Trekkers in rhododendron forest below the Khopra ridge

Khopra Danda (Khopra Ridge) Trek

A high ridge above the crowds, with an optional sacred lake.

Khopra Danda is the quiet alternative to Poon Hill: a community-run trail that climbs to a ridge lodge at 3,660 m with one of the most direct views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri anywhere in the foothills.

Strong walkers can add the dawn pilgrimage to Khayer Lake at 4,660 m. Either way you see almost no one.

Highlights
  • The Khopra ridge at 3,660 m
  • Direct views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri
  • Quiet, community-run trail
A typical 7-day shape

One of several ways to do it. We tailor the days, pace, and stops to you, nothing here is fixed.

  1. Day 1By road + On foot

    Pokhara to Ghandruk

    Drive to Nayapul, then walk up to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk with Annapurna South filling the skyline.

    Time
    4–5 hours
    Distance
    10 km
    Elevation
    1,940 m / +900 m
    Stay
    Teahouse, Ghandruk
  2. Day 2On foot

    Ghandruk to Tadapani

    A climbing forest trail through rhododendron to the ridge lodges at Tadapani.

    Time
    4–5 hours
    Distance
    8 km
    Elevation
    2,630 m / +690 m
    Stay
    Teahouse, Tadapani
  3. Day 3On foot

    Tadapani to Dobato

    Onto quieter, higher trails through forest to the small cluster of lodges at Dobato.

    Time
    5–6 hours
    Distance
    9 km
    Elevation
    3,420 m / +790 m
    Stay
    Teahouse, Dobato
  4. Day 4On foot

    Dobato to Khopra Danda

    A dawn option up Muldai viewpoint, then a ridge traverse to the community lodge at Khopra, looking straight into Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.

    Time
    5–6 hours
    Distance
    9 km
    Elevation
    3,660 m
    Stay
    Community lodge, Khopra Danda
  5. Day 5On foot

    Khayer Lake option

    A long, high dawn walk to the sacred lake at 4,660 m and back, or a rest day on the ridge with the same view.

    Time
    7–8 hours return
    Distance
    16 km
    Elevation
    4,660 m, sleep 3,660 m
    Stay
    Community lodge, Khopra Danda
  6. Day 6On foot

    Descend to Swanta

    Off the ridge and down through farming country to the quiet village of Swanta.

    Time
    4–5 hours
    Distance
    10 km
    Elevation
    2,200 m / -1,460 m
    Stay
    Teahouse, Swanta
  7. Day 7On foot + By road

    Out to Pokhara

    Down to the road through Phalate, then the drive back to the lake.

    Time
    3–4 hours
    Distance
    9 km
    Elevation
    -700 m to the road
    Stay
    Back in Pokhara
Getting there

Driven from Pokhara to the trailhead near Nayapul, then on foot through forest and ridge villages, staying in community lodges, with a guide.

What is included

  • ✓ Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • ✓ Private transport from Pokhara to the trailhead and back
  • ✓ Tea-house (lodge) accommodation on the trail
  • ✓ ACAP permit and trekkers' information card
  • ✓ Government taxes and service charges

Not included

  • – Meals on the trail
  • – Travel insurance
  • – Personal trekking gear
  • – Porter (available on request)
  • – Tips for guide and porter
Gallery
Annapurna South and Machapuchare from Dhampus
Panorama of the Annapurna massif
The Gurung village of Ghandruk beneath Annapurna South
Good to know
How does it compare to Poon Hill?+

Similar effort, far fewer people, and a more direct mountain view. A great choice if you want quiet.

Is Khayer Lake hard?+

It is a long, high day from Khopra to 4,660 m and back. Optional, and weather dependent.

More the hills