5 kg with a small bag during you walking on the Trekking. Your small bag should be over 30 to 40L.
* You have to bring personal medicine box for the mountain. You have to good physical condition is necessary to travel in Nepal. It is recommended to go to doctor for a checkup before coming to Nepal.