Khopra Danda Trek Guide

If you’re looking for a remote, week-long trek that offers excellent mountain views, Khopra Danda is the perfect choice. It is a short and moderate trek that combines everything Nepal offers — snow-capped mountains, high ridges, dense forests, and traditional villages.

Although this trek is really close to the famous Annapurna Base Camp, it is relatively less crowded and much more rewarding. Unlike other treks, Khopra Danda is a community lodge-based trek run by local communities.

The journey of Khopra Trek starts at 910 meters at Pokhara. The route takes you through the famous village of Ghandruk, then to the viewpoint of Munde, leading up to Khopra Ridge at 3,660 meters. 

Khopra Trek is best known for offering the breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri Himal, and many more. Besides that, this trekking trail is filled with rare wildlife and flora, including rhododendrons — Nepal’s national flower.

Khopra Danda Trek Facts

Highlights of the Khopra Danda Trek

• Stroll around the famous lakeside street of Pokhara and enjoy the beautiful sight of Phewa Lake.
• Relish the breathtaking sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range.
• Explore the traditional village of Ghandruk and visit the Gurung Museum.
• Hike to Munde View Point and enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas.
• If you trek to Khopra Danda in spring, you can experience the crimson rhododendrons in full bloom.

How to Get There?

There are three options to reach the trailhead of Khopra Danda Trek — flight, private jeep, or public bus.

Flight

If you’re looking for the most comfortable option to start your trek to Khopra Danda, you should consider booking a flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu. The 30-minute flight offers majestic scenery of mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna massif.

Upon landing at Pokhara, you can catch a private jeep or a bus to Kimche.

Private Jeep

The second option is to hire a private jeep from Kathmandu. It is the most comfortable way to make the overland journey. It takes around 1-12 hours to reach Kimche from Kathmandu on a private jeep, but it depends on traffic.

Public Bus

Taking a public bus is a good option if you’re on a tight budget. Although long and exhausting, public buses are much cheaper than booking a flight and hiring a private driver. 

If you take this option, you must catch a bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. We recommend you take a tourist bus rather than a local one as they tend to be overcrowded and overspeed. 

Upon reaching Pokhara, you can take regular buses from Baglung Bus Park or catch a shared jeep to Kimche. It can take up to 10-14 hours to get to Kimche on a public bus.

Khopra Danda Trek Itinerary

Khopra Danda Trek Permits

You only need two permits for the Khopra Danda Trek — Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).

Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)

Since Khopra Danda lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, you must acquire the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) to do this trek. You can get the ACAP permit from the offices of the Nepal Tourism Board in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)

Another permit required for Khopra Danda Trek is the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). This permit is designed for the safety of all the trekkers in the region through TIMS registration checkpoints. You can get the TIMS card from the offices of the Nepal Tourism Board in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Note: Your permits will be checked at Birethanti and Ghorepani.

Khopra Danda Trek Difficulty

Khopra Danda Trek is a short and moderate trek in the Annapurna region. Thus, this trek is an excellent choice for novice trekkers who do not have prior trekking experience. Moreover, the trails of Khopra Danda are well-marked. 

Since the highest elevation point of this trek is 3,660 meters, the risk of high altitude sickness is relatively less. Besides, our 8-day itinerary is carefully designed with adequate walking hours and elevation gains for better acclimatization. 

That being said, you do require a decent level of physical fitness. We highly recommend that all travelers partake in physical and cardio activity at least a month before the trek.

Best Time to Trek

Like most trekking destinations in Nepal, Khopra Trek is accessible throughout the year.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is by far the best time to trek to Khopra Danda. The weather is mostly dry and warm during this time of the year. Besides, the clear skies offer excellent visibility of the mountains and surrounding landscapes.

The only downside of trekking to Khopra Danda in autumn is the crowded trail.  

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the second-best season to trek to Khopra Danda. During this time of the year, the mornings are usually warm and clear. However, the sky gets a bit hazy in the afternoon and evening. The trail of Khopra Danda is surrounded by crimson rhododendrons in full bloom.

You may also expect occasional showers during this season, leading to a slippery trail.

Winter (December to February)

During the winter season, the weather in Khopra Danda can get freezing. However, the routes of Khopra are rarely closed, unlike other high-altitude treks.

You may have to deal with heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of the trail. However, the snow-covered trails and mountains can offer picture-perfect views. 

Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon is considered the least ideal time to go trekking in Khopra Danda. The days are mostly wet with clouded skies during this time of the year.  

Hence, you’ll have to deal with slippery tracks and plenty of leeches along the trek.

What to Expect on the Khopra Danda Trek?

Accommodation

Since Khopra Danda is a teahouse trek, you will find a few modern community lodges and traditional teahouses along the route. Unlike the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, this trek does not offer any luxury hotels. 

The teahouses offer basic rooms with twin beds, but you’ll have to get used to shared toilets and bathrooms. You’ll have to pay extra money for a hot shower.

The teahouses also have a common dining area that is usually warm with stoves heating them.

Foods and Water

The teahouses in Khopra Danda offer a decent variety of foods on their menu. Like most trekking regions in Nepal, they provide both local as well as foreign meals such as Dal Bhat, momo, chapati, fried rice, pasta, pancakes, etc.

You can get filtered and boiled water in almost every teahouse. Although the water is filtered and safe to drink, we recommend using your preferred purifying tablets to treat the water before drinking.

Note that bottled mineral water is not available in Khopra Trek.

Network Information/WiFi

In the lower section of Khopra Trek, NTC and Ncell (two of Nepal’s most popular telecommunication companies) services work great. However, the network coverage becomes a bit unstable and unavailable as you go higher on the trek. 

You can even use mobile data in the regions where you have strong mobile network coverage.

Besides that, most teahouses in Khopra Danda Trek offer WiFi services. Although they charge extra for using their WiFi, it is a more reliable way to connect with your family and friends compared to mobile data.

Khopra Trek with Mohare Danda Extension

If you have a few extra days you want to spend in the mountains, we suggest you extend your Khopra Trek with Mohare Danda Extension. Located in a gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, Mohare Danda makes a perfect option for trekkers and backpackers who prefer less crowded trails.

Mohare Danda is a community-driven trek that offers an excellent opportunity to witness the remote culture and lifestyle of the Himalayas. Although remote and unspoiled, Mohare Danda is a moderate trek on the outskirts of the Annapurna Conservation Area.

You can connect the route to Mohare Danda after the Khopra Trek at Ghorepani. Instead of heading towards Banthati, you take the alternative way towards Mohare Danda. It takes two extra days to complete this extension.

Trip Duration: 10 Days

Maximum Elevation: 3,660 Meters at Khopra Ridge

Trip Difficulty: Easy To Moderate

Starting Point: Pokhara

Ending Point: Pokhara

Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse

Transportation: Flight and Jeep

Walking Duration: 5 to 6 Hours Per Day

Best Time to Trek: March-May & Sept-Dec

Required Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)

Outline Itinerary: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Ghandruk - Tadapani - Dobato - Munde View Point - Upper Chistibung - Khopra Ridge - Swanta Village - Phulbari- Mohare Danda -  Ulleri - Nayapul - Pokhara - Kathmandu.

Best Side Trips of Khopra Danda Trek

Khayer Lake

Khayer Lake is one of the most sacred lakes in the Annapurna region. It nestles right behind Annapurna II at an elevation of 4,500 meters.

If you have an extra day, this sacred lake makes an excellent side trip on Khopra Danda Trek. It takes approximately 3.5 hours from Khopra Ridge to reach Khayer Lake. Along with the pristine blue lake, you can relish the marvelous view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from here.

On the bank of the Khayer Lake, there is a small temple dedicated to Khayer Bharani Devi. On Janai Purnima, thousands of Hindu devotees visit this sacred lake and temple to get their blessings.

Since there are no teahouses or shops in this region, consider taking a packed lunch and plenty of water for the day.

Poon Hill

Poon Hill is undoubtedly one of the most famous viewpoints in the heart of Annapurna. Located at an elevation of 3,210 meters, this viewpoint offers a marvelous view of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Hiuchuli, Tukuche, Lamjung Himal, Varaha Shikhar, and Nilgiri.

If you have one spare day, add Poon Hill as the ultimate side trip on Khopra Danda Trek. Instead of trekking towards Banthati to catch a ride back to Pokhara, you’ll have to spend a night at Ghorepani for this side trip. It is a moderate, hour-long hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill.

You can either hike to Poon Hill the same evening you arrive at Ghorepani during sunset or wake up before dawn the following day and enjoy the sunrise view. However, we recommend you go early in the morning as the sky usually stays clear.

Khopra Danda Trek Map

Packing List

Since Khopra Danda is a moderate trek, you do not require any specialized equipment. Here’s an essential checklist of things you need to pack while trekking to Khopra Danda:

Clothing:

• Trekking Shirt
• Trekking Trousers/Shorts 
• Warm Trousers for Evenings
• Thermal Baselayer 
• Fleece/Down Jacket 
• Waterproof Shell Jacket/Trousers

Footwears

• Hiking Boots 
• Sandals/Trainers 
• Hiking Socks

Head Wear

• Sun Protection Hat/Cap
• Beanie 
• Buff/Neck Gaiter

Bags

• Rucksack

Additional Gear

• UV Protection Sunglass
• Trekking Poles 
• Headlamp (with Spare Batteries) 
• Microfibre Towels 
• Water Bottle
• Water Purification Tablets
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Hand Sanitizers
• Power Bank
• First Aid Kit
• Camera or Go Pro

Tips for the Khopra Danda Trek

• Even though Khopra Danda is relatively moderate, it is better to have decent physical and mental fitness before the trek. So, we recommend you engage in several cardio workouts and training at least a month prior to the trek.
• If you’re planning on buying a new pair of hiking boots before the trek, make sure you go for a good quality boot. Additionally, break in your brand-new hiking boots before the trek to avoid blisters, sore feet, and chafed skin.
• If you’re planning to carry a camera or a GoPro, it is advisable that you keep spare batteries and store them in warm areas for extended battery life.
• For extra expenses, we suggest you carry enough cash as there are no ATM booths on the trekking route. 
• Do not litter the trail while trekking in Khopra Danda. Always through your waste in the trash bins or carry an extra bag to collect your waste.

FAQs of Khopra Danda Trek

Can I do Khopra Trek without prior trekking experience?

Yes, it is possible to do Khopra Danda Trek without prior trekking experience. 

It is a short and moderate trek, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Moreover, the highest elevation point of this trek is 3,660 meters. Hence, the risk of high-altitude sickness is relatively low.

Having said that, we recommend you train and prepare well for the trek. Since you’ll need to walk 4 to 6 hours every day, your body should be fit enough for long hours walking on the rugged mountain trail.

So, you should engage in cardio and endurance training at least a month before your Khopra Trek.

Do I need crampons to trek to Khopra Danda?

In general, you do not need crampons or any technical equipment to trek to Khopra Danda, especially if you’re trekking during autumn or spring.

However, if you’re planning to trek to Khopra Danda during the winter or monsoon, we suggest you carry crampons for your safety. During this time of the year, you can’t predict the conditions of the trails and situations you may encounter until you get there. It is always better to prepare for the worse!

Do I need travel insurance for Khopra Trek? What should the policy cover?

Yes, it is mandatory to have travel insurance for Khopra Trek. Although the Khopra Trek route is less strenuous than Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit Trek, you must get travel insurance before the trek.

Your insurance must cover all expenses up to the elevation of 4,000 meters, including medical emergencies and helicopter evacuation. Besides that, it should include accident costs, medical fees, trip cancellation, lost luggage, etc.

Will I get altitude sickness on Khopra Danda Trek?

The highest elevation point of Khopra Danda Trek is 3,660 meters. Unlike other high-altitude treks, such as Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, the risk of altitude sickness on this trek is a bare minimum. 

While you may feel the change in the air pressure at times, there is no significant risk of developing altitude sickness on Khopra Danda Trek. That being said, you should always drink plenty of water and fluids to keep yourself hydrated during the trek.

Should I take Diamox (Acetazolamide) on Khopra Trek?

Diamox or Acetazolamide is used to prevent or reduce symptoms related to altitude sickness. 

The risk of high altitude sickness in Khopra Danda Trek is comparatively less. So, you are not required to take Diamox from the start of the trek as a precautionary step.

You may, however, carry the medication in your first aid bag and only use it if necessary. But before you decide to use the drug, we recommend you consult your doctor regarding the side effects and allergic reactions that may be caused in your body.

Conclusion

Overall, Khopra Danda is an excellent option for those looking for a short adventure in the heart of the Annapurna region. It is ideal for anyone who prefers to explore the remote trails of the Himalayas and avoid the crowd.

On this trek, you’ll experience nature in its wilderness — with dense forests, high ridges, pristine rivers, and breathtaking mountain views.

Book your trip with the Nepal Hiking Team to embark on the remarkable journey of Khopra Danda. At Nepal Hiking Team, we assure you a quality travel experience with skilled and friendly guides.