Highlights
- Get away from the popular trails of Annapurna on the hike to the viewpoint of Khopra Danda, where you get outstanding views of Dhaulagiri
- Connect more with locals by staying in community lodges and eating local food
- Wake up to the views of Annapurna and Machapuchare in the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk
- Rise with the morning sun in Poon Hill, sip your tea with great views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range
Itinerary
As you arrive in Kathmandu one of our agents will meet you and assist you to check in to the trip hotel. You’ll be given a briefing of the trek.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
We will drive to Pokhara, it will give you a first-hand experience of the beautiful landscape as you drive through the undulating terrain. You’ll pass through the towns of Kurintar, Mugling, Dumre, and Damauli among others.
Another way of getting to Pokhara is by flight takes 30 mins where you’ll experience the thrilling mountain range from the air as part of the flight. One advantage of taking a flight over the bus ride is you reach Pokhara with plenty of time to go around the city, visit attractions near you and if time permits enjoy boating in the Phewa Lake.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
An exciting day this, you start the day early as you catch a ride to Nayapul, which is 1hr 30min from Pokhara. Along the way, you’ll drive through Dhampus, Naudanda, Kande, and Lumle.
You start your trek from Nayapul as you head for Birethanti, your first stop for the day. Onwards, you cross the Modi River and then turn right for Ghandruk. Ghandruk is known for its Gurung community and its hospitality. You can view the Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail mountain ranges from here.
Overnight stay at Ghandruk.
Today’s trek is a short one, you can start your hike early in the afternoon. From Ghandruk, you ascend to Deurali and then descend onto an oak forest and walk along the trails leading through the rhododendron forest. A short walk will lead you to Bhaisi Kharka, and a short walk will get you to Tadapani. Be ready to experience the surreal view of the sun setting across the Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Annapurna South (7219m).
Overnight stay at Tadapani.
If you get up early, you can enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas. Sidetracking from the usual Annapurna Base Camp trekking route, you’ll go on a track that leads you through another rhododendron and pinewood forest onto a grassland. Walking through the Rhododendron forests you’ll reach Dobato. If time permits, hike up to Muldai viewpoint to observe the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre ranges.
Overnight stay at Dobato.
You’ll then start your descent towards Chistibang which is a cleared grassland and then ascend to upper Chistibang. On your way, you’ll get the usual sight of rhododendron as you pass through the forest. You’ll end up in Bayeli Kharka after an hour’s hike which is known for its close-up view of Dhaulagiri. It will take another 3 hours to reach Chistibang.
Overnight stay at Upper Chistibang.
Although most of the time it’ll be an ascent, today’s hike will be comparatively easy. Along the way, expect to catch a glimpse of rare flora and fauna, especially Danphe and Himalayan Thar which is common to this particular region. You arrive in Khopra for a lunch by the Kali Gandaki River. Once at Khopra, hike down to the ridge for an amazing view of the Kali Gandaki way below in the deep valley.
Overnight stay at Khopra Danda.
Having hiked for 5 days, this will be a good day to rest. You’ll be heading for a hike to Khayer Lake. Another one of the viewpoints, this sacred lake, along with the Brahma Temple, is one of the highest lakes at an altitude of 4620m. This will be another day filled with the stunning vistas that are bound to be engraved in your memories for a long time.
Overnight stay at Khopra Danda.
Having had breakfast and captured the panorama of the mountain ranges early in the morning, you continue the trek as you head for Swanta. Hiking back the same route, you pass Chistibang and then Kharka. A comparatively easy descent this, you will have walked around 5 hours before reaching Swanta, a quaint old village inhabited by the Magar community.
Overnight stay at Swanta.
You take on the trails again with a steep ascent as you set out for Ghorepani. Greeted by the usual scenes of rhododendron forest and majestic mountains, you tread through the trails. Your next stop is Deurali where you take a breather and continue till you reach Ghorepani. Ghorepani is at the base of Poon Hill known as a viewpoint for the exotic Himalayan range.
Overnight stay at Ghorepani.
Poon hill is known as a viewpoint of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Although Khopra Ridge offers a higher vantage point and perfect view; Poon Hill is second to none. An early morning hike to Poon Hill is a great idea for those trying to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas. You then head back to Nayapul which is a 4-hour descent. You’ll be accompanied by the usual rhododendron forest. Once at Nayapul, you’ll catch your ride back to Pokhara and check back into your hotel.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
If you are feeling adventurous and are not tired after the trek, you can drive back either in a private car or a bus. A ride back will take anywhere between 6-9 hrs. Checking back into the hotel, you can enjoy the rest of the night trying Nepalese delicacies as a farewell dinner.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
A company representative of Top One Trekking will accompany you to the Tribhuvan International Airport prior to the scheduled flight.
Payment conditions
Inclusion
- Private meet & transfer as per itinerary
- Accommodation (comfort) for 4 nights with Daily Breakfast
- Accommodation (basic) on the mountain with full board meal 9 nights
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide, as per itinerary
- Porters carrying a maximum of 25kg (Two guests share a porter)
- Trekking Permits: TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park
- Taxes & service fees
Not include
- Flights to/from Nepal
Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated) - Personal travel insurance
- Any services not listed above as “Included”
Top1Trekking charges a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. The remaining amount you will pay on arrival.
Currency rate
All bookings are charged in US DOLLAR (USD)
After booking with Top1Trekking
After booking your tour with Top1Trekking, you will be contacted within two working days by one of our travel consultants, who will be your main contact point for all of your travel information before, during and even after your trip.
Your travel consultant will provide you with details about your booking and your remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.
Trip Information
THE KHOPRA DANDA ROUTE
The Khopra Danda trek is a 13-day itinerary. Your trekking adventure starts on the 3rd day, before which you arrive in Kathmandu. You will then be accompanied to the starting point-Nayapul via Pokhara. While your journey from Kathmandu to Nayapul will be an appreciable experience with the long bus ride and traverse along undulating terrains, the following week will be an experience, unlike others.
Starting your trek, you’ll be staying in villages namely Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, Chistibung, and Swanta among others. These villages, mostly inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities, will alter your perception of the natural and communal beauty of Nepal. The ambiance and architecture of these hillside villages and hospitality offered by the inhabitants will be a unique and heartwarming experience.
As the saying goes, you visit Nepal for the Mountains and return for its people, this shall be attested during this trek. Add to that a first-hand experience of the Yak, Himalayan Cow, the farm in Khopra ridge along with the panoramic view of the Annapurna (8091m) and other peaks from one of the highest viewpoints.
Top1Trekking is a travel and tour operator serving adventurers for many years. We offer services that include tour and trek packages, climbing, mountaineering, rafting, sightseeing, safaris, paragliding, skydiving packages, and more. We assure you that you will be served with the best transportation and accommodation services available. Ensuring customer satisfaction is our motto.
BEST TIME
The best time to visit is anytime from September to May.