Unique Nepal Treks & Expedition
Book a trek Plan My Trip
Khopra Danda Trek – 12 Days

Khopra Danda Trek – 12 Days

A quiet Annapurna ridge with big mountain views

Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Max altitude
3,660 m (Khopra Ridge; ~4,600 m with Khayer Lake)
Difficulty
Moderate
Best season
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Group size
Up to 12

Overview

A journey through the Himalayas

The Khopra Danda trek (also called the Khopra Ridge trek) is a quieter alternative to the busy Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill routes. The trail climbs through rhododendron forest and Gurung and Magar villages to Khopra Ridge at around 3,660 m. From the ridge you look across to Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Machapuchare, often with no crowds.

You can add a side trip to the sacred Khayer Lake (about 4,600 m), and the route includes Poon Hill at sunrise before turning onto quieter paths. Community-run lodges on the ridge put income straight into mountain villages.

It suits walkers with a reasonable level of fitness who want more remote scenery than classic Poon Hill, without the traffic of Annapurna Base Camp. Days are steady climbs and stone stairs rather than technical mountaineering.

Why trek with Unique Nepal: Unique Nepal is a locally run trekking and expedition company that plans every trek around your pace, fitness and interests. Our licensed guides know these trails and the communities along them well, and we handle permits, logistics and safety so you can focus on the mountains. Spanish-speaking guides are available, and we keep groups small so the experience stays personal and low-impact.

Highlights

What you will see and experience along the way

  • Sunrise from Poon Hill, then a quieter trail along Khopra Ridge
  • Close views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
  • Optional day trip to sacred Khayer Lake (~4,600 m)
  • Rhododendron forests in spring bloom
  • Gurung and Magar villages and local hospitality
  • Community-run lodges that support mountain villages
  • A less crowded alternative to Poon Hill and ABC
Difficulty & fitness Moderate

5 to 7 hours a day with some steep sections. Suits active beginners.

Day By Day

Your itinerary

Trek route Tap a pin for the day stop
Altitude profile Highest point: 4,600 m
1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 Day 1: 1,400 m 1 Day 3: 1,540 m 3 Day 4: 2,860 m 4 Day 5: 3,210 m 5 Day 6: 3,660 m 6 Day 7: 4,600 m 7 Day 8: 2,630 m 8 Day 9: 1,940 m 9 Day 11: 1,400 m 11 Day 12: 1,400 m 12 4,600 m

Highest point reached each day, taken from the itinerary. Gradual gains give your body time to acclimatize.

Airport pickup, trek briefing and gear check.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel

Transfer to Pokhara by tourist bus or optional flight. Evening by Phewa Lake.

  • 822 m
  • Hotel in Pokhara
  • B

Jeep to Nayapul, then climb stone stairs into the Modi Khola foothills.

  • 1,540 m
  • Teahouse
  • B, L, D

Through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani, a classic Annapurna overnight stop.

  • 2,860 m
  • Teahouse in Ghorepani
  • B, L, D

Early sunrise on Poon Hill, then leave the busy trail for quieter paths towards Khopra.

  • 3,210 m
  • Teahouse
  • B, L, D

Climb to Khopra Ridge for open views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

  • 3,660 m
  • Community lodge on Khopra Ridge
  • B, L, D

Ridge walks and, weather allowing, an optional long day to sacred Khayer Lake.

  • 3,660–4,600 m
  • Community lodge on Khopra Ridge
  • B, L, D

Descend from the ridge into forest and village lodges.

  • 2,630 m
  • Teahouse
  • B, L, D

Arrive in Ghandruk, a large Gurung village with mountain views and local culture.

  • 1,940 m
  • Teahouse in Ghandruk
  • B, L, D

Short walk to the road and jeep back to Pokhara. Free evening.

  • 822 m
  • Hotel in Pokhara
  • B, L

Tourist bus or optional flight back to Kathmandu.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel
  • B

Airport transfer for your onward flight.

  • 1,400 m
  • —
  • B

Good To Know

What's included

Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • Tourist bus Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu
  • Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, twin sharing
  • Private transfers to and from the trailhead
  • Licensed English/Spanish-speaking trekking guide
  • Porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Teahouse and community lodge accommodation during the trek
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
  • First-aid kit and oximeter

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Optional flight Kathmandu – Pokhara

Best Time To Go

When to trek

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
  • Best
  • Possible
  • Monsoon, not ideal

Recommended: Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov. We run this trek on the dates you choose. Tell us when you would like to go and we will check conditions for you.

Make It Yours

Tailor this trek to you

This itinerary is a starting point. Tell us what matters to you and we will shape the trip around it.

  • Private departure on the dates you choose
  • Extra rest or acclimatization days
  • Your choice of hotel level in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • A guide who speaks Spanish or English
Customize this trek

On The Map

Full route map

Day stops and the trail overview for this package. Exact paths on high trails can vary with conditions.

Open in Google Maps →

Questions

Before you go

Yes. It is longer and reaches a higher altitude, with more remote sections. A reasonable level of fitness is needed, but no technical experience.
Much less so than Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill. Khopra Ridge stays peaceful even in peak season.
Basic but comfortable, with shared facilities and hot meals. Community lodges on the ridge are more limited, so bring warm layers and a good sleeping bag.
Yes, if the weather is good and everyone feels well. It is a long day at altitude, so your guide will decide on the day.

Reviews

What our travellers say

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 6 travellers

My trekking experience in Nepal was absolutely incredible. From arriving in Kathmandu to the mountains of the Himalaya, everything was perfectly organised. The guides were professional, attentive and very knowledgeable about the region. I felt safe at all times, even travelling alone. Without a doubt, I recommend this...
C Carlos Martínez Spain
I went on a solo trekking adventure to the Everest region with Unique Nepal Treks and Expedition, and it was life-changing! The itinerary was perfectly planned, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. From arranging flights and hotels to transportation and trekking support, everything was seamless. I felt safe...
R Rohan Sharma Delhi, India · Everest Region
From the moment I landed in Nepal, everything was taken care of with professionalism and warmth. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the trek. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the experience was life-changing. I highly recommend this agency — they are truly the best in Nepal...
Sophie Laurent Sophie Laurent France
Read all reviews →

Questions & Comments

Ask a question or leave a note

0 comments

Be the first to share your thoughts about this trip.

Share this trek

Keep Exploring

Similar treks

Every Journey Is Different

Talk to a travel specialist

Tell us what you have in mind and our local team will help you create the right trip.

Book now