Asiana Treks and Tours

Khopra Danda Trekking

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Days
13
  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Book Now, Pay Later
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Trip Facts

Duration
13 days
Activity
Trekking
Max. altitude
4500 m / 14763 ft
Group size
1 - 15
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip starts/ends
kathmandu / kathmandu
Best season
March -may/September -November
Accommodation
Teahouse.
Meals
B/L/D/
Transportation
Tourist Bus/Private

Highlights

  • Sightseeing age-old intangible UNESCO old heritage.
  • Experience Nature, less crowded, serene and tranquil trekking.
  • Breathtaking panoramic up-close views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.
  • Stunning sunrise and sunset views from Khopra Viewpoints Poon Hill.
  • Beautiful view of Khair Lake located at approximately 4,500 meters.
  • Lush green valleys and terraced fields to dense forests and alpine meadows. 
  • Explore the natural beauty of Lake City Pokhara.
  • The most out of a short Himalayan foothill trekking.
  • Gurung and Magar ethnic hospitality, culture, and lifestyle.

Overview

Khopra Danda Trek, known as Khopra Ridge Trek or Khayar Lake Trek, is a lesser-known and off-the-beaten-path trekking route in Nepal's Annapurna region. This relatively new trek offers a unique and less crowded experience than popular trails like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp. The Khopra trek combines stunning panoramic mountain views, diverse landscapes, and encounters with the local culture and traditions of the ethnic communities residing in the region.
The Khopra trek starts and ends in Nayapul, easily accessible from Pokhara, a popular tourist destination in Nepal. From Nayapul, trekkers follow a trail through lush green valleys, terraced fields, and picturesque villages. The trek passes through charming settlements like Tadapani, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill, offering magnificent sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
One of the highlights of the Khopra trek is the Khopra Danda or Khopra Ridge, a stunning viewpoint at about 3,660 meters (12,008 feet). The ridge provides breathtaking panoramic views of towering peaks like Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). It is a perfect spot to witness sunrise and sunset, creating awe-inspiring landscapes with golden hues.
Another notable attraction of the Khopra trek is a visit to Khayar Lake, a glacial lake located around 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). For the, the lake has tremendous religious importance. Gurung and Magar communities are the leading ethnic group of the region. It is considered a sacred site, and many pilgrims visit the lake during festivals to pay their respects. The pristine beauty of Khayar Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, makes it a breathtaking sight and a perfect place for reflection and tranquillity.
The Khopra trek also provides opportunities to immerse oneself in the local culture and lifestyle of the ethnic communities inhabiting the region. Throughout the walk, trekkers pass through traditional villages to interact with friendly locals, learn about their customs and traditions, and witness their daily activities. The towns offer homestay accommodations, providing a unique opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of the locals firsthand.
One of the advantages of the Khopra trek is less crowded compared to other popular trekking routes in Nepal. The trail is relatively new and off the beaten path, allowing trekkers to enjoy the serene and peaceful environment of the mountains. However, Keep in Mind that the infrastructure along the Khopra trek is still developing, and the facilities may be more critical compared to well-established routes.
The duration of the Khopra trek can vary depending on the itinerary and the side trips taken. Typically, the walk takes around 10 to 14 days, including transportation to and from Pokhara. The best time to undertake the Khopra trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, when the weather is usually straightforward and the views are at their best. 
Overall, the Khopra trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and tranquillity. It is an excellent choice for trekkers seeking an alternative to the more popular routes while enjoying stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and interactions with the local communities.

Trip Itinerary

Trip itineraries are customizable according to your timetable and budget. Simply, Contact Us.

Your trip day starts today when you arrive to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, you will be received by our representative at the airport. He will be carrying a signboard with our company’s name on it. Then you will be transferred to the tour hotel and checked in. A trip briefing will follow later today and the time will be notified to you by the representative who picks you up from the airport. We will come to meet and brief you about the trip at the fixed time. Until then just relax or explore a bit of surrounding.

We will take you for a day tour of cultural heritage monuments in Kathmandu Valley after breakfast. The tour will give you a mixed insight into Kathmandu Valley's history, culture, art, architecture and spirituality. The sites include; Swoyambhunath aka Monkey Temple: The oldest of all sites in Kathmandu valley, Swoyambhunath is an important Buddhist spiritual site having the history over two thousand years old. This site has gained a popular name as monkey temple as this small forested hill is a good habitat for hundreds of monkeys. The visit there will heighten your spiritual and cultural experience. Patan City including Patan Durbar Square: A tour to medieval city of Patan gives you a great insight about ethnic Newari culture, Budhhist spirituality, religious harmony, art and architecture while you stroll around the charismatic alleys taking you to magnificent local community squares known as Bahal and eventually leading you to an incredible medieval palace square. The monuments and skill of the local artisans displayed on those monuments in the square will stun you with unbelievable charm. Boudhanath Stupa: The largest of its kind in the world, this magnificent stupa is a very important center of faith for the people following Tibetan Buddhism. This place is nice Circular Square with the stunning stupa in the middle of it which spreads a lot of spiritual vibrations around the atmosphere.

You will take a scenic drive or a short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city and the gateway to the Annapurna region. After reaching Pokhara, you can relax and enjoy the serene ambience of the town.

Today after breakfast hotel in Pokhara You will drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk and then begin your trek. The trail ascends through terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and charming villages. After several hours of trekking, you will reach Tadapani, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains.

After breakfast hotel in Tadapani to Dobato (3,350 meters/10,991 feet) Today, you will trek through lush forests, cross streams, and enjoy the natural beauty. The trail gradually ascends to reach Dobato, a small settlement offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

After breakfast in Dobato, we are onward to Upper Kistibung, and continue your ascent, passing through alpine meadows and dense forests. The trail offers glimpses of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After some hours of trekking, you will reach Upper Chistibung, a tranquil village surrounded by rhododendron forests.

Today is a challenging day as you travel to Khopra Danda Ridge. The trail becomes steeper, but the breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and valleys make the effort worthwhile. As you reach Khopra Danda, you will be fascinated by the stunning vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.


Exploration Day at Khopra Danda This day is best for exploration and acclimatisation. You can hike to various viewpoints and enjoy the majestic sunrise and sunset views. You may also choose to visit a nearby holy site, Khayar Lake, which involves an additional ascent to an altitude of around 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). and have a majestic view of the Annapurna Dhauligiri, and Nilgiri Himalayan Range.

Today after breakfast Descending from Khopra Danda to Swanta, a traditional Magar village. The trail offers a mix of forests, terraced fields, and picturesque landscapes. Swanta provides a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and lifestyle of the Magar community.

Today, you will continue up through forests and villages, eventually reaching Ghorepany. The trail includes stone steps, which can be challenging but also rewarding. Ghorepany is another beautiful popular place overlooking the Annapurna, Dhauligiri and Nilgiri Himalayan range even trek is short we are going to overnight stay at Ghorepani. 

Today early in the morning go to a beautiful panoramic Himalayan view of the sunrise in Poon Hill, back down to the Hotel Take breakfast and head passes through many beautiful tranquil jungles and villages, and finally to Pokhara and stay in Pokhara.

Today after early breakfast in Pokhara Drive back to Kathmandu. Or you have an option to fly back to Kathmandu paying an additional cost for the ticket. Check into the hotel once you arrive in Kathmandu and freshen up. We will go for dinner later in the evening.

You will be transferred to the airport as per your flight schedule. We will pick you up from the hotel three hours prior to your flight time.

Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
Plan Your Trip

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick up and transfer to hotel.
  • 3-star hotel accommodations in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and on a twin-sharing basis.
  • Half-day Kathmandu sightseeing with an English/ any other foreign language-speaking city guide.
  • All necessary overland transportation.
  • Breakfasts lunch and dinner during the trek.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit.
  • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System
  • An experienced and first aid trained license holder accompanying a trekking guide
  • Equipped and insured trekking porter (one porter for 2 persons, one porter carries 25 KG.)
  • Meals, insurance, salary, equipment, accommodation, and transportation of our trekking crew
  • Tea House accommodation on a twin or multi-sharing basis during the trek
  • Applicable government taxes (13% VAT and 10% tourism service charges)
  • Farewell dinner

Cost Excludes

  • International and domestic airfare and Nepal entry visa fees
  • Your Travel/Medical insurance
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Single supplement in hotels except for solo trekking service
  • Bar bills and laundry
  • Optional trips not specified in the itinerary
  • Tipping to guide and porter
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Helicopter evacuation/rescue in case of emergency
  • Donations to the local organization
  • price not mentioned in the package.

Equipment List

Clothing:
  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers
  • Insulating layers (fleece or down jacket)
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Waterproof and breathable pants
  • Trekking pants (convertible to shorts are convenient)
  • Quick-drying T-shirts
  • Thermal socks
  • Waterproof and insulated gloves
  • Warm hat and sun hat
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
Footwear:
  • Comfortable, broken-in trekking boots
  • Gaiters (optional but can be useful in snow or rain)
Backpack:
  • Large backpack (50-70 liters) for carrying personal gear
  • Daypack (20-30 liters) for daily essentials during trekking
Sleeping Gear:
  • Sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures (rated for at least -10°C or lower)
  • Sleeping bag liner (optional for added warmth and hygiene)

Trekking Gear:
  • Trekking poles for stability
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • Water purification tablets or water filter
  • Refillable water bottles or a hydration system
  • Duct tape or repair kit for gear
Health and Hygiene:
  • First aid kit with basic medications (consult with a healthcare professional)
  • Personal medications and prescriptions
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Sunscreen with high SPF
  • Lip balm with UV protection
  • Personal hygiene items
Electronics:
  • Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Travel adapter for electrical outlets
Climbing Gear (if attempting higher peaks):
  • Crampons
  • Ice axe
  • Harness
  • Helmet
Documents and Permits:
  • Passport and necessary permits
  • Travel insurance
  • Passport-sized photos
Miscellaneous:
  • Snacks and energy bars
  • Trekking map and guidebook
  • Whistle
  • Multi-tool or knife
  • Cash (local currency) and credit cards
  • Lightweight and compact daypack for exploring around base camps
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