About Khopra Danda Trek:
Khopra Danda Trek is a newly opened route in the Annapurna region. The Khopra Danda Trek takes us on off-beaten trails with amazing views of everything that Nepal has to offer from awe-striking mountain Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna (I, II, III, and south), Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal and Nilgiri views, rural villages, and rice fields. We pass through the Rhododendron forest and meet Himalayan wildlife like pheasants and yaks. We can also go up to the holy and beautiful Khayar Lake. This trek also leads to Ghorepani Poon Hill, you get the best sunrise views over the massive Annapurna, Dhaulagiri Nilgiri, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre from the top of Poon Hill (3,210m). This is a very unique trail that many people don’t even know about!
Our journey begins with a scenic ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara then a trek through the lively Gurung of Ghandruk. The trail continues to follow to Tadapani and then on the off-beaten trail to Bayali which goes through a thick forest of rhododendron oak and pine. You will not meet anyone else here as it is a very rare trail and lodges here will have a very Homestay feel. The trail then takes us even closer towards Annapurna South to Khopra danda where we can see panoramic views of the entire Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. Khayar Lake is another attraction of this trek, but it is optional for those who want to take a roundabout trek and come back to Khopra danda. Then the trail turns around and down to Santa and up to Ghorepani through Bayeli Kharka and Tadapani and hikes to Poonhill for the famous view and finally ends in Pokhara. Overall, it is a short and not hard trek and the best part is only a few people know about it!
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
Tour and Trekking Nepal representative will be there to pick us up from the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. We take a short drive from the airport to our hotel. After a short rest, we can visit our office to discuss more about the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu:
After breakfast drive 200km to Pokhara from Kathmandu (6-7 hours) by private bus. The ride provides the beautiful view of terraced rice field, eye catching landscape, Trisuli and Marsyangdi Rivers and Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and most of Annapurna Himalayan Range. The team members stop for some hours for breakfast and stay overnight in Pokhara.
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1050m) 1 & ½ hr & Trek to Ghandruk (1940m) – 5 hrs:
Drive to Nayapul by bus from Pokhara, it will take about one hour. Then we will trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk. We follow the Modi Khola, cross the river in Birethanti,to follow Modi Khola valley passing Sauly Bazaar,this will take about 2 hours, then we climb up steps and continue to walk to. the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk,village with vibrant Buddhist monasteries and houses made of slate and stones.with beautiful mountain views and rich in gurung traditions Overnight at guest house in Ghandruk.
Day 04: Ghandruk to Tadapani (2675m.8,630 ft) 3-4 hrs:
We leave the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind and trek through rhododendron and oak forest. There are no villages on this route, but there are a few teahouses at the place called Baisi Kharkha (Buffalo Grassing place) to rest. We will get to see awe inspiring views of Machhapuchhare (6993m),Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), and Lamjung Himal (6931m) along the way.
Day 05: Tadapani (2595m.) – Bayeli Kharka (3450m/11318 ft) 5 hours:
From Tadapani we walk the first and half hours through the forest of rhododendrons and Primula.then after 4 hours of gradual climb we reach above the timberline with amazing views of the Annapurna .we will stop for lunch my a streams and continue through the through open countryside to reach a small pass from here the trail descends through rhododendron to a clearing known as Bayli Kharka, and the lodge.From the village, we can enjoy superb views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world.
Day 06: Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,450m) and back to High CampBayli Kharka (3450m.) – Khopra Danda (Ridge) (3660m/11811 ft) 5 hours:
From Bayli Kharka we will descend through forests to reach the pastures of Chistibang . From Chistibang we trek for around 2 hours to ascend above the timberlines to reach the ridge at Kopra,You might get to see Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant on the way.On top we will see amazing views on all sides of Dhaulagiri, Damphus Peak, Tukuche Peak,Nilgiri, Annapurna 1, Annapurna South and deep down Sikha.
Day07: Khopra Danda (3660m.) – Swanta (2214m/7874m) 4 hours:
From Khopra Ridge we can walk to Khayar Lake at 4600m which will take around 5 hours we’ll take a steep trail on the ridge with stone steps with a gorgeous view of nature. After visiting the lake we will come back down to Khopra. For those who don’t want to visit the lake we will trek down a trail to reach the nice little village Swanta ,with incredibly friendly people, it is also also the community cheese factory. where not many other tourists come. You can explore the place as well as taste cheese.
Day 08: Swanta –Ghorepani (2880m9,350 ft) 5 hrs:
We will descend through the village fields to a small river then will cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where will join the main trekking trail. There is a further ascent to reach the Ghorepani .we will enjoy seeing great views of the Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre massif and a well-earned rest.
Day 09: Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m/ 10,525 ft) ¾ hr, then trek to Pokhara:
We ascend to poon Hill (3,210m) early morning to view sunrise over the whole Annapurna , Dhaulagiri massif including Mt Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) , Mt Manaslu and surrounding rice terrace A favourite spot among photographers After visiting Poonhill, we will trek back to nayapul then drive to pokhara.
Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu:
After having breakfast, we head towards Kathmandu. You will also be provided opportunity of shopping and visiting different beautiful places in Thamel. The aid in packing your luggage and enjoying your last night here will also be delivered.
Day 11: Final departure:
Our friendly representative will drop you off at the airport. We are sure that you will be inspired to visit Nepal again after this trek. We hope that you choose us to plan your next trip to Nepal.
Service Included
- Free airport picks upon your arrival and a drop at the end of your trip
- Trekkers information management system.(Tims Card)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit.(ACAP Permit)
- 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara. (Tourist Deluxe)
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems)
- All necessary ground transportation as per itinerary
- Complete free trekking information before going to trek
- Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
- All nights in local teahouses/lodges during trekking
- An experienced licensed holder Trekking Guide
- Foods, transportation, accommodations and local tax for guide & porters
- Medical first aid kit box ( which is carried by your team)
- Down jacket, sleeping bag and all necessary trekking gears are available on a hire
- Trekking Map
Service Excluded
- Your travel insurance ( Travel insurance is compulsory to take an adventure trip and it must be covered both medical & emergency evacuation with the worth of USD100, 000.00 minimum.
- Hot shower, WIFI, any electronic battery charges during only in trekking
- Bottled/alcoholic/cold drinks, room service, and cart meal.
- Extra night accommodation or meals in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure and early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Tips and gratitude to your guides, porters, and drivers
- Nepal entry visa fees
Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of tour, trekking, volunteering or internship can be changed or extended as per travellers or volunteers' availability of duration.
