Khopra Danda Trek - 13 Days

Arrival and welcome

The Khopra Danda Trek officially starts with your arrival in Kathmandu. Staff from Access Nepal Tours and Trekking will come to pick you up. They will be holding a company signboard, so you can easily find them.

Once you are welcomed with a khada (traditional ceremonial scarf), we will transfer you to your hotel via private tourist vehicle. We will also have a quick pre-trek meeting. You will also meet your guide, and they will detail summarize to you on the Khopra Danda Trek route, itinerary, do’s and don’ts, and safety protocol during the trek. If you have any confusion or suggestions, you can talk to them now.

In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by Access Nepal Tours and Trekking in a traditional Nepali style, joined by cultural performances.

On the second day of the Khopra Danda Trek, we take a 200 km drive (about 5-6 hours) from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820 m) via a private tourist bus. It is a popular tourist hub. Here, you can visit famous landmarks, go kayaking or boating on Phewa Lake, cycle on the banks of Phewa, paragliding, bungee jumping, and many more.

On the third day, we take a jeep drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1,070 m), the starting point of this adventure. This marks the official beginning of the Khopra Danda Trek.

Why choose Khopra Danda Trek?

The Khopra Danda Trek adventure is full of high-mountain scenery, traditional villages, and panaromic views. You should choose this package because:

• Three viewpoints (Mulde, Khopra Danda Trek, and Poon Hill) in a single itinerary.
• Hike to Khayer Lake, a sacred glacial lake.
• Trek through popular Gurung and Magar villages such as Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and Tadapani.
• 360-degree close-up views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and other peaks from different angles.
• Less crowded and peaceful route.
• Keystop at Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Budget-friendly and inclusive package with group discounts.

Difficulty Level of Khopra Danda Trek

The difficulty level of the Khopra Danda Trek is moderate. This adventure is beginner-friendly. Anybody with good physical fitness can complete this trek safely. The Khopra Danda Trek has three viewpoints nd one hike to a high-alpine lake, which are also the difficult parts of this trek. On a daily average, you have to hike for 4 to 6 hours on average. It involves trekking up steep uphills.

The total distance of the Khopra Danda Trek covers roughly 50-70 km. Likewise, the highest point of this trek is reached is 4,660 m at Khayer Lake. This brings risks of getting altitude sickness, though the severity is uncommon. It will be best if trekkers do advance training for a comfortable trek.

Khopra Danda Trek is suitable for beginners, and going with family is also recommended. The major difficulties of the Khopra Danda trek are altitude sickness and tiredness. So, with good preparation and guidance, this trek is completely safe to do.

Best season for Khopra Danda Trek

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for the trek to Khopra Danda. Besides here, these seasons are the peak trekking season all over Nepal. Due to the stable weather, clear skies, warm temperatures, and good visibility, spring and autumn are popular for trekking.

If you trek to Khopra Ridge during spring, the trails get covered with colourful rhododendron and wildflowers. The weather also gets warm in spring, perfect for trekking along with clear blue skies and great mountain views.

Similarly, in autumn, the skies are clear with stable weather and cool nights. This time of the year also falls around the major festivals of Nepalese (Dashain nd Tihar). If you visit around this time, you will also get to learn about their culture.

It is best to avoid trekking in summer (June to August). In Nepal, summer and monsoon coincide, bringing heavy rainfall, leeches, and frequent cloud, especially at lower altitudes. The trails also get muddy and slippery. Winter (December to February) is okay, but not recommended due to cold and poor visibility.

Khopra Danda Trek Permit

To do the Khopra Danda Trek, you will need permits. Since it is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area, standard permits for the Annapurna region are required. This trek requires two permits: a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

All the required permits are included in the package. Access Nepal Tours and Trekking will handle everything. 

Khopra Ridge Trek Accommodation

All the accommodations during the Khopra Danda Trek are included in the package. Throughout the trek, you will stay in simple local teahouses on a twin-sharing or dorm basis.

At Kathmandu and Pokhara, accommodation is standard twin sharing with attached toilet bathrooms with hot showers. Similarly, at teahouses during the trek are also twin-sharing with shared toilet bathrooms.

The key overnight stops include Ghandruk, Dobato, Chistibung, Khopra Danda, Swanta, and Ghorepani. At higher elevations like Upper Chistibung and Swant, teahouses are rare only about 2 or 3 small teahouses. Hot showers at high altitude are available at extra cost.

The place you will stay is simple yet comfortable, cozy, and clean. After a long day, it provides good sleep and rest.

Khopra Danda Trek Food

The package includes 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 11 dinners during the Khopra Ridge Trek. Along with full board meals, you will also get 3 cups of tea/coffee and seasonal fruits after dinner during the trek.

All meals provided are organic and hygienic, which provide nutrition and energy while trekking. The staple dish is Dal Bhat Tarkari. Other international dish options are also available, like porridge, eggs, pancakes, toast, curries, soups, noodles, and Mo: Mo.

Expect the menu options to be limited due to the remote location. Otherwise, all the meals are filled with high-protein and carb-rich foods.

Note: If you have any allergies or diet preferences like vegeterain, vegan, gluten-free, etc, please inform us in advence. This helps us to prepare your meals accorodingly.

What to expect during the Khopra Ridge Trek?

The Khopra Danda Trek itinerary is full of adventure and surprises. Every stop has something interesting to offer. Trekking through terraced farm fields, oak and rhododendron forests, and high-altitude alpine meadows feels like you are in a different part of the world. With no sight of vehicles, noises, or a busy crowd, this trek offers solace.

The trek leads you toward Ghandruk, then Tadapani to high pastures (via Bayeli Kharka and Upper Chistibung). Along the way, you will spot Himalayan tahr (wild mountain goats) and the colorful Danphe (Nepal’s national pheasant) in the grasslands.

The hike to Khopra Danda offers another great experience. Expect a full 360° panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif (Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, etc.) from the top of Khopra Ridge. The main highlights are the sunrise and sunset views.

The adventure doesn’t end here; the route descends via Swanta village toward Ghorepani (2,874 m). This trek also includes an early-morning hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for the classic Annapurna sunrise view. In addition to the hike to Khayer Lake from Khopra Danda, which is located at 4,600 m, below the Annapurna South.

This 13-day Khopra Danda Trek is all about panaromic views of the Himalayas and breathtaking nature.

Is Travel Insurance required for the Khopra Danda Trek?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for the Khopra Danda Trek. The Nepalese Government has made travel insurance mandatory for all foreign visitors trekking in Nepal. Travel insurance is very important for your safety and as a backup during emergencies.

When buying travel insurance, its policy must cover high-altitude trekking (up to 5,000 m). Similarly, it must include emergency medical service, helicopter evacuation, flight delays, lost baggage, and other emergencies.

When booking, we will ask for a copy of your travel insurance. It is essential during the trek in case of injury, illness, or evacuation. Trekking in a mountainous area comes with unseen risks. Helicopter evacuation and medical services are very expensive during high-altitude rescue.

Altitude Sickness and Prevention

The risk of getting altitude sickness arises when you go above 2,500 m, even on moderate treks. The highest point of the Khopra Danda Trek is 4,660 m at Khayer Lake. So, it means this trek also has a risk of getting altitude sickness. Therefore, acclimatization and climbing slowly are key precautions against altitude sickness.

• Climb gradually and do not rush.
• Include acclimatization or rest days in the itinerary.
• Drink lots of water and electrolyte fluids during the trek.
• Do not skip meals.
• Avoid alcohol/smoking
• If you get headaches, nausea, or dizziness, tell your guide and rest.
• Carry acetazolamide (Diamox) or other prescriptions after consulting with a doctor before your trip.
• Follow your guide’s advice.

Note: severe altitude sickness is rare on Khopra Danda Trek. Still it’s better to be always prepared.

Packing essentials for Khopra Danda Trek

The must items to bring for the Khopra Ridge trek are:

• Thermal suits
• Warm fleece Jackets
• Down jacket (available to use free of cost)
• Waterproof shell
• Winter hat
• Gloves
• 2-3 quick-dry shirts
• Spare underwear/socks.
• Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots
• 2-3 pairs of thick wool
• Camp shoes
• Duffel bag (included in the package)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Headlamp/flashlight
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Refillable water bottle
• Sleeping bag  (available to use free of cost)
• Basic toiletries (toothbrush/paste, sanitizer, toilet paper)
• Personal first-aid kit (bandages, blister kit, painkillers)
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Camera/phone (with charger and power bank)
• Extra camera batteries
• Snacks (nuts, energy bars) for hikes.

Preparation for Khopra Danda Trek

To prepare your body for the Khopra Danda Trek, start doing cardiovascular fitness and leg strength exercises 1 or 2 months before the trip. These exercises are very helpful to increase your core muscles, stamina, and physical strength.

Even though the Khopra Danda Trek is a moderate and beginner-friendly trek, it still requires physical preparation. You can do cardio exercises like swimming, jogging, cycling, or stair-climbing. As well as go for short practice hikes with a weighted backpack.

Similarly, simple activities like brisk walking and climbing stairs daily are also very helpful. Another key part of preparation is acclimatization during the trek. It is essential to prevent altitude sickness and make your body adapt to altitude. Throughout the trekking journey, drink lots of water, don’t rush up the ridge, and listen to your body. If you prepare yourself by doing all these, you can handle the moderate demands of Khopra Danda even if you are a novice.

Booking Process of Khopra Danda Trek

To book the Khopra Danda Trek, visit our official website. On the top right, you will see a green “Plan Your Trip” button. Click the button and fill in the blanks according to your reference.

To reserve a spot, you have to pay 10% of the total trip cost in advance. Once the first installment is done, your seat will be reserved. The remaining amount must be paid within 24 hours of your arrival in Kathmandu. We accept online, cards, and bank transfers.

The Khopra Dand Trek cost is roughly US$600 to $800 per person. The prices may vary depending on group size, itinerary, and add-ons.

You can also do the Khopra Danda Trek without a guide. However, you have to prepare everything on your own, from accommodation, guides, porters, food, transportation, and permits. Solo trekking is recommended to experienced trekkers only. If it’s your first time, it is best to do it with a tour operator, and after gaining experience, you can go solo.