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The Khopra Danda Trek, also known as the Khopra Ridge Trek, is one of Nepal’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventures—perfect for trekkers looking to explore the Annapurna region without the crowds. This lesser-known trail offers a magical blend of panoramic Himalayan views, rich local culture, diverse landscapes, and peaceful trails that still feel untouched by mass tourism.
Starting from the foothills of the Annapurna, this scenic trek passes through lush rhododendron forests, cascading waterfalls, terraced farmlands, and traditional Magar and Gurung villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter friendly locals, observe their daily mountain life, and enjoy the warmth of community-run teahouses that provide cozy accommodations and hearty meals.
The highlight of the trek is reaching Khopra Danda (3,660 meters). This stunning ridge opens up to jaw-dropping views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Tukuche, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). At sunrise and sunset, the mountains glow with golden hues above a sea of clouds, creating moments of awe and serenity that leave a lasting impression.
For adventurous trekkers, an optional day hike to the sacred Khayar Lake (4,660 m) offers an unforgettable spiritual and physical experience. This glacial lake, tucked beneath towering peaks, is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and offers unmatched high-altitude solitude and scenic beauty.
What makes the Khopra Danda Trek truly special is its balance of wilderness and comfort. Unlike the more commercial routes, this trail offers a quiet, immersive trekking experience with all the essentials—safe trails, welcoming lodges, and ever-changing views. It’s a perfect choice for photographers, solo travelers, families, or anyone looking to experience authentic Nepal in a short trekking window.
Departing from Kathmandu in the morning, you’ll embark on a scenic journey to Pokhara, traveling along Nepal’s bustling highways with picturesque views of towering mountains and verdant landscapes. The drive passes through charming towns and rural villages, offering glimpses of local life before arriving in Pokhara after an exhilarating 7-8 hour journey. Your accommodation will be conveniently situated near the serene Phewa Lake, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Pokhara is a stunning tourist destination renowned for its natural beauty, nestled amidst the majestic Annapurna Himalayas, with the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) peak dominating the skyline. The city boasts serene lakes such as Phewa and Begnas, where you’ll find a selection of excellent hotels and international-standard restaurants lining the shores of Phewa Lake, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable stay.
Note: Alternatively, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes around 30–35 minutes.
After breakfast, a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive takes you beyond the Pokhara Valley to Kimche, the starting point of this trek. The trail ascends gradually via stone steps to Ghandruk, where you’ll enjoy lunch and take in stunning views of Machapuchhre and Hiunchuli.
After lunch, you’ll pass through the beautiful old homes of Ghandruk and follow an undulating trail to a tea house with a great view of Annapurna. The trail then continues through a vibrant rhododendron forest, which becomes more enchanting throughout the day, before reaching the beautiful village of Tadapani for the night.
After departing from Tadapani, we leave the main Annapurna Base Camp trail and follow a quieter, less-traveled route toward Kopra. This scenic trail is traditionally used by local villagers as they lead their sheep and goats to higher pastures during the summer months. The path initially winds through lush rhododendron and oak forests, where we may spot playful langur monkeys swinging through the trees.
As we gain elevation, we gradually rise above the tree line and follow a scenic ridge that leads to a small pass at Deurali. From there, we continue a gentle ascent to Dobato for the overnight, a peaceful resting point nestled at the foot of Muldai Hill Viewpoint, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
From Dobato, the trail gradually ascends and descends along a ridge through beautiful alpine meadows and forests. You’ll pass through Bayeli Kharka, a seasonal grazing pasture where you can stop for tea or lunch depending on your pace.
The trail offers breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) to the west and the Annapurna range to the east. This section of the trek is less crowded, giving a true sense of solitude and wilderness.
As you continue your ascent along the ridgeline, you rise above the tree line, trekking through open grasslands and stone steps until you reach Khopra Danda (Khopra Ridge).
Today is a rest day, enjoy a relaxing day wandering around in Khopra Danda. Or head out on a full-day hike to the sacred waters of Khayer Lake.
After breakfast, you’ll have the option to embark on a challenging full-day hike to Khayer Lake, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Considered a sacred site by Hindus, Khayer Lake is believed to grant Nirvana to those who bathe in its waters. Given the deep interconnection between Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal, you’ll also find several shrines and prayer sites—both Hindu and Buddhist—scattered around the lakeside.
*Not up for the full hike 16.5 km (round trip)? A half-day walk from Khopra Danda can also be arranged, offering scenic views without
going all the way to the lake.
After enjoying sunrise views from Khopra Danda, you’ll begin a steady descent toward Swanta Village, leaving behind the alpine ridge and re-entering lush, subalpine forest. The descent is well-defined but steep in parts, so trekking poles are recommended for knee support. As you go lower, you’ll pass through pasturelands, stone steps, and occasional farm huts. The trail eventually reaches Swanta, a charming Magar village surrounded by terraced fields, where you can witness daily rural life in the mid-hills of Nepal. It’s a great place to grab the opportunity to learn to cook local cuisine in village homes, interact with locals and enjoy cultural dances and folk songs in the evening.
After breakfast in Swanta, you’ll begin your descent toward Tatopani. The trail starts by winding through Magar farming villages, terraced fields, and dense forest, with occasional glimpses of Dhaulagiri in the distance.
You’ll descend steadily through the village of Chitre and eventually reach Gharkhola. After that, you’ll continue downward through steep stone stairways and cross suspension bridges over rivers like the Gharkhola and Kaligandaki, one of the deepest gorges in the world.
As you reach the Tatopani valley, the climate becomes warmer and more tropical. After arriving in Tatopani, you can check into your guesthouse and walk to the famous natural hot springs, where you can relax and soak your tired muscles in warm mineral-rich water beside the river—a perfect way to end your trek.
After breakfast, you’ll take a private jeep back to Pokhara, passing through the town of Beni en route. Beni is one of the main transport hubs that connect Pokhara and Jomsom. You’ll then continue driving through Nayapul all the way to Pokhara.
You can either drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The scenic drive takes around 7-8 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes, rivers, and villages, while a short flight of approximately 30-35 minutes offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas and a quicker return to the capital.
On your final day in Nepal, following an amazing experience and adventure at Kopra Ridge Trek with excellent service from Lhasso Adventure, transfer to Kathmandu International Airport in accordance with your international flight to return home or to your respective destinations.
In addition to making trekking more enjoyable, having the appropriate gear guarantees your safety and readiness for a range of situations. Regardless of skill level, every hiker has to invest in high-quality equipment and understand how to utilize it properly. A delightful journey can differ from a difficult ordeal depending on the level of planning and equipment used. Please make your selections of the necessary equipment from the list below.
The Khopra Danda Trek is considered moderate. It includes daily ascents and descents through forests, ridges, and alpine meadows. While no technical skills are required, a good level of fitness is helpful, especially for the optional Khayer Lake hike.
The best months are March to May and September to November. During these seasons, the weather is stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their best. Spring also offers beautiful rhododendron blooms along the trail.
Yes. This is one of the less-traveled routes in the Annapurna region. After Tadapani, the trail diverges from the main paths, offering quiet trails, peaceful teahouses, and an immersive natural experience.
A guide is highly recommended, especially for navigation, local knowledge, and cultural interaction. While the trail is safe and marked, sections like the Khayer Lake hike can be remote and long.
You’ll stay in local teahouses and community lodges, which are simple but comfortable. They offer twin-sharing rooms, hearty meals, and a warm atmosphere. Khopra Danda and Dobato have fewer lodges, so early booking is ideal.
Yes, but the hike to Khayer Lake (4,665m) is optional. It’s a full-day out-and-back hike from Khopra Danda and can be physically demanding due to the elevation and distance. However, it’s incredibly rewarding for those who take it.
Absolutely! On the final day of trekking, you’ll reach Tatopani, where natural hot springs await. It’s a relaxing and therapeutic way to end your trek.
You’ll need two permits: 1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) 2. TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Your trekking agency or guide can help arrange these before departure.
The highest sleeping point is Khopra Danda at 3,660 meters. If you hike to Khayer Lake, you'll reach a maximum altitude of 4,665 meters.
While the risk is lower than on high-altitude treks, mild symptoms can occur, especially during the Khayer Lake hike. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and pacing will help prevent altitude-related issues.
If you have any more specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask!
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