Max Elevation
3,660m
Group Size
Min. 2 Pax
Duration
9 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Accommodation
Teahouses/Community Lodges
Meals
B.L.D
Best Seasons
March–May & Sept–Nov
Transportation
Private Vehicle and Bus
Region
Annapurna Region
The Khopra Danda Trek (also known as the Khopra Ridge Trek) is one of the Annapurna region’s best-kept secrets — a high alpine ridge walk that delivers 360-degree views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre without the heavy foot traffic of the classic Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit routes.
Perched at 3,660 meters, Khopra Danda sits on a broad grassy ridge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, giving trekkers a rare vantage point where both mountain ranges appear side by side. The trail is community-managed, meaning most lodges along the route are run cooperatively by local Magar and Gurung villages, and a portion of trekking fees goes directly back into these communities.
For trekkers who’ve done Poon Hill or ABC and want something quieter but equally rewarding, the Khopra Danda trek is frequently compared to — and recommended as an alternative or extension to — the Poon Hill trek, with several trekkers choosing to combine Khopra Danda with the dramatic high-altitude Khayer Lake side trip for an even more remote glacial lake experience above 4,500 meters.
If you want Annapurna-region mountain views without sharing the trail with hundreds of other trekkers, Khopra Danda is the answer. The route sees a fraction of the traffic that Poon Hill and ABC get, yet the summit views rival both. It’s also one of the few treks in the region where trekking revenue is channeled directly into community-run lodges rather than large operators, making it a meaningful choice for travelers who care about responsible tourism.
If you’d rather add the classic Poon Hill sunrise to this itinerary, see our Khopra Danda Trek with Poon Hill. For the full expedition — ridge, sacred glacial lake, and Poon Hill in one trip — see our Khayer Lake Trek with Khopra Danda.
This standard route stays focused on the ridge alone, for trekkers who want the quietest, most uncrowded version of the Khopra Danda experience.
Expect long, steady forest walks through rhododendron and oak canopy, gradually opening into high alpine grassland as you near Khopra Danda. The trail is moderate throughout, with no technical sections, but the daily walking hours (5–7 hours on several days) demand reasonable fitness.
Nights are spent in simple teahouses and community lodges — basic but welcoming, with home-cooked Nepali meals. The reward is a genuinely quiet mountain experience: sunrise from Khopra Ridge, with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna framing the sky, is one of the most underrated views in Nepal.
Book your 9-day Khopra Danda Trek with Save Mountain Treks and experience one of the Annapurna region’s quietest, most rewarding ridge walks. Secure your spot today!
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara along the scenic Prithvi Highway, taking in views of the Trishuli River and terraced hillsides.
Drive: 6–9 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung village with stone-paved streets and traditional architecture. From here, begin trekking through dense rhododendron forest toward Tadapani, where clear days reward you with early views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Walking: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/lodge in Tadapani
The trail climbs steadily through thick rhododendron and oak forest toward Dobato, a ridge-top viewpoint. Weather permitting, this is an excellent spot to catch sunset or sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges before continuing the next morning.
Walking: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/lodge in Dobato
Optional early-morning hike from Dobato to Muldai Viewpoint (3,637m) for sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges — roughly 30–45 minutes uphill, then back down to Dobato for breakfast.
From there, continue the scenic ridge walk to Bayli Kharka, with open views of both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs accompanying you for much of the day.
Walking: 5–6 hours (excluding optional Muldai side trip; add approx. 1–1.5 hours if included).
Overnight: Community-operated Lodge in Bayli Kharka
Descend gradually through forest to Chistibung, home to a community lodge run cooperatively by nearby villages. This is a shorter, gentler day that allows time to rest before the push toward Khopra Danda.
Walking: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/lodge in Chistibung
A gradual climb brings you onto the open grassy ridge of Khopra Danda. As you gain elevation, the panorama widens to include Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri in a single sweeping view. Overnight at Khopra, with sunset views over the Dhaulagiri range.
Walking: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Lodge in Khopra
An acclimatization and exploration day at Khopra Danda. Trekkers can choose a relaxed morning at the Khopra viewpoint for sunrise photography.
Overnight: Lodge in Khopra
Descend from the ridge through forest and farmland into Swanta, a traditional Magar village. Spend the afternoon exploring local culture and daily village life before an overnight stay.
Walking: 5–6 hours
The final trekking day descends through Ulleri’s famous stone staircase toward Nayapul, where your trek concludes. Drive back to Pokhara to celebrate the completion of the Khopra Danda trek.
Trip Ends: Pokhara
The trek is rated moderate, with several long walking days (5–7 hours) through forest and ridge terrain. No technical climbing is involved, but reasonable fitness is recommended, especially if adding the optional Khayer Lake side trip.
Khopra Danda offers similar or better panoramic views than Poon Hill but with far fewer trekkers on the trail, plus the option to extend to the high-altitude Khayer Lake — something the standard Poon Hill trek doesn’t include.
You’ll need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, both of which are arranged by Save Mountain Treks and included in your package cost.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the clearest skies and most stable weather for mountain views along the ridge.
Khopra Danda itself sits at 3,660m. Trekkers who opt for the Khayer Lake side trip reach over 4,600m.
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