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| 1–3 trekkers | $960 |
| 4–6 trekkers | $930 |
| 7–9 trekkers | $900 |
| 10+ trekkers | $875 |
Price includes round-trip bus transports, permits, guide, porter, meals, teahouse lodging , and 2 nights’ accommodation in Pokhara.
This trip is fully customizable
The Khopra Danda Trek, also known as the Khopra Ridge Trek, is one of Nepal’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventures in the Annapurna region. This community-based trekking route offers pristine Himalayan scenery, authentic village life, and peaceful trails away from crowded routes. It is ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter, immersive experience with stunning mountain views and meaningful cultural encounters in the Nepal Himalayas and surrounding landscapes.
From the scenic ridge of Khopra Danda (around 3,660m), trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Iconic peaks such as Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri I, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli dominate the skyline, creating one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the entire Annapurna region.
The trek passes through traditional Magar and Gurung villages, dense rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and peaceful alpine ridges. Unlike busier trekking routes, the Khopra Danda Trek in Nepal emphasizes sustainability and community tourism, with locally operated teahouses and lodges that directly support rural livelihoods.
One of the highlights of the journey is the optional side trip to Khayer Lake (4,600m+), a sacred alpine lake located beneath the Annapurna South base region. This challenging extension adds a spiritual and adventurous dimension to the trek, making it ideal for experienced hikers looking for a deeper Himalayan exploration.
The best seasons for the Khopra Danda Trek are spring (March to May), when rhododendron forests bloom in vibrant colors, and autumn (September to November), when clear skies offer uninterrupted mountain views. With its peaceful trails, stunning landscapes, and strong community involvement, Khopra Danda is considered one of the best eco-friendly treks in Nepal.
The Khopra Danda Trek is one of the best off-the-beaten-path trekking experiences in the Annapurna region, offering a peaceful alternative to the busier trekking routes of Nepal. Known for its pristine landscapes and community-based approach, this trek is ideal for travelers seeking solitude, authentic culture, and uninterrupted Himalayan views.
One of the strongest reasons to choose the Khopra Danda Trek in Nepal is its spectacular panoramic viewpoint at Khopra Ridge (around 3,660m). From here, trekkers enjoy sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including iconic peaks such as Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri I, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. The sunrise and sunset views from this ridge are considered among the most beautiful in the entire Himalayas.
Unlike more commercial trekking routes, Khopra Danda is a community lodge trek that directly supports local Magar and Gurung villages. Staying in locally operated lodges allows trekkers to experience genuine Nepali hospitality while contributing to education, infrastructure, and sustainable development in remote mountain communities.
The trail itself is diverse and rewarding, passing through dense rhododendron forests, alpine ridges, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages. It is significantly less crowded than nearby routes such as Ghorepani Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp, making it perfect for trekkers who prefer quiet and immersive nature experiences.
Another highlight is the optional trek to Khayer Lake (4,600m+), a sacred alpine lake located beneath Annapurna South. This challenging side trip adds a spiritual and adventurous dimension to the journey, attracting trekkers looking for a deeper Himalayan exploration.
With its combination of dramatic mountain scenery, cultural authenticity, and sustainable tourism, the Khopra Danda Trek stands out as one of the most rewarding eco-treks in Nepal. It is especially recommended for nature lovers, photographers, and trekkers seeking a quieter alternative in the Annapurna region.
Yes! The Khopra Danda Trek offers great flexibility, and we actually encourage you to customize the trip to make it unique and truly yours. You don't need to figure out the logistics alone—we are here to help you design the perfect plan. Whether you want to speed up the pace for an extra challenge, extend your stay in Swanta village for deeper cultural immersion, or extend the route with the Tatopani Hot Spring via Paudwar Village, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Mardi Himal Trek for a more spiritual adventure, the choice is yours. Simply contact us with your preferences, and we will tailor the itinerary to match your ideal pace, plan, and interests.
Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Optional Flight: 25 minutes (US$125)
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Today your adventure begins with a scenic bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where you will spend the night before starting your trek Mahare Danda trek on the the following morning. Pokhara lakeside is a beautiful town nestled at the base of the Annapurna Range. If the weather is clear, you can see your first stunning views of the snow-capped peaks reflecting in Phewa Lake in the evening. If you would like to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara rather than traveling by tourist bus for 6–7 hours, a 25-minute domestic flight is available at an additional cost.
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Trek Time: 5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Ulleri
Today is the first day of your trekking adventure! After breakfast, we begin the trek with a 1.5-hour scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the official starting point of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. After a local lunch in Hile (1,430m / 4,691ft), the hike to Ulleri village begins after crossing the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi Khola. It will take approximately 2 hours uphill climb on the staircase to reach the village of Ulleri, which is beautifully surrounded by different villages, Annapurna South (7,219m / 23,684ft) and Fishtail (6,993m / 22,942ft).
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghorepani
After breakfast, the trail leads you through dense forests of rhododendron and oak trees. You'll pass through Magar villages, where you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the locals. The ascent becomes steeper as you approach Ghorepani, but the views are truly rewarding.
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Swanta
Wake up early to hike to Poon Hill for a spectacular sunrise view over the Annapurna (8,091m / 26,545ft) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 26,794ft) mountain ranges. After enjoying the panoramic view, you will descend to Ghorepani for hot breakfast and continue your trek towards Swanta village. The trail takes you through more dense forests, small villages and offering peaceful surroundings and fantastic mountain views.
Trek Time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Chistibung
The trail from the village of Swanta to Chistibung begins with a relatively gentle stretch of level paths with some descents section; however, it eventually demands a strenuous, steep climb during the final section to reach Chistibung. These areas are pastures of the local population of Ghandruk (1,940m / 6,363ft), Tadapani (2,590m / 8,497ft), Chitre (2,390m / 7,841ft), Tatopani (1,190m / 3,904ft) and its surrounding villages. In this area, we could also see beautiful flights of the colourful Lophophorus (Danphe), the national bird of Nepal, and tahr of the Himalayas, on the grassy ridges, at high points, around our trail. You will arrive in Chistibung for a well-earned lunch and enjoy a half-day of rest and relaxation.
Trek Time: 2–3 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Khopra Danda
After breakfast, we start the day with a steady climb through meadows and alpine pastures toward Khopra. As we approach the ridge, weather permitting, the summit of Annapurna South (7,219m / 23,684ft) comes into view. Furthermore, the area offers breathtaking vistas of Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 26,794ft), Nilgiri (7,061m / 23,166ft), and the Annapurna massif. After lunch, you can take an optional short excursion further along the ridge to a viewpoint that overlooks the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
Trek Time: 7-8 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Khopra Danda
We start early in the morning, around six, towards Khayer Lake, where we can enjoy excellent views of Annapurna Fang (7,647m / 25,088ft) and the surrounding mountains. Since it is considered a sacred lake by Hindus, many believe that bathing in its waters will purify them and help them achieve Nirvana. As Hinduism and Buddhism coexist seamlessly in Nepal, we can see several Hindu and Buddhist shrines and symbols along the way.
Trek Time: 6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Dobato
After taking in the high-altitude wonders, we begin our return toward Chistibung (2,975m / 9,760ft), where the views of Dhaulagiri remain consistently excellent. We descend through a pristine forest to Lower Chistibung, a lovely open meadow that offers a peaceful spot to catch your breath. From there, the trail turns upward again as we climb gradually through a dense rhododendron forest toward Dobato. As you reach the clearing, the massive south face of Annapurna South (7,219m / 23,684ft) dominates the skyline, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the settlement. Dobato is particularly famous for its sunrise and sunset views, where the light hits the Machhapuchhre (6,993m / 22,942ft) and Annapurna ranges with incredible intensity.
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Tadapani
The day begins before dawn with a steady, 45-minute climb to Mulde Viewpoint (3,637m / 11,932ft), where you are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree sunrise panorama of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. After returning to Dobato for breakfast, the trail descends through an "enchanted" forest of ancient oaks and giant rhododendrons draped in moss. Navigating through this lush, misty greenery and crossing small mountain streams, you eventually arrive in Tadapani, a vibrant ridge-top village that offers an incredible, front-row view of Annapurna South and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Trek Time: 3-4 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghandruk
Today is a relatively easy downhill trek through lush forests, pastures and Bhaisikharka (2,450m / 8,038ft). Once you arrive in Ghandruk, you will have great views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). You will arrive in Ghandruk by lunch and you will have a free time in the afternoon to visit the Gurung Museum and school, or explore the village with your trekking guide.
Trek Time: 4-5 hours
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Today is the last day of trekking in the Himalayas. While we cover some distance, it is all downhill and relatively easy until Syauli Bazar (1,220m / 4,002ft). You will have great views of Annapurna South and Fishtail as you walk. Once you reach the small village of Syauli Bazar, the path levels out on a flat road toward Nayapul. We will arrive in Nayapul by early afternoon with plenty of time for the drive back to Pokhara.
Drive Time: 6-7 hours
Optional Flight: 25 minutes (US$125)
End of the Khopra Danda, Poon Hill & Ghandruk Circuit Trek! Enjoy a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu through picturesque hills and the roaring Trishuli River. Along the way, you will pass through roadside villages and terraced farmlands that show the beauty of rural Nepal. We will stop for lunch en route, which allows you to soak in the river views before completing the the 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.
April 2, 2025
“We did the Everest Base Camp trek in April with Above & Beyond. The views were breathtaking and our guide made everything so easy and fun. Highly recommend!”
October 10, 2025
“It was a trip of a lifetime! Our guide Sam was incredibly professional, and always ensured we were safe and comfortable. I will never forget this experience”
October 12, 2025
“My trek to Everest Base Camp with Above & Beyond Trekking exceeded all expectations. Everything was well-organized from airport pickup to the final descent.”
April 2, 2023
“The Everest Base Camp trek was an experience of a lifetime! And a knowledgeable guide like Sam was a definite plus. We learned so much about the Nepali culture. He took extra time to answer our questions and explain customs of the wonderful local people. All details were well worked out and logistics went smoothly. Sam was kind and gentle but also made the call when needed to get a horse for me to finish the last leg of the journey”
April, 2023
“Sam is possibly the best trekking guide in Nepal if not the world. Guide, porter, medic, comidian, singer he does it all! Sam is very friendly and so easy to talk too. I found it very easy to bring up any issues I had (not that I had many) which helped to make the trekking experience the best it could possibly be. Sam is very knowledgeable about the mountains and the local culture and thought us so much. Sam also chooses the best local porters. Very friendly and very helpful. Couldn't have asked for any better. I couldn't recommend above and beyond trekking more highly”
