Khopra Danda Trek: A 13-Day Ultimate Itinerary
13 Days
Moderate
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November)
Private Car/Jeep
Teahouses/Lodges
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
Looking for a serene Himalayan trekking adventure with a distance from the crowded trails of Everest and Annapurna Base Camp? The Khopra Danda Trek offers the perfect blend of off-the-beaten-track exploration, cultural immersion, and breathtaking mountain vistas, without the tourist throngs.
Located far into Nepal's Annapurna Region, this 13-day trek takes you along Magar and Gurung villages, blooming rhododendron forests, and ridge walks with panoramic views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The trekking high point? A sacred side trip to sacred Khayer Lake (4,660 m), a spiritual retreat nestled under giant Himalayan peaks.
Best for moderately experienced trekkers, the Khopra Ridge Trek is a mix of nature, cultural experience, and peaceful trails that make it one of Nepal's best-kept trekking secrets.
If you're looking to go on a true, authentic, and peaceful Himalayan adventure, the Khopra Danda Trek might be your next great escape.
The following table is an itinerary for the Khopra trek in short including the altitude elevation and trek duration each day.
Day | Location | Altitude Elevation | Trek Duration |
1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,300 m | – |
2 | Sightseeing and Trek Preparation | – | – |
3 | Kathmandu to Pokhara | 822 m | Approx. 6-7 hours (Drive) |
4 | Pokhara to Birethanti to Ulleri | 1,960 m | 3-4 hours 2 hours (Drive) |
5 | Ulleri to Ghorepani | 2,880 m | 5-6 hours |
6 | Ghorepani to Swanta | 2,350 m | 4-5 hours |
7 | Swanta to Khopra Danda | 3,660 m | 6-7 hours |
8 | Khopra Danda to Khayer Lake and Return | 4,660 m | 9-10 hours |
9 | Khopra Danda to Bayeli | 3,440 m | 5-6 hours |
10 | Bayeli to Tadapani | 2,630 m | 5-6 hours |
11 | Tadapani to Ghandruk to Pokhara | 822 m | 3-4 hours 2 hours (Drive) |
12 | Pokhara to Kathmandu | 1,300 m | Approx. 6-7 hours (Drive) |
13 | Departure from Kathmandu | – | – |
Note: You can also upgrade your package by staying an extra day in Pokhara, as the city's stunning beauty entices most tourists. You can also fly to Pokhara (involves an additional cost).
Note: You may also go by air to Kathmandu (additional charge).
Khorpa Danda Trek is a moderately difficult trekking route, which requires some basic trekking gear:
The Khopra trek Nepal is a combination of culture and nature, and the highlights of the trek are the sacred Khayer Lake, Gurung and Magar villages, and their interaction with the people.
Hindus consider Khayer Lake a holy site, believing that a dip in the lake on the day of Janai Purnima (a festival) washes away sins. The lake is also believed to be the abode of Goddess Khayer Barahi.
The trek passes through villages like Ghandruk, inhabited by Gurung and Magar people, renowned for their unique culture, traditional dress, and warm hospitality.
Khopra Danda trek is community-based tourism, in which the local individuals are directly engaged in tourism management and benefit from tourism, thereby preserving their cultural heritage.
For your trip to Khopra Khayer Lake to be safe, fun, and respectful of nature and locals, follow the instructions.
At Hi Nepal Travel & Treks Pvt. Ltd., we strive to give you significant, responsible, and memorable trek experiences. Our seasoned staff members, who have spent years working in the tourism sector, provide you with excellent coordination, extensive local knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm for Nepal's nature and cultural heritage.
Instead of just going on a tour, by touring with us, you're choosing authenticity, quality, and attention.
We boast a highly qualified, sympathetic, and enthusiastic staff that gets along well and operates in harmony to make your vacation one to remember, safe, and fun.
We recognize that every traveler is different. That's why we offer personalized itineraries tailored to your style, interests, and pace.
Transportation: Local buses and shared jeeps are cheaper than private transportation. Total expense also varies with flights and transportation from the point of origin.
Accommodation: You will be staying in local lodges or teahouses in the trek, which offer simple rooms with shared or private utilities. The rates are a little expensive owing to the season and altitude.
Food and Drinks: Depending on your location and the kind of tea house or restaurant you visit, several foods may be served.
Generally, food is less expensive at lower altitudes, but as the altitude rises, so do the prices due to transport costs. Drinks, snacks, and bottled water are extras.
Permits: An ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card are required to trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area. These can be organized by the tourism board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
If you want to see a lesser-known alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek, with equally breathtaking mountain scenery, authentic cultural immersion, and a sacred alpine lake adventure, then the Nepal Khopra Danda Trek is the way to go.
It offers a well-balanced mix of nature, culture, and just the right amount of physical challenge, making it perfect for both new travelers and experienced trekkers. With comfortable teahouse lodges and modest altitudes, it's an adventure still, but within reach.
From beating the sunrise to view Himalayan giants, to wandering through old villages, or trekking to an otherworldly high-altitude lake, Khopra Danda is a raw gem waiting to be uncovered.
The Khopra Ridge trek is moderate in difficulty.
The Khopra Danda/ Khopra Ridge is located in the southern part of the Annapurna Range.
The maximum Khopra Danda altitude is 3,660 m.
The Khopra Danda trek needs 13 days to complete.
The weather during spring and autumn is moderate, whereas summer and winter are not considered ideal times to visit.
Khayer Lake's altitude is 4,660 m above sea level.
Only if you are traveling in a group; otherwise, the Government of Nepal prohibits traveling solo in high-altitude regions of Nepal.
Aug 2025 • Solo
I first used Mohan's services back in 2022. I then returned to Nepal the following year in 23 and most recently this year I spent June-August in Pokhara. Mohan is a very jovial, friendly laid back fellow and first time we met we had an instant connection. He's mostly helped me with transport to and from Pokhara & Kathmandu, but also most recently I used one of his fine jeeps to take me to Muktinath. Also his drivers are very experienced lovely people so the journeys have been great!.
His prices are very competitive, and he's given me some nice discounts over the years so I'm grateful for that. Also whenever I've had to change my plans last minute he's been extremely flexible in accommodating my needs. I consider Mohan a friend and will continue to use his services in my future travels to Nepal.
I'd highly recommend anyone to use Mohan, whether it be for trekking or taxi services, he's well established & connected and always has a can do attitude with a smile.
Cheers Mohan 👋 😊
Apr 2025 • Couples
Great experience. Mohan helped us organise a great 7-day trek, helped also with transport to Pokhara and always answered our questions. The communication was very good and clear. Our trek was fully organised, our guide really friendly and we enjoyed every minute of it. The price was also good.
Aug 2025 • Solo
Outstanding service across multiple offerings! I initially contacted for a solo trek, which was the highlight of my trip. Hi Nepal demonstrated prompt dropoff/pickup, excellent trek guide tailored to my needs, and overall just a great experience. All with only 12 hours notice!
After some travel issues I experienced with my airplane, Hi Nepal also worked with me on a taxi all the way to Kathmandu which removed the anxiety from my situation entirely. I was picked up promptly at the time I requested, and the company stayed in contact with me to ensure all went perfectly.
10/10 - will be using them again for my next trip in Nepal!