Khopra Danda Trek

• Hike to Poon Hill for the best sunrise views over the Annapurna ranges. Embrace the color-changing mountain views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Nilgiri, etc. from Khopra Danda during sunrise and sunset.
• Trek through peaceful rhododendrons and oak forests while keeping an attentive eye for Himalayan Thar, Lophophorus, and other animals. Get to the tantalizing Khayer Lake at the foot of Annapurna South.
• Explore diverse cultures and traditions of the Magar, Gurung, Brahmin, and Chhetri communities on the trail. Enjoy the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk.

The Khopra Danda (Ridge) stands at an elevation of 3,640m. Which is a little higher than the famous poon hill. This viewpoint offers one of the most spectacular views of Mountian ranges, green lush forests, streams, and local settlements.

The second highlight of the trek is pristine Khayer Lake, which lies at a close distance from Khopra danda. We have one extra day to do an exploration of this beautiful lake on our itinerary. This beautiful lake offers magical reflection and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.

The trekking to Khopra Danda typically starts and ends in Pokhara city. You take a cab or other vehicle from Pokhara to reach Ghandruk and return to Pokhara after the 7-day trek to Khayera Lake. And return to Pokhara on the last day of trekking from Poon Hill. The total trekking distance of the Khopra hill trekking is 50 to 55 km (30 to 35 miles). This is a circuit trek - the actual trek starts from Nayapul and goes counterclockwise to cover the legendary Ghandruk Tadapani. From Tadapani you will go to Khopra Danda and return to Poon Hill via swatha. After exploring poon hill you meet the same route in Nayapul via Ulleri and Birethanti.

After a drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk you’ll explore the beautiful village of Ghandruk, the biggest Gurung community village in the region. And on the same day, you’ll set out on a beautiful hike across rhododendron, primula, and oak forests from Ghandruk to Tadapani.

Similarly, you’ll trek through stone slabs as footsteps along Gurung villages, farmed terraces, and streams to Bayeli Kharka and then to Khopra Danda on the following days. Apart from the epic scenery, you’ll also get to see the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.

After Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake exploration, the trek resumes across multiple days towards the village of Swanta and then to Ghorepani. You will then embark on a morning hike to Poon Hill and witness the glorious sunrise. In this way, you get the most out of each landmark in the Annapurna region in the Khopra Danda Trek.

Along the trail, you'll have the opportunity to interact with local Gurung and Magar communities, experiencing their culture and traditions. Teahouses and lodges established by locals in these villages provide accommodation and meals for trekkers. This is typically a 7-day trek, but the duration can be adjusted depending on your fitness level and itinerary customization.

The trek offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, II, and III, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Lamjung Himal, and Mt. Nilgiri. You'll also pass through lush rhododendron forests, charming villages, and terraced fields.

Khopra Danda Trek Cost

The Khopra Danda Trek cost starts from 400 USD per individual and can get to 700 USD per individual. The cost for solo trekking is the highest, i.e. 700 USD, and the cost per trekker keeps going down if you join a bigger group.