The Khopra Ridge trek is a hidden gem in Nepal's Annapurna region. Its relatively uncrowded trails makes it especially appealing to trekkers, offering a peaceful alternative to more popular routes like the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trek.
The Khopra Danda Trek, also known as the Khayar Lake Trek, is an enchanting adventure that takes you to the serene and pristine Khayar Lake, situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters to the west of the Annapurna massif. This trek offers a unique and relatively undiscovered route through the Annapurna region, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.
The Khopra Danda Trek begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk (65 km). The trek weaves through charming villages, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows, ultimately reaching the stunning Khopra Danda. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to visit Annapurna South Base Camp at 4,130 meters, which offers breathtaking views of iconic peaks such as Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna III & IV, Machapuchhre, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal, Tukuche, and many others.
The Khopra Trek is an 8-day tea house trek that allows you to experience the untouched natural beauty of the Annapurna region. The accommodations are simple but well-managed guesthouses, traditional lodges run by locals, providing an authentic glimpse into local life during the Khopra Trek.
As a newly opened trekking destination, the Khopra Danda Trek offers a refreshing sense of adventure, where the unexpected often adds to the excitement and rewards. This trek is ideal for those seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience while enjoying spectacular mountain panoramas and a true connection to the local culture
Khopra Danda Trek Highlights
- It is believed that Khayar Lake is a Lake of fertility
- Less traversed route among other treks in Nepal
- Majestic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Nilgiri, Lumjung Himal, etc.
- Experience a 360-degree panoramic view from Poon Hill into the Himalayan realm
- Experience the culture of ethnic Magar and Gurung communities along the route
- Khayar Lake is a hidden treasure on the lap of the Annapurna south base camp with an excellent Mountain view
What you can experience in Khopra Danda Trekking
The Khayar Lake is sacred among Hindus and Buddhist followers and believe that offering prayers here will help receive fertility as a boon. Of course, the scenic landscapes, Mountain views, flora, and fauna lures the tourism. Embarking on this moderate-level trekking, you will visit all the picturesque places of the Annapurna. You get to visit Ghorepani poon Hill, which is one of the most scenic and popular treks by taking a short hike up to the viewpoint to enjoy the sunrise and beautiful Mountain peaks including Dhaulagiri (8,164m), Annapurna (8,091 m), Manaslu (8,156 m), Macchapuchre (6,993 m), etc. on the way back. After accomplishing the Khopra Danda Trek, one can extend the trek to Annapurna Base Camp, where we can follow the new trails. Please do contact us for the customized itinerary.
Best Time and Itinerary for the Khopra Trek
While Nepal is a great destination for trekking year-round, the country experiences six distinct seasons—Basanta (spring), Shishir (winter), Grishma (summer), Barkha (monsoon), Hemanta (autumn), and Sharad (post-monsoon). The ideal months to visit Khopra Ridge are March, April, May, June, September, October, November, and December. During these months, the weather is typically dry and clear, providing stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
Our proposed itinerary is flexible and can be customized to suit your interests and time frame. Below, you'll find the recommended Khopra Danda Trek itinerary. We are dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible trekking experience, and we highly recommend traveling during the optimal months to make the most of your adventure. This is a moderate level trek but still good physical fitness is required, as you'll be trekking for six to seven hours daily. However, there's no need to worry about altitude sickness, as it is generally not a concern on this route.
Short itinerary for Khopra Danda Trek - 6 Day
Here is a brief itinerary suitable for experienced trekkers on the Khopra Danda Trek. Enjoy the six-day trek to Khopra Ridge with Khayar Lake.
- Day 01: Pokhara drive to Ghandruk and Trek to Tadapani 5 hours
- Day 02: Trek to Bayali Kharka 7 hours
- Day 03: Trek Khopra Danda 7 hours
- Day 04: A day hike to Khayar Lake and back. 8 hours
- Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani 8 hours
- Day 06: Morning hike to Poon Hill and descend to Tikhedhunga and bus to Pokhara.
Congratulations! It's time to reflect on your trek the challenges you face, the diversity you saw, and the warm people you met along the trek. Check your photographs to recall whether it's you or your fellow how you acknowledge to complete it. The tranquil environment, serene landscapes, fertility Khayar Lake, and sunrise view from Poon Hill will last forever that we believe. To embark on this 8-day trek choose a local Trekking company, a professional Guide for your lifetime memories. For any physically fit people looking for the Khopra Danda trek, Global Eco Trails request you to undertake these trails, where every step of the trails unveils a new story waiting to be told.
