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Mardi Himal Trek Including 2 Nights Pokhara Hotel
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Including 2 Nights Pokhara Hotel
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View more photosPrice includes round-trip bus transports, permits, guide, porter, meals, teahouse lodging , and 2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
This trip is fully customizable
The perfect alternative to the commercial and crowded Annapurna routes is the amazing Khopra Danda trek! This short trek in Nepal with Above and Beyond Trekking combines the famous Poon Hill sunrise with the viewpoint of Khopra Danda and a side trip to the holy Khayar Lake at 4,500 m or 14,763 ft! You’ll be trekking through the green hills of the Annapurna Conservation Area away from the commercial trails. Visit traditional Magar and Gurung villages as well as see breathtaking views of Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m / 23,166 ft) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m / 22,943 ft).
To reach the Khopra Danda trek you start with a scenic drive or flight (depending on your booking choice) to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Often called the gateway to the Annapurna, Pokhara is an incredible place. From here you take a jeep towards the village of Hille. Here you start your Khopra Danda trek and make way towards Bhantanti at 2,160 m or 7,086 ft. More peaceful than Ulleri, Above and Beyond Trekking makes sure you get the best experience during this short trek in Nepal. The trek now heads towards your first highlight of the Khopra Danda trek, Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Located a short uphill hike from the village, the viewpoint at Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft) is world famous for its sunrise views over the southern Annapurna range. Continuing the trek, you head overnight at Swanta, Chistibung and ultimately at Khopra Danda. The views from the viewpoint are unparalleled! This trek is also named the Khopra Ridge Trek, or the Khopra Danda Hill trek, just for the views you get from the top of the hill at 3,660 m / 12,007 ft!
The Khopra Danda trek has also another name, the Khayar Lake trek. During your stay in Khopra Danda, Above and Beyond Treks takes you on a special side excursion to one of Nepal’s holy lakes. Khayer Lake (4,500 m or 14,763 ft), is also the highest point of the Khopra Danda trek from where you can see views of the Annapurna Fang (7,647 m / 25,088 ft)! The next day you’ll trek to Dobato, famed for its sunrise and sunset views. From here the Khopra Danda trek heads through beautiful forests filled with oak and rhododendron until reaching the village of Tadapani. You end the trek at the Gurung village of Ghandruk from where you can see some of your last valley views with the Himalaya rising in the distance.
To showcase the best of the Annapurna region, Above and Beyond Trekking has designed this 14-day Khopra Danda trek itinerary. Take the best two weeks’ vacation in Nepal and reach Poon Hill, Khopra Danda, Khayar Lake and Ghandruk village in one short trek. The best part? You will trek away from the crowded trails, letting you enjoy the Annapurna in peace!
The trek is considered moderate in difficulty. It is suitable for trekkers with good fitness, with daily trekking hours varying between 2 to sometimes 8 hours. The highest point is Khayar Lake at 4,500 meters or 14,763 feet, which requires good acclimatization. The trail involves significant uphill sections, especially the climb to Chistibung and the excursion to Khayar Lake. Previous trekking experience is not required, but regular walking or cardiovascular exercise beforehand is recommended.
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) . Spring offers colorful rhododendron forests and nice temperatures. Autumn provides clear skies, stable weather, and the best mountain views after the monsoon rains have cleared the air! Winter (December to February) is cold but still trekkable, with clear skies and the valley covered in a white blanket of snow. The monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended due to rain, mud, leeches, and limited visibility!
While the Khopra Danda trail is well‑marked and can be done independently, by hiring a guide from Above and Beyond Trekking provides local knowledge, assistance with teahouse bookings, and peace of mind. A guide also supports the local economy and creates jobs in the region. Porters are available for hire to carry your luggage, allowing you to trek with a lighter daypack and enjoy more of the trek itself.
During the Khopra Danda trek you’ll go overnight at local teahouses. These are simple lodges with shared rooms and communal dining areas. The facilities are basic but comfortable, with meals cooked to order. At higher elevations like Khopra Danda, the teahouses are more basic and rustic, but all provide warm meals and a place to sleep!
Pack light but include warm layers for the early morning Poon Hill climb and the high‑altitude Khopra section, sturdy hiking boots, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a first‑aid kit. The teahouses provide blankets, but a warm sleeping bag is recommended for comfort at higher elevations. Essential items include a fleece jacket, waterproof outer shell, warm hat, and gloves for the cold mornings. Most trekking gear and equipment can be rented or bought either in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara; Optional flight available
Day 03: Drive to Hile and trek to Banthanti
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 05: Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Swanta
Day 06: Trek to Chistibung
ay 07: Trek to Khopra Danda
Day 08: Excursion to Khayar Lake
Day 09: Trek to Dobato
Day 10: Trek to Tadapani
Day 11: Trek to Ghandruk Village
Day 12: Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara
Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu; optional flight available
Day 14: Departure
At the airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be warmly received by our Above and Beyond representative. Drive through the city streets to your own booked hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, and you have agreed to meet up the next day after breakfast at your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the streets of Thamel, try out some of the local delicacies, and enjoy your first day in Nepal, eager to start your Khopra Danda trek.
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
Drive: 6–7 hours
The bus leaves today at 7am. Your Above and Beyond Trekking guide will pick you up at 6am from the hotel and go together with you to the bus. The ride is long and scenic, heading along the green hills and following the Trishuli River. In the late afternoon Pokhara starts to appear. On clear days you can see the iconic fishtail mountain Mt Machhapuchhre and the surrounding Himalaya reflecting on the peaceful Phewa Lake located next to the city. You’ll head to your hotel and take a short rest. In the evening before dinner, you’ll meet up with your guide and go over the Khopra Danda trekking itinerary, discuss safety rules while on the trail and go shopping for some snacks you might want to bring while on the trek. Do you want to cut down on the long drive, and have more relaxing time in Pokhara? 25-minute flights are available at additional cost, just let us know during your booking process.
Overnight: hotel (B&B) in Pokhara
Drive: 1 hour, Trek time: 3-4 hours
You start your trekking adventure today! But first after breakfast you take a jeep and drive through the hills into the Annapurna Conservation Area straight to Hille. Here you commence the Khopra Danda trek officially! You first trek to Ulleri by crossing the Bhurundi Khola River via a suspension bridge. After the crossing you head on the stone steps to the village. Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre in sight you head further on the trail now into lush forests filled with rhododendrons and magnolia. Your first overnight destination is the peaceful village of Banthanti at 2,160 m / 7,086 ft. surrounded by forests and nature this is the perfect place for your first night in the mountains. Dinner is served at the local teahouse, and you go over tomorrow’s trek to Ghorepani before turning on for the night.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Banthanti
Trek time: 4-5 hours
From Banthanti you leave after breakfast. The trail leads further into the hillside forests of oak and rhododendrons. Pass by traditional Magar villages and experience the local lifestyle while resting your legs from the climb. As the ascend becomes steeper, Ghorepani comes inside. Rewarded with beautiful views you make way for the local teahouse and check-in. Try to take an early rest and charge your headlights and device batteries, as tomorrow you have pre-dawn wake up for a sunrise hike up the hill!
Overnight: a local teahouse in Ghorepani
Trek time: 6-7 hours
Prepare for breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna (8,091 m / 26,545 ft) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,794 ft) mountain ranges! It’s a short hike uphill to Poon Hill. As you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with incredible scenic views as the sun rises. Afterwards, you descent slowly back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Today you trek away from the commercial path and go in the direction of Swanta. Follow the path crossing more dense forests, head passed smaller villages and enjoy the views of the peaceful trekking trail until reaching Swanta village. Check into the local teahouse and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Swanta
Trek time: 4-5 hours
Today’s trek takes you over the pasture lands of the area. It’s mostly level with some descent sections. The hard part comes before reaching Chistibung you’ll have a steep climb up the hill. Fields in this part of the trek are shared among the local villages of Ghandruk, Tadapani, etc. Due to its fertility, you’ll have great chances to spot the Himalayan Danphe or Thar relaxing on the grassy ridges today. By early afternoon you’ll reach Chistibung, on time for lunch and a half day free to relax or explore.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Chistibung
Trek time: 3 hours
A short day today but filled with views! The day starts with a good climb leading you through various meadows and pastures. Closer to the ridge, you may get to see some views of Annapurna South’s summit (7,219 m / 23,684 ft) and breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,794 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m / 23,166 ft), and the Annapurna massif! Taking lunch here is ideal. You can also choose to take a short hike up to the Kali Gandaki River Gorge viewpoint. And see the world’s deepest gorge up-close during sunset.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Khopra Danda
Trek time: 7-8 hours
An early morning departure, as you make way to Khayer Lake. From the lake itself the Annapurna Fang (7,647 m / 25,088 ft) comes in view with other peaks. The lake is considered holy and according to legend taking a dip here purifies you from negative energy. Are you brave enough to face the ice-cold water? Along the way to the lake, you may find various Buddhist and Hindu shrines, confirming you are entering into a sacred place. Once at the lake you have some of the most breathtaking views in peaceful and natural surroundings! Having spent time at the lake you descend back down to Khopra Danda. In the evening you can catch another sunset view from the viewpoint or village.
Overnight: the same teahouse in Khopra Danda
Trek time: 6-7 hours
Take your last breakfast at Khopra and take in the views from this amazing place for a last time. You retrace your steps towards Chistibung from where the trail splits. It’s a climb through dense forest leading you to Bayeli, a small, peaceful hill village with a single lodge. From here the trek continues to Dobato. Notice the huge south face of Annapurna South (7,219 m / 23,684 ft) as you reach the clearing. From the village you get some exceptional sunrise and sunset views as from this perspective the light touching the Himalaya is quite intense. Check into the teahouse and enjoy the sunset while dinner is prepared. You have a pre-dawn sunrise hike the next day so remember; charge your batteries and headlights.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Dobato
Trek time: 6-7 hours
You start at pre-dawn climbing for about 45 minutes up the Mulde Viewpoint. At (3,637 m / 11,932 ft) you’ll be instantly rewarded with a sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges! Back at Dobato breakfast is served and you prepare for the further trek to Tadapani. You follow the trail as it descends through a beautiful forest of ancient oaks and giant rhododendrons covered in dark green moss. Trekking into this lush, old forest and crossing smaller streams, you reach back on the commercial trail and head into Tadapani.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Tadapani
Trek time: 3-4 hours
Today is a relatively easy downhill trek through the forests, pastures, and Bhaisikharka (2,450 m / 8,038 ft). Once you arrive in Ghandruk, you will have great views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). You will arrive in Ghandruk around lunch with ample free time in the afternoon to visit the Gurung Museum and school or explore around the village with your trekking guide.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Ghandruk
Trek time: 4‑5 hours, Drive: 1.5 hours
The last day of trekking in the Himalayas as the Khopra Danda trek reaches its final stages. While you cover some distance, it is all downhill and relatively easy until Syauli Bazaar (1,220 m / 4,002 ft). You will have great views of Annapurna South and Fishtail as you trek downhill. Once you reach the small village of Syauli Bazaar, the path levels out on a flat road toward Nayapul. You’ll arrive in Nayapul by early afternoon with plenty of time for the drive back to Pokhara. After arriving back in the city, you check into the hotel, and like most will enjoy the facilities it has to offer. Take a stroll around lakeside in the evening and see the city at night for a last time.p>
Overnight: hotel (B&B) in Pokhara
Drive: 6-7 hours
Enjoy a scenic drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu through the scenic hills and along the familiar Trishuli River. Along the way, you will pass back through roadside villages and terraced farmlands that show the beauty of rural Nepal for a last time. The bus will stop for lunch, which allows you to take in river views before completing the drive back in the capital of Kathmandu. If you would like to fly back from Pokhara rather than traveling by tourist bus for 6–7 hours, a 25-minute domestic flight is available at an additional cost.
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
We hope you have enjoyed this amazing two weeks’ vacation in Nepal and had a great adventure with the Khopra Danda trek. An Above and Beyond Trekking driver will pick you up from your booked hotel in Kathmandu and bring you to the airport on time for your departure. We wish you a safe flight and hope to see you soon for another Above and Beyond Trekking adventure!
