Khopra Danda Trek – A Hidden Gem in the Annapurna Region Kathmandu to Kathmandu – 13 Nights / 14 Days
All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 to 10 participants. 👉 “One Destination. One Small Group. One True Adventure.”
🗓️ 14 Days – Arrival to Departure
👥 Small Private Group | 4–10 Participants
🚩 Guaranteed Departure
🎒 Guided by English Speaking Trek Leader or Hire Prasan
The Khopra Danda Trek is one of Nepal’s best-kept trekking secrets—a peaceful, less-traveled route in the Annapurna region that offers breathtaking Himalayan scenery without the crowds. This scenic journey takes you through dense rhododendron forests, quiet Magar and Gurung villages, and dramatic ridgelines leading to Khopra Ridge (3,660m), where you’ll witness panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and more.
Unlike more commercial routes, the Khopra Danda Trek offers a genuine connection with nature and culture, featuring community-run lodges that support local development. The optional day hike to the sacred Khayar Lake (4,660m) adds a spiritual dimension to the experience, while wellness practices like yoga, meditation, and mindful walking deepen your journey.
Perfect for those seeking quiet trails, cultural immersion, and epic mountain views, this trek combines adventure and purpose in a truly unforgettable way.
Why Khopra Danda Trek With Prasan?
Join me, a certified and experienced local trek, tour & wellness guide with over 10 years of experience in the Annapurna region. I don’t just know the trail—I live and breathe it. When you trek with me, you’re not just walking; you’re connecting—with nature, people, and yourself.
✅ Government-licensed and community-trusted local guide
✅ Focus on ethical tourism and direct support to village economies
✅ Expert in mountain weather, safety, and cultural interpretation
✅ Mindful trekking with daily yoga, breathwork, and meditation
✅ Group size limited for personal connection and trail harmony
✅ Custom options for private or wellness-focused groups
Highlights of the Khopra Danda Trek
- Trek to the stunning Khopra Ridge (3,660m) with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Nilgiri
- Optional sacred side trip to Khayar Lake (4,660m) – a hidden glacial jewel above the clouds
- Escape the crowds on a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path route in the Annapurna region
- Stay in community-run lodges that directly support local villages and conservation
- Pass through traditional Magar and Gurung villages, rich in culture and hospitality
- Enjoy daily guided wellness practices: morning yoga, breathwork, and evening meditation
- Sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) – one of Nepal’s most iconic viewpoints
- Walk through ancient rhododendron and oak forests, alive with birds and wildlife
- Perfect blend of nature, solitude, cultural immersion, and mindful trekking
- Ideal for both beginner and experienced hikers looking for a unique Himalayan journey
🗺️ Khopra Danda Trek – 14 Days Outline Itinerary
Kathmandu to Kathmandu | 13 Nights / 14 Days
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) – Airport pickup, 20–30 min drive
- Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu – Optional sightseeing, 3–5 hrs if explored
- Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (820m) – 6–7 hrs drive
- Day 4: Drive to Kimche, trek to Ghandruk (1,940m) – 1.5 hrs drive, 2–3 hrs trek
- Day 5: Trek to Tadapani (2,630m) – 4–5 hrs trek
- Day 6: Trek to Bayeli Kharka (3,420m) – 5–6 hrs trek
- Day 7: Trek to Khopra Danda (3,660m) – 3–4 hrs trek
- Day 8: Optional hike to Khayar Lake (4,660m) – 7–8 hrs round trip
- Day 9: Trek to Swanta (2,270m) – 5–6 hrs trek
- Day 10: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m) – 4–5 hrs trek
- Day 11: Poon Hill sunrise hike (3,210m), trek to Tikhedhunga, drive to Pokhara – 1 hr hike, 5–6 hrs trek, 2 hrs drive
- Day 12: Free day in Pokhara – Optional sightseeing/adventure, flexible
- Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m) – 6–7 hrs drive
- Day 14: Final departure – 30–45 min airport transfer
Khopra Danda Trek – Detail Itinerary
This 14-day Khopra Danda Trek itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance adventure, cultural immersion, and wellness. Starting in Kathmandu, the journey takes you through charming villages, serene forests, and panoramic ridge trails before reaching the stunning Khopra Ridge. With guided daily hikes, optional visits to sacred Khayar Lake, and peaceful wellness sessions, each day brings a deeper connection to the Himalayas—both outside and within.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Activities: Airport pickup, hotel transfer, trek briefing, welcome dinner
- Accommodation: Tourist-standard hotel
- Meals: Welcome Dinner
Your Himalayan journey begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport. One of our team members will greet you with a warm Nepali welcome and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. After check-in, relax, freshen up, and enjoy your first taste of Nepal.
Later in the evening, we’ll gather for a detailed trek briefing and welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant. You’ll meet your guide, review the Khopra Danda Trek itinerary, and receive insights into the local culture, weather patterns, and what to expect on the trail.
Day 2: Extra Day in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Activities: Gear check, optional sightseeing, final preparations
- Accommodation: Tourist-standard hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
Today is yours to explore or relax as you wish. Take a guided or self-paced stroll to nearby UNESCO sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Boudhanath Stupa, or wander the colorful streets of Thamel for last-minute shopping.
In the afternoon, you’ll have a detailed gear check with your guide to ensure you’re fully prepared for the mountains. We’ll assist with rentals or purchases if needed. This extra day also helps your body adjust before the trek begins—an important step for a safe, successful experience.
Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (820m)
- Activities: Scenic drive, river valleys, mountain towns
- Accommodation: Lakeside hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
We depart Kathmandu after breakfast and drive west to Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city surrounded by rolling hills and Himalayan peaks. The 6–7 hour journey takes us through vibrant villages, terraced hillsides, and river valleys with stunning views.
Upon arrival, check into your lakeside hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening with views of Phewa Lake and the sacred Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) in the distance.
Day 4: Drive to Kimche, Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m)
- Activities: Short trek to traditional village
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we take a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Kimche, where your trek begins. The gentle trail winds through farms and forested slopes to reach Ghandruk, one of the largest and most beautiful Gurung villages in Nepal.
Here, you’ll see traditional stone houses, ancient temples, and sweeping views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. We’ll also hold a short wellness session to help ground your body and mind for the journey ahead.
Day 5: Trek to Tadapani (2,630m)
- Activities: Rhododendron forest hike
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we enter the lush forests of the Annapurna region. The trail climbs gradually through rhododendron and oak trees, accompanied by birdsong and mountain breezes. As we reach Tadapani, you’ll feel the air shift—cooler, fresher, and quieter.
The lodge here offers exceptional mountain views and a peaceful setting for yoga or breathwork before dinner.
Day 6: Trek to Bayeli Kharka (3,420m)
- Activities: Off-the-beaten-path ridge trail
- Accommodation: Community lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We now leave the busy trails behind and head into the peaceful alpine world of the Khopra Danda Trek. This day’s walk takes us through deep forest and along open ridgelines with panoramic views.
We arrive at Bayeli Kharka, a small seasonal pasture that now hosts a charming community-run lodge. On clear days, enjoy epic sunsets over Dhaulagiri (8,167m)—the world’s seventh-highest mountain.
Day 7: Trek to Khopra Danda (3,660m)
- Activities: Panoramic ridge walk
- Accommodation: Khopra Community Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This short but spectacular day leads us to the heart of the trek—Khopra Ridge. The trail gradually ascends along a breathtaking ridge with ever-expanding views of Annapurna South, Baraha Shikhar, and Nilgiri.
On arrival, we settle into the Khopra Community Lodge—run by local villagers, with profits reinvested into education and healthcare projects. After a warm meal, enjoy a sunset meditation with one of the best panoramic views in Nepal.
Day 8: Optional Day Hike to Khayar Lake (4,660m)
- Activities: High-altitude adventure (optional)
- Accommodation: Khopra Community Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is optional but unforgettable. If you’re feeling strong and acclimatized, we’ll begin before dawn and trek to Khayar Lake, a sacred high-altitude lake nestled at 4,660m. The 7–8 hour round trip is demanding but deeply rewarding.
The trail passes yak herders’ shelters, alpine meadows, and eventually opens to a serene glacial lake surrounded by silence and snow. Return to Khopra by late afternoon for a well-earned rest and nourishing dinner.
Day 9: Trek to Swanta (2,270m)
- Activities: Descend into forests and Magar villages
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We descend through rhododendron forests and pastureland to reach Swanta, a peaceful Magar village known for its cheese-making and community-led tourism. The trail is alive with bird calls and mountain scents, and the teahouse here is warm, simple, and welcoming.
Day 10: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m)
- Activities: Final forest climb
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We continue through pine and oak forests, crossing a wooden bridge before a steady climb to Ghorepani. This is one of the most scenic and famous villages in the region, and a favorite among trekkers preparing for their final sunrise view.
Day 11: Poon Hill Sunrise Hike (3,210m), Trek to Tikhedhunga, Drive to Pokhara (820m)
- Activities: Sunrise at Poon Hill, final trekking day
- Accommodation: Lakeside hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We rise early for the short climb to Poon Hill, where you’ll witness a magical sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machapuchare, and other Himalayan giants. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on your journey.
After breakfast in Ghorepani, we descend to Tikhedhunga, where our vehicle awaits to take us back to Pokhara. After check-in, enjoy a hot shower and lakeside dinner to celebrate completing the Khopra Danda Trek.
Day 12: Extra Day in Pokhara (820m)
- Activities: Optional sightseeing, spa, paragliding, or rest
- Accommodation: Lakeside hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
Take this day at your own pace. You can explore Phewa Lake by boat, visit the Peace Pagoda, or simply sip coffee with mountain views. Optional adventures include paragliding, ultralight flights, or massage therapy. This recovery day is a favorite among trekkers after a fulfilling journey.
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Activities: Return to the capital
- Accommodation: Tourist-standard hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. The 6–7 hour journey allows time for reflection and sharing stories with fellow trekkers. Once back in the city, enjoy your final evening with a farewell dinner or some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Day 14: International Departure
- Activities: Airport drop-off
- Meals: Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye (or “pheri bhetaula!” – see you again). After breakfast, we’ll escort you to the airport with plenty of time for your flight. Leave Nepal with full lungs, a calm heart, and memories of your peaceful and powerful Khopra Danda Trek.
💵 Khopra Danda Trek Package Cost
| 👥 Group Size | 💰 USD Price | 🇦🇺 AUD Equivalent | 🇳🇿 NZD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 to 10 Trekkers | $1499 per person | AUD $2357 | NZD $2497 |
💡 All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 trekkers per group.
🛏️ Single Room Supplement
A single room supplement of USD $99 applies for hotel nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara if you prefer private accommodation.
🚫 This option is not available during the trek, as teahouse lodges typically provide twin-sharing rooms only.
✨ All-Inclusive & Ethical
The Khopra Danda Trek is a value-packed Himalayan experience that avoids domestic flights, keeping both the carbon footprint and cost lower than other high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. Your fee includes wellness experiences, permits, guided services, all meals on the trail, and thoughtful cultural immersion—no hidden costs.
What’s Included in the Khopra Danda Trek
- 🚐 Airport transfers – pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- 🏨 6 nights hotel accommodation (3 in Kathmandu + 3 in Pokhara, twin-share with breakfast)
- 🚌 Private vehicle transport – Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara and all local transfers
- 🧾 All trekking permits – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) + TIMS card
- 🧭 Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking leader or trek with Prasan.
- 🏔️ 1 porter per two trekkers (max baggage 10kg per person)
- 🛖 7 nights teahouse accommodation (twin-sharing)
- 🍽️ All meals during the trek – breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- 🍛 Welcome and farewell dinners
- 💊 Group medical kit carried by your guide
- 🚗 All ground transport as per the itinerary
What’s Not Included
- ✈️ Nepal entry visa (USD $30–125 depending on duration)
- 🌍 International flights to and from Nepal
- 🍽️ Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except breakfast)
- 🏛️ Sightseeing entrance fees in Kathmandu or Pokhara (optional)
- 🧾 Travel insurance (mandatory; must cover emergency evacuation)
- 🛏️ Extra accommodation due to delayed departure or early return
- 💸 Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, snacks, laundry, charging, yoga mat, hot showers, etc.)
- 🎁 Tips for guide and porters (recommended USD $6–8 per day)
- 🍷 Alcoholic drinks and bottled beverages
- 🚁 Emergency rescue/evacuation (to be claimed via insurance)
- 🧤 Trekking gear & clothing
- 🔻 Any services not mentioned as included
Additional Information
The Khopra Danda Trek offers a unique mix of scenic beauty, quiet trails, and authentic village life. Along the journey, you’ll stay in cozy teahouses, enjoy freshly cooked local meals, and be guided by experienced professionals who prioritize your safety and wellbeing. Daily yoga and meditation support your physical and mental balance. With no flights required, this trek is both eco-friendly and reliable. From proper packing and fitness tips to health, insurance, and altitude awareness—everything is thoughtfully planned to ensure a smooth, enriching adventure in the Himalayas.
🛏️ Accommodation
Throughout your Khopra Danda Trek journey, accommodations are a blend of comfortable hotels in the cities and authentic community-run teahouses in the mountains.
- In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll stay in well-located tourist-standard hotels with twin-share rooms, ensuite bathrooms, and breakfast included.
- During the trek, your nights will be spent in basic but cozy teahouses, which offer twin-sharing rooms, shared bathrooms, and a warm place to rest after a full day of hiking.
These teahouses are family- or community-owned, providing a genuine glimpse into rural mountain life. Some have electricity and charging facilities (at a small fee), but don’t expect luxury—what they lack in amenities, they make up for in heartwarming hospitality.
🍽️ Meals on the Trek
You’ll enjoy three nutritious meals a day during the trek, prepared fresh by the teahouses along the route. Meals are simple, filling, and high in energy to fuel your walk through the mountains.
Typical options include:
- Breakfast: porridge, Tibetan bread, pancakes, eggs, tea/coffee
- Lunch/Dinner: dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), noodles, soups, fried rice, and momos
All meals are vegetarian-friendly, and dietary preferences can be accommodated with prior notice. While trekking at altitude, staying well-fed and hydrated is key—our team ensures you’re well taken care of.
In the cities (Kathmandu & Pokhara), breakfast is included, while lunch and dinner are on your own—giving you the freedom to explore the local cuisine.
🚗 Transportation and Trail Access
Your adventure begins with a scenic overland drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara in a private tourist vehicle, offering lush hill views, rivers, and glimpses of rural Nepali life. From Pokhara, we travel by private jeep to Kimche or Ghandruk, depending on trail conditions, to begin the trek.
At the end of the journey, we return from Tatopani or Swanta back to Pokhara via private vehicle.
No domestic flights are required for this trek—this reduces delays, costs, and your carbon footprint, making Khopra Danda an eco-friendlier and more reliable trekking option.
🧳 Packing List Essentials
Packing smart ensures comfort and safety on the trail. You’re allowed:
- One duffel bag (10kg) carried by a porter
- One daypack (you carry) for essentials
Essentials include:
- Down jacket (-10°C rated), fleece and waterproof layers
- Sturdy trekking boots (broken in), trekking pants, gloves, and wool hat
- Sleeping bag (-10°C), reusable water bottle, sunscreen
- Sunglasses, headlamp, toiletries, lip balm
- Trekking poles (optional), energy snacks, neck gaiter
You’ll receive a complete checklist upon booking, tailored to seasonal needs.
🩺 Health, Fitness & Safety
This is a moderate-grade trek, suitable for trekkers of all ages with a reasonable level of fitness. You’ll walk 4–6 hours a day on varied terrain, including stone steps and forest trails.
To ensure your health and safety:
- Our licensed guides are trained in first aid and AMS response
- A group medical kit is carried at all times
- Wellness activities such as daily yoga and guided breathwork support your physical and mental stamina
- We maintain a slow, steady pace and monitor your acclimatization
Most trekkers complete the route without issue—but if symptoms of altitude sickness occur, your guide will take immediate action.
🧗 Trek Preparation Tips
To prepare:
- Start cardio workouts 6–8 weeks before (walking, stair climbing, running)
- Do long weekend hikes with your daypack and boots
- Practice yoga, stretching, or breathwork for flexibility and endurance
- Focus on hydration, rest, and building a positive mindset
No mountaineering skills are needed—but coming prepared helps you enjoy the trek more fully.
🧭 Altitude Awareness
The highest sleeping point is Khopra Ridge at 3,660m. An optional day hike to Khayar Lake (4,660m) is the high point of the trek, but no overnight stays occur at that elevation.
This gradual ascent makes the Khopra Danda Trek low risk for AMS, but symptoms such as headache, nausea, or fatigue may still appear. We follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle, and allow flexibility in the itinerary for rest if needed.
🛡️ Travel Insurance
You are required to have travel insurance that includes:
- High-altitude trekking (up to 5,000m)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Hospitalization and medical care in Nepal
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Baggage loss or theft
Provide us with a copy of your insurance before departure. Your guide will keep emergency contacts on file and coordinate with local rescue providers in case of an incident.
💵 Money & Tipping
During the Khopra Danda Trek, you’ll be trekking through remote mountain villages where ATMs and card payments are not available. Be sure to carry enough Nepalese Rupees (NPR) in small bills to cover personal expenses such as snacks, WiFi, hot showers, battery charging, or beverages. We suggest budgeting NPR 3,000–3,500 (USD $25–30) per day for extras not included in your package.
Tipping is an important and respected tradition in Nepal’s trekking culture. Here’s a general guideline:
- 🧭 Trekking Guide: USD $6–8 per day
- 🏔️ Porter: USD $4–6 per day (shared between two trekkers)
Tips are typically given on the final day of your trek as a token of appreciation for the team’s effort and care. You may offer tips in either Nepali Rupees or USD—whatever is more convenient. It’s a simple but powerful way to support the livelihoods of your guide and porter, and a heartfelt thank-you for making your Khopra Danda Trek unforgettable.
🌤️ Climate and Weather
Nepal’s mountain weather is unpredictable, but here’s what to expect:
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Blooming rhododendrons, clear skies, warmer temps |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Best weather: cool, dry, and crystal-clear views |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold mornings/evenings, snow possible at high points |
| Monsoon (Jun–Aug) | Rainy, muddy trails, not recommended for this trek |
Daytime temps: 10°C–20°C
Nighttime temps (Khopra Ridge): -5°C to -10°C
Layered clothing is essential. Weather can change fast in the mountains.
🛂 Visa Information for Nepal
Getting a visa for Nepal is simple and quick. Most travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The process takes about 10–15 minutes at the airport.
You’ll need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- Two passport-sized photos
- Payment in USD (cash preferred) or card
Visa fees:
- 15 days: USD $30
- 30 days: USD $50
- 90 days: USD $125
You can also apply online in advance through Nepal’s official immigration website, but for most trekkers, the on-arrival option is quick and convenient.
🌄 Final Thoughts
The Khopra Danda Trek is more than just a walk in the mountains—it’s a soulful journey into the heart of the Annapurna region. With fewer crowds, breathtaking ridge views, and meaningful cultural encounters, this off-the-beaten-path trail offers a peaceful yet rewarding Himalayan adventure.
Whether you’re seeking connection with nature, quiet reflection, or simply a beautiful trek away from the busy trails, Khopra delivers all that and more. Join me, and let’s walk this unforgettable path together—mindfully, safely, and with open hearts.