Khopra Danda Trek
Walkers who already know Poon Hill or want to avoid the crowds, with the option of sacred Khayer Lake at 4,600 m.
Next fixed departures
Join a fixed departure alone, as a couple or with friends, or leave on the date of your choice. All departures
The Khopra Danda Trek (also called the Khopra Ridge Trek) is a spectacular and peaceful alternative to the classic Annapurna routes.
Nestled between the famous Ghorepani and Annapurna Sanctuary trails, this off-the-beaten-track trek offers a deep immersion in nature, breathtaking views and a rich encounter with Gurung and Magar culture.
Trek level: Moderate to demanding
Accommodation: In lodges
Duration: 11 days
Maximum altitude: 3,660 m (option up to 4,600 m)
Highlights of this trek
- Exceptional panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and many other Himalayan peaks.
- Less crowded than the classic routes, which means calm, authenticity and a real connection with nature.
- The villages of Ghandruk, Tadapani and Swanta, where you share local life and Gurung and Magar hospitality.
- Rhododendron forests, alpine ridges and sacred lakes.
Note
- The stages are flexible (on request).
- Would you like to know more about our services and the price of this trek?
The itinerary
Day 01 : Kathmandu – Pokhara (1,300-827 m). Transport: tourist bus (6–8 hours) or domestic flight (25 min – option). Free time: walk around Phewa Lake
Day 02 : Pokhara – Kimche (by 4×4) – hike to Ghandruk. Transport: about 3–4 hours by road to Kimche (1,640 m). Walk: 1h30–2 hours to Ghandruk (1,940 m). Cultural visit of the Gurung village, local museum, views of Annapurna South & Machhapuchhre
Day 03 : Ghandruk – Tadapani. Walk: about 4 hours. Altitude: Tadapani (2,630 m). Trail through a beautiful rhododendron forest
Day 04 : Tadapani – Dobato. Walk: 5–6 hours. Altitude: Dobato (3,400 m). Gradual climb through dense forest
Day 05 : Dobato – Muldai Viewpoint – Chistibung / Dhankharka. Morning activity: sunrise at Muldai View Point (3,637 m).
Walk: 5–6 hours to Chistibung / Dhankharka (about 3,000 m)
Day 06 : Dhankharka – Khopra Danda. Walk: 3–4 hours. Altitude: Khopra Danda (3,660 m). Afternoon activity: acclimatisation hike towards Khayer Lake
Day 07 : Khopra – Swanta (option: Khayer Lake). Challenging option: hike to Khayer Lake (4,600 m, 8–9 hours round trip), back to Dhankharka for the night. Standard option: descent to Swanta (2,200 m), 5–6 hours of walking
Day 08 : Swanta – Ghorepani (2,850 m). Walk: 4–5 hours
Day 09 : Ghorepani – Ulleri on foot – Pokhara by 4×4. Walk: 2–3 hours to Ulleri (1,960 m). Transport: 4×4 to Pokhara (3–4 hours). Free time: relax by the lake or enjoy a massage
Day 10 : Visit of Pumdikot & the Peace Pagoda. Transport: by vehicle to Pumdikot (giant Shiva statue). Walk: down on foot to the Peace Pagoda, then to the lakeshore (1 hour), then a boat crossing of the lake
Day 11 : Pokhara – Kathmandu. Transport: tourist bus (6–8 hours) or domestic flight (option)
The trek in photos and videos
Taken by Mohan and his team on recent treks.
Photo gallery
Our other treks
Trek facts: Khopra Danda Trek
Best time to go
October and November, then March to May. Winter is still possible on the lower sections.
Who is it for?
Walkers who already know Poon Hill or want to avoid the crowds, with the option of sacred Khayer Lake at 4,600 m. Good physical condition needed: 5 to 8 hour days, nights at altitude, one or more sections above 4,000 m.
What the price includes
- Airport welcome and return transfers by private vehicle
- All transport on the itinerary Kathmandu – Pokhara – start and end of the trek (private and public vehicles)
- TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) entry
- All administrative fees, local taxes and VAT
- Government-licensed French- or English-speaking guide and 1 porter for 2 participants (max. 25 kg): team wages, meals, accommodation and insurance included
- Nights in lodges, double room
- Full board during the trek: 3 meals a day with tea or coffee
- Hot shower, battery charging and Wi-Fi in the lodges (subject to availability)
What the price does not include
- International flight, any domestic flights and Nepal visa
- Mandatory repatriation insurance (certificate to show on arrival)
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (can be booked on request), sightseeing and entrance fees
- Drinks outside meals (bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol), snacks, personal expenses and tips for the team
Starting price per person, in euros. The final price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options: we confirm it in a free quote.
Permits required (2026 rates)
| TIMS card issued by the agency | NPR 2,000 (≈ €13) |
| ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area) | NPR 3,000 (≈ €20) |
Permits are obtained by the agency and included in the quote. All about trekking permits.
Day-by-day altitude profile
Sleeping altitudes taken from the itinerary above. Hover over a point to see the stage.
Route map
Indicative map of the main stages, OpenTopoMap base map. This is not a GPS track.
Live weather: Ghorepani (2,860 m)
Open-Meteo forecast for the region's reference point, for guidance only. At altitude, allow about 6 °C less for every extra 1,000 m.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Khopra Danda Trek take?
Allow 11 days from Kathmandu, transport included. The stages are flexible: Mohan adapts the pace to the group, and we always recommend a spare day at the end of your trip.
What fitness level do I need for this trek?
Level: Challenging. Good physical condition needed: 5 to 8 hour days, nights at altitude, one or more sections above 4,000 m. No mountaineering skills are needed.
When is the best time for the Khopra Danda Trek?
October and November, then March to May. Winter is still possible on the lower sections. See our guide When to trek in Nepal.
Which permits are needed and who arranges them?
For this trek: TIMS card (NPR 2,000 (≈ €13)), ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area) (NPR 3,000 (≈ €20)). The agency obtains all permits before departure, from a simple copy of your passport. Since 2023, a licensed guide is required in Nepal's protected areas.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
The maximum altitude is 3,660 m. Above 3,000 m, acute mountain sickness can affect anyone. The itinerary includes acclimatisation stages and Mohan checks on every participant morning and evening. Read our guide to altitude sickness.
How much does the Khopra Danda Trek cost?
From €750 per person, with a guide, porters, permits, lodge nights and meals during the trek, and the transport listed in the itinerary. The exact price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options. The full list of what is included is in the trek facts. Ask for your free quote, or estimate the total budget of your trip with our calculator.
Can I do this trek alone, as a couple or with my family?
Yes. Every departure is tailor-made, on the date of your choice, from one person. The guide and porters work only for your group. See trekking alone in Nepal.
Useful guides: FAQ · when to go · gear · visa · permits · altitude sickness · budget
Interested in this trek?
Mohan answers you personally and adapts the itinerary to your pace, your dates and your budget. Free quote, no commitment.