Khopra Danda and Poon Hill Trek -13 Days

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 5-6 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.

Enjoy a pleasant stop in Pokhara with excellent views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchchhre Himalayas. After breakfast, a scenic two-hour drive takes you beyond the Pokhara Valley to Shyaule Bazar, the starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

At the trailhead, our guide will provide a brief orientation before we begin the trek to Ghandruk. The trail ascends gradually via stone steps through Kimche before reaching Ghandruk, where we spend the night.

Ghandruk is a large and culturally rich Gurung village known for its stunning mountain views and traditional hospitality. The Gurung people, renowned for their service as Gurkha soldiers, are traditionally farmers and herders. They follow Buddhism and ancient Bon traditions, honoring nature and the mountains as sacred.

After breakfast in Ghandruk, we begin our trek towards Tadapani. The trail ascends gradually through a beautiful forest of rhododendron, oak, and pine. Along the way, you’ll enjoy occasional glimpses of the Annapurna and Machhapuchchhre peaks through the trees.

The path is serene, shaded, and rich in birdlife, making it a peaceful and enjoyable walk. After a few hours of steady climbing and short breaks, we arrive at Tadapani, a small settlement perched on a forested ridge.

Tadapani offers breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchchhre, especially at sunset and sunrise. We stay overnight here, surrounded by alpine tranquility and mountain scenery.

After departing from Tadapani, we leave the main Annapurna Base Camp trail and head onto a quieter, less-traveled route toward Kopra. This scenic trail is traditionally used by local villagers who lead their sheep and goats to higher pastures during the summer season. 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 leading to a small pass at Deurali. From here, we continue our gentle ascent to Dobato, a peaceful stop nestled at the foot of the Muldai Hill viewpoint, offering stunning panoramic mountain vistas.

We begin the day with an early morning hike up to Muldai Hill , one of the finest viewpoints in the Annapurna region. As the sun rises, we’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including peaks such as Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. After enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery and capturing some memorable photos, we return to Dobato for breakfast.

Following our meal, we continue trekking along a serene forest trail, gradually descending and ascending through dense rhododendron and bamboo woodlands. The path eventually leads us to Upper Chistibung , a tranquil meadow surrounded by alpine forests. This remote and peaceful location is a common grazing area for yaks and other livestock during the summer months. We settle here for the night, with stunning views and the quiet of the highlands all around us.

Today’s trek is a steady and rewarding ascent from Upper Chistibung to the stunning Kopra Ridge. As we climb gradually through alpine meadows and shrubland, the forest begins to thin, offering increasingly expansive views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Along the way, we may spot Himalayan wildlife such as the monal pheasant (Nepal’s national bird) and bharal (blue sheep) grazing on the slopes.

Upon reaching Kopra Ridge , we are greeted by an awe-inspiring panorama of some of the Himalaya’s most iconic peaks. The views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the Kali Gandaki Gorge are especially spectacular. The ridge feels remote and peaceful, far from the more traveled trails, making it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the mountains. We spend the night here, enjoying the tranquility and unmatched scenery.

Today we hike from Kopra Ridge toward the sacred Kaire Lake . The trail climbs through alpine meadows and rugged terrain, offering stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Tukuche Peak. Kaire Lake is a revered pilgrimage site, believed to hold spiritual power. Depending on time and weather, we either reach the lake or a high viewpoint overlooking it before returning to Kopra Ridge for the night.

We begin our descent from Kopra Ridge (3,660m / 12,008ft), retracing our steps through alpine meadows and into lush rhododendron forests. The trail gradually leads us downhill to the traditional Swanta Village , a peaceful Magar settlement known for its terraced fields and warm hospitality. Along the way, we enjoy scenic views of Annapurna South and surrounding hills. This tranquil village offers a glimpse into rural mountain life in Nepal.

Leaving Swanta Village, we descend through charming terraced farmland and vibrant forests, eventually joining the main trail from Ghorepani. After crossing a suspension bridge and passing small settlements, we continue downhill through rhododendron groves and stone steps toward Ulleri . This large Magar village is perched on a hillside and offers beautiful views of surrounding valleys. It’s a lively stop with traditional houses and warm local culture, marking the final leg of our mountain journey.

We begin the final day of our trek with a downhill walk from Ulleri to Nayapool, passing through small villages, terraced fields, and lush forests. Upon reaching Nayapool, we board a vehicle for a scenic drive to Pokhara , where we can relax and enjoy the beautiful lakeside city, known for its stunning views of the Annapurna range and tranquil Phewa Lake.

You can either drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The scenic drive takes around 6-7 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes, rivers, and villages, while a short flight of approximately 25 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.