Looking for a quieter, less-travelled alternative to the classic Annapurna Circuit? The 11-day Khopra Danda Trek is your perfect match.
11 Days
16-70
Moderate
Trekking
Spring, Autumn, Winter
Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Looking for a quieter, less-travelled alternative to the classic Annapurna Circuit? The 11-day Khopra Danda Trek is your perfect match. This hidden gem takes you through off-the-beaten-path routes with breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and more, without the heavy crowds.
The trek winds through lush rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung and Magar villages, and open alpine ridges. One of the highlights is the hike to Khopra Ridge (3,660 m), offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of snow-covered peaks. You’ll also have the option to visit the sacred Khayar Lake (4,660 m)—a high-altitude alpine lake revered by locals. Ideal for trekkers seeking peace, raw nature, and authentic cultural encounters, this journey balances scenic rewards with moderate challenge.
Trip Highlights:
- Spectacular sunrise and 360° mountain views from Khopra Ridge
- Serene hike to sacred Khayar Lake (optional)
- Crowd-free trails and authentic homestay experiences
- Cultural immersion in Gurung & Magar communities
- Dense rhododendron forests, Himalayan wildlife, and yak pastures
- Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre & Nilgiri
- Optional detour to picturesque Poon Hill for sunrise
Best Seasons:
- Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons in full bloom, clear skies
- Autumn (September–November): Best mountain views, ideal weather
- Winter (December–February): Cold but peaceful; clear skies if prepared
The monsoon season (June–August) is not recommended due to slippery trails and poor visibility.
Why Choose This Trek?
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking to escape the tourist trails or a curious traveller seeking more cultural depth, the Khopra Danda Trek offers something rare—space to breathe, connect, and truly experience Nepal.
Itinerary
Pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Trek briefing and gear check.
Scenic drive or optional 30-minute flight to Pokhara. Evening by Phewa Lake.
Easy walk to the charming Gurung village of Ghandruk with views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Forest trail with birdwatching opportunities and peaceful terrain.
Less-travelled path with gradual ascent. Stunning views and remote wilderness.
Reach the scenic ridge of Khopra Danda for unforgettable mountain vistas.
Strenuous but rewarding hike to a sacred alpine lake (optional). Rest and enjoy the Khopra Ridge.
Descend through pastureland and charming Magar villages.
Join the main Annapurna trail. Optional Poon Hill sunrise trek the next morning.
The trek ends with a scenic descent. Afternoon in Pokhara.
Farewell dinner or optional onward travel.
Cost Includes
- 10x Breakfast, 7x Dinner, 7x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 10 nights
- Arrival/departure transfers on international flights
- Hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara on a twin-share bed-and-breakfast basis as per the itinerary
- Breakfast during the trek
- Accommodation in a comfortable teahouse during the trek
- Farewell with a cultural program as listed in the itinerary
- Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu on a tourist coach
- Private transportation during the trek
- Free use of quality trekking gear – sleeping bag, fleece inner liner, down jacket, duffel bag
- Professional local trekking group leader well trained in Wilderness First Aid
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit
- Trekking guides and other support staff
- Annapurna Khopra Danda Trekking Map
- Porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment
- Warm clothing and other required trekking gear for porters
- Osho Adventure T-shirts/other seasonal gifts
- Comprehensive pre-departure information and trip dossiers
- Trekking permit
- Annapurna conservation entry fees
- Entry/Admission – Pokhara Lakeside
- Entry/Admission – Ulleri
- Entry/Admission – Poon Hill
- Entry/Admission – Ghorepani Trek
- Entry/Admission – Khopra Community Lodge
- Entry/Admission – Tatopani Hot Spring
Cost Excludes
- International Airfare from Home—Kathmandu—Home
- Tips for Guide, Porter, and Driver
- Photocopy charges, web usage, and telephone calls
- Nepal VISA cost, which will be charged at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Travel Insurance
- Extra cost due to natural calamities and hiring additional transportation, and porters
- Emergency evacuation costs (for rental of a Land Cruiser)
- Medical and Rescue insurance is recommended
- Any additional meals in Kathmandu
Notes
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
What do I need to bring?
Porter-supported trek
Two clients share one porter. We will supply you with a trek duffel bag where you keep your heavy items, and this bag is carried by the porter. You will need to bring your daypack to be carried by you. In the daypack, you can put money, important documents, water bottle/bladder, camera, toiletries, sunscreen, notebook, etc. The weight limit for the porter is 30 kg or 66 pounds. 15 kg or 33 pounds for each client. So, we recommend that you pack as carefully as you can and not exceed the weight limit. You can leave your non-trekking stuff at the locker facility in the Kathmandu hotel.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag (We can provide one if you need it, but it has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffel bag
- Daypack
- Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights, and evenings, and for altitudes above 4,000 m; We can provide it if you need one, but it has to be returned after the trek.)
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat
- A wool or synthetic hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (For women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers/sandals
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Please note our guide will carry the first-aid kit bag during the trek. However, we still recommend that you bring your personalized first-aid kit as well.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for an upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in Kathmandu, just in case you need to change the date of your flight.)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, and an MP3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers, and batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for women
Know more before you go
Minimum age of participants is: 16
+977 9851190991
