Khopra Danda Trek with Ghorepani and Poonhill is an amazing opportunity to explore both well-known and less-known but equally awesome sites within the Annapurna Region. Our itinerary takes you to the serene and peaceful place, Khopra Ridge which is an amazing vantage point to get the majestic views of the mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, II, III, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Lamjung Himal and Mt. Nilgiri.
This Khopra danda trek takes you along through dense forests of rhododendron and pine with the chance to see various exotic animals. Khopra danda also offers you a view of Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Getting there early in the morning or during the sunset gives you even more serene and mesmerizing views.
Khayer Lake is the highest point you get to go to during the Khopra danda trek and is an amazing place with lots of religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists. Khayer Lake is yet another vantage point at the height of 4600 meters to get outstanding views of Mount Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri range. A remote path from Khopra Danda takes you to the majestic lake.
Poon Hill is another popular viewpoint and you get to encounter amazing villages while returning. This off-the-beaten trail takes you to some of the amazing villages like Ghandruk and Ghorepani with amazing Gurung culture. Other ethnic groups also reside in these and other villages you will come across practicing various traditions and living in harmony.
Khopra Danda Trek Highlights:
- Walk through the lush forests of rhododendrons and oaks with the possibility to see different animals including Himalayan Thar and Lophophorus
- Explore the diverse cultures and traditions of various ethnic people like Magar, Gurung, Brahmin, Chhetri, etc.
- Explore the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk
- Catch breathtaking views of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Nilgiri, etc. from the top of Khopra Danda
- Get to Khayer Lake at the foot of Annapurna South to get the awe-inspiring view of the landscape and Himalayas
- Hike to Poon Hill, the viewpoint for the best sunrise/sunset views over the Annapurna ranges
Food and accommodation of Khopra Danda Trek
During the Khopra Danda trek, food and accommodation will be provided by tea houses run by local people. Simple food like Dal Bhat, pasta, noodles, potatoes, vegetables, cereals, eggs, rice, soup, etc. is served as breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
While your days in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay at a 3-star hotel with breakfast service. These cities offer different amazing restaurants of various styles where you can go and try new food or eat food you like for lunch and dinner. Staying at tea houses with basic accommodation and homely treatment will be an amazing experience for those wanting to explore a simple way of living.
Khopra Danda Trek Difficulty
Khopra Danda trek doesn’t demand that much physical endurance and is a perfect trek to do with your family or friends who may not want to do other strenuous treks but want to enjoy the amazing beauty of Nepal. It is a moderate-grade trip. But, you need to walk several hours a day for multiple days and you need to be physically fit to do that. Any exercise or training before the trek can help you build endurance.
Khopra Danda Trek Route
After driving to Pokhara and Nayapul the next day, your Khopra danda trekking starts. First, the route takes you to Ghandruk and then to Tadapani. From there the route to Khopra Ridge separates from the route to Annapurna Base Camp by taking you to Bayeli Kharka. On the 6th day, you will finally reach Khopra Danda and visit Khayer Lake the next day. Then, you will trek towards Swanta village and leave for Ghorepani on the 9th day. The next day, while returning to Pokhara, you will also hike up to Poon Hill. From Pokhara, you will take a ride to Kathmandu and mark the completion of the Khopra Hill trek.
Weather conditions Khopra Danda Trek
During peak seasons in autumn and spring, the weather remains calm in the Khopra Danda trekking route. However, during late spring, there might be some rainfall and Khayer lake receives more rainfall than other places. Early Autumn might still be cold and you may need to pack warm clothes. With preparation, this trek is doable at any time of year.
