Khopra Danda Trek

Khopra Danda trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal is a well-known and popular choice among backpackers and mountaineers exploring the northern Himalayas. Getting up close with the Himalayan giants while traveling in a Himalayan lake is the ultimate experience the Khopra Dada Trek offers. Khopra Danda trek is a freshly opened route and serves as an excellent alternative to the more renowned and populated treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek in the Annapurna region.

 The trekkers initiate their journey after reaching Nayapul. The 12-day long trek is considered a moderate-level trek when it comes to its difficulty. Although the trek isn’t much demanding it is still crucial for trekkers to be in the condition to take on this trek. The ideal season to get the best from this trip is between the months of September to November and from March to May. Clear skies and favorable weather make it perfect for travel.

The trail enchants travelers with its beauty. The panoramic view of the surroundings transposes from time to time, with the trek beginning from the mystical forests, and magnanimous mountains and then finally into a landscape covered with a sheet of ice. The trek takes you to Khopra Ridge, a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the Annapurna South, Hinchuli, and Dhaulagiri peaks. The Kahir lake is another beautiful lake sitting peacefully amidst the gigantic mountains.

The Khopra Danda Trek is a lesser-known trekking route in Nepal that offers stunning mountain views and a chance to experience the local culture and way of life of the Gurung people. Along the way, you will pass through small villages, forests, and alpine meadows, and have the opportunity to visit traditional Gurung homes and learn about their customs and traditions.  Overall this trek is a complete package for those who are looking for a minimalistic moderate hike accompanied by an exquisite view of the Himalayas.


Start/Finish

Destination

Grade

Max Altitude

Pokhara & Nayapul

Nepal

Moderate

3,640 meters

Region

Stay

Group Size

Season

Annapurna Region

12 Days and 11 Nights

2-12

Spetember-November, March-May

Brigitte

Germany

I have been trekking in Nepal 4 times with Precious Adventures in the years 2019-2022: ABC-Trek, Langtang, Pikey Peak and Khopra Danda-Trek. All trips were super organized, well and safely guided. Thank you Gita and Khagda. I really enjoyed the wonderful nature in Nepal, the hospitable people, learned a lot about the country and the culture. I can fully recommend Precious Adventures, see you again!

Trekking with Precious Adventures: Great

Highlights

  • Enjoy the panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri mountains.
  • Explore the beautiful Khayer/Khopra Lake
  • Enjoy the lifestyle and culture of the natives, especially of Gurung ethnic groups.
  • Observe Himalayan wildlife and high-altitude vegetation
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Suggested Itinerary

View Detailed Itinerary
Days
Description
Altitude
Hours
01
Arrival in Kathmandu
1,380 meters
02
Flight/Drive to Pokhara From Kathmandu
980 meters
35 minutes flight / 7-8 hours Drive
03
Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and start trek to Ghandruk
1,940 meters
5-6 hours
04
Trek from Ghandruk to Tandapani
2,560 meters
6-7 hours
05
Trek from Tandapani to Dovato
3,420 meters
5-6 hours
06
Trek from Bayeli to Chistibung
2,920 meters
7-8 hours
07
Trek from Chistibung to Khopra Danda
3,640 meters
6-7 hours
08
Rest day/explore Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake
09
Trek from Khopra Danda to Swanta
2,300 meters
6-7 hours
10
Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara
980 meters
4-5 hours
11
Flight/Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
35 minutes flight / 7-8 hours Drive
12
Departure to Airport

Trip Includes

✔     Airport picks up and drops off by private vehicle.
✔     Accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
✔     Ground transfer to and from Pokhara by tourist bus then by private car to and from Nayapul.
✔     Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
✔     Twin-sharing accommodation during the trek.
✔     An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
         including their salary, insurance, equipment, and meals.
✔     A comprehensive medical kit.
✔     All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP and TIMS, please bring 3 passport-size photographs)
✔     All government and local taxes.

Practical Information

The Khopra Dada Trek is a teahouse trek much like many treks of Nepal. That means you will be lodging at the native’s home. Your current altitude will determine how well these accommodations are. The higher you go, the simpler they will be. Twin beds in a shared room are the most popular arrangement. Toilet paper may not be available with the toilets being squat type. Hence, take a toilet paper roll with you on this hike if you need it. For meals, you will mostly be served with Dal Bhat, which is rice, and lentils served with a variety of vegetables, meat, and salad. There are some western food options, but they are limited compared to other trekking routes in Nepal.

Khopra Dada trek can be done anytime and may be experienced at any time of the year. Autumn from September to November and spring from March to May are the best times to undertake the treks. The weather is often consistent during these months, and the temperature is ideal for long walks. There are no clouds that block the view of the mountains, so you can fully enjoy the trip. The autumnal Dashain and Tihar celebrations breathe new life into the area. However, during the Janai Purnima, which falls in August, there is a special celebration at Khayer lake when many Hindu pilgrims trek.

Khopra Dada trek falls into the easy to moderate grade category. The rapid access to the Khopra ridge is the most challenging part of the trek and takes about 2-3 hours. Likewise, the weather could make the trek difficult, especially in the monsoon and winter, as it can be rather cold during that period.

The hike is over 3500 m, and you risk altitude sickness if you are not careful. Hence it is essential to take plenty of water and avoid drinking heavily on the trek. Water is plentiful along the trek for personal hygiene. It is better to carry purification tablets or LifeStraw for drinking water. It is recommended to carry a first aid kit. These could consist of electrolytes, band-aids, antibacterial creams, and more. The toilet may be simple but clean. Hot showers are also available for a small fee.



FAQs

The trek typically takes about 6-8 days to complete, depending on the route and pace of the trekker.

The Khopra Danda Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek, with some steeper sections of the trail. It is important for trekkers to be in good physical shape and to acclimatize properly to the high altitude in order to fully enjoy the trek.

The best time to do the Khopra Danda Trek is during the dry seasons of September to November and March to May. These months offer the best weather conditions for trekking, with clear skies and warmer temperatures.

It is not strictly necessary to hire a guide or porter for the trek, but it is highly recommended. A guide will have local knowledge of the route and the best places to stop along the way, and can also provide information about the culture and history of the region. A porter can help to carry your gear, which can be helpful if you are not accustomed to carrying a heavy load over long distances.

The Khopra Danda Trek is generally considered safe, as long as proper precautions are taken. It is important to be in good physical shape and to acclimatize properly to the high altitude. It is also important to follow the guidance of your guide and to be prepared for the challenges of trekking in a remote mountain region. It is advisable to purchase travel insurance and to inform a trusted person of your itinerary before embarking on the trek.

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