Khopra Danda Trek

Khopra Trek is a community lodge trek, which means we will be spending nights in a Lodge/homestay run by local communities, one of the best treks to explore the peaceful surrounding of beautiful nature, Fresh air, chirping birds, and the trail is off-the-beaten. The views of stunning mountains, Mt Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Range, Hiuchuli, MachhaPuchhre, Lamjung Himal, and Nilgiri are amazing and soulful.

We pass through the rural village, rice terrace, and rhododendron forest and get the chance to see the Yaks and pheasants. This is one of the unique trekking destinations that only a few trekkers make their way to Khopra Danda and a short/ easy trek of Annapurna Region. We can also explore the unspoiled and beautiful high-altitude Lake, Khayer Lake situated at 4660 meters, the views from the top of Poonhill.3210m, and the ridge of Khopra Danda are similar.

Our trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara then trek via the vibrant Gurung community of Ghandruk village. The trail continues through Tadapani next to Bayali, off the beaten trail which follows along the lush forest of rhododendron, oak, and pine. We will meet only a few trekkers or may not meet, upon the arrival at village lodge we will be greeted by the great hospitality and the lodge here will have to feel like a homestay. The trail leads us closer towards Annapurna South to Khopra Danda, where the panoramic views of the stunning Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range will reward us. The Khayer Lake, 4660m is the next highlights of the Khopra Danda trek, an optional choice for those who want to make a roundabout trek and come back to Khopra Danda, from Khayer Lake, the summit of the Annapurna South is just six km away. From here the trail chance and descend to Swanta and up to Ghorepani via Bayeli Kharka and Tadapani and hike to the famous viewpoint and then the ends to Pokhara.

Khopra Danda trek is overall 55km length, it is an easy and short trek which is best for family, friends, novice and all aged group, people are very friendly and offers the best trekking experience including the best scenario of pristine nature and ethnic culture.

Best Season for Khopra Danda

Khopra Danda trek is low altitude trek so, it is doable throughout the year, however, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are classified as the best season for trekking in Nepal.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn is one of the popular and best seasons in Nepal for enthusiast trekkers. The average temperature ranges from 15 to 220 degrees in the lower altitude of Khopra Danda trek, at the high altitude the temperature can drop below 3 degrees during night and morning.

Trekking in the Autumn season means rewarded by the best trekking experience through colorful lush forest, walk on the fallen leaves, explore the major festival of Nepal Dashain and Tihar, best views of pristine nature.

Spring Season (March to May)

The second-best season of Nepal is Spring, the average temperature of Spring season ranges from 16 to 22 degree in the lower region of the trek, at the high altitude the temperature can drop below 2 degrees during night and morning. This is the season of flower blooming; this time nature will be colorful and greenery. This season will reward trekkers with the exciting view of colorful rhododendron, fresh cool breeze, and offers a high chance of spotting the exotic wildlife.

Summer/ Monsoon (June to August)

This is the season of frequent downpours, the views of the mountain and pristine nature will be blocked by the dark clouds, the slipper and muddy tail including the high humid and bugs might end up spoiling your trekking experience, wisely make your way to this trail to discover the extra adventure with the green and wet valley.

Winter (December to January)

The trek is doable till early December, the weather will be similar to Last of Autumn which means favorable, January is the coldest month in the Himalayan region as well as all over Nepal, the temperature can drop below 0 degrees, during night and morning is cold, although the temperature will be warm during noon. The view of mountains will be breathtaking but wisely prepare before heading to trek.

Highlights of Best Season, Spring and Autumn

The temperature will warm and favorable
Low chance of rain in Spring and Autumn
The pristine views of mountains will be clear and amazingly breathtaking
Nature will be clean and green; the trail will be dry and offer the easiest and best walk through

the charming nature

The trekking will be memorable and enjoyable with the best climatic condition

Permits for khopra Danda Trek

To do the Khopra Danda trek it required Acap (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS (Trekker Information Management System Card)
Permits will be managed by Time to Nepal Treks and Tours, which is issued by Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Permit for Khopra Danda Trek

Annapurna Conversation Area Trek

TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

Mode of transportation for getting there and away

Private jeep or local Bus

Overview

Rewarded by the stunning views of the sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range
One of the newly discovered trekking destinations and less crowded
Time friendly, low budget, and easy trek
The interesting trek which offers to explore the cultural village and Khopra Community Lodge
Additional Poonhill trek and enjoy the amazing sunset views over the white mountains
Additional hike to the unspoiled high altitude Khayer lake,4660m
Stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, and Lamjung Himal

Khopra Danda Trek Itinerary

DAY 1: DRIVE FROM POKHARA TO NAYAPUL (1050M) 1HOUR AND TREK TO GHANDRUK (1940M-5HOURS) We will take a drive early in the morning after breakfast, it will take about an hour to reach Nayapul by drive, we begin our trek via following the Modhi Khola, and cross the bridge from Birethanti, then pass the Sauli Bazaar by following the Modhi Khola Valley for 2 hours, after we ascend through the stone stairs until we reach to Gurung village, Ghandruk, the village is surrounded by the green hills and mountains, let's enjoy the Gurung tradition. Overnight at Ghandruk
DAY 2: TREK TO TADAPANI (2675M-4 HOURS) Today we start our trek early in the morning after breakfast, we trek through the rhododendron and oak forest after leaving behind the terraced hillside and Ghandruk village. We will not see any village on this trail, at Baisi Kharka we will get to see a few teahouses, we will stop here for lunch. After lunch, it takes 1-2 hour to reach Tadapani, in between trek we will be rewarded by the stunning views of Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, and Lamjung Himal. Overnight at Tadapani
DAY 3: TREK TO BAYELI KHARKA (3450M-5HOURS) Today we start our trek after early morning breakfast, we start our walk through the colorful rhododendron and Primula forest, we continue our ascending pace for 4 hours then stop for lunch, from here the stunning view of the Annapurna will reward us. After lunch, we will continue our walk for 1 hour through the descending trail to Byali Kharka via the open countryside route and rhododendron forest. After reaching our destination/community lodge we will be rewarded by the views of the seventh highest mountain Dhaulagiri. Overnight at Bayeli Kharka community lodge
DAY 4: TREK TO KHOPRA DANDA (3660M-5 HOURS) Today we start our trek after early morning breakfast, our trek begins through the descending trail and walk along the forest to get to the pastures of Chistibang, from here we will continue ascending walk for 2 hours to reach the ridge of Khopra Danda, where we will get to see the wildlife like Himalayan Thar and Dhanfe pheasant, from the top of the ridge we will be rewarded by the stunning panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Annapurna Range, Dhampus Peak, and Sikha Valley. Overnight at Khopra Danda community lodge
DAY 5: TREK TO SWANTA (2214M-4 HOURS) Today we after early morning breakfast, we have an alternative to hiking up to Khayer lake which takes 5 hours to reach, and then back to Khopra. Either we can direct descent to Swanta village. Swanta village is beautiful and small, where the people are friendly and we can visit the community cheese factory and taste it. Overnight at Swanta
DAY 6: TREK TO GHOREPANI (2880M-5 HOURS) Today we will trek to the famous destination Poonhill, by following the descending trail along with the terrace field, suspension bridge and climb to the Chittre village, the trail will join with the main route. After a few hours’ cliffs walk, we will reach Ghorepani, a great viewpoint to explore the stunning beauty of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and other surrounded peaks. Overnight at Ghorepani
DAY 7: TREK TO NAYAPUL AND DRIVE TO POKHARA (4 HOURS-1HOURS) Today is our last day of trekking, we will hike to the view-point of Poonhill to enjoy the sunrise view over the mountain: Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Manaslu, and other, after enjoying few moments we will get back to the lodge for breakfast then start our descending walk to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. Overnight at Pokhara