Trip Overview
| Trip Name : | Khopra Danda/Ridge (Khayar Lake Hike) |
| Maximum Altitude : | 3,660m/12,008ft |
| Trip Duration : | 10 Days |
| Group Size : | 1 to 25 person |
| Best Time : | Jan – May & Sept-Dec |
| Difficulty Level : | Easy to Moderate |
| Trek Starts from : | Kathmandu |
| Ends In : | Kathmandu |
| Activity : | 5-7 hours walking(Approx.) |
| Nature of Trek : | Teahouses/Community Lodge |
There are some emerging trekking trails in the Annapurna Region. Among them , the Khopra Ridge(Danda) trek is one. This trail is lesser known but rewards amazing mountain views.
What are the mountains that we can see during trekking to Khopra Ridge ?
This trekking route offers one of the best view of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Bhara Shikhar (7,647m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,997m) and many sub mountains of Dhaulagiri.
On the way to Khayar Lake, we’ll see the best views of Dhaulagiri as well as very close views of Annapurna South and Nilgiri.
Khayar Lake – An adventurous hike
Khayar Lake is full day hike from Khopra DANDA/Ridge. It lasts around 9-10 hours to get there and back.
Khayar Lake is located at 4,680 m. It takes around 6 hours to get there and 3 hours to get back to Khopra Danda. Thus, it is full of adventure to hike Khayar Lake.
In terms of area, Khayar Lake is a small lake. It is also known as Baraha Lake. On the left of Lake, there is a peak which is known as Baraha Peak. Likewise on the top right side, there is giant peak Annapurna South.
Trial Review
In a single line, best short and sweet trail but underrated. It deserves more tourists.
This is the author’s view to the trail, if you want to read client reviews , here you can go directly here..
If you want to explore the best off-the beaten trail in Annapurna Region, I highly recommend you to visit Khopra Ridge/Danda. It is an easy trail from where we can observe a giant peak from a close distance. This trail is for family treks or student tours, or best himalayan treks for beginners in Nepal. Nonetheless, this trail is regarded as best short treks near Pokhara.Thus, those who looking for worthwhile trekking close to Pokhara, just do it.
The Khopra Danda Trek is one of the remarkable off-the-beaten hiking trail in Nepal. If you are looking for the best short hike in Nepal, this trip is perfect for you. As it lies in the Annapurna Region, we can also say one of the finest trek routes of Annapurna.
Keep in mind that, Khopra Ridge, Khopra Danda, and Khayar Lake are the same destination with a different name.
In fact, it is more worthwhile trekking trail than the over crowded mardi himal trek. It is the best alternative to trekking to Mardi Himal. All in all, this trail deserve more tourists. So I suggest to visit this beautiful trail once in life.
Before knowing more things about trekking to Khopra Ridge, here are some words that might create confusion.
- Khopra Ridge and Khopra Danda are two different names of same place. Here you should know DANDA is translated words to Nepali Languge of English “Ridge” Word. Local used to pronounce Khopra Ridge where as mostly tourists pronounced Khopra Ridge
- KHAYAR LAKE : Khayar Lake is holy lake which is located 4700m at bottom of Annapurna South. It is optional hiking from Khopra Ridge. Here I am saying optional hiking because it is tough days hikes as it takes around 11 hours with high altitude hiking. Those who don’t have previous hiking eperience and strong physical fitness, it is not suitable for them. But keep in mind, you’ll not miss views if you excluding Khayar Lake Hike. Views from Khopra Ridge is phenominal.
From Khopra Danda you’ll see a massive mountain range with closest view. There is only one Community Lodge on the Khopra Danda till now but others add on the way to building process. So during the peak trekking season in Nepal, it’s difficult to get a room for solo travelers as well as a group if we don’t make reservations before at least 1 weeks ago.
Khayar Lake Hike: Optional day hike from Danda
It is a long journey which takes around 10 – 11 hours to go and back if there is no snow on the way to Khayar Lake. On the midway, there is a small tea shop where we can get some basic foods as well as hot drinks. Normally at main trekking season March to May and September to December, we can hike khayar lake without problems but during winter season and at the time of bad weather we can’t hike lake. Because it takes much more time to walk over the snow and way is pretty dangerous to walk over the snow. Till now it’s popular for local people of Khopra Area as holy places.
Especially Khayar Lake is popular for local people because local used to worship theier. At side of Khayar Lake there is temple where local used to go for worships.
We can say trekking to Khopra is alternative trekking trail of Most popular short Ghorepani Poon Hill. Because from this route you’ll have a closer view of mountains than Poon Hill. If you want to avoid more tourist areas Khopra Ridge can be your best choice.
Khopra Trekking is the best hike route due to outstanding views of More than 10 peaks from Khopra Danda, we can say Khopra Danda trek is the best short hiking in Annapurna. In terms of altitude easy to moderate difficult treks. As we stay one night at Khopra Danda(3,660m) and for Khayar Lake you should hike up to 4800m. Khayar Lake hike makes this trip more adventurous. If you want to see Annapurna South just close your eyes and want to explore Khayar Lake, you should hike from Khopra Danda to Khayar Lake.
This trail was opened a few years ago to explore the hidden beauty of the Annapurna Region.
If you do this trek then you can see astonishing views of 2 major Mountains of Nepal. They are:
- Dhaulagiri
- Annapurna
Besides Annapurna and Dhaulagiri major mountain you will other popular peaks such as Tukuche, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail. In Khopra Danda and Chistibung places, they have community system lodges. So this trail is also called the Khopra Community Lodges trek. The good thing is the profit from those two places hotel goes to social works like school education in those areas.
During the trek to Khopra Ridge Trekking, you’ll see fabulous views of major peaks such as Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Machhapuchhre(Fishtail), Nilgiri and Tukuche as well. Your journey to Khopra Ridge will move forward through the most popular short trekking Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Rhododendron forests, beautiful farmlands, and an amazing landscape makes more remarkable trekking.
Let’s dive right into the topic of your interest in The Khopra Trek brought you by Base Camp Hike.
Highlight of Trip
- Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas with closer distance.
- Mesmerizing Sunrise and Sunset over Mt.Dhaulagiri and Mt.Annapurna
- Amazing landscape with Rhododendron forests and lush vegetation.
- Off the beaten trek from where you can get a real taste of nature and free from crowd environment.
- Explore Khayar lake( Holy Lake) with stunning mountain scenery.
- Experience the Gurung’s and Magar’s typical villages lifestyle
- Get 180-degree mountain views from Mulde ViewPoint.
Itinerary
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive) | 830 m | 7 hr |
| 2nd | Pokhara – Ghandruk – Tadapani | 2760 | 7 hr |
| 3rd | Tapani to Dobato | 3,440m | 7 hr |
| 4th | Dobato to Khopra Danda | 3660 m | 8 hr |
| 5th | Hike to Khayar Lake( Optional Rest at Khopra Danda) | 4,680 m | 10 hr |
| 6th | Khopra Danda to Swanta Village | 2200m | 7 hr |
| 7th | Swanta village to Ghorepani | 2850m | 6 hr |
| 8th | Ghorepani to Tikhedungha via Poon Hill | 1540 | 7 hr |
| 9th | Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara | 800m | 5 hr |
| 10th | Back to Kathmandu | 1300m | 7-8 hr |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Departure Place: Sorkhute,Kathmandu
Drive Hour : 7 hour
Lunch : At Malekhu
Hey, today we will go Pokhara by tourist bus which takes approx 7 hours. On the way to drive you will see lots of local houses and hilly village. If the weather is clear on the way to drive you will see Annapurna and Manaslu Scenery.
Day 2: Pokhara to Naya Pool and Tadapani
After having breakfast at Syange we will stroll to Tal. On the way, there are lots of stunning waterfalls and amazing landscapes. Around 2 hours walking from Syange you will be in Chamje where you will have lunch.
It takes around 4 hours to reach Ghandruk From Pokhara by Jeep or Taxi. You will have lunch at the amazing village of Ghandruk. Afterward, you will move through alpine forest to our destination Tadapani. From Ghandruk to Tadapani is ascending up which consume around 4 hours. Specially Ghandruk to BhaisiKhark is more ascending and from Bhisikharka to Tadapani is straightway.
Day 3 – Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka
Trek Hours : 5-6 Hours
Stay at : Bayeli Kharak
Altitude: 3420m
You will fill enjoy with the panoramic views of Annapurna and Himchuli on the trails. Besides that, you also see waterfalls, pasturelands of buffalo, sheep, and goats. And diverse flora and fauna. From Bayeli Kharka you will see the 7th highest peak of world Dhaulagiri. Enjoy overnight at Bayeli.
Day – 4 Bayeli Kharka to Upper Chistibung
Duration : 4-5 hours
Height : 2975m
At the first we will climb around 2 hours up .Then we will be on Mohare Danda from where himalayas view is superb.
Afterward, it takes around 3 hours to reach Upper Chhistibung passing marvelous Rhododendron forest. There we will have rest for that night.
Day – 5 Trek to Khopra Ridge
Altitude of Accommodation: 3660m
Walking hours : 4 hour
Overnight stay: Khopra Danda(Ridge)
Around 4 hours climb up from Chistibung we will be in Khopra Ridge(3660m). Enjoy with stunning view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Day – 6Hike to Khayar Lake
This day you need to pack lunch for Khayar Hike. Because on the way to Khayar Lake there is no teahouse. Enjoy the awesome views of Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Annapurna Fang, and Dhaulagiri. It takes around 10 hours to go to Khayar and back to Khopra Danda.
Day – 7 Khopra Ridge to Swanta village
Swanta is beautiful village of Magar and other ethinic group. So 7 th day of Khopra you will be in Swanta village which takes around 8 hours from K.Danda.
Day – 8 Swanta Village to Ghorepani
7 th day of K.trek you will be in Ghorepani . Swanta to Ghorepani takes around 6 hours.There more than 20 hotels in Ghorepani . Do relax 8th day of KT at Ghorepani
Day – 9 Ghorepani to Tikhedungha via Poon Hill
4:30 am wake up to go Poon Hill approx 1.5 hours hiking for sunrise . After sunrise back to Ghorpani and take breafast. Go down 6 hours to get Tikhedhunga.
Day – 10 Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
Walk 3 hours slope down to Nayapul where we can get taxi . Take taxi from Nayapul to go Pokhara .
Day – 11 Back to Kathmandu
Finally 11th day KT is back to Kathmandu . 7 hours drive using tourist bus you will be in Kathmandu.
Cost Includes:
- Private transfers for your international flight 2 times (arrival/ departure).
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by Tourist Bus.
- 2 nights of Tourist standard Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
- 1-night Tourist standard Hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
- Pokhara to Ghandruk by Local Bus
- Nayapul to Pokhara by Private Taxi
- Meals During Trekking: B, L, D
- Khopra Trekking Permit
- Experienced Local Guide for 10 days.
- 1 strong porter for on the basis of 2 guests for 10 days.
- All expenses related to Guide and Porter
- First Aids Kit.
- Duffel Bag.
- Seasonal Fruits
- 13% Government VAT and official charge.
Cost Excludes
- Any types of Drinks and Dessert foods.
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee
- Lunch and Dinner during the staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara city.
- All types of Personal Nature Expenses.
- Personal trekking equipment and Clothing.
- Tips for the crew
- Any other things which are not mentioned Included.
Maps
Reviews
Khopra ridge trek with base camp hike – perfect experience
I did the Khopra Ridge trek in November 2019.
Before the trip, I had a lot of questions and Base Camp Hike did always respond quickly and detailedly. They can also advise which trek is best for you. Also, they will advise on what equipment you’ll need and they can tell which of that you can also buy (might cheaper) in Nepal.
I choose the Khopra Ridge trek because it’s less known than other short treks (ABC etc.). Also, I didn’t want to have a one way and back trek.
Everything was perfectly well organized and from the beginning I felt comfortable. I had a really experienced guide (Jarayam). This trek is new (for about three years) so there are not so many guides who already have experience with this trek. The trek was the perfect choice for me because as expected it’s off a beaten trek (except for poon hill) and the views are brilliant. At Khopra Danda and also Dobato (Mulde viewpoint) you will get superb and near views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. During the trek, we were quite flexible and I also took one day rest in Dobato.
I can totally recommend Base Camp Hike for your trekking in Nepal. Don’t wait any longer and go explore the beautiful Himalayas.
Response from Base Camp Hike
Dear GEMPERLE REMO ANDRI,
Namaste and warm greeting from Base Camp Hike!
We express our sincere thanks and gratefulness to you for giving us an opportunity to provide you our service.
We are so happy that you fully enjoyed Khopra Ridge Trek with our guide Jayaram.
As you told us that you’re interested to do Annapurna Circuit Trek for the next visit to Nepal with us. We appreciate it.
We are waiting for you to provide another great experience in Nepal’s Himalayas.
Best Regards
Base Camp Hike
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You don’t need it. IF you can walk 5-6 hours a day, you can do this trail. But we suggest doing some walking practics before some months to do the trek.
You will get Teahouse accommodation in most of the places but on Khopra Ridge and Chistbung, there are community lodges.
You can do the Khopra Danda trek raging for 5 to 10 days. If you wish to do this trail including Ghorepani Poon Hill Plus Tatopani then it takes around 10 days. But if we want to do this trek within 5 to 7 days, we should escape either Ghorepani Part or Tatopani Part.
First, you should either fly or drive to Pokhara. Afterward, the next morning you can take a taxi from Pokhara to Ghandruk. Or if you choose the route from Ghorepani poon Hill then drive Pokhara-Nayapul.
Except Khopra Ridge Loge and Chistubung Lodge you will get Non-vegetarian food items. But for the vegetarian food, you will get easily everywhere lodge. For all the places you will get a menu, from where you can choose what to eat.
Sure, you will get mineral water almost everywhere on KHOPRA. Some places banned Mineral water to reduce plastic pressure on the environment. In the places where you can’t find Mineral water, you can get safe drinking water but you should have your bottle to fill Water.
If you have a porter, it makes trekking easier. Because porter normally carries up to 25 kg of your stuff. So that you can walk easily.
Of course, if you book a Khopra trip with Base Camp Hike. Because we have a guide who already did the Khopra Khayar Lake journey more than 10 times.
You must have a sleeping bag during the winter season and the main trekking season in Nepal. For the rest of the time because of fewer tourists, they can provide you blankets.
Normally 6 to 7 hours a day on average.
Trekking poles are like an extra leg if you use them. Especially it helps a lot maintain your legs in a good condition.
Yes. Every places you can get a hot shower but for it, you should pay money 1 USD to 3 USD.
Contact Us
Price US$ 605
USD 515 P.P
| No. of people | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | USD 680 |
| 2 | USD 515 |
| 3 | USD 505 |
| 4 - 6 | USD 450 |
| 7 - 9 | USD 430 |
| 10 + | USD 410 |
Quick Contact
- Best price guaranteed
- Have a big group? We can help.
- We can customize your trip as per your request
- Low on budget? We can help.
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