KHOPRA DANDA TREK 8 DAYS
KHOPRA DANDA TREK 8 DAYS
SOLITUDE & BEAUTY WITH FEWER TOURISTS & A SMORGASBORD OF MOUNTAINS TO FEAST YOUR EYES ON!
The newly opened Khopra Danda With Mohare Hill Trek in a remote part of the Annapurna region offers unspoiled natural beauty and views of numerous snowcapped peaks and exposure to the amazing Gurung culture.
The moderately difficult Khopra Trek takes you to Nangi Village (2260m) located between Beni and Poon Hill and Khopra located just north of Ghorepani in the Annapurna region. Nangi Village is making a name for itself as a sustainable and eco-friendly village that offers locals vocational courses in sustainable agriculture. It even has a small cottage industry that makes paper! Khopra Village (3660m) is remote and offers some of the best panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs. The Dhaulagiri Massif is 120km in length.
Some of the mountains to feast your eyes on are Nilgiri (7,061m), Bhara Shikhar (7,647m), Annapurna I (8091m – 10th highest in the world), ) Annapurna II (7937m) Annapurna III (7555m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Machapuchare (6,997m), Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Lamjung Himal (6987m), and Nilgiri ()7061m), Manaslu (8163m), Tilicho (7134m) and Gangapurna (7455m).
This region is occupied by various castes, such as Brahmin, Kshetri, or Chhetri, and some of the seven Magars clans offering diversity and a glimpse into their lives and how each has a uniquely different culture, customs, and language. Most of the accommodation on the trek is in a homestay with local families, lodges, and community-run lodges specifically created to ensure less commercialism and to further enhance this region as an eco-tourism destination. Many of the trails are for transporting goods by yak, and along the way, you will see these woolly animals grazing in alpine pastures. A side trip from Khopra to Khayer Lake is a worthy attraction and at 4500 meters stands directly below some huge snow-capped peaks.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive from Pokhara to Galeshwor and trek to Bans Kharka (1525m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we will drive from Pokhara to Beni and then on to Galeshwor, about a 3-hour drive from Pokhara. This is where our trekking begins as we cross a bridge over the Kali Gandaki River and then ascend to the village of Bans Kharka. Tonight we will stay at a community eco-lodge.
Day 2 : Trek to Nangi (2300m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we will wander around the village of Nangi and watch how the villagers care for and attend to their organic farms and advance organic farming through their organic school. Nangi is also a village that makes hand-made paper – another way in which they reduce the impact on the environment. Tonight we stay at a community lodge.
Day 3 : Trek to Mohare Danda (3300m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we follow the trail through rhododendron, oak and bamboo forests on our trek to Mohare Danda ridge. From the ridge we are have some incredible views of the surrounding mountains – particularly at sunrise as the colors reflect off the snow-covered peaks. Tonight we stay at a community lodge.
Day 4 : Trek from Mohare Danda to Swanta Village (2,200m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
This morning we get up early in order to capture the morning rays reflecting off the snow-covered peaks. After admiring the beautiful views we descend along a trail surrounded by rhododendron, pine, oak, and juniper trees. The birdlife here is amazing and a good way to start the day. We head towards the famous location of Poon Hill where we have 360-degree views of the Annapurna Massif. This is a photographer’s dream location, especially on sunrise as the light reflects off the snow-clad mountains. From Poon Hill, we head down to Ghorepani for about two hours and stop here for lunch. From Ghorepani we continue downhill through more forest until we reach After lunch, we continue walking down through the forest to Chitre Village (2350m) and then continue on a new trail to a new path to Santa Village (2260m) - the beginning of the trail to the Khopra. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 5 : Trek to Khopra Danda (3,660m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today it is an uphill climb to Khopra Ridge (3660m) where we will spend the night. Khopra has internet and phone facilities available. Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included.
Day 6 : Day Hike To Khayar Lake - Khopra Danda. Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today we follow the trail to Khayer Lake (4,600m/15,092ft). The crystal clear lake views are particularly attractive this high up in the mountains. We will then return to Khopra Ridge for the night.
Day 7 : Trek from Khopra Danda to Ghorepani (2,860m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today will be easy-going as we trek to Swanta, famous for having its own cheese factory that you can visit and sample some of its cheeses – including yak cheeses. Today we head out on the trail to Ghorepani, renowned for its mountain views – especially during the changing light at sunrise and sunset. Initially we trek to Chitre Village and then take the larger trail to Ghorepani from where we can view Mt. Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, I and other glorious snow capped peaks. Prior to sunset you may choose to take the short trek up to Poon Hill, celebrated for its stunning sunset views. Tonight we will stay at a lodge at Ghorepani.
Day 8 : Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m) & trek to Nayapul & drive to Pokhara (8,50m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Poon Hill has a well earned reputation for having some of the most excellent sunrise views anywhere in Nepal of the nearby Himalayan Mountains. Views of the Annapurna Ranges include: Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7855m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7219m), Nilgiri (6940m), Tukuche (6920m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m) & Lamjung Himal (6931m). After a frantic photo session we will return to Ghorepani for breakfast. We will then head to Nayapul and then drive to Pokhara.
SERVICES
Cost included In Your Package
- Nayapul to Pokhara ransportation By private car/Jeep
- Pokhara to Beni transportation by Bus
- Best Possible Teahouse, lodge accommodation (Generally twin Sharing room)
- All Standard meals 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Government License holder English Speaking Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s experienced and qualified trek leader,(8 or above trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Coverage of Guides and Porters, Their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, flight, and other necessary equipment.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee.
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- All government, Local taxes, and official Expenses
- Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of complicated health condition (funded by travel insurance)
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s appreciation of certificate after the successful trek
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
Physical fitness
This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
What is the Khopra Danda Trek?
The Khopra Danda Trek is a lesser-known trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you to the beautiful Khopra Ridge, also known as Khopra Danda, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
How long is the Khopra Danda Trek?
The duration of the Khopra Danda Trek can vary depending on the specific itinerary and trekking agency. Typically, it takes around 6-10 days to complete the trek. This includes the trekking days and acclimatization/rest days.
What is the best time to do the Khopra Danda Trek?
The best time to do the Khopra Danda Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions. However, the trek can be done throughout the year, with the exception of the monsoon season (June to August) when the trail can be muddy and prone to landslides.
Do I need a permit for the Khopra Danda Trek?
Yes, you will need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to do the Khopra Danda Trek. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What is the difficulty level of the Khopra Danda Trek?
The Khopra Danda Trek is considered to be a moderately challenging trek. It involves walking for several hours each day on varied terrain, including uphill and downhill sections. A reasonable level of fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended.
What is the maximum altitude reached during the Khopra Danda Trek?
The maximum altitude reached during the Khopra Danda Trek is Khopra Ridge, which stands at an elevation of 3,660 meters (12,008 feet). However, you also have the option to extend the trek to reach Khayer Lake at an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,092 feet).
What are the accommodation and food options during the trek?
Accommodation during the Khopra Danda Trek is usually in basic teahouses or lodges along the trail. These provide simple rooms with shared facilities. As for food, you can expect to find a variety of Nepali and international dishes, including dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), momo (dumplings), and noodles.
Is a guide necessary for the Khopra Danda Trek?
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide for the Khopra Danda Trek, it is recommended, especially if you are not familiar with the area or have limited trekking experience. A guide can provide valuable insights, help with navigation, and ensure your safety throughout the trek.
What should I pack for the Khopra Danda Trek?
Some essential items to pack for the Khopra Danda Trek include sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothing, a good-quality backpack, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
Can I combine the Khopra Danda Trek with other treks in the region?
Yes, it is possible to combine the Khopra Danda Trek with other treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Poon Hill Trek. This allows you to customize your trekking experience and explore more of the stunning landscapes and cultural diversity of the area.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 7 Reviews
Arham Ashraf
Denmark
November 22, 2023
Fantastic Experience
I had a fantastic experience trekking with my friendly, knowledgeable guide on the Khopra Danda Trek from Pokhara. I experienced some altitude sickness and was grateful that was with me who knew exactly what to do. The service from start to finish was fantastic and services was high class. Trek Nepal Himalayas team was able to make all the arrangements at very short notice and everything was done efficiently and with a smile.
Ttailei Lee
Australia
October 25, 2023
Amazing trek
Loved this trek the sunrise was very beautiful on Khopra Danda. It was also challenging at times but was well worth it for the experience. Highly recommended!
Carlton Anita
France
October 6, 2023
Best Part of Life
My trekking to Khopra Danda Trek was the best part of the world that I had always been interested in. I keep myself as fit as I can so best foot forward. The trek was organized by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking and it was excellent. The team was always available to offer help & advice; the guides we had were brilliant. Also, the tea houses offered a friendly & welcoming stay. Vegetarian meals that I had was some of the best food I have had in my travels ; and the scenery was stupendous . I can thoroughly recommend the whole experience.
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