An incredible hike with an amazing group of people. Badri managed to get us in and out of Lukla on days when we thought flights may not be possible and he tried his very best to accommodate the needs of the group. The team of porters supporting Karen Darke were out of this world and did an incredible job, with big smiles. Wonderful people. The trek itself was incredible and we had fantastic weather during the whole trip. Although the ‘B Team’ snail ed it, we had an excellent adventure thanks to Badri and his very supportive team.
Travel Nepal
Himalayas Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Khopra Danda Trek: The Ultimate 11-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Discover the hidden ridge of the Annapurnas, sacred glacial lakes, and unrivaled Himalayan panoramas.
The Khopra Danda Trek (also known as the Khopra Ridge Trek) is one of the most spectacular “hidden gems” in Nepal. This itinerary is specifically designed for adventurers who want to escape the crowded trails of the classic Annapurna Circuit while still experiencing world-class mountain views. The journey takes you to the edge of the Khopra Ridge, offering a front-row seat to Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and the Annapurna Massif. The highlight for many is the spiritual excursion to the sacred, high-altitude Khayer Lake (4,700m).
Trip Highlights
- Panoramic Vistas: Experience 360-degree views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre.
- Sacred Khayer Lake: A challenging but rewarding high-altitude hike to a lake revered by local pilgrims.
- Community-Led Tourism: Stay in authentic community lodges that directly benefit the local mountain villages.
- Muldai & Poon Hill: Visit two of the best sunrise viewpoints in Nepal in a single trip.
- Diverse Landscapes: Trek through ancient rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and high alpine ridges.
Trip Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m)
- Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (820m)
- Day 03: Drive to Ghandruk & Trek to Tadapani (2,630m)
- Day 04: Trek to Dobato (3,420m)
- Day 05: Trek to Khopra Danda (3,660m)
- Day 06: Excursion to Khayer Lake (4,700m)
- Day 07: Trek to Swanta (2,214m)
- Day 08: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m)
- Day 09: Sunrise at Poon Hill, Trek to Nayapul & Drive to Pokhara
- Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu
- Day 11: Final Departure
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m)
Warm welcome and transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing to finalize your trekking gear and plans.
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (820m)
A scenic 6–8 hour journey by tourist bus through river valleys and hills to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 03: Drive to Ghandruk & Trek to Tadapani (2,630m)
Start with a drive to the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk before trekking through mossy forests to Tadapani.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 04: Trek to Dobato (3,420m)
Leave the main trail behind as you climb through oak and rhododendron forests to the peaceful settlement of Dobato.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 05: Trek to Khopra Danda (3,660m)
Walk along the ridge with incredible views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge—the world’s deepest—and the towering Dhaulagiri.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 06: Excursion to Khayer Lake (4,700m)
A full-day hike to the sacred Khayer Lake. This is the highest point of our journey and offers a profound sense of wilderness and spirituality.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 07: Trek to Swanta (2,214m)
A long descent through high pastures and forests to the charming Magar village of Swanta.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 08: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m)
Reconnect with the popular trekking route as you climb toward the vibrant village of Ghorepani.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 09: Sunrise at Poon Hill, Trek to Nayapul & Drive to Pokhara
Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for a classic sunrise, followed by a descent to Nayapul and a drive back to Pokhara.
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu
Travel back to the capital. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali farewell dinner with cultural performances.
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: Breakfast
Day 11: Final Departure
Airport transfer for your flight home, carrying memories of the Himalayan ridges.
- Inclusions: Breakfast
Cost Details
What’s Included:
- Transfers: All airport and ground transportation (Tourist bus and local transport).
- Accommodation: 3-star hotels in Kathmandu/Pokhara; authentic community lodges and tea houses on the trek.
- Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek; Breakfast in city hotels.
- Staff: Licensed English-speaking guide and experienced porters.
- Permits: ACAP permit and TIMS card.
- Safety: First aid kit and oximeter to monitor oxygen levels at high altitude.
- Specialties: Travel Nepal Himalayas Treks T-shirt and a traditional farewell dinner.
What’s Excluded:
- Visas & Flights: International airfare and Nepal entry visa.
- Insurance: Personal travel and emergency medical/rescue insurance.
- Personal Extras: Wi-Fi, laundry, hot showers, and bar bills (soda, beer, bottled water).
- Gear: Personal trekking equipment (sleeping bags, down jackets, etc.).
- Tips: Gratuities for your hard-working trekking crew.
FAQ
Is the Khopra Danda Trek harder than the Annapurna Circuit?
While shorter, the Khopra Danda trek involves some steep ridge climbs and a long day reaching 4,700m at Khayer Lake. It is considered a moderate trek suitable for those with good physical fitness.
How is the accommodation on this route?
This route is unique for its Community Lodges. These are simpler than the large hotels in Ghorepani but offer a more intimate and authentic experience, with profits staying directly in the village.
Essential Gear List
- Clothing: Layered system (Base, Fleece, and Waterproof shell). A heavy down jacket is required for Khopra Danda.
- Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and camp sandals.
- Accessories: Polarized sunglasses, sun hat, warm beanie, and headlamp.
- Health: Personal medications, sunblock, and water purification tablets/filter.
- Sleeping: Sleeping bag rated to 100 C.
Cost & Date
| Departure Date | Duration | Availability | Cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Route Map
Gallery
Client Reviews
Mitchedberg
Vicky S
Date of experience: March 2025
Clare B
Date of experience: March 2025
An amazing experience – went trekking with 14 others in March / April 2025 and had a wonderful time. A big thank you to Badri and his crew for taking care of every logistical detail; flights, hotels, transportation in Kathmandu, transportation to and from the airport, money exchanges, restaurant reservations, sightseeing, optimal route pacing, gear transportation, and 100 other small details that would have left me flummoxed.
He and his team allow for a trek that’s as simplified as possible, you can focus your energy on getting to base camp, and they do everything else. They even bring you hot towels and lemon ginger tea at the end of each day (every morning too). I can’t say enough good things about the porters / guides, they were unbelievable, true heroes of our trip. We had some very unique challenges in our group, and without expert guides and porters we would absolutely not have had the same high quality experience. When I go back to Nepal for a second trek, I’m calling Badri. Badri is the guide you want – generous, personal, and you can tell he and his team deeply care about the well-being of their clients.
One more thing: Not once, but twice, Badri got our entire group flown from Kathmandu to Lukla (and back) on days when the weather was uncooperative. Both times, there was only a brief window when the clouds cleared — just enough for a single plane to make the journey — and guess whose plane was first in line? Even more impressive: while we were waiting at the airport, Badri already had a backup helicopter option lined up, just in case the planes didn’t fly. This kind of foresight and preparation gave us total peace of mind.