Annapurna & Dhaulagiri trek (khopra trek)

Trip Facts

Activity

Off the Beaten trail

Duration

12 Days

Trip Overview

The Khopra Ridge Trek (also known as Khopra Danda) is one of the Annapurna Region's finest community-based eco-trekking trails, celebrated for delivering a pristine, off-the-beaten-path wilderness experience. Easily accessed via a short drive from Pokhara, this moderate-to-strenuous loop is the perfect choice for adventurers seeking authentic culture, hidden trails, and world-class views over a flexible 6-to-9-day itinerary completely free from mass commercial crowds.

Covering a total round-trip distance of 60 to 70 km (37–43 miles), the trail climbs gracefully through traditional Magar and Gurung villages, moss-covered valleys, and dense forests of blooming rhododendrons. Perched on a dramatic high ridge, the viewpoint at Khopra Danda (3,660m / 12,007ft) offers a close-up mountain panorama that many travelers consider superior to Poon Hill, showcasing an unobstructed sunrise wall of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna South.

The ultimate highlight of the journey is a challenging side-trip up to the sacred alpine waters of Khayer Lake sitting at 4,660 meters (15,288 feet), directly at the foot of a massive glacial face. Supported by cozy community-run teahouses where profits directly fund local mountain schools, this rapid loop packs maximum Himalayan scale and positive social impact into a single unforgettable package.

Trip Overview

Day 01

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. A Himal Trek Nepal representative will meet you at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, take time to rest. In the evening, meet your licensed trekking guide for your pre-departure briefing. Sort out gear, finalize last-minute preparations, and ask questions before departure.

Max altitude

1,400m/4,593ft

Day 02

Travel to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Check into your hotel and take time to unwind. The rest of the day is entirely yours for self-exploration. Stroll along the vibrant Lakeside strip, rent a colorful wooden boat on Phewa Lake, or complete your final gear shopping before hitting the trail tomorrow.

Max altitude

822m/2,697ft

Day 03

Board our private vehicle for a scenic morning drive to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk. Hit the trail with a steady climb through mossy oak and rhododendron forests. Cross small mountain streams until you reach Tadapani. Catch stunning afternoon glimpses of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchhare (Fishtail).

Max altitude

2,630m/8,629ft

Day 04

Leave the busy tourist trail behind and head north onto a quiet, remote path. The route is a steady uphill climb through thick jungles. After checking into your lodge at Dobato, walk 30 minutes up to Muldai Viewpoint (3,637m) for a breathtaking 360-degree golden sunset over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Max altitude

3,420m/11,220ft

Day 05

Enjoy a shorter, tactical day designed to help your body adapt smoothly to the elevation. The path dips into open pastures at Bayeli Kharka before climbing back up through bamboo clearings. Settle into the small, peaceful mountain settlement of Chhistibang.

Max altitude

3,420m/11,220ft

Day 06

Tackle a short but relentlessly steep climb up the mountain flank. You will quickly break above the tree line into high alpine pastures where wild yaks graze. The community lodge sits right on the edge of a massive drop-off, positioning you directly opposite Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m) with nothing but the deep Kali Gandaki valley between you.

Max altitude

3,660m/12,008ft

Day 07

The longest and most grueling day of the trip. Pack a dry lunch and hit the raw, alpine trail by 5:00 AM. Follow a high, rocky ridge line up to the sacred glacial waters of Khayer Lake. There are no teahouses along this remote route. Bring warm windproof gear, microspikes if it is early spring, and plenty of water. Return to Khopra Danda for the night.

Max altitude

4,660m/15,289ft

Day 08

Begin a massive, knee-jarring descent back down the ridge. Watch the alpine rocks gradually transform back into lush forest ecosystems. Finish your day walking through the peaceful, terraced farmland of Swanta, a traditional Magar village.

Max altitude

3,660m/12,008ft

Day 09

Descend further to cross a suspension bridge over the local river. From the riverbed, begin a steady afternoon climb up the opposite side of the valley to rejoin the main trekking trail at the colorful, bustling mountain hub of Ghorepani.

Max altitude

2,860m/9,383ft

Day 10

Answer a 4:30 AM wake-up call to catch the famous sunrise over Poon Hill (3,210m). After breakfast at the lodge, make a long, final descent down thousands of stone steps via Banthati to the road head. Your private vehicle will meet you there to return you to Pokhara. Spend your evening relaxing by the lake.

Max altitude

3,210m/10,531ft

Day 11

Bid farewell to the mountains and travel back to Kathmandu. Check into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon for self-exploration. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel, visit ancient temples, or celebrate your successful journey with a farewell dinner hosted by Himal Trek Nepal.

Max altitude

1,400m/4,593ft

Day 12

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kathmandu. A Himal Trek Nepal representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport exactly three hours before your scheduled flight time, marking the conclusion of your journey.

Trip Gallery

Trip Cost

What to Expect

2 nights accommodations during Kathmandu stay in twin sharing basis.
2 nights accommodations during Pokhara stay in twin sharing basis.
Ground transfer to/from Kathmandu & Pokhara by tourist bus.
Required Permits & Fees: 1. Annapurna conservation Park Entry Permit. 2. TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) card if applicable.
Accommodation Along the Trail: 1. Standard twin-sharing rooms in local tea houses or mountain lodges for 7 nights.
Trekking Support Staff: 1. Salary, insurance, food, accommodation, and equipment for a licensed English-speaking guide. 2. Salary, insurance, food, and accommodation for porters (typically 1 porter shared between 2 trekkers, carrying up to 20–25kg total).
Meals on the Trek: 1. Full board meals: 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) chosen from the tea house menu. 2. Post-dinner hot beverages (tea or coffee) or a cup of hot water.
Safety Gear: 1. First-aid kit carried by the guide, including an oximeter to monitor oxygen levels daily.

What not to Expect

International Travel Costs: 1. International airfare to and from Kathmandu. 2. Nepal Tourist Visa fee (payable in cash USD upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport).
Single supplementary fee.
Internal flight transfer. 1. Round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara. 2. Airport transfers via private vehicle in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Travel and Emergency Insurance: 1. Mandatory: Travel insurance that explicitly covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 meters (most basic plans cap out at 3,000m).
Meals before & after trek in Kathmandu & Pokhara and extra stay in Kathmandu/Pokhara hotels other than mentioned above: 1. Hotel up-gradation might cost extra depending on your request.
Trail Luxuries & Services (Teahouse Add-on): 1. Hot Showers: Gas or solar-heated showers cost between $3 to $7 USD per shower (prices increase with altitude). 2. Device Charging: Power banks, phones, and camera battery charging cost $2 to $5 USD per full charge. 3. Wi-Fi / Connectivity: AirLED or Everest Link Wi-Fi prepaid cards cost roughly $5 to $10 USD for a set amount of data. 4. Drinking Water: Bottled water costs $1 to $4 USD per bottle (it is highly recommended to bring water purification tablets/filters instead).
Personal Trekking Gear: 1. Down jackets, sleeping bags, hiking boots, trekking poles, and backpacks (though sleeping bags and jackets can be rented cheaply in Kathmandu for around $1 to $2 a day).
Beverages & Snacks: 1. Alcoholic drinks (beer, spirits), specialty coffees, soft drinks, and bakery items at trail cafes.
Tips & Gratitude: 1. Tipping guides and porters is custom and highly expected. The industry standard is roughly 10% to 15% of your total trek cost, pooled together by the group and handed out on the final evening.

Availability

Trip Date	Duration	Price	Space Left	Action
2 Oct 2026 - 14 Oct 2026	12 Days	$ 1599	1 Space available	Book Now
15 Oct 2026 - 27 Oct 2026	12 Days	$ 1599	1 Space available	Book Now
29 Oct 2026 - 10 Nov 2026	12 Days	$ 1599	1 Space available	Book Now
5 Nov 2026 - 17 Nov 2026	12 Days	$ 1599	1 Space available	Book Now
12 Nov 2026 - 24 Nov 2026	12 Days	$ 1599	1 Space available	Book Now

What to Expect

Khayer Lake Expedition: Trek to the remote, sacred high-altitude glacial lake at 4,660 meters, right below Mount Annapurna South.
Dhaulagiri Face-to-Face: Stay at the edge of Khopra Ridge, looking straight across the deep Kali Gandaki gorge at the massive 8,167-meter Dhaulagiri massif.
Double Sunset & Sunrise: Catch a hidden golden sunset from Muldai Viewpoint and the world-famous Himalayan sunrise from Poon Hill.
The Wild Ridge Trail: Escape the commercial crowds on a community-managed trail where wild yaks graze above the tree line.
Indigenous Village Stays: Experience authentic local cultures inside the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk and the Magar farmlands of Swanta.

FAQs

October to November offers the clearest skies and best mountain views, while March to April brings beautiful blooming rhododendrons.

Routes range from short 3-day hikes (like Poon Hill) to epic 12-to-22-day journeys (like the full Annapurna Circuit).

Trekkers need the ACAP Permit and a TIMS Card, both of which Himal Trek Nepal handles completely for our clients.

Nepal restricts solo trekking in most mountain regions; our agency provides licensed, experienced guides to ensure full legal compliance and safety.

Expect basic, cozy tea houses with twin sharing beds, communal dining spaces, and shared bathrooms carefully vetted by our team.

Available in most lower-elevation villages for a small fee, but connection becomes unreliable and slow at higher altitudes.

Electricity is accessible at most teahouses, though hosts usually charge a fee per device higher up the trail.

Safe drinking water is available via boiled water from teahouses, water purification tablets, or UV filters; buying plastic bottles is discouraged.

You need a moderate to high level of cardiovascular fitness; training with stairs and cardio 2–3 months prior is highly recommended.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk above 3,000 meters; our guides are trained in altitude safety to monitor your pacing and hydration.

Your policy must cover high-altitude emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 meters before starting your trip with us.

Prioritize sturdy hiking boots, thermal layers, a down jacket, a 4-season sleeping bag, and reliable rain gear.

Good To know

Teahouse Lodging: Expect basic, cozy tea houses with twin sharing beds, communal dining spaces, and shared bathrooms carefully vetted by our team.
Internet and Wi-Fi: Available in most lower-elevation villages for a small fee, but connection becomes unreliable and slow at higher altitudes.
Charging Devices: Electricity is accessible at most teahouses, though hosts usually charge a fee per device higher up the trail.
Water Availability: Safe drinking water is available via boiled water from teahouses, water purification tablets, or UV filters; buying plastic bottles is discouraged.

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