Trip overview
Overview
The Khopra Danda Trek is a peaceful and less-crowded trekking experience in Nepal’s Annapurna region, ideal for travelers seeking spectacular mountain views away from the busy trails. This trek takes you through traditional Gurung villages, dense rhododendron forests, high alpine pastures, and scenic ridgelines, leading to the breathtaking Khopra Danda Ridge.
Unlike classic Annapurna routes, the Khopra Danda Trek offers a quieter and more authentic journey, combined with comfortable teahouse and community lodge stays. From the ridge, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre. Starting from Kathmandu and passing through Pokhara, this itinerary is well-paced, culturally immersive, and suitable for trekkers with a moderate fitness level.
Khopra Danda Trek Highlights
- Scenic Khopra Danda Ridge (3,660 m) with panoramic Himalayan views
- Peaceful and less crowded trekking route in the Annapurna region
- Authentic Gurung villages such as Ghandruk and Swanta
- Rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain pastures
- Community lodge experience supporting local villages
- Stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre
- Well-balanced itinerary starting from Kathmandu via Pokhara
- Ideal alternative to busy Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill treks
Khopra Danda Trek Itinerary
Expand AllArrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m / 4,264 ft)
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our Firante team will receive you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
In the evening, you’ll attend a short trek briefing, covering the Khopra Danda route, safety guidelines, weather conditions, and equipment check.
Flight to Pokhara (822 m) – Drive to Ghandruk (1,940 m) – Trek to Tadapani (2,700 m)
Early morning flight to Pokhara, enjoying views of the Himalayan range. From Pokhara, drive to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk.
The trek begins through stone-paved trails, terraced farmlands, and rhododendron forests, gradually ascending to Tadapani, a quiet forested ridge.
Flight: ~25 minutes
Drive: 3–4 hours
Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka (3,450 m / 11,319 ft)
Today’s trail leads away from the busier routes into a less-crowded alpine landscape. You’ll pass dense forests before emerging into open pastures and high ridges.
Bayeli Kharka offers a peaceful mountain atmosphere with impressive views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.
Bayeli Kharka to Khopra Danda Ridge (3,660 m / 12,008 ft)
A gradual ascent takes you to the highlight of the trek — Khopra Danda Ridge. The trail follows alpine meadows and scenic ridgelines.
From Khopra Danda, enjoy panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre. This area is known for its quiet, remote feel, unlike busier
Khopra Danda to Swanta Village (2,214 m / 7,260 ft)
After sunrise views from the ridge, descend through forests and traditional grazing lands.
You’ll reach Swanta Village, a charming settlement where you can experience local Gurung culture, traditional houses, and village life.
Swanta to Ghorepani (2,880 m) – Trek to Birethanti – Drive to Pokhara
The trail climbs gradually toward Ghorepani, passing through forests filled with rhododendrons (especially beautiful in spring).
After reaching Ghorepani, continue descending to Birethanti, where your trek concludes. From here, drive back to Pokhara
Drive: ~2 hours
Flight to Kathmandu and Final Departure
Fly back to Kathmandu. Depending on your schedule, enjoy some free time for shopping or sightseeing before your final departure.
Flight: ~25 minutes
Not quite satisfied with this itinerary?
No worries – every traveler has unique preferences, and we’d be happy to adjust the plan to match your style, comfort, and interests. Let us know what you’d like to add or change, and we’ll create a journey that feels truly yours.
Customize TripAdditional Informations
Accommodation & Meals
The Khopra Danda Trek offers comfortable community-run lodges and teahouses, where local families provide warm hospitality and traditional Nepali meals, giving travelers a taste of authentic mountain living.
Guides & Trek Experience
Our experienced Firante guides ensure flexible pacing, choosing the best viewpoints, acclimatization breaks, and stops for photography. Their local knowledge and on-ground experience make the trek safe, enjoyable, and truly immersive.
Culture & Villages
The trail passes through Gurung and Magar villages, offering a glimpse into traditional mountain life, local customs, and daily routines, making the journey culturally enriching as well as scenic.
Trip FAQs
1. Where is the Khopra Danda Trek located?
The Khopra Danda Trek is located in Nepal’s Annapurna region, northwest of Pokhara. It lies on a quieter trail between Tadapani and Ghorepani, offering panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
2. How difficult is the Khopra Danda Trek?
The Khopra Danda Trek is considered a moderate trek. It involves daily walks of 4–6 hours with gradual ascents and descents. With proper pacing and rest days, trekkers with reasonable fitness can complete the trek comfortably.
3. What is the maximum altitude of the Khopra Danda Trek?
The highest point of the trek is Khopra Danda Ridge at 3,660 meters (12,008 feet). Since the altitude gain is gradual, the risk of altitude sickness is relatively low compared to higher Himalayan treks.
4. What kind of accommodation is available during the trek?
Accommodation along the Khopra Danda route is mainly teahouses and community lodges. These lodges are simple but comfortable, offering local meals and warm hospitality. Firante Treks carefully selects lodges that maintain cleanliness and support local communities.
5. When is the best time to do the Khopra Danda Trek?
The best seasons for the Khopra Danda Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring offers blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn provides clear mountain views and stable weather.
6. Is the Khopra Danda Trek less crowded than other Annapurna treks?
Yes. Compared to Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani–Poon Hill, the Khopra Danda Trek is far less crowded, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path experience.
7. Do I need permits for the Khopra Danda Trek?
Yes. Trekkers need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Firante Treks & Expeditions arranges all required permits as part of the trekking package.
8. Can beginners do the Khopra Danda Trek?
Yes, beginners can do this trek with basic fitness preparation. Firante Treks designs the itinerary with a balanced pace and proper acclimatization to ensure safety and comfort for first-time trekkers.
9. How is the Khopra Danda Trek different from the Poon Hill Trek?
While both treks are in the Annapurna region, Khopra Danda offers higher elevation, fewer crowds, and wider mountain panoramas. It is a great alternative for trekkers who want more solitude than the classic Poon Hill route.
10. Why trek Khopra Danda with Firante Treks & Expeditions?
Firante Treks focuses on small groups, local expertise, and responsible trekking. Our itineraries prioritize safety, authentic village experiences, and community-based lodges, ensuring a meaningful trekking experience in the Annapurna region.
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