Trip Overview

Khopra (Ridge) Danda (Khayer Lake) trekking trail is one of the newly open trekking trails in Nepal which is in Annapurna region. Khopra (Ridge) Danda trek connected with Annapurna base camp walking trail separated from Tadapani to Khopra Hill. You pass through the Rhododendron forest, Himalayan Bamboo magnificent of Himalayan panorama which includes Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna (I, II, III and south), Hiunchuli, Machhauchhare, Lamjung Himal and Nilgiri. This is newly open trekking trails in Nepal, very few people know about Khopra Danda trek. Khopra Danda trek is perfect for those who want trek on non touristic area of Nepal. Khopra (Ridge) Danda trekking will connect with Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Ghandruk, Kopra Ridge Poon Hill are best view point of Khopra Danda (Ridge) Trek.

Itinerary

Day 1 :Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

Our Airport Representative will meet you at the Tribhuwan International Airport. A drop to the Hotel by private tourist vehicle is arranged. You can either take a rest or meet us at our office and know the detailed arrangement of the Trek. B&B at the hotel.

Day 2 :Kathmandu - Pokhara (8,23m): 5 - 6 hrs bus drive

After breakfast, we drive to Pokhara which is 200 km from Kathmandu. We take our lunch in between this six hours bus ride. You can also opt for a flight which takes about 30 min, and then explore Pokhara, renowned for its scenic beauty and lakeside stays. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Pokhara.

Day 3 :Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk (1950m) 5 to 6 hrs

Drive to Nayapul by taxi from Pokhara, it will take about one hour. Then we will start our trek on foot follow half hour Modikhola, cross the river in Birethati, to follow Modi Khola valley passing Sauly Bazaar it takes about 2 hours, and start climb to steps. And continues walk to Ghandrku the beautiful Gurung village 5 to 6 hours walk from Nayapul. The beautiful Mountain View and Gurung culture is interest to see. Overnight at guest house in Ghandruk.

Day 4 :Trek to Tadapani (2680m).

After breakfast in Ghandruk we will start our trek to Tadapani. Passing through the Rhododendrons Jungle the place call Bhaisi Kharka (Buffalo Grassing Please) then we will continue trek to Tadapani. Tadapani means "far water", so it’s on the ride of the hill. The place is famous for sunrise and sunset view of fishtail “Machhapurchhare”.

Day 5 :Trek from Tadapani to Bayli Kharka (3450m.) 6 to 7 hours

You will leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani today and follow a rarely used trail - initially through thick rhododendron forest - that leads to local water buffalo pastures. The climb is gradual and soon you will emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range. You will take lunch by a small stream and then continue to climb gradually though open countryside to reach a small pass, where the trail descends through rhododendron to an open clearing known as Bayli Kharka, and the lodge. From the lodge there are great views of Dhaulagiri Himal. Stay overnight at Lodge/Home-Stay.

Day 6 :Trek from Bayli Kharka to Upper Chistibung (2,950m) 4 to 5 hrs

This morning you will descend through open ground and forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will continue to walk through forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herder’s settlement at Upper Chistibung, where you will stay in the small community lodge. For the next week you will stay in lodges run by the local communities. We have contributed to the construction of these lodges, part of a series of projects to designed to aid the local community. Being off the beaten track, the villages haven’t previously enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the network of our Community Lodges, there are profits to benefit local projects and schools. Stay overnight at Lodge/Home-Stay.

Day 7 :Trek from Chistibung to Kopra Ridge (Khopra Danda) (3660m.) 5 to 6

To reach the ridge at Kopra, you will embark on a steady climb that carries you above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife, so you should keep your eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take your time and rest as often as you wish.
You will reach the lodge on Kopra Ridge in time for lunch and will be greeted by more awe-inspiring views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above you at only six kilometres away, with Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north. Across the depths of the Kali Gandakhi Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. The Kopra Community Lodge is the highlight of our work in the region. Stay overnight at Lodge/Home-Stay. 

Day 8 :Explore Around Khopra Danda

From Khopra Danda you could hike to Khayar Lake (4600M) but it is long way to go & come back. It will take about 9 to 10 hours. This is not recommended for every trekkerif you are really fit you could hike to Lake & come back. There aren’t any tea houses for overnight. 
From Khopra Danda you could hike to Thanti (around 4200m. high) and come back. It will take about 6 to 7 hours. At Thanti, there are some shelters for yak herders and shepherds to stay in during the monsoon. Khayar Lake is very famous for Hindu pilgrims belief; on the occasion of Janai Purnima , around the full moon of Saaun (July-August) Brahmin and Chhetri people must change the janai, which they wear looped over their left shoulder. In Janai Purnima there will be crowd of people from Nepal & India to celebrate Janai Purnima. There they wreath a statue of Shiva and throw coins at a temple and into the lake. There are two places to make pooja, seven minutes before this lake and a temple, where hundreds of sheep and goats are sacrificed on the same occasion. The pilgrims sleep one or two nights at Thanti, where the yak herders’ shelters are used to sleep in, but those are not enough for all these people. They bring large tents and set them up as shelter for many people and then they go up to the lake, making pooja, and it would be fantastic to take the Khayar lake trip. The views of nature’s beauty are mesmerizing!!

Day 9 :Trek from Khopra Ridge to Swanta (2400m) 5 to 6 hours.

From Kopra Ridge you will descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. You will retrace the route back to Chistibung. You will then head to the village of Swanta, where you will stay overnight in the newly constructed lodge. We have supported the local school over the years, and there is time to pay a quick visit, and perhaps interact with the kids. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 10 :Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani

From Swanta you will descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here you will cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where you’ll join the main trekking trail. There is a further ascent to reach the village of Ghorepani where you will be met with great views of the Dhaulagiri massif and a well-earned rest. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 11 :Explore Poonhill and Trek to Tikhedhunga (1495m)

Poon Hill, at an elevation of 3210m gives the most magnificent panoramic views of the Himalayas. With the early morning sunrise, the golden peaks come into life. After an hour of the spectacular view, we return to Ghorepani for a hot meal and then start the day's trek. Walking along ridges and rhododendron forests, we pass Ulleri, a large Magar village to finally reach Tikhedhunga, our destination for the day.

Day 12 :Trek from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

A light trekking from Tikhedhunga gets us to Nayapul from where Pokhara is just an hour's drive away. Pokhara is a wonderful valley with mountain views and beautiful lakes. Overnight stay at a hotel

Day 13 :Drive back to Kathmandu by Deluxe tourist Bus

5/6 hours bus ride from Pokhara gets us to Kathmandu. The end of the journey is celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 14 :Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport or onward for next program

A drop from the hotel to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of flight is arranged in a private tourist vehicle.

Included

  1. Airport transfers pick up and drop
  2. Two night’s standard accommodation in Kathmandu BB base
  3. Two night’s standard accommodation in Pokhara on BB base
  4. Entry permits for Annapurna Conservation Area
  5. TIMS permits (Trekking Information Management System)
  6. One Professional Trekking Guide, his all necessary insurance, meals and allowances
  7. One porter between two person, his all necessary insurance, meals and allowances
  8. 3 meals per day during the trekking
  9. Accommodation in tea house/home stay along the trekking trail
  10. Tourist Bus Ticket to Pokhara to Kathmandu
  11. One map of Khopra Danda Trekking
  12. Farewell dinner at famous restaurant in Thamel before your departure from Nepal
  13. Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket (refundable)
  14. Trekking gear duffel bag for your trekking stuffs
  15. Rescue Arrangements off course not the rescue bills 

Excluded

  1. International airfare and Nepal visa fees
  2. Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
  3. Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  4. Personal expenses such as telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, donation etc...
  5. Tips for guides and porters (It is Expected)

Good to Know

Itinerary

Day 1 :Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

Our Airport Representative will meet you at the Tribhuwan International Airport. A drop to the Hotel by private tourist vehicle is arranged. You can either take a rest or meet us at our office and know the detailed arrangement of the Trek. B&B at the hotel.

Day 2 :Kathmandu - Pokhara (8,23m): 5 - 6 hrs bus drive

After breakfast, we drive to Pokhara which is 200 km from Kathmandu. We take our lunch in between this six hours bus ride. You can also opt for a flight which takes about 30 min, and then explore Pokhara, renowned for its scenic beauty and lakeside stays. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Pokhara.

Day 3 :Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk (1950m) 5 to 6 hrs

Drive to Nayapul by taxi from Pokhara, it will take about one hour. Then we will start our trek on foot follow half hour Modikhola, cross the river in Birethati, to follow Modi Khola valley passing Sauly Bazaar it takes about 2 hours, and start climb to steps. And continues walk to Ghandrku the beautiful Gurung village 5 to 6 hours walk from Nayapul. The beautiful Mountain View and Gurung culture is interest to see. Overnight at guest house in Ghandruk.

Day 4 :Trek to Tadapani (2680m).

After breakfast in Ghandruk we will start our trek to Tadapani. Passing through the Rhododendrons Jungle the place call Bhaisi Kharka (Buffalo Grassing Please) then we will continue trek to Tadapani. Tadapani means "far water", so it’s on the ride of the hill. The place is famous for sunrise and sunset view of fishtail “Machhapurchhare”.

Day 5 :Trek from Tadapani to Bayli Kharka (3450m.) 6 to 7 hours

You will leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani today and follow a rarely used trail - initially through thick rhododendron forest - that leads to local water buffalo pastures. The climb is gradual and soon you will emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range. You will take lunch by a small stream and then continue to climb gradually though open countryside to reach a small pass, where the trail descends through rhododendron to an open clearing known as Bayli Kharka, and the lodge. From the lodge there are great views of Dhaulagiri Himal. Stay overnight at Lodge/Home-Stay.

Day 6 :Trek from Bayli Kharka to Upper Chistibung (2,950m) 4 to 5 hrs

This morning you will descend through open ground and forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will continue to walk through forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herder’s settlement at Upper Chistibung, where you will stay in the small community lodge. For the next week you will stay in lodges run by the local communities. We have contributed to the construction of these lodges, part of a series of projects to designed to aid the local community. Being off the beaten track, the villages haven’t previously enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the network of our Community Lodges, there are profits to benefit local projects and schools. Stay overnight at Lodge/Home-Stay.

Day 7 :Trek from Chistibung to Kopra Ridge (Khopra Danda) (3660m.) 5 to 6

To reach the ridge at Kopra, you will embark on a steady climb that carries you above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife, so you should keep your eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take your time and rest as often as you wish.
You will reach the lodge on Kopra Ridge in time for lunch and will be greeted by more awe-inspiring views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above you at only six kilometres away, with Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north. Across the depths of the Kali Gandakhi Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. The Kopra Community Lodge is the highlight of our work in the region. Stay overnight at Lodge/Home-Stay. 

Day 8 :Explore Around Khopra Danda

From Khopra Danda you could hike to Khayar Lake (4600M) but it is long way to go & come back. It will take about 9 to 10 hours. This is not recommended for every trekkerif you are really fit you could hike to Lake & come back. There aren’t any tea houses for overnight. 
From Khopra Danda you could hike to Thanti (around 4200m. high) and come back. It will take about 6 to 7 hours. At Thanti, there are some shelters for yak herders and shepherds to stay in during the monsoon. Khayar Lake is very famous for Hindu pilgrims belief; on the occasion of Janai Purnima , around the full moon of Saaun (July-August) Brahmin and Chhetri people must change the janai, which they wear looped over their left shoulder. In Janai Purnima there will be crowd of people from Nepal & India to celebrate Janai Purnima. There they wreath a statue of Shiva and throw coins at a temple and into the lake. There are two places to make pooja, seven minutes before this lake and a temple, where hundreds of sheep and goats are sacrificed on the same occasion. The pilgrims sleep one or two nights at Thanti, where the yak herders’ shelters are used to sleep in, but those are not enough for all these people. They bring large tents and set them up as shelter for many people and then they go up to the lake, making pooja, and it would be fantastic to take the Khayar lake trip. The views of nature’s beauty are mesmerizing!!

Day 9 :Trek from Khopra Ridge to Swanta (2400m) 5 to 6 hours.

From Kopra Ridge you will descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. You will retrace the route back to Chistibung. You will then head to the village of Swanta, where you will stay overnight in the newly constructed lodge. We have supported the local school over the years, and there is time to pay a quick visit, and perhaps interact with the kids. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 10 :Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani

From Swanta you will descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here you will cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where you’ll join the main trekking trail. There is a further ascent to reach the village of Ghorepani where you will be met with great views of the Dhaulagiri massif and a well-earned rest. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 11 :Explore Poonhill and Trek to Tikhedhunga (1495m)

Poon Hill, at an elevation of 3210m gives the most magnificent panoramic views of the Himalayas. With the early morning sunrise, the golden peaks come into life. After an hour of the spectacular view, we return to Ghorepani for a hot meal and then start the day's trek. Walking along ridges and rhododendron forests, we pass Ulleri, a large Magar village to finally reach Tikhedhunga, our destination for the day.

Day 12 :Trek from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

A light trekking from Tikhedhunga gets us to Nayapul from where Pokhara is just an hour's drive away. Pokhara is a wonderful valley with mountain views and beautiful lakes. Overnight stay at a hotel

Day 13 :Drive back to Kathmandu by Deluxe tourist Bus

5/6 hours bus ride from Pokhara gets us to Kathmandu. The end of the journey is celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 14 :Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport or onward for next program

A drop from the hotel to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of flight is arranged in a private tourist vehicle.

Included

  1. Airport transfers pick up and drop
  2. Two night’s standard accommodation in Kathmandu BB base
  3. Two night’s standard accommodation in Pokhara on BB base
  4. Entry permits for Annapurna Conservation Area
  5. TIMS permits (Trekking Information Management System)
  6. One Professional Trekking Guide, his all necessary insurance, meals and allowances
  7. One porter between two person, his all necessary insurance, meals and allowances
  8. 3 meals per day during the trekking
  9. Accommodation in tea house/home stay along the trekking trail
  10. Tourist Bus Ticket to Pokhara to Kathmandu
  11. One map of Khopra Danda Trekking
  12. Farewell dinner at famous restaurant in Thamel before your departure from Nepal
  13. Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket (refundable)
  14. Trekking gear duffel bag for your trekking stuffs
  15. Rescue Arrangements off course not the rescue bills 

Excluded

  1. International airfare and Nepal visa fees
  2. Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
  3. Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  4. Personal expenses such as telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, donation etc...
  5. Tips for guides and porters (It is Expected)

Good to Know