Khopra Danda Ridge Trek with Hike to Khayer Lake
The Khopra Danda Trek is especially famous for the optional hike to Khayer Lake – a high-altitude holy lake tucked beneath Annapurna South at about 4,660 m. The trek’s pinnacle is reaching Khopra Danda (Khopra Ridge) itself, at roughly 3,660 m elevation. Moreover, the journey offers a splendid blend of scenic mountain vistas, rich local culture, and tranquil trails away from the usual crowds. The Himalaya Ranges, like Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and Annapurna I (8091 m), offer immersive walks through rhododendron forests, and visits to traditional Gurung and Magar villages are the highlights of this trek.
Despite being relatively close to popular routes like the Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Khopra Danda Trek remains a quieter, community lodge-based trek run by local communities, making it a hidden gem for seasoned adventurers seeking authenticity and tranquility.
From the Khopra ridge, you will enjoy jaw-dropping views of multiple Himalayan ranges: the Annapurnas (I, II, III, South), Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and more. The ridge offers magical sunrise and sunset panoramas over these peaks, a dream spot for photographers.
What makes Khopra Danda special is its relative solitude and community-run lodges. Unlike the busy teahouses on the main Annapurna trail, the Khopra Community Lodge on the ridge is managed by local villagers, with proceeds supporting the community. This not only gives you a warm, homely hospitality but also means your visit contributes to local development – a win-win for eco-tourism.
Hike to Khayer Lake
A highlight of this trek is the day hike to Khayer Lake (also spelled Khayar or Kaire Lake). Nestled at the foot of Annapurna, Khayer Lake is considered sacred by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Many believe that bathing in its icy waters during the Janai Purnima festival grants spiritual merit. The hike from Khopra Danda to Khayer Lake is challenging, 5–6 hours one way on a steep trail, with the trek’s highest point at around 4,660 m. This hike to Khayer Lake is rewarded with serene alpine landscapes and the thrill of standing beside a pristine high-altitude lake ringed by prayer flags. After soaking in the tranquility of Khayer Lake, you’ll return to Khopra Danda for the night.
What to Anticipate During the Trek to Khopra Ridge
The Khopra Ridge trek is a moderate-grade trek of 10-12 days, depending on the starting point. You must be prepared to walk for at least 5-6 hours along the stone staircases and forest paths to narrow mountain trails. The route ascends gradually, allowing for acclimatization, with the highest sleeping elevation at Khopra Danda (3,660 m). The trail is well-defined but far less traveled than routes like Annapurna Base Camp, so expect peaceful, uncrowded paths.
Moreover, the Khopra Danda Trek leads you through several traditional Gurung and Magar villages, where you can experience the local way of life firsthand. From the stone-flagged lanes of Ghandruk (a large Gurung village with a museum) to the farming community of Swanta, you’ll witness daily routines of herding, farming, and perhaps partake in some cultural exchanges.
Expect a visual feast throughout the trek. Early in the journey, a short detour to Poon Hill (more on this in the next section) grants one of Nepal’s famous sunrise spectacles over the Himalayas. As you venture towards Khopra, the mountain views keep evolving – you’ll see the Kali Gandaki gorge (world’s deepest gorge) from high above, dramatic close-ups of Dhaulagiri’s south face, and a panorama of the Annapurna Massif that seems almost at eye level when you’re on Khopra Ridge.
Embark on the Poon Hill Hike Before Trekking to Khopra Danda
No trek in the Annapurna region would be complete without the famed Poon Hill sunrise, and the Khopra Danda Trek allows you to incorporate this highlight seamlessly. Poon Hill (3210 m) is a hilltop just above Ghorepani village that offers an unparalleled panoramic sunrise view of the Himalayas – it’s often touted as one of the most beautiful sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. Many Khopra itineraries begin or end with the Poon Hill Trek, but our recommended route hits it before heading deeper towards Khopra. By doing the Poon Hill Trek as part of your Khopra Danda Trek, you effectively combine two epic experiences: a classic Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek segment and the off-beat Khopra Ridge journey. This combo is highly recommended for trekkers who want maximum views in a short timeframe.
Khopra Danda Trek Route
The Khopra Danda Trek route forms a loop in the Annapurna region, and it can be done through two routes. However, our Khopda Danda Trek Itinerary is carefully designed so that it will be easy for our clients to achieve it without any difficulties.
Route Overview (Clockwise loop via Ghorepani → Khopra → Ghandruk): The journey customarily starts from Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside city, with a drive to the trailhead. In our itinerary, we drive to Birethanti (Nayapul) and begin trekking there. The first phase involves joining the Ghorepani-Poon Hill trail: trekking through Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and up to Ghorepani. After enjoying Poon Hill, the route diverges southward to Swanta (a quiet village at 2,200–2,300 m altitude). From Swanta, you continue to Chistibang (also called Dhan Kharka, ~3020 m) – a small pasture settlement – and then ascend to Khopra Danda (3660 m). Khopra Danda is typically the farthest point of the loop and the highest overnight stop. Trekkers usually spend two nights at Khopra (one for the Khayer Lake excursion and to fully absorb the ridge experience).
After Khopra, the trail turns back eastward and then north to rejoin the main Annapurna trail. You descend via Bayeli Kharka (3450 m) – a grazing area with a lodge – then through lovely forested ridges to Tadapani (2620 m), a familiar stop on the Annapurna Base Camp circuit. From Tadapani, instead of going to ABC, you head down to Ghandruk (1940 m), a large Gurung village with road access. Finally, a drive (jeep or bus) takes you from Ghandruk or nearby Kimche back to Pokhara, completing the loop. By the end, you’ve essentially circled the Annapurna foothills: starting and ending in the lower Modi Khola valley, with one flank of the loop touching the Kali Gandaki valley side at Khopra.
Explore Khopra Danda Trek from Pokhara in 6 Days
If you’re short on time, it’s possible to complete the Khopra Danda Trek in about 6 days from Pokhara (not including Kathmandu travel). This condensed itinerary is for experienced trekkers who can handle long days or for those willing to use jeep transports to skip some walking. Keep in mind that a 6-day version often means skipping Khayer Lake and streamlining the route. Here’s an overview of how a 6-day Pokhara-to-Pokhara Khopra Ridge Trek might look:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to the trailhead (you can go higher up by jeep than Nayapul – for instance, jeeps can reach Ghandruk directly, or Ulleri in some cases). Trek a short distance to your first stop. For example, drive to Ghandruk (1,940 m) by morning, then trek 3–4 hours up to Tadapani (2,610 m).
Day 2: Trek from Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka (3450 m) – a long but doable day (~5–6 hours). You’ll pass Dobato (Muldai viewpoint side trail) and continue through the forest and open ridges to Bayeli.
Day 3: Trek from Bayeli to Khopra Danda (3660 m) – about 5 hours, including a descent to Chistibang and then a steep ascent to the ridge. Arrive by afternoon to enjoy the sunset at Khopra.
Day 4: (Optional) If you have the energy and an extra day, you can attempt Khayer Lake and return (would make it a 7-day trek). But in a strict 6-day plan, you skip the Khayer Lake hike. Instead, you could do a shorter hike around Khopra (there’s a minor peak behind the lodge, or simply relax with the mountain views). After breakfast, begin descending from Khopra Danda to Swanta (2270 m). It’s a significant descent through forests (about 5 hours down).
Day 5: Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani (2860 m). This involves an ascent to Chitre and joining the main trail up to Ghorepani (roughly 6 hours). If you arrive by afternoon and weather permits, you might hike Poon Hill for sunset (or do the sunrise the next day).
Day 6: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3210 m) for sunrise, if not done yet, then descend to Nayapul/Birethanti. The downhill from Ghorepani to Nayapul via Ulleri can be done in about 5–6 hours of steady walking. Many trekkers will take a jeep down from Ulleri or Hille to save their knees. From Nayapul, drive ~2 hours back to Pokhara, arriving by late afternoon.
How Much Does the Khopra Danda Trek Cost?
The Khopra Danda Trek cost can vary widely based on your trekking style (independent vs. guided package), the duration, and the level of service you prefer. Below, we break down the main cost components and give rough estimates to help you budget. If you book an all-inclusive package through a trekking agency, the cost for an 11–12 day Khopra Danda Trek (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) typically ranges from about $700 to $1200 USD per person. The price depends on group size (bigger groups often get a lower per-person rate) and what’s included. Mountain Eco Trails lists prices around $700 for a group of 4–5, up to about $850 for a solo trekker on a week-long Khopra trek. Need to know more details about the Khopra Danda Trek cost then feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp at +9779849790153.
Why choose Mountain Eco Trails for the Khopra Trek?
Mountain Eco Trails has crafted this Khopra Danda Trek 10 Days for those who want to discover the Annapurna Himalayas within 10 Days. If the itinerary and the plan we have crafted don’t meet your requirements, feel free to contact our planner at WhatsApp at +9779849701053. When you book a trek with us, you have several benefits and are provided with safety. Here are the benefits of booking this trek with us:
- Complimentary Airport pick-up and drop-off.
- An experienced trekking guide who knows the trail like a home.
- Hassle-free last-minute booking and trek arrangements.
- Trekking Poles, Duffel Bag, and SIM card if needed.
- First Aid Kid carried by the trekking Guide.
- Regular communication with the trekking leader during the trek.
- A complimentary farewell dinner before departing from Nepal.