Destination
Nepal
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge and Tea house
Walking Distance
55 km
Duration
6 Nights 7 Days
Max. Elevation
4,600 m | 15091 ft
Meals Included
Breakfast
Best Season
March-May / August-November
Grade
Moderate
Overview
Khopra Ridge Trek is a newly opened trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal; while some name it Khopra Ridge Trek, it is also known as Khopra Danda Trek locally. Khopra Trek is one of the hidden gems among the popular trekking routes, and it takes you along the isolated route among the busy and crowded trails in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The Khopra ridge trek takes you on a journey along off-the-beaten untouched tracks with some magnificent views of beautiful snow-capped mountains like Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Bharha Chuli, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Lamjung Himal. This trek takes you to the holy waters of Khayer Lake, so some also know this by the name of Khopra Danda Khayer Lake trek.
Moreover, the rural villages, fast-flowing rivers, farmlands, and walk through the rhododendron forests add nature's touch along the trail. While thinking about the Khopra ridge trek, only the immense beauty of more than 20 Himalayas and the pristine trekking path comes to mind, and nothing else.
Clear your tight schedule and trek the Khopra Ridge Khayer Lake trek for peace of mind, and replenish your spirit in the holy waters of Khayer Lake.
- Mountain views during the trek of more than 20 peaks (including named and unnamed peaks) and panoramic views of some highest peaks in the world, including Annapurna South(7,219 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m / 23,166 ft), and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft).
- The sunrise view over the snow-covered mountain.
- Trekking through the small, beautiful villages and farmlands at Ghandruk.
- Trek along the Khopra Ridge between two mountain ranges, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and ascend upto the Khopra Danda.
- Experience with nature between forests filled with rhododendron, oaks, and pine trees, also chances to witness rare wildlife such as Himalayan Thar, Musk deer, and Langur monkeys.
- Trek to the holy Khayer lake, which is also exquisitely beautiful.
- Authentic teahouse and cultural experience in the rural villages of Nepal and Captivating sunrise views from Poon Hill.
- Isolated trekking route and pristine trekking trails.
Trekkers Information for Khopra Ridge Khayer Lake Trek
Khopra Danda Trek Location and Geography:
Khopra Ridge Trek is located in western Nepal and northwest of Pokhara. The Khopra Danda Trekking borders the districts of Myagdi and Kaski and is relatively close to the village of Ghorepani in Dhaulagiri rural municipality.
The geography of the Khopra Danda trek is diverse, with breathtaking landscapes showcasing the untouched beauty of the Annapurna region. Khopra Ridge trek mostly takes you through the pristine lush green forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and pine trees, forming a colorful spectacle in the Spring season while the whole rhododendron flowers are in full bloom. Moreover, the chances of encountering wildlife and rare species of birds are also present during your hike through the forests.
The Khopra Ridge trek also takes you through several traditional Nepali villages, with their unique predominant Gurung, Magar, and Thakali cultures. At the same time, Brahmin and Chhetri are also encountered during this trek. As the name Khopra Ridge trek suggests, this trek takes you to Khorpa Ridge, also known as Khorpa Danda, which offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Views from Khopra Danda:
The ideal journey of Khopra Ridge trekking takes you to the scenic Khopra Danda after trekking through high hills, where the shadows of the Annapurna mountain range cover you along the trek. Moreover, the walk during the Khopra ridge trek is also exceptional as the walk through the scenic ridges so close between Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna makes it more adventurous, as well as offers mindblowing views of the peaks. The trek through the ridges in Khorpa Danda Trek lasts for nearly two days, meaning you will be walking in the middle of two big mountains on either side of you, which is even more captivating.
As the Khopra Danda Trek takes you on top of the Khopra Danda, you will forget all your fatigue and tiredness due to the up-close views of so many Himalayas. Moreover, Khopra Danda will offer you the full mesmerizing views of Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Machhapuchre (6,993 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7455m), Tukuche peak (6920m), Dhampus Peak (6012m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Gurja Himal (7193m), Nilgiri Himal (7061m), No matter where you look, mountains greet your sight!
Moreover, the panorama of Annapurna South during the Khopra ridge trek, from Khayer Lake looks out of the world.
The Isolated Khopra Ridge Trek Route:
The Khopra Ridge trek begins and ends at Pokhara, so the beginning of the Khopra Dand trek will be a little crowded as we travel to Ghandruk and then trek to Tadapani. Tadapani is touched by most of the Annapurna region trekking routes, so this stop becomes crowded.
The isolated trail begins as we trek from Tadapani to Dobato, and from here, we can enjoy the tranquil environment up to Khopra Ridge. Take a moment and watch the Himalayas from the Khopra Danda and the Khopra Danda Khayer Lake trek then takes you to the Khayer Lake, a holy lake where many pilgrims come here for a dip during the festival which takes place only once a year.
Is the Khopra Ridge trek worth it?
It's no wonder this question must be on your mind as you search through the Khopra Ridge Trek page and ponder whether the Khopra Ridge trek is worth it. Indeed, the Khopra Danda Trek is less popular than other treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poonhill Trek, and many other frequently spoken treks. However, Khopra Ridge Trek is worth the shot as it is an unexplored gem hidden from even the most experienced trekkers. It is also true that you have yet to hear much about the Khopra Ridge trek, but if you have already done many Base Camp Treks and want a change of pace for an isolated region, then the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Khorpa Danda Trek are perfect for you. Moreover, some even compare the Khopra Ridge trek to the Manaslu Trek of the Annapurna region due to its remoteness, isolated trek as well as pristine paths. You can cover what most of the Poonhill trek has to offer during the Khorpa Ridge trek. Excluding the base camp experience Khopra Trek has everything to offer, from scenic views to the panoramic views of the magnificent Himalayas, the cultural experience in rural Nepal, the untouched paths as well as the altitude gain to Khayer Lake 4,650m, which is no less than most of the base camps. Moreover, the highest altitude of the Khopra Ridge Trek is Khorpa Danda at an altitude of 3640 m (11942 ft) if you wish to avoid the trek to Khayer Lake, but none of us want to leave halfway, right? The highest altitude of the Khopra Danda Khayer Lake Treks then exceeds the height of Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m / 18,330ft) as Khayer Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,600 meters(15091 ft). However, due to the absence of lodges, the highest overnight stay will be at Khopra Ridge Phedi, 3640 m(11942 ft) on a community Lodge. The delightful time around Annapurna's hidden and isolated areas ends after you join the popular trekking trails in the Annapurna region to reach Ghorepani. You can trek from Ghorepani for about 45 minutes - 1 hour to reach Poonhill and witness the breathtaking sunrise views from Poonhill, the same view that the Poonhill trek offers. Those who have already trekked the isolated Khopra Danda Trek, compare the Khopra Ridge Trek to the same if not better than the Annapurna Base Camp trek, as it offers more Himalayas, and the Dhaulagiri stands right in front of you. While the standard cost for the Khopra Danda trek for 7 days is 450 USD per person, it can vary according to the season you are trekking and the number of people you are trekking with. The costs include accommodation and three sets of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with three cups of tea/coffee during the trek, an experienced English-speaking, government-licensed guide, his/her accommodation and meals, salary, and insurance. Additionally, the permits and TIMS required for the trek are all included in this cost. Like most other trekking trails in Nepal, the best time for Khopra Danda Trek is Spring( March to May) and Autumn( September to November). The visibility is spectacular, the temperature is mild, and the weather is less harsh during these seasons; spectacular mountain views and walking along the ridge are much more comfortable. However, the experienced hiker opts to go for adventure during the rainy season of Monsoon(June-August), as rhododendrons and wildflowers adon the path making the lush evergreen forests a sight to behold. The Khopra Ridge trekking path becomes more isolated, and the muddy and slippery path challenges adventure junkies, but crampons with good trekking should be used during this season. While most regular trekkers avoid the Winter(December-February), some go on an adventure, venturing into the winter wonderland. The Khopra Danda Trekking trail can also be snowbound, so experienced guides are always needed during this season. The ever-white snowcapped mountains are covered with snow from the base to the top, and the surrounding becomes a snowy paradise. If you are experienced enough, the Khorpa Ridge Khayer Lake Trek journey is worth a shot with full preparation, trekking gear, and an experienced guide. The Khopra Ridge trek is a community lodge-based trek, so many also know this trek as the Khorpa Ridge community trek. You will see tea houses along the trail as you deviate from the mainstream of the Annapurna trekking trails. Even the tea lodges are absent at the Khopra Ridge, and you can accommodate in Community lodges, which are run by a community rather than privately run lodges. This community lodge was opened in 2014 by a woman from the Khopra Ridge region. The traditional dish of Nepal staple DalBhat( Rice, Lentils, Veg Curry, Pickle) is available at most teahouses and community lodges during the Khopra ridge trek. Some tea houses even offer Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisines in the teahouse; however, this varies according to the place you stay overnight and the teahouse you choose. The TIMS card(Trekkers Information Management System) and the ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) permit are required for trekking the Khopra Ridge Trek. The TIMS costs you 20$, and the ACAP permit costs you 30$, totaling 50$, but both are included in the packages. The TIMS card ensures your safety as it holds your information, including your itinerary and emergency contacts so that it can be helpful in any accidents or emergencies during the trek. ACAP permit helps in maintaining the existing trekking trails as well as expeditions and finding new trekking trails in the Annapurna region. Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Hile & Trek to Ulleri: Drive: 2.5 hours After breakfast, we begin our journey from Pokhara, setting out on a scenic 2.5-hour drive towards Hile. After about 1.5 hours of driving, we arrive at Birethanthi, stopping at the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) checkpoint to complete permit formalities. From here, we continue driving through picturesque villages like Mathathanthi, Lamdwali, and Sudame, enjoying the serene beauty of the region. Upon reaching Tikhedhunga, we stop for lunch, re-energizing for the trek ahead. After lunch, we cross two suspension bridges at Tikhedhunga, which marks the beginning of the steep part of the day. The trek involves a steep 2-3 hour ascent on stone stairs, taking us from an altitude of 1,540 meters to 2,100 meters at Ulleri. This section of the journey is moderately difficult due to the long stair climb but offers stunning views along the way. Ulleri, a large village home to the Magar ethnic community, greets us at the end of the trek. This village is known for its rich Magar cultural heritage and honey-hunting traditions. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and relax with a cup of mountain tea, enjoying breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from the village. Day 2: Ulleri to Mohare via Taprang: Trek: 6-7 hours The day begins with breakfast before setting off from Ulleri. After crossing the Ulleri village, the trail splits, offering two routes—one towards Poonhill and the other towards Mohare Dada. We take the Mohare route, which leads us through a beautiful forest trail. The forest is filled with vibrant rhododendron flowers, adding color to the trek. After approximately 4 hours of walking, we reach Taprang, our lunch stop for the day. This spot is located deep in the forest, offering breathtaking views in a quiet, isolated setting. It's important to note that this stop is not open year-round. After lunch, we continued trekking for another 3 hours toward Mohare. The trail takes us through forested areas and open grasslands, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. We passed through Khoke Danda before finally reaching Mohare Danda, which sits at an altitude of 3,300 meters. Upon arrival, we settled in for the night. We could witness a stunning sunset, which is the perfect end to a challenging but rewarding day of trekking. Day 3: Mohare to Swanta via Poonhill Trek: 6-7 hours We start the day early, enjoying a breathtaking sunrise from our teahouse in Mohare Danda. The spot offers panoramic views of more than 15 different mountain peaks, creating a truly picturesque scene. After taking in the views, we have breakfast and set off for Poonhill, one of the most popular viewpoints in the region. The trek to Poonhill takes about 2 hours, bringing us to an altitude of 3,210 meters. From here, we descend towards Ghorepani, a well-known hill station full of teahouses, located at 2,850 meters. Ghorepani is well-facilitated, with shops offering books, clothing, snacks, drinks, and even medicines, making it a convenient stop for trekkers. From Ghorepani, the route primarily consists of descending stairs as we head towards Swanta. An interesting historical fact about this trail is that it once served as a salt trading route and a pilgrimage path to the sacred Muktinath Temple, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. After a 3-4 hour trek via Chitre and Phalante villages, we arrive at Swanta, a charming village where we spend the night at a local homestay, experiencing the warm hospitality and traditional lifestyle of the village. Day 4: Swanta to Khopra: Trek: 6-7 hours After breakfast, we begin the sententious trek toward Khopra Danda. Compared to previous days, this route is more demanding as we gain nearly 1,450 meters in elevation, reaching a height of 3,660 meters. A slow and steady pace is key as we make our way up to the Khopra Ridge, allowing us to acclimatize while enjoying the scenic landscape. The trail leads us through dense forests filled with oak and rhododendron trees. Along the way, we might spot wildlife such as pheasants, wild rabbits, and langurs, adding to the adventure. Before reaching Khopra, we stop at either Ratmate or Chistibung for lunch, taking a break before continuing the ascent. After lunch, the climb resumes, and we make our way to Khopra. Upon arrival, we check into a basic community lodge for the night. Khopra Danda is renowned for its clear night sky, offering a stunning view of the Milky Way Galaxy, making for an unforgettable experience under the stars. Day 5: Khopra to Dobato: Trek: 7-8 hours We start the day early with an exploration of Khopra Ridge, soaking in the stunning views before returning to the lodge for breakfast. For those interested in a side trip to Khayer Lake, which sits at 4,650 meters, an extra day can be added to the itinerary. After packing our bags, we begin the trek to our next destination, Dobato. The trail is known for its breathtaking views and leads us to Mulde, one of the best sunrise and sunset viewpoints along the trek. The day’s hike involves several ascents and descents over 6-7 hours, with sections through forested areas and stone stairs. Upon reaching Dobato, we are rewarded with views just as spectacular as those at Khopra Danda, but from a different angle. The location is known not only for its mountain views but also for its incredible night sky, making it a popular spot for astronomy tours. The proximity to both the road and the mountains, along with its high altitude, enhances the experience for stargazers. Dobato offers only basic lodges, but they provide hearty meals to fuel us for the next day's adventure. We spend the night at Dobato, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. Day 6: Dobato to Tadapani: Trek: 5-6 hours We start the day with an early morning hike to the Mulde Viewpoint, which sits at 3,637 meters. This spot is renowned for its 360-degree panoramic sunrise views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, the Annapurna range, the Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and many other peaks. After taking in the magnificent sights, we return to Dobato for breakfast before setting off for Tadapani. The trail to Tadapani is mostly a descent, which can become slippery during the monsoon and winter seasons, so caution is advised. Along the way, we encounter a few teahouses where we can take breaks. Tadapani is a popular stop, often buzzing with trekkers from various routes meeting at this junction. As we trek, we leave the Magar ethnic group villages behind and enter the region inhabited by the Gurung community. The change in culture and architecture adds another layer of interest to the journey. After 5-6 hours of trekking, we arrive in Tadapani, where we settle in for the night at a local teahouse, enjoying the vibrant mix of trekkers and the welcoming atmosphere. Day 7: Tadapani to Ghandruk & Back to Pokhara: Trek: 4 hours We begin the day with an outstanding sunrise and mountain view right from the balcony of our teahouse in Tadapani. The village is bustling with trekkers planning their next destinations, as Tadapani serves as a key junction for several treks, including the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, Khopra trek, and Mulde trek. After breakfast, we leave Tadapani behind and embark on a scenic descent through lush forests rich with diverse flora and fauna. The trail is dotted with small teahouses where we can take breaks as needed. The trek today is easy, with our destination being Ghandruk, a beautiful village just 3-4 hours away, reached by a continuous descent. Ghandruk is one of the largest settlements of the Gurung ethnic community, renowned for its brave soldiers who have served in the British and Indian armies. The village is both charming and culturally significant, offering an excellent opportunity to explore Gurung traditions. We can spend some time strolling through Ghandruk, visiting the Gurung Museum, and exploring small tea gardens. After exploring the village, we drive back to Pokhara, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Once in Pokhara, we settle in for the night, reflecting on the memorable trek. Here is a detailed cost breakdown for the 6-night 7-day Khopra Ridge Trek, so you can select the plan that best suits your needs and budget. Khopra Danda Trek Cost for Full Board Package: While the Khopra Ridge Trek listed above costs the full board package including Transportation, Guide, TIMS, Permits, 3 times meals, and accommodation, you can choose the half board package or the guide service. Khopra Ridge Trek cost for Half Board Package: The half-board package cost for the Khopra Ridge trek is on per person basis and includes your transportation, Guide, TIMS, Permits, and accommodation with Breakfast as per the BB plan. Guide or Porter Service for Khopra Ridge Trek: Note: You need to understand that your guide isn’t your porter, so they can’t help you carry your big bags. Also, the porter can only have 25 kg and if the bag is heavier than 25 kg additional charges may occur without any further notice.
So, if you are ready to do something different than following the crowd and traveling the same overcrowded paths, then the Khopra Ridge Trek is the perfect trek for you. Khorpa Ridge Trek Cost:
Best time for Khopra Ridge trek:
Accommodations and Foods during Khopra Ridge Trek:
TIMS and Permits for Khopra Ridge Trek:
Khopra Danda Trek Itinerary with Mohare Danda:
Trek: 3 hours
Altitude: 2,100 meters
Level: Moderately easy
Altitude: 3,300 meters
Level: Moderately easy
Altitude: 2,214 meters
Level: Moderately easy
Altitude: 3,660 meters
Level: Moderate
Altitude: 3,350 meters
Level: Moderate
Altitude: 2,675 meters
Level: Easy
Level: Easy
Altitude: 2,000 meters
Drive: 3 hoursKhopra Ridge Trek Altitude and Duration:
Trek to Tadapani
back to Pokhara
Khopra Ridge Trek Cost:
The guide for Khopra Ridge Trek costs US$ 30 per day and the porter costs US$ 25 per day.
Khopra Ridge Khayer Lake Trek Itinerary Suggestions:
For Experienced Hikers:
If you are an experienced/professional trekker, we can easily bend the itinerary for you, making the itinerary shorter by a single day.
To clarify, you can trek from Dobato directly to Khopra Ridge, eliminating the day at Chistibung. This change makes the next day a lot easier for you to trek to Khayer Lake and be back to Khopra. The trek is achievable if we start the day early and you are ready to walk 2 days' worth of trek in a single day.
However, you must remember that you will be trekking for 9 - 11 hours if you choose this itinerary, so be prepared to walk without proper rest.
Even though you are a professional hiker, you may lose your edge during the Khopra Ridge Trek; if this happens, you can talk with our guide or contact us during your trek. Ideally, contacting us a day before this route (from Dobato Khopra Ridge) will be more effective, but if you feel it's too much, you can always extend your itinerary to a normal one. You will be charged for the extra costs of increasing your days.
For Beginners:
Even though the itinerary of day 4 from Chistibung to Khopra Ridge, hike to Khayer Lake, and trek back to Khopra Ridge is achievable, it's not for everyone. Trekking for 8-9 hours a day at a high altitude can take a toll on your body, so you need to prepare for that. If you think you can’t follow this itinerary, we can extend a single day on your Normal itinerary of the Khopra Ridge Trek. You can stay overnight at Khopra Ridge after your trek from Chistibung. You will also acclimate to higher altitudes and be at your best for the Khayer Lake exploration.
The next day, you trek to Khayer Lake, spend your day there, and hike back to Khopra Ridge for an overnight stay. The package does not include extra costs for the day in this itinerary, so extra costs will be applied.
Khopra Ridge Trek Photo
Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake Trek Itinerary
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day 1
Drive from Pokhara-Ghandruk and Trek to Tadapani
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day 2
Tadapani to Dobato:
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day 3
Dobato to Chistibung
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day 4
Chistibung to Khopra Ridge
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day 5
Khopra Ridge to Swanta Village
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day 6
Swanta Village to Ghorepani
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day 7
Ghorepani to Pokhara, after trek to Poonhill
Khopra Ridge Trek Map and Altitude Graph
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All ground transfers in private/sharing vehicles as per availability, for every itinerary.
- All meals, during the trek. You can choose dishes from the lodge menu which mostly includes options as follows:
- Breakfast: Cereal, Porridge, Rice pudding, Egg dish with bread/toast, bread with jam and honey, Pancakes with jam and honey, w/ tea or coffee.
- Complete trekking arrangements with the required TIMS for trekkers and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) permit.
- Tea house & community lodge accommodation during the trek
- Fresh or dry fruits along the trek.
- Medical kits with oximeter during the trek.
- North Nepal Trek company's achievement certificate after the trek
- Tourist service charge, VAT, TAX & GST etc.
For any additional information or questions, please get in touch with us on WhatsApp.
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
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Additional Charge of $140 per person if you like to add Lunches & Dinners for 7 days: Items included: Dal Bhat (mostly recommended), Noodles soup, fried noodles, Spaghetti, Chapati, Spring roll, Macaroni, Pizza, Veg curry with plain rice, Mo: Mo, Thukpa, french fries, fried & boiled potato & much more.
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Anything related to International flight airfares such as Nepal entry visa fees, excess baggage charges, International flight tickets, and so on.
- All accommodations and meals before the trek, extra night accommodations due to early arrival in Nepal late departure, or early return from the trek.
- Personal expenses before the trek such as (renting sleeping bags, buying trekking shoes, and so on), during the trek (any shopping, boiled water, tea coffee(if more than 3 times), cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, hot showers, telephone call, Wifi, cell-phone, camera battery recharges and so on).
- Travel insurance covers high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation along with medical costs.
- Tips and gratitudes for guides and porters.
- Additional costs, such as additional days due to delays caused by natural/uncontrollable phenomena such as bad weather, landslides, and change of plans(itinerary modifications) due to safety concerns, illness, and soon.
- Lastly, all of the costs and expenses that aren’t listed in the “What’s Included?” section.
Note:
Unique Experience at the Best Price
Overall, it is a unique, short, and secluded trek that is known to a few people. If you want to experience trekking through a short and less busy route, then Khopra Trek is for you. Moreover, you’ll see some stunning views of the mountains and discover the secret Khayer Lake. In addition, we provide this trekking package at an affordable price all-round the year.
Packing List for Khopra Ridge Trek:
The Khopra Ridge Trek promises an extraordinary scenic view of more than 20 peaks in Nepal and is one of the most pristine and less-crowded treks in the Annapurna Region.
However, as the name suggests you will be trekking on the ridge of Khopra, so you need to prepare yourself for windy conditions. To check the detailed packing list for your trek click here. Moreover, if you plan to trek to Khayer Lake as well, then you need to pack more clothes and snacks as the path from Khopra Ridge to Khayer Lake is mostly ascent.
Written by: Mohan Bhandari
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Frequently Asked Question
For normal trekkers, the best time for the Khopra Danda Trek is during the Spring(March-May) and Autumn(October-November) Seasons as the days with no or minimum rainfall make your journey comparatively easy.
However, the more scenic views and the challenges are present during the Monsoon and Winter season so if you are an experienced trekker you can also opt to trek the Khopra Ridge Khayer Lake trek during these seasons.
Being the less popular trekking trail, Khopra Ridge Trek offers normal tea houses and lodges, but during the days on Khopra Ridge, there are only community lodges. As you guessed, normal tea houses along the trails costs a bit more than community lodges but tea houses offer more amenities than that of community lodges.
Due to it being a more isolated region, the food is mostly typical Nepali food( Dhal, Bhat, Tarkali) and other local products. Several options such as Pizzas, Noodles, and other fast-food options are available in teahouses, but during the community lodges, you need to check their own menu for the foods available and most western fast-foods in the community lodges won’t taste the same as you remember.
Yes, this trek is possible with children more than 8 years of age, however, during the walk through ridges, the children must be taken care of strictly as this path is more difficult and dangerous. Older adults who are able to walk for 5-6 hours of the day and without any underlying medical conditions can trek this trail. However, we suggest you take your doctor’s recommendation as well.
Moreover, if older adults and children wish to trek to the Khopra Ridge then we are always flexible to extend the itinerary with only 4 hours a day walk.
Furthermore, if you wish to enjoy the views from Khopra Ridge then a Khopra Ridge Helicopter Landing tour is also possible, and you can check the details in “Is a Helicopter landing tour in Khopra Danda possible?”.
Yes, you must have an ACAP ( Annapurna Conservation Area Permit ) permit which costs US$ 30 per person. Moreover, from April 2023 you also need the TIMS(Trekkers Information Management System) card which costs 20$. The officials from the Annapurna region will check your permit and other necessary documents at the entry point. As this permit lasts until you leave Annapurna Area you can easily combine Khopra Trek with other treks without issuing new ACAP permit.
If you are here for other treks but are intrigued by the Khopra trek, then fear not we can combine the Khopra Ridge trek with other routes in the Annapurna Region.
Though the number of days depends on the trekking route itself, we can combine treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal trek, and almost any other trek you desire, within the Annapurna Region.
The maximum altitude of the Khopra Ridge Trek depends on whether you want to trek the Khayer Lake or leave it for another day.
The Khorpa Danda lies at an altitude of 3640 m(11942 ft) which becomes the highest altitude if you wish to avoid the trek to Khayer Lake.
However, if you decide to trek all the way to Khayer Lake the highest altitude of the Khopra Danda Khayer Lake Treks then exceeds the height of Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m / 18,330ft) as Khayer Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,600 meters(15091 ft).
The Khopra Danda Helicopter landing tour is certainly possible if you reach out to us. However, as there are no special packages for the Helicopter Landing tour in Khopra Danda, we need your full confirmation/booking before the tour. Moreover, you need to contact us a week (7days) before if you want to book the helicopter tour for Khopra Danda.
Furthermore, 25% of the payment must be done during booking and 75% can be paid after the tour or a day before the tour.
As trekking to Khopra Ridge Trek is moderately difficult, you need to be physically fit and be able to adapt to cold conditions, but no prior trekking experience is required. Of course, having previous experience certainly helps, but all you need is some pre-trek exercise two weeks before the trek, and you are good to go.
We encourage you to do some exercise before the trek because you will need to walk inclined paths most of the way so, some 4-5 hours walk per day for 2 weeks and cardiovascular exercise. If you are using a treadmill then you must use it inclined upwards.
The Khopra Ridge Trek takes 7 days if you are fit and can travel as per our itinerary. However, if you are a beginner, we suggest you trek to Khopra Ridge and stay overnight and then trek to Khayer Lake the next day and overnight stay in Khopra Ridge again.
Furthermore, If you follow the stop at Khopra Ridge, this itinerary will acclimatize you at Khopra the night before your trek to Khayer Lake, so it minimizes your chance of altitude sickness.
The difficulty of the Khopra Ridge Community trek is moderate, which means you can trek this route as long as you have basic physical fitness, no underlying medical conditions, and you can walk for about 5-6 hours a day.
However, in the day from Chistibung to Khopra Ridge and then to Khayer Lake, you need to trek for 8-9 hours which can be difficult for beginners so if you need to add a day to your itinerary we are always flexible.
The walk along the ridges is comparatively more difficult than other days, but you can follow our experienced guides and make it through without injury, and enjoy the views from the Khopra Ridge.
The Khopra Ridge Trek is a newly opened trekking destination, a perfect alternative for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. This trek takes place in the Annapurna region, making it a scenic 7-day trek where you get to visit a holy alpine lake, Khayer.
The Khopra Danda Trek is located in the Annapurna region, north-central part of Nepal.
The Khopra Ridge Trek is 7 days long covering a total distance of 55 km, starting from Nayapul and trekking from Poon Hill to Nayapul at the end of the trek. We start the trek on a Jeep from Pokhara to Ghandruk and end at Hile from where get on a Jeep back to Pokhara.
Autumn and Spring offer the best weather conditions for The Khopra Ridge Trek. Autumn offers clear views of the surroundings along with less chance of rainfall. Meanwhile, spring offers lush vegetation and it’s also the time for snowfall.
TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Entry permits are required for the Khopra Danda Trek.
The standard itinerary starts at Ghandruk and there is no other starting point as this trek is a circuit. You will combine these other trekking destinations in the region like Poon Hill and Ghandruk.
The major highlights of the Khopra Danda Trek include a visit to Khayer Lake (4660 m), visiting the Barah Temple, entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, experiencing the culture of the local people, and more.
Yes, although the number of accommodations is not staggering it is enough to accommodate a few groups of trekkers. Keep in mind that this trek is not as popular, as a result, the businesses in the region are seasonal.
The Khopra Danda Trek mostly offers Nepalese dishes such as Dal Bhat, stir-fried veggies, bread, roti, etc. You are not likely to get contemporary dishes such as pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and such.
The Khopra Danda Trek will cost you $ 70 per person per day for the standard package, while the half-board package will cost $ 60 per person per day. This is the price if you travel solo with a guide. This trek will cost you a bit less if you are in a group.
You should pack a pair of trekking trousers or shorts, trekking T-shirts, warm jackets, a daypack, trekking poles, and rugged
Weather in the highlands of Nepal can not be predicted with full accuracy, it can change in an instant. However, overall, you can expect clear weather in autumn while you will get to experience snowfall in spring.
No, there are no health and safety concerns on the Khopra Ridge Trek. It’s a completely safe beginner trekkers’ destination.
Average physicality is enough for the Khopra Danda Trek. You should prepare for this trek by hitting the gym for 2 to 3 weeks focusing on endurance training.
Along the way, you can find a bunch of shrines but one of the main Hindu temples, the Barah Temple, lies on the route as well. It’s located on the banks of Khayer Lake.
You might encounter Himalayan Thar and Lophophorus on the route of the Khopra Danda Trek.
You will get network reception at lower regions but once you start hitting the 4000-meter mark, you might have trouble connecting to a server. Also, you need a Nepal Telecom SIM card for better reception.
You can charge your electronic devices at the eateries and tea houses where we will stop. But, you might have to pay extra for it as most people in the highlands rely on solar power.
Yes, safe drinking water is available throughout the Khopra Ridge Trek. We will ensure you do not get unsafe drinking water at any point.
There are no alternative routes to the Khopra Danda Trek since it is a circuit trek. However, there are a couple of destinations that you can add to the standard itinerary.
From Pokhara, you will get on a jeep with our guide and porters to reach Ghandruk, the starting point of the Khopra Ridge Trek. This road trip will take about 2 hours at most.
The Khopra Danda Trek does not need any acclimatization as this is a fairly easy trek.
If you need immediate medical attention at any point during the Khopra Ridge Trek, our guide will contact the emergency services. We will call in air support and you will be transported to the nearest medical facility.
Khayer Lake is the ultimate destination of the Khopra Danda Trek. You will reach the lake on the 4th day of the trek, making your way from Chistibung.
Khopra Ridge Trek Company Reviews
excellent Service
North Nepal trekking team were good friends and advicter of my trekking tour. I did 9 days of adventures trekking to poon hill, kopra and annapurna abc. My most liked experience when look back to Nepal.
Thank you guys that you made my journey so special.
Memories made for life!
Traveling Asia for a couple of months we visited Nepal rather spontaneously. We knew we wanted to do a trek but had no idea where to go or what to do. After doing some research on the web we visited Mohan in his office in Pokhara. We had a rough idea of what we were looking for. We wanted to do a trek that wasn’t too crowded. Still, we wanted to go places where we could enjoy those amazing views of the Himalayas.
With the help of Mohan we figured out our personalized itinerary that would take us to Mohare Danda, Khopra Data and Muldai. After agreeing to do the trek he organized everything in the shortest of time so we could start the very next day. We had an amazing trek and the fantastic experiences will remain in our memories for a a lifetime.
Breathtaking sunrises at Khopra ridge and Muldai peak are just two of the many highlights we experienced.
Special praise goes out to Buddhiman though, our guide on this trek. We could not have asked for a better guide. Buddhiman took such great care of us, he was very attentive and thanks to his tremendous experience he knew what we could do and what would be to much for us. He made sure that throughout the trek we wouldn‘t miss anything. He led us to the most incredible view points and provided us with a lot of information. He also took best of care in regard of our culinary needs. He even stepped into the kitchen and helped preparing the meals for us. Beside being an exceptional guide Buddhiman is also a great entertainer. He has such an amazing humor and is man of many, many talents. At the same time Buddhiman is a very smart man and has such a profound knowledge about the mountains of Nepal, Nepali society and history. We learned so many things from him and are so grateful for everything he has shared with us. We look back to our trek with greatest of memories.
Mohan and Buddhiman you guys made this trek a 5 Star experience!!! Thank you so much. Thomas and Christian
Trekking Nepal
Recently completed the Khopra Danda trek as a family of four with two young children (10 & 11) this has been my third trip to Nepal.
Mohan and his team were amazing, From the initial contact they assisted us to select an appropriate trek with the kids and have been amazing.
They organised hotels, transfers, guides, porters and permits for a truely no hassle, easy, holiday of a lifetime.
Raj, our guide, was the absolute best and I would highly recommend him. His knowledge of the mountains, culture and interaction with our kids has been first class.
For the first time in three visits to Nepal, we had a porter and Ashok was incredible. He was a delight to be around and took such good care of us and our children.
Cannot recommend North Nepal highly enough if you are considering trekking in Nepal,
Khopra Trek
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a trekking adventure with North Nepal, and I'm thrilled to rate my experience a solid 5 out of 5 stars! From the initial planning stages to the triumphant return, the team at North Nepal was nothing short of exceptional.They skillfully advised me on creating an itinerary, handled all my bookings seamlessly, and provided me with a stellar trek leader and a diligent porter. Their flexibility really stood out; we were able to adjust our route and schedule based on the weather conditions. This thoughtful planning ensured that I had the best chances to witness the magnificent sunrises, a highlight I was eagerly looking forward to.The trek leader was a treasure trove of knowledge, enriching my journey with fascinating insights about the local area, its people, and the trek route. Every question was met with an informative response, making the experience not just a physical trek but a journey of learning and discovery.What truly set North Nepal apart was their unwavering commitment to go above and beyond in providing support throughout the trek. There wasn’t a single moment when I didn’t feel pampered—whether it was stepping in to host at tea houses when the service was slow or the kitchen was overwhelmed, nothing was too much trouble for them.This trek with North Nepal was not just a journey through stunning landscapes but an experience filled with care, learning, and unforgettable hospitality. I can't recommend them enough to anyone looking for a trekking company that treats you like family and ensures an incredible adventure in the beautiful terrains of Nepal.
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