What makes Khopra Danda different from the popular Poon Hill trek?

Khopra Danda sits at 3,660m — higher than Poon Hill (3,210m) — and offers even closer views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and the Annapurna range. Crucially, it receives a fraction of Poon Hill's tourist traffic, making it a genuinely off-the-beaten-path alternative with a more peaceful and authentic experience.

How difficult is the Khopra Danda trek?

The trek is rated moderate. It involves daily walks of 5–7 hours on well-defined trails with significant elevation gain and loss. A reasonable level of fitness is required, but no prior trekking experience or technical skills are needed.

What is the maximum altitude on this trek?

The highest point is Khopra Danda ridge at 3,660m. On the 6-day itinerary the optional hike to Khayar Lake (4,500m) is not included — that extension is available in the 9-day version. Good acclimatisation is built into the schedule.

What permits are needed for this trek?

You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Both are arranged by us before departure. No special restricted area permit is required, making this more accessible than some remote Nepal routes.

What are the accommodation and food options on the trail?

The route has teahouses (local guesthouses) in main villages such as Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Dobang. Accommodation is simple but comfortable, with shared or private rooms available. Meals include dal bhat, noodles, pasta, and soups prepared fresh in teahouse kitchens.

What is the best season for Khopra Danda?

October–November and March–May are the prime seasons. Autumn offers crystalline mountain views and stable weather. Spring brings rhododendron blooms along the trail below the ridge. Avoid the monsoon months (June–September) when trails can be slippery.

TrekModerate

Khopra Danda Ridge Trek — 6 Days

6 days3,660 mFrom Nayapul (drive from Pokhara)Best: Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr

Photo by Mithunkunwar9 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Khopra Danda Ridge Trek — 6 Days

Nov16

Nov 16 → Nov 21

0 going12 left

$680

Dec3

Dec 3 → Dec 8

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$680

Dec17

Dec 17 → Dec 22

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$680

Prefer your own dates? Book a private trek.

Duration

6 days

From

$680/person

Max Altitude

3,660 m

Difficulty

Moderate

Starts

Nayapul (drive from Pokhara)

Group Size

2–10 People

Stay

Tea House / Community Lodge

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season

Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr

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Trip Highlights

Khopra Danda (3,660 m): more intimate Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South views than the famous Poon Hill

Khayar Lake (4,559 m): a glacial sacred lake ringed by prayer flags just below the snowline

One of Nepal's best-kept secrets — a community lodge trail that opened to trekkers only in 2010

Rhododendron forest in full bloom March–May; clear windows above 4,000 m into November

Small community-run lodges at Khopra and Bayeli put tourism money directly into local households

Far quieter than Poon Hill even in peak season — some days you'll have the ridge entirely to yourself

Connects easily with Ghorepani for a combined Poon Hill + Khopra Ridge loop

A hidden Annapurna gem — Khopra Danda ridge rewards 6 days of walking through rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages with arguably the finest unobstructed Dhaulagiri and Annapurna panorama in Nepal, well off the main Poon Hill circuit.

Day-by-Day Itinerary(6 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 3,660 m · Day 4

Drive to Nayapul trailhead, then trek through Modi Khola valley past Hile and Ulleri to Ghorepani ridge.

2,860 m6–7 hours14 kmB, L, DTea House

The Khopra Danda Ridge Trek is the Annapurna region's best-kept secret — a 6-day community lodge route that opened in 2010 and delivers more intimate Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South views than the famous Poon Hill, with far fewer trekkers. Khopra Danda (3,660 m) is a high grassy ridge with 270-degree Himalayan panoramas; Khayar Lake (4,559 m) above is a glacial sacred lake ringed by prayer flags at the edge of the snowline.

The small community-run lodges at Khopra and Bayeli were built specifically to direct tourism income into villages that previously received none. The trail connects easily with Ghorepani for a combined Poon Hill and Khopra Ridge circuit, and during peak season (October–November) it is common to have the Khopra ridge entirely to oneself while Poon Hill is crowded. Rhododendron forest at peak bloom from March to May is spectacular on the approach trail.

Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Start: Pokhara (private jeep to Nayapul). Max altitude: Khayar Lake 4,559 m.

What's Included

Included

Government-registered English-speaking guide
Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
ACAP permit and TIMS card
Pokhara–Nayapul private jeep (both ways)
All teahouse accommodation on trek
3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
All government taxes and service charges

Not Included

International flights
Nepal visa
Travel insurance
Personal gear
Tips

Pickup

Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?

This trip begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside trekking town. Most international flights land in Kathmandu, about 200 km away (25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus), so you can either make your own way to Pokhara or let us collect you in Kathmandu.

Pickup in Pokhara

Trip starts here

Already in Pokhara? We collect you from your hotel at no charge.

Pokhara hotel pickupFrom any hotel in Pokhara, Lakeside included.Free
Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Pickup in Kathmandu

Landing in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.

Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Includes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
Kathmandu hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Hotel in the city

No hotel, I will book my own$0
Pokhara: tourist standard guest houseWe quote
Pokhara: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Pokhara: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Pokhara: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote

Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.

Best Time to Go

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Best season. Crystal-clear skies, stable weather, spectacular mountain views. Peak crowds on EBC and ABC trails.

Low: -5°C High: 15°C Possible above 4,500 m in November

Spring (Mar–May)

Second-best season. Rhododendrons in bloom, good visibility. Slightly warmer than autumn. Pre-monsoon clouds build in afternoon.

Low: -2°C High: 18°C Possible above 5,000 m in March

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cold but uncrowded. Clear skies and great views. High passes may be snowed-in. Lower altitude treks (Ghorepani, Langtang lower) remain open.

Low: -15°C High: 8°C Heavy above 3,500 m

Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Wet season. Trails slippery, leeches on lower sections, views often obscured. Not recommended except for rain-shadow regions (Upper Mustang).

Low: 10°C High: 22°C None at low altitude

Permits Required

TIMS Card

NPR 2,000 (about US$15)

Required for all trekkers in Nepal

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

NPR 3,000 (about US$23)

Required for Annapurna region. Valid for single entry.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

What to Pack

Moisture-wicking base layers (top + bottom)

Fleece mid-layer jacket

Down jacket (600+ fill power)

Waterproof shell jacket and pants

Trekking trousers (2 pairs)

Trekking shorts (1 pair)

Merino wool socks (4–5 pairs)

Liner socks (3 pairs)

Warm hat / beanie

Sun hat or cap

Lightweight gloves

Heavy gloves or mittens for high passes

Neck gaiter or buff

Thermal underwear set

A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Frequently Asked Questions

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all-inclusive · permits included

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$610 × 2 people· 2–3 pax rate$1,220

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