The Khopra Danda trek, also known as the Khopra Ridge trek, is a hidden trail in the Annapurna region. What makes this special is that it’s set up as a community trek, you will stay at some teahouses run by and for the local Gurung community in the area. Despite being in the heart of the popular Annapurna region, this is far less crowded than the well-known trails in the region. So it is a remote and tranquil trek where you can enjoy the views in silence.
Throughout your journey, the trail winds through deeply lush, thick pine, oak, rhododendron and bamboo forests with gorgeous views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Along the way, you can catch a glimpse of local wildlife and experience panoramic views of iconic Himalayan landmarks, such as Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri (7061m), Annapurna South (7219m) and Annapurna I (8091m).
A private drive from Pokhara will bring you to Ghandruk, which is the starting point of the Khopra Danda trek. Notably, the village is famous for its recruitment of the brave Gurkha soldiers. Next, through the rhododendron forest and passing Gurung houses, you will hike towards Tadapani. Here, you have a lovely view of the characteristic Machapuchre mountain.
After Tadapani, you will leave the crowded, famous Annapurna trails and continue the Khopra Ridge trek to Dobato. An early wake-up call and a short climb to the Muldai Peak (3780m) will follow the next morning. At Muldai Peak, you will be rewarded with a beautiful sunrise. From this vantage point, the Himalayas are nearby, and you will have a stunning 360-degree view towards the hills and the high mountains.
From Muldai Peak, you can see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machapuchre. The following day brings a long hike to Chistabang. During this stretch, you will hike over a ridge, descend through the forest and pass by a few waterfalls. After Chistabang, it is a morning climb to the community lodge of Khopra Ridge. Finally reaching your destination, the long and wide Khopra ridge offers stunning mountain views, and it is great to spend some time here. After this beautiful viewpoint, you will descend through the forest to the lovely village of Swanta.
Eventually, at Tikhedunga, you will stay for the last night in a teahouse. The trek ends at Bhirethanti, from where a private drive will take you back to Pokhara. Back in Pokhara, you can relax and enjoy Lake Phewa.
For those seeking more adventure, it is possible to combine the Khopra Danda trek with the Mohare Trek.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6 hrs.)
Day 3: Drive to Ghandruk ( 1951m – 4 hrs.)
Day 4: Trek to Tadapani (2630m – 4 hrs.)
Day 5: Trek to Dobato (2620m – 5 hrs.)
Day 6: Climb Muldai Peak (3780m) for sunrise view and trek to Chistabang (2975m – 8 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Khopra Danda (3660m – 4 hrs.)
Day 8: Trek to Swanta (2200m – 5 hrs.)
Day 9: Trek to Nange Thanti (2430m – 5 hrs.)
Day 10: Trek to Tikhedunga (1450m – 5 hrs.)
Day 11: Trek to Bhirethanti (1025m – 4 hrs.) and drive to Pokhara (2 hrs.)
Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (6hrs.)
Day 13: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 14: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and the cost of local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
– 3 nights in a hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– 2 nights in a hotel room in Pokhara; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Return drive by tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara; private transport to the start and from the end of the trek
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/ dinner
– Free use of a waterproof bag for your luggage
– ACAP fee, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
– All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary, like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for the mountain guide and porters
