Khopra Danda (Ridge) Trekking (15 Days)

Highlights
Trek to Khopra Danda (3660m) and Khayer Lake (4660m)
Off-the-beaten path and less crowded, community managed trekking trail
Splendid Himalayan panorama of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhare peaks
Visit to ethnic Magar villages of Paudwar, Swanta, Nagi, Narchyang villages
Directly supports community lodges, schools, and cottage industries like cheese factory, yak farms, handicraft etc

Khopra Danda Trek is another popular short trekking in the Annapurna region. It is one of the least visited off-the-beaten-path treks that provide beautiful views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri Himalayas and directly supports community development programs.

Khopra Community Lodge Trekking is another popular short hike in the Annapurna region. It is one of the least-visited off-the-beaten-path treks, offering stunning vistas of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri Himalayas. This trip directly supports community development initiatives.

Khopra Community Lodge Trekking offers an alternative to the famed Ghorepani-Poonhill climb in the Annapurna region. It is an off-the-beaten-path; remote trek with stunning vistas of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri Himalayas, plus the community-managed trekking trails, and ethnic Magar culture.

The Khopra Danda Trek has three different trekking routes depending on where you start.

The first alternative is to hike to Ghandruk from Nayapool and then to Khopra via Tadapani, which is the shortest path.

The second alternative is to begin trekking from Beni (Galeshor), which is a 6-hour drive from Pokhara. The trek passes through the villages of Banskharka and Nangi before arriving to Mohare Danda (3660m), which provides an excellent view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.

The final option is to trek from Nayapool stopping over in the touristic villages of Ghorepani, Swanta and Upper Chistibang to finally reach Khopra.

The Khopra Ridge (3640m) offers incredible panoramas of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna (8091m), Machhapuchhare (6993m), Nilgiri South (6839m), and Hiuchuli (6441m). From here, you'll descend to Tatopani, a hot spring where you can relax and relieve any ache. The next day, you'll leave for Pokhara via Nayapul.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative:

Trekkers can enjoy community development programmes in the area, including yak rearing and cross-breeding, cheese production, Nepali Lokta paper, plum jam, and handmade wool items, as part of the corporate social responsibility initiative. Adventure Thirdpole Treks is committed to supporting these community programmes by allocating a portion of its trekking revenue through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainable Tourism initiatives. We recommend all of our clients to choose Khopra Danda Trek.

Itinerary
Elevation Chart

Days View All Details

1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m) O/N HOTEL (D) (1,350m)

On arrival in Kathmandu Airport, clear custom and apply for Nepal Visa (if required, USD25 + passport photo). Meet our company representative with a placard displaying your name and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu. If there is enough time in the afternoon, you can explore Thamel or surrounding sites. Evening welcome dinner.
2
Cultural Sightseeing around Kathmandu city & Trekking preparation (B) (1,350m)

Today you will have a morning guided tour of two world heritage monuments, namely Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Boudhanath is one of the most popular and biggest Buddhist stupas in the world, a magnet for Tibetan Buddhism. Not far away you will visit one of the holiest and venerated Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. The golden-roofed pagoda-style temple hosts numerous monuments, cremation site, a deer and monkey park, and an eastern classical music center.

Optional Trip: Mountain Flight in the morning which start from 6:40 to till 7:40. The flight offers you a bird's eye view of the magnificent landscape and Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest
3
Kathmandu-Pokhara (850m) O/N Hotel (BLD) (850m)

We leave for Pokhara after morning breakfast. You can either drive for 6-7 hours to Pokhara or take a 30 min scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. On arrival at Pokhara, meet with our guide and transfer to hotel. The day is free at leisure to explore Pokhara on your own.

Optional (Rafting) Trip to Pokhara: 3 hrs drives to Charaundi, the put-in point for Rafting on Trishuli River that ends at Kuringhat, then continue drive to Pokhara. Rafting cost extra 40 US$ per person.
4
Pokhara - Ulleri (2070m, 6~7 hrs) O/N Teahouse (BLD) (2,070m)

Morning drive for one and a half hour to Nayapool (1011m), our starting point for trekking. The trail steadily progresses to Birethanti then gradually passes through Hile onto Tikhedhunga (1540m). It takes another 2 hrs to reach Ulleri (2070m), a small Magar village. Overnight in a local lodge.
5
Ulleri - Ghorepani (2865m, 4~6 hrs) O/N Local Lodge (BLD) (2,865m)

The trail continuously climbs through rhododendron and oak forest to Ghorepani via Nangethanti (2460m). 'Thanti' is a Nepali word meaning 'rest house'. Nangethanti is a perfect spot for lunch break for those trekking slowly. Otherwise, those with good walking speed can directly head to Ghorepani for lunch. Ghorepani used to be a 'watering stop' for horses, mules, and ponies that carry daily supplies for this region.
6
Ghorepani - Poon Hill (3210m, 1 hrs) - Swanta (2270m, 4~5 hrs) O/N Local Lodge (BLD) (3,210m)

Today your guide will wake you up around 5.00 am for an exciting 2 hrs hike to and from Poon Hill (3195m). You will reach the top of Poonhill just in time to see the beautiful sunrise over the snowcapped Himalayan peaks. Poonhill is the best vantage point to watch an unobstructed view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhare peaks. Afterward, you will descend back to the lodge in Ghorepani where a nice warm breakfast awaits you.

Following your breakfast, you will begin your day's trek from Ghorepani. The first three hours is a downhill trail through sparse village settlement and forests followed by a straight one hour climb up to Swanta village. The green valley of Swanta lies at the lap of Mt. Annapurna South and Mt. Nilgiri. Swanta is the perfect place to rest before trekking up to Khopra. The local lodge in Swanta offers the best organic food and hot shower facility.
7
Swanta - Chistibang (3026m, 4~5 hrs) O/N Community Lodge (BLD) (3,026m)

The trail from Swanta village to Chistibang (also called Dhankharka), initially levels with some downhill section, however steeply climbs to Chistibang on the final stretch. A locally operated Dhankharka Community Lodge has been recently built to cater to trekkers in the area. Your time in Chistibang will be crucial to acclimatize to the altitude and weather.
8
Chistibang - Khopra Danda / Khopra Ridge (3660m, 4~5 hrs) O/N Community Lodge (BLD) (3,660m)

The track ahead of Chistibang is a steady ascent through alpine meadows and pastures till you reach the isolated yak pasture known as Khopra Danda. Located above tree-line, Khopra Ridge is an excellent viewpoint and hosts Khopra Danda Community Lodge. After lunch and some rest at the lodge, you can go for a short walk down to lower part of Khopra. Khopra Ridge offers a breathtakingly close-up panorama of Mt Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fang, and Annapurna South as well as the world's deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki down below.
9
Day hiking to Khayer Lake (4620m, 10~11 hrs) O/N Community Lodge (BLD) (4,620m)

Get up early and have a warm breakfast. Today you will be hiking up to Khayer Lake at 4620m. Since there are no teahouses along the way and around Khayer Lake, you will have to carry a lunch pack.
The trek runs below the Khopra ridge and across nearby cliffs with stunning views of Himalayan mountains. The Khayar Lake itself remains ensconced deep into a hill just below the summit of Annapurna South. Spread in an area of approximately 2 sq.km. the Khayer Lake is also named as Khayer Barahi after Goddess Barahi. It takes about 10/11 hrs to visit Khayer Lake and return.
Note: The trek is particularly suitable for adventure seeker who loves trekking in high altitude. So we recommend this trek as an optional trip. Those who do not want to take this adventure trip can shorten their itinerary by continuing their trek to Paudwar on this day.
10
Khopra Danda - Paudwar (2000m, 4-5 hrs) O/N Local Lodge / home stay (BLD) (2,000m)

From Khopra Danda, the trek is entirely downhill all the way to Paudwar. Paudwar is a densely settled Magar village that also has a community operated cheese factory and local honey facility. You will have plenty of time to take a village tour, taste the cheese and honey and interact with locals. You can choose either a homestay or local lodge for overnight (subject to availability).
11
Paudwar - Tatopani (1185m, 4-5 hrs) O/N Local Lodge (BLD) (1,185m)

Paudwar to Tatopani is a downhill walk through an unpaved road. Tatopani has a famous natural hot spring where you can relax and heal yourself.
12
Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara - 5/6 hrs O/N Hotel (BLD) (850m)

After enjoying your breakfast, drive from Tatopani to Pokhara. Rest of day is free at leisure in Pokhara.
13
Drive back to KTM - Alternatively you can drive to Lumbini or Chitwan National Park for Jungle safari (BL) (1,350m)
14
Sight Seeing Bhaktapur (B) (1,350m)
15
Fly back home (1,350m)

Final time for shopping or exploring Kathmandu. You will realize there is much more to do in Nepal. If you have specific requests to see things not included, wish to contact professional peers in an informal setting, or pursue other ventures, let us know and we can easily add extra days to this itinerary to meet your needs. Late morning transfer to the airport for your onward flight or continuing on with other explorations in Nepal.

Includes

Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van
Twin sharing accommodation on BB plan & single room for odd number at Hotel Blue Horizon or similar hotel in KTM - 4 nights
Accommodation in local lodge during the trekking period
Guided city tour in Katmandu by car / van for 2 days
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at tea houses during the trek to and from Kathmandu
1 government licensed English speaking Guide for every 10 trekkers during the trek to and from KTM
1 porters for every two trekkers to carry the luggage during the trek
Domestic airfare where applicable as per the itinerary
National Park or Conservation area entry permits for trekkers
TIMS card (Trekker's Information Management System) for trekkers
Tax, VAT, official expanses and company profit
Welcome and farewell dinner
Rest of the land transport as per the itinerary
All Government and local taxes
First aid kit comprehensive

Excludes

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu Kathmandu
Your personal travel insurance and medical evacuation in case of emergency (compulsory)
International airfare and airport taxes
Excess baggage charges while domestic flight, hot shower, battery charge (during the trek), telephone etc.
Nepal entry visa fee (US$ 30 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu
Alcoholic beverages, hot and cold drinks, bottle and boiled water, laundry and hot shower in trekking lodge
Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and driver
Sightseeing/Monuments entrance fees in Kathmandu
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
Expenses incurred due to accidents, landslide, strikes, political unrest, etc..
Entrance fees during the cultural sightseeing in city.
Expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking
Service other then mentioned on above as "Includes" topic