| Trip code | KDT-3 |
| Package name | Khopra Danda Trek with Poon Hill |
| Duration | 10 |
| Max. elevation | 3640 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 in the Himalayas. Experience ultimate tranquility and serenity while undertaking the new and relatively unknown Khopra Danda Trek with Poon Hill in Nepal. Khopra Danda is a great trek for nearly every kind of hiker, from novices to even the most seasoned hikers. At an altitude of 3640 m, the Khopra Ridge is the perfect destination for travelers to enjoy close-up views of mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and countless other mountains in the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges.
The Annapurna Region of Nepal is a true gem of the Himalayas. The Annapurna Region boasts a wide variety of trekking routes for the trekkers to enjoy. Some of the most famous trekking routes of the region include: the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, the Mardi Himal Trek, and the Annapurna Circuit Trek. These trekking routes attract thousands of trekkers from across the globe every year, and as a result, they are always crowded. Some people hike to escape the crowds and experience the peace and tranquility that only untouched nature can offer. For those that want to escape the crowds and still experience the amazing views that the Annapurna Region has to offer, the Khopra Hill Trek is perfect! In addition, this trekking package also includes a visit to the world-famous Poon Hill.
There are many possible trailheads for the Khopra Danda Trek. Some of the possible starting locations for the Khopra Danda Trek are Tatopani, Nayapul, Tikhedhunga, and Ghandruk. However, the most popular and easiest way to start the Khopra Danda trek is from Ghandruk. Ghandruk can be reached from Pokhara by jeep, with the driving time between two and two and a half hours.
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. This village is home to a large community of local Gurung people, and is a model cultural village of Nepal. Ghandruk village can be reached by bus or jeep from Pokhara. After leaving Ghandruk, you will traverse through lush, green forests before reaching Tadapani, your first sleeping location. Trekkers will continue to enjoy the serene, forest environment on their way to Dobato, the next sleeping location on the trek. Dobato is home to Mulde View Point, a relatively unknown location whose views are even more impressive than those found on the legendary Poon Hill. After watching sunrise from Mulde View Point, you will walk along a mountain ridge with incredible views of the Annapurna Range and Fish Tail Mountain, before hiking downhill towards Sistabong, encountering dense forests and impressive waterfalls along the way.
After spending the night at Sistabong, you will have a brief, but physically demanding morning of trekking uphill to reach Khopra, a small settlement on a narrow mountain ridge, 3,660 meters above sea level. When you stand on Khopra Hill, you will feel as if you are inside a postcard, with stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges looming above you. The close-up views of these legendary mountain ranges make for a truly an awe-inspiring experience, demonstrating the true scale of the mighty Himalayas. The following morning you will walk down the same hill that you came up the day before, but this time you will instead head towards Swanta, a picturesque village dotted with small, hillside farms. On the way to Swanta you will walk along mountain ridges and later through dense forests, passing mountain streams and waterfalls, with views of the mountains on all sides. You will spend the night in Swanta, enjoying the beautiful views and vibrant local community.
As with the starting point of the trek, there are different places where the Khopra Danda Trek can end. Some trekkers choose to end the trek in Tatopani, a village famous for its hot springs and religious significance. However, this itinerary instead heads from Swanta to Ghodepani, the nearest village to Poon Hill. After waking up early and taking a 45 minute walk uphill, you will be met with one of the most famous views in Nepal, the view of sunrise from Poon Hill. After soaking up the views, you will walk downhill towards Ulleri, where you can catch a jeep ride back to Pokhara.
The difficulty of the Khopra Danda Trek with Poon Hill is easy to moderate. You must possess a decent level of physical fitness, as the walking distance each day is substantial and there are long steep, ascents and descents along the way. The trail is narrow and and steep in some sections. The maximum altitude reached on this trek is firmly within in the altitude sickness zone. Therefore, proper planning and a reliable trekking companion are highly recommended. Don’t underestimate this trekking route even if it is suitable for both seasoned hikers and beginners.
No, your trek to Khopra Danda doesn't have to include a trip to Poon Hill. In fact, we have just as many hikers who decide to skip Poon Hill as we do who opt for a visit. Roving Nepal Treks also offers a trekking package that goes to Tatopani instead of Ghodepani after overnighting in Swanta. Tatopani is a small village overlooking a river, nestled between mountains. Tatopani is an import recreational and religious destination in Nepal, as it is home to world-famous hot springs. These hot springs are a perfect way to relax and recuperate after a long and arduous trek. Whichever you choose, Roving Nepal Treks is here to help.
The Khopra Danda Trek has many names, but they mean the same thing! Danda means "hill" in the Nepali language, so saying Khopra Danda and Khopra Hill is saying the same thing, only in a different language. The small village of Khopra is technically not a hill, but rather a mountain ridge that leads to the lower reaches of the Annapurna Range, and in fact, there are hills with higher elevations on either side of Khopra. Whether you hear someone say Khopra Hill, Khopra Danda, or Khopra Ridge, just know that these refer to the same place and the same trek.
Khayer Lake is a picturesque mountain lake above Khopra, at an altitude of 4,660 meters. Some Khopra Danda Trek itineraries include a visit to this lake, but others, like this one, do not. The reason why some itineraries skip Khayer Lake is because the hike to Khayer Lake is considerably more difficult than any other day on the Khopra Danda Trek. The trek to Khayer Lake can take anywhere from 8-11 hours, with approximately 1,000 meters of elevation gain along the way. The Khayer Lake Trek is recommended only for experienced trekkers or people in good physical condition. If you are interested in seeing Khayer Lake as part of your Khopra Danda Trek, Roving Nepal Treks offers other treks which do include it in the itinerary.
Contact the travel planners of Roving Nepal Trek 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's hike will be mostly uphill, but relatively short, much like the trek from Sistibung to Khopra earlier in your trek.
After leaving Swanta you will hike downhill following the path of a river before crossing it via suspension bridge, from which you will see lovely views of the nearby hills, with their terraced farms. The hike will then become steadily uphill, passing local farms and villages along the way.
The farms and villages will eventually give way and you will return to dense forests as you get closer to Ghorepani. Enjoy the local flora and fauna, particularly the many birds you can see in the area. Upon arrival in Ghorepani and dropping off your bags at the tea house, if the weather is clear you can attempt to climb Poon Hill or stop at one of the viewpoints in the upper reaches of Ghorepani for a different (and less crowded) experience than at sunrise. Otherwise, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Ghorepani.
You will wake up this morning before sunrise and begin the walk up Poon Hill in darkness. Exactly which time is the best time to leave depends upon the season, but it will be at least an hour before the scheduled time for sunrise. The hike will begin in complete darkness, so a flashlight/torch or headlamp is recommended. The walk to the summit of Poon Hill takes approximately 30-45 minutes and entails an elevation gain of over 350 meters. However, compared to what you've already hiked so far in your trek, this will be no problem!
After hiking down Poon Hill and breakfast at the tea house, you will begin your trek to Ulleri. The trek to Ulleri is steadily downhill through dense forests and along the side of a river. If you are tired and want an easier (though not necessarily shorter) walk, you can use the main road for potions of the trek instead.
Once you reach Ulleri, if you are okay with your trek being finished, your guide will be able to arrange the jeep ride back to Pokhara. Sometimes jeeps can be procured from Banthanti, which takes approximately 30 minute less to get to than Ulleri, but this depends on the season. If, at Ulleri, you are still enjoying your trek and want to trek a little more, it might be possible for you to trek another 60-90 minutes to Tikhedhungga or Hile and catch a jeep from there.
This jeep will drop you off at your hotel in Pokhara. Once there, you will have the rest of the day to enjoy at your own pace. You can take a stroll along Phewa Lake, visit the Peace Pagoda, or just relax in your hotel room. Overnight in Pokhara.
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.