Khopra Danda Trek
A community-managed hidden gem in the Annapurna region — panoramic mountain views rivaling Poon Hill with a fraction of the foot traffic.
Know before you go
Trip readiness
Best timing
October-November, March-May
Treat this as the first planning window, then verify local trail and weather conditions.
Time needed
7 days
Include acclimatization and transport buffers for mountain routes.
Permit status
Permit required
ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card (NPR 2,000) required
Difficulty
Moderate
Annapurna route. Match this to fitness, altitude experience, and daily walking hours.
Live conditions
Trail weather available
Use the weather card before starting, especially during monsoon and winter windows.
Khopra Danda is one of the Annapurna region's hidden gems — a community-managed trek offering panoramic views rivaling Poon Hill but with a fraction of the foot traffic. The ridge at 3,660m provides a sweeping vista of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, and Annapurna I.
The optional day hike to sacred Khayer Lake at 4,500m adds a challenging but rewarding high-altitude excursion. The lake holds religious significance — Hindu devotees believe it is connected to Lord Shiva. The route through dense rhododendron forests and alpine meadows also offers excellent birdwatching.
The community-operated lodges mean trekking fees directly support local Gurung and Magar communities. This trek can be combined with Poon Hill for a comprehensive 8-10 day Annapurna foothills itinerary.
Field log · Day by day
The route, walked
- Stages
- 7
- Day01
Ghandruk→Tadapani
moderateOvernightTadapani- Walking
- 5.0–6.0h
Drive to Ghandruk, then climb through rhododendron forest to Tadapani. Views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.
- Day02
Tadapani→Bayeli Kharka
moderateOvernightBayeli Kharka- Walking
- 5.0–6.0h
Leave the main Ghorepani trail and climb onto the Khopra ridge. Quiet forest trail with fewer trekkers than the main Annapurna routes.
- Day03
Bayeli Kharka→Khopra Danda
moderateOvernightKhopra Danda- Walking
- 5.0–6.0h
Continue along the ridge to Khopra Danda (3,660m). The viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna massif, and Nilgiri.
- Day04
Khopra Danda→Khopra Danda
AcclimatizationOvernightKhopra DandaOptional day hike to Khayer Lake (4,600m), a sacred high-altitude lake beneath Annapurna South. The hike is demanding but rewards with close-up mountain views. Return to Khopra Danda.
- Day05
Khopra Danda→Swanta
moderateOvernightSwanta- Walking
- 5.0–6.0h
Descend from the ridge to Swanta village, passing through Magar settlements and terraced farmland.
- Day06
Swanta→Ghorepani
moderateOvernightGhorepani- Walking
- 5.0–6.0h
Walk to Ghorepani and rejoin the main Annapurna trail network. Overnight here for the classic Poon Hill sunrise.
- Day07
Ghorepani→Nayapul
moderateOvernightNayapul- Walking
- 6.0–7.0h
Pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) for the iconic sunrise panorama. Descend the long stone staircase through Ulleri to Nayapul.
- End
views
Planning this trek? Local operators publishing trips here can arrange it.
Elsewhere in this region
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