| Trip code | KDT-1 |
| Package name | Khopra Danda Trek |
| Duration | 10 |
| Max. elevation | 3660 m |
| Level | Easy |
| Transportation | Tourist Bus, Jeep |
| Accomodation | Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Tea Houses along the trekking route |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 880 per person |
Embark on a journey to explore one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets in the heart of the Annapurna Region. Experience ultimate tranquility and serenity while undertaking the new and relatively unknown Khopra Danda Trek in Nepal. This trek offers something for everyone, from beginners to even the most seasoned hikers. Topping out at an altitude of 3640 m, Khopra Ridge provides unparalleled views mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and countless other mountains in the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges. Mulde Viewpoint near the village of Dobato provides even better views of the Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhare (aka Fish Tail Mountain) than does the famed Poon Hill, while also having a mere fraction of the tourists.
The Annapurna Region offers a wide variety of treks with some of the best mountain views on earth, and every year thousands of trekkers from around the world flock to the Annapurna Region for famous treks like Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghorepani - Poon Hill, and the legendary Annapurna Circuit. Unfortunately, due to the fame of these well-known treks, the trails along these treks are always crowded. For those that want to experience unspoiled nature and escape the crowd, while still witnessing breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri Himal Range, and of course Machhapucchare, the Khopra Danda Trek is the perfect alternative!
Khopra Danda Trek Itinerary
Although there are many articles written about the Khopra Danda Trek, the information from these articles can be confusing, and even contradictory. This is because the Khopra Danda trail is quite new and relatively untouched. Currently, there is no consensus for the best route to accomplish the Khopra Danda Trek, with treks having different start points, endpoints, and stops along the way. In order to come up with the best itinerary for our clients, Roving Nepal Treks sent its travel planners to the region in search of the best route. The itinerary offered by Roving Nepal Treks represents what we believe to be the best route, combining safe and comfortable trekking with the best views possible.
The trekking starts from Ghandruk, which is reached via jeep from Pokhara. This village is home to a large community of local Gurung people, and is a model cultural village of Nepal. After leaving Ghandruk, you will traverse through lush, green forests before stopping at Tadapani for the night. Trekkers will continue to enjoy the serene, forest environment on their way to Dobato, the home of Mulde Viewpoint, a relatively unknown hilltop with incredible views of the Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhare. After watching sunrise from Mulde View Point, the trek continues along a mountain ridge with the same views as Mulde, before heading downhill towards the village of Sistabong, passing through dense forests and by impressive waterfalls along the way.
After spending the night at Sistabong, there will be a brief, but physically demanding trek uphill to reach Khopra, a small settlement on a narrow mountain ridge, 3,660 meters above sea level which boast up close views of the legendary Annapurna, Dhalagiri, and Nilgiri Himal ranges. Khopra will make you feel as if you are inside a postcard, the stunning views of the incredible mountains surrounding all around will leave you feeling breathless, in awe of the true scale of the mighty Himalayas. The following morning the trek continues mountain ridges and through dense forests, passing mountain streams and waterfalls until reaching Swanta, a picturesque village dotted with small, hillside farms.
After spending the rest of the day Swanta, enjoying the beautiful views and vibrant local community, the next morning the trek will continue downhill towards Tatopani, a village that is home to famous hot springs which provide the perfect location to relax and recuperate after your long and arduous trek. The next day a jeep will drive you back to Pokhara where you can spend the rest of the afternoon strolling along Phewa Lake and reminiscing about the incredible journey you have just completed.
Does this trek visit Khayer Lake?
No, this particular trek does not visit Khayer Lake. Roving Nepal Treks does offer two treks that visit Khayer Lake, our Khopra Danda with Khayer Lake Trek and our Khopra Danda with Khayer Lake & Poon Hill Trek. Please note, the trek to Khayer Lake is considerably more difficult than any other day on the Khopra Danda Trek. Please see the FAQ's for more information and contact us if you have any questions about whether Khayer Lake is right for you.
Can I see Pool Hill on the Khopra Danda Trek?
Yes, it is certainly possible to visit Poon Hill on a trek to Khopra Danda. Although this particular trek does not visit Poon Hill, we do offer two Khopra Danda Treks with visits to Poon Hill: the Khopra Danda with Poon Hill Trek and the Khopra Danda with Khayer Lake & Poon Hill Trek. All of our Khopra Treks include a visit to Mulde Viewpoint in Dobato which boast similar (and arguably better) views with a fraction of the visitors that Poon Hill gets, but if you also want to witness the iconic sunrise over Poon Hill, we have trekking packages that allow you to do both on the same trek. In addition, if you are interesting the Mohare Danda Trek, this trek can be started from Poon Hill as well.
Contact the travel planners of Roving Nepal Treks and plan your trek today!
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan
International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative
and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day resting and exploring
the vibrant capital city of Nepal at your leisure.
Embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu
to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city with incredible views of the Annapurna
Range, Dhaulagiri Range, and Fish Tail Mountain. Enjoy stunning views of the
countryside and mountain along the way. The drive takes around 7-8 hours,
depending on traffic. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will drive by jeep to Ghandruk,
the starting point of your trek. The drive offers scenic views of the
countryside and the mountains that you will be seeing up close and in person in
the coming days. The road ends shortly before Ghandruk, so you must walk
approximately 30 minutes along a well-maintained stone path to reach Ghandruk,
where you will eat lunch. This walk offers views of Langdruk, another Gurung
village on the other side of the river, as well as the Annapurna Range and Fish
Tail in good weather.
After lunch, the stone path gives way to well-maintained dirt paths, with views of the nearby mountains and hillsides covered in terraced fields. The trail eventually passes through dense forests full of birds and other wildlife, with the occasional view of the Annapurna Range through the thick foliage. After 3-4 hours you will reach Tadapani, a small village with beautiful views of mountains such as Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fish Tail. Here you will sleep for the night.
After enjoying the views of Fish Tail and the Annapurna Range during breakfast, we will begin the trek to Dobato. The first hour of the trek is a leisurely walk through thick, lush jungles filled with local trees, plants, and wildlife. The trail during this period is mostly "Nepal flat," meaning a little bit up, a little bit down, but generally around the same altitude. Soon the jungle will open up and you will be treated to views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fish Tail.
Next you will begin a steady but manageable trek uphill, passing the villages of Meshar Danda and Ishuru along the way, one of which you will enjoy lunch at. After passing these villages, the tree canopy begins to open up a bit, giving way to lush grasslands, flowery meadows, and beautiful mountain streams.
The final portion of the trek follows a mountainside trail with views of the Annapurna Range and Fish Tail before reaching Dobato. Overnight in Dobato.
This morning you will wake up shortly before sunrise and walk to Mulde View Point (3,637 meters). The walk takes approximately 30 minutes with about 200 meters of elevation gain. At Mulde View Point, you can enjoy stunning, panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna I and II, Annapruna South, Annapruna Fang, Hiunchuli, Fish Tail Mountain, and countless other peaks. Take time to soak in the views before returning to Dobato for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will walk steadily uphill along mountain ridges and through dense forests, with views of the Annapurna Range and Fish Tail Mountain. After an hour or so, the trail will turn westward, leaving the Annapurna Range behind (for now). You will walk downhill through bamboo and rhododendron forests, with the occasional mountain stream and waterfall. During this part of the hike, you can enjoy views of the Jomsom Valley.
Upon reaching
the river, you will have a brief walk back uphill among dense forests until you
reach Sistibung (3,000 meters). Overnight in Sistibung.
Your trek today will be much shorter than the previous two days, but it will be just as physically demanding. The distance from Sistibung to Khopra is only around 3 km, but over that short distance you will gain over 500 m in elevation. But with plenty of spots to rest along the way and a short distance to cover, this can be one of the most relaxing days of the trek.
The trail begins in dense forests with the occasional meadow and clearing, where views of the Jomsom Valley can be enjoyed. As you climb high, you will eventually cross the tree line and the trees will disappear, offering clear views of the Jomsom Valley, and as you get higher, Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri as well. Eventually you will come to the mountain ridge where Khopra lies, where you will be treated to incredible views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna Fang, and Annapurna South, among others. After lunch, relax and admire the amazing views, which are best around sunset. Overnight in Khopra.
Today we will head back down the mountain, ultimately ending up in Swanta. For the first hour or so, you will walk down the same path that you took from Sistibung, except this time, the trail will be sharply downhill instead of uphill. In the early morning, the clear weather will provide amazing views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri as you trek along mountainside trails. Before reaching Sistibung, you will take a different trail that leads towards Swanta.
After a couple hours, you will reach the river which lies at approximately 2,400 meters, where you can spend some time admiring a lovely waterfall and a fast-moving mountain stream. After crossing the river, the trail will take you through thick jungles that are once again "Nepal flat" before ultimately reaching the village of Swanta (2,300 meters). Swanta has the same tea houses as other villages you have experienced so far on the trek, but it has a much more local feel than the villages you have experience thus far on your trek. Swanta is covered in fields, terraced farmlands, and small houses full of locals going about their daily lives.
After lunch in Swanta, you have the rest of the day to explore this lovely village at your leisure. Visiting the local temple, playing basketball with the children of the local school, or taking a leisurely walk through the village are recommended activities if you're looking for things to do with your afternoon. Overnight in Swanta.
Today is the final day of hiking in the Himalayas. After breakfast, you will hike downhill towards Tatopani. The trek is relatively short and straightforward, and mostly downhill. The trails are well-maintained and weave their way through lush forests filled with birds and other wildlife. Along the way, you will encounter rivers, mountain streams, and even a few waterfalls.
After reaching Tatopani, the hiking will be complete. But there is much to do in Tatopani throughout the remainder of your day. Tatopani is a relatively large village, owing to it having famous hot springs. These hot springs are a popular pilgrimage site, and a dip in these hot springs is a wonderful way to relax and recharge after a long hike through the Himalayas. After reaching Tatopani, the rest of your day is at your leisure. Overnight in Tatopani.
After breakfast, take the same
scenic drive back to Kathmandu that you took on your way to Pokhara. Once in
Kathmandu, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, enjoy the rest of your time in Kathmandu until your flight home. Our representative will handle your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in plenty of time for
your departure flight, and in addition to your luggage, you will carry with you unforgettable memories of the Khopra Danda Trek and your time in Nepal.
After breakfast, we will drive by jeep back to Pokhara. On the drive, you can enjoy the views of the picturesque villages and terraced farms lining the hills along the way, and reflect on all the beautiful sights you have seen throughout your trek. Upon reaching Pokhara, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can take a stroll along Phewa Lake, visit the Peace Pagoda, or just relax in the hotel room. Overnight in Pokhara.