1 daysEasy4,130 mAnnapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day
From / person
$900
TrekModerate
Khopra Danda Ridge Trek — 6 Days
6 days3,660 mFrom Nayapul (drive from Pokhara)Best: Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr
Photo by Thapaliyashreeram on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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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 & 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 4Drive to Nayapul trailhead, then trek through Modi Khola valley past Hile and Ulleri to Ghorepani ridge.
2,860 m6–7 hours14 kmB, 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
- Lunches
- Personal gear
- Tips
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
USD 20 (group trek) / USD 10 (free individual)Required for all trekkers in Nepal
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
USD 30Required 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
From the trail · Khopra Danda Ridge Trek
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