Makalu Base Camp Trek – 20 Days
Explore the Makalu Base Camp Trek in Nepal with our 20-day Himalayan adventure package.
Silver Moon Adventure and Tours
Offering Himalayan treks, peak climbs, and cultural tours across Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan & Thailand.
The Khopra Danda Trek is a beautiful off-the-beaten-path trekking adventure in the Annapurna region of Nepal that combines breathtaking Himalayan views, peaceful mountain trails, traditional villages, and authentic local experiences. This 12-day journey from Kathmandu to Kathmandu takes you through the less crowded areas of the Annapurna Conservation Area, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas away from the busy trekking routes. The trek reaches Khopra Danda at 3,660 meters, while the exciting hike to Khayer Lake at around 4,600 meters becomes the highest point of the journey. With comfortable pacing, this itinerary allows trekkers to enjoy the landscapes, culture, and mountain atmosphere without rushing.
Your adventure begins with a scenic journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside city famous for Phewa Lake, peaceful surroundings, and views of the Annapurna mountain range. After spending time in Pokhara, the trekking journey begins from the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk, one of the most beautiful settlements in the Annapurna region. Walking through stone-paved trails, terraced farmland, and local villages, you will experience the unique culture, lifestyle, and warm hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities. The trail gradually enters peaceful forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and bamboo trees, where the landscape changes beautifully as you gain altitude.
During the Khopra Danda Trek, every day brings a new landscape and experience. The lower sections of the trail offer views of green hills, rivers, waterfalls, traditional settlements, and farmland, while the higher areas introduce you to alpine meadows, open ridges, and stunning Himalayan views. The route through Tadapani, Dobato, and Chistibung provides a peaceful trekking experience away from crowded trails. As you move closer to Khopra Danda, you can enjoy impressive views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and other surrounding peaks.
Reaching Khopra Danda is one of the major highlights of this trek. Standing on the peaceful ridge surrounded by mountains, you can enjoy unforgettable sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan ranges. Unlike many popular viewpoints, Khopra Ridge offers a quiet environment where trekkers can relax, take photographs, and enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains. The community-managed lodges at Khopra also provide a unique experience by connecting travelers with local mountain communities and their traditional way of life.
The most adventurous part of this journey is the exploration day to Khayer Lake, a sacred high-altitude lake located beneath the Annapurna South region. The hike to Khayer Lake is challenging but rewarding, as the trail passes through rocky paths, alpine landscapes, and open mountain areas. After reaching the lake, trekkers can enjoy peaceful surroundings along with incredible views of the Himalayan peaks. This day offers a combination of adventure, natural beauty, and a meaningful mountain experience.
After completing the Khayer Lake adventure, the trek gradually descends through beautiful villages like Swanta and Ghorepani. These villages provide another opportunity to experience local culture, farming lifestyles, and traditional mountain settlements. Ghorepani is one of the famous villages in the Annapurna region and offers a comfortable stop before returning to Pokhara. The additional rest day in Pokhara before heading back to Kathmandu makes this 12 Days Khopra Danda Trek more comfortable and suitable for international travelers.
The Khopra Danda Trek package is perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful Himalayan adventure with stunning mountain views, cultural experiences, and moderate trekking challenges. Although the route includes some uphill sections and the Khayer Lake hike requires good fitness, no technical climbing skills are needed. Throughout this 12-day Annapurna trekking experience, you will discover Nepal’s natural beauty, local traditions, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable moments in the heart of the Himalayas.
Welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The drive from the airport to the hotel takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
After checking in, you can take rest at the hotel or explore nearby areas of Kathmandu if you have enough time. Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and offers a mix of ancient temples, local markets, and traditional neighborhoods.
In the evening, your trekking guide will provide a short briefing about the Khopra Danda Trek. You will receive information about the trekking route, daily walking hours, weather conditions, and necessary preparations for the journey.
Max. Altitude: 1,400m
Meals: N/A
Drive duration: 30min
After breakfast, you will leave Kathmandu and travel towards Pokhara, a beautiful city located near the Annapurna mountain range. You can choose either a scenic tourist bus journey or a short domestic flight according to your preference.
If you travel by bus, the route follows the Prithvi Highway and passes through beautiful countryside areas. During the journey, you will see green hills, rivers, terraced farms, local villages, and small settlements along the way. The drive offers a good introduction to Nepal’s natural landscapes.
If you choose the flight option, you will enjoy a short and comfortable flight with views of hills and Himalayan ranges on clear days.
After reaching Pokhara, you will check into your hotel. In your free time, you can visit the famous Lakeside area, walk around Phewa Lake, or prepare your trekking equipment for the next day.
Pokhara is also the gateway to many Annapurna trekking routes and provides a relaxing environment before starting the mountain journey.
Max. Altitude: 1,400m
Meals: Breakfast
Drive duration: 7-8 hrs
Today is the first trekking day of your Khopra Danda adventure. After breakfast, you will take a scenic drive from Pokhara towards Ghandruk, one of the most beautiful Gurung villages in the Annapurna region.
The road passes through countryside landscapes, rivers, green hills, and traditional villages. As you get closer to Ghandruk, you will start seeing impressive views of the Annapurna mountain range.
Ghandruk is a famous Gurung settlement known for its traditional stone houses, local culture, and mountain views. After reaching Ghandruk, you will begin your trek towards Tadapani.
The trail gradually climbs through beautiful forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and bamboo trees. During spring, the rhododendron forests become colorful with blooming flowers, making the trail even more attractive.
Along the way, you may see local wildlife, mountain birds, and beautiful views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). After several hours of walking, you will reach Tadapani, a peaceful mountain village surrounded by forests and Himalayan scenery.
Tadapani is a perfect place to rest after the first trekking day while enjoying the mountain atmosphere.
Max. Altitude: 2,630m
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 3–4 hrs
Today, you leave the more popular trekking route and continue towards the peaceful Khopra region. The trail passes through dense rhododendron and oak forests with beautiful natural surroundings.
As you gain altitude, the views become wider, and you can see impressive mountain landscapes. The quiet trail and fewer trekkers make this section a special part of the journey.
After walking through forests and uphill sections, you will reach Dobato, a peaceful mountain location known for its beautiful Himalayan views.
Max. Altitude: 3,420 m
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs
After breakfast, you continue trekking towards Chistibung. The trail passes through peaceful forests, open landscapes, and remote mountain areas.
During the walk, you can enjoy views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. This section provides a true off the beaten path trekking experience as you move away from crowded trails.
Chistibung is a small mountain settlement where you will stay overnight before heading towards the main destination, Khopra Danda.
Max. Altitude: 3,000 m
Accommodation: Community Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs
After breakfast at Chistibung, you begin one of the most exciting sections of the Khopra Danda Trek as you move towards Khopra Ridge. Today’s trail takes you higher through peaceful mountain landscapes, changing vegetation, and beautiful Himalayan surroundings.
The trail starts with a gradual climb through forests and open areas. As you gain elevation, the dense forests slowly become thinner, and you will start seeing wider views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The peaceful environment, fresh mountain air, and quiet walking trails make this section of the trek very enjoyable.
During the walk, you can enjoy stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and surrounding peaks. The trail is less crowded compared to many popular Annapurna routes, allowing you to experience the natural beauty of the region in a peaceful way.
After reaching Khopra Danda at 3,660 meters, you will be welcomed by one of the best viewpoints in the Annapurna region. From the ridge, you can enjoy panoramic mountain views stretching across the Himalayas. The sunset and sunrise views from Khopra Danda are unforgettable, with golden light touching the snow-covered peaks.
You will spend the night at a community lodge located in this beautiful mountain area, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere surrounded by Himalayan views.
Max. Altitude: 3,660 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 4–5 hrs
Today is the most adventurous and challenging day of the Khopra Danda Trek as you explore the beautiful Khayer Lake. This high-altitude lake is located at around 4,620 meters and is considered a sacred place by local communities.
You will start early in the morning after breakfast. The trail from Khopra Danda towards Khayer Lake takes you through rocky mountain paths, open alpine landscapes, and high-altitude terrain. As you climb higher, the views become more impressive, with close views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
The journey to Khayer Lake requires good fitness because of the long walking distance and increasing altitude. However, the peaceful mountain environment and spectacular scenery make every step rewarding. Along the way, you can see dramatic landscapes, glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and the untouched beauty of the Annapurna region.
After reaching Khayer Lake, you will have time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, take photographs, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred Himalayan lake. The lake is surrounded by impressive mountain views, creating a memorable experience for trekkers.
After spending some time at the lake, you will return back to Khopra Danda following the same trail. The evening allows you to rest and enjoy another beautiful sunset from Khopra Ridge.
Max. Altitude: 4,620 m
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 7–9 hrs
After enjoying the morning views from Khopra Danda, you begin your descent towards Swanta Village. Today’s trail offers a completely different experience as you move from high mountain landscapes back towards green hills and traditional settlements.
The trail gradually descends through beautiful forests filled with rhododendron and oak trees. Along the way, you will pass through peaceful areas where you can enjoy the sounds of nature, mountain birds, and beautiful views of surrounding hills.
As you reach lower elevations, you will see terraced farmland, local houses, and the daily lifestyle of mountain communities. Swanta is a traditional Magar village where visitors can experience local culture, friendly hospitality, and the simple lifestyle of people living in the Himalayas.
After reaching Swanta, you can relax at the teahouse and enjoy the peaceful village environment. The evening is a great opportunity to interact with locals and learn more about their traditions and mountain lifestyle.
Max. Altitude: 3,660m
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs
After breakfast at Swanta Village, you continue your trek towards Ghorepani, one of the most popular and beautiful villages in the Annapurna region. Today’s trail is a pleasant walk through forests, farmland, and traditional mountain settlements.
The trek begins with a gradual climb and passes through beautiful landscapes filled with rhododendron and oak forests. During spring, the forest trails become colorful with blooming rhododendron flowers, creating a beautiful walking environment. Along the way, you will see terraced fields, local houses, and the daily lifestyle of the Magar communities living in this region.
As you continue walking, the trail connects with the famous Annapurna trekking route. You will notice more traditional lodges and trekkers compared to the quieter Khopra section. The route offers beautiful views of green hills and, on clear days, distant Himalayan peaks.
After reaching Ghorepani, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain village atmosphere. Ghorepani is well known for its traditional blue-roofed houses, local culture, and its connection with the famous Poon Hill viewpoint. The village provides a comfortable resting place before your return journey to Pokhara.
In the evening, you can enjoy the surrounding mountain views and prepare for the next day’s journey.
Max. Altitude: 2,860 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trek Duration: 4–5 hrs
Today begins before sunrise with a short hike to Poon Hill (3,210 meters), one of Nepal’s most famous viewpoints. The hike takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Ghorepani. As the sun rises over the Himalayas, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and many other surrounding peaks. The sunrise over the snow-covered mountains is one of the most memorable experiences of the trek and offers excellent opportunities for photography.
After spending time at Poon Hill, you will return to your teahouse in Ghorepani for breakfast. Following breakfast, the trek continues downhill through beautiful rhododendron forests, stone staircases, and traditional Magar villages. Along the way, you will enjoy peaceful mountain scenery and experience the local lifestyle before reaching Ulleri.
From Ulleri, you will drive back to Pokhara. The scenic drive passes through hills, rivers, terraced farmland, and small villages before arriving in the beautiful lakeside city. After checking into your hotel, you can relax or spend the evening exploring the Lakeside area.
Max. Altitude: 3,210 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive duration: 3-4 hrs
After breakfast, you will travel back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You can choose either a scenic tourist bus journey or a short domestic flight according to your preference.
If you travel by bus, the route follows the Prithvi Highway, offering beautiful views of rivers, green hills, terraced farmland, and local villages along the way. The journey allows you to enjoy the changing landscapes of Nepal from the mountains back to the capital city.
If you choose the flight option, you will enjoy a quick and comfortable journey with possible views of the Himalayan ranges on clear days.
After reaching Kathmandu, you will transfer to your hotel. You can spend your remaining time shopping for souvenirs, exploring local markets, or relaxing after completing the Khopra Danda Trek.
Max. Altitude: 1,400 m
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Drive duration: 7-8 hrs
Today is the final day of your Khopra Danda Trek. According to your flight schedule, our team will transfer you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure.
After completing this journey, you will leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of peaceful Himalayan trails, traditional villages, stunning mountain views, and the unique experience of the Annapurna region.
We hope to welcome you again for another adventure in Nepal.
Max. Altitude: 1,400 m
Meals: Breakfast
Drive duration: 30min
One porter is provided for every two trekkers at a cost of 200 USD, with a maximum weight allowance of 24 kg (12 kg per person).
Experience the thrill of flying above one of Nepal’s most beautiful destinations with our 1 Day Pokhara Paragliding Adventure....
Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most beautiful travel destinations, famous for its peaceful lakes, Himalayan views, natural wonders, and...
Experience the thrill of flying above the beautiful city of Pokhara with our 1 Day Ultra Light Flight in...
Zipline in Pokhara is an unforgettable adventure activity that offers a perfect combination of thrill, speed, and breathtaking natural...
Nepal is not only famous for its mountains and trekking adventures but also offers thrilling activities for adventure lovers....
The Khopra Danda Trek is a beautiful off-the-beaten-path trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek takes you through peaceful forests, traditional Gurung and Magar villages, alpine landscapes, and stunning viewpoints with views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre mountains.
The standard Khopra Danda Trek package is 11 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. The journey includes Kathmandu arrival, Pokhara sightseeing, trekking through the Annapurna region, Khayer Lake exploration, and return to Kathmandu.
The main viewpoint of the trek, Khopra Danda, is located at 3,660 meters. During the exploration day, trekkers can hike to Khayer Lake at around 4,620 meters, which is the highest point of this journey.
The Khopra Danda Trek is considered a moderate-level trek. The trail includes gradual climbs, steep sections, and longer walking days, especially during the Khayer Lake hike. Basic fitness and regular walking practice are recommended.
Yes, beginners can complete this trek if they have good physical fitness and proper preparation. A comfortable walking pace, proper acclimatization, and support from an experienced guide make the journey easier.
Normally, trekking days require around 5–7 hours of walking. The Khayer Lake exploration day is longer and may take around 7–9 hours depending on weather conditions and walking speed.
The best seasons for Khopra Danda Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer clear mountain views, comfortable temperatures, and stable trekking conditions.
Yes, winter trekking is possible from December to February. The trails are quieter and the mountains look beautiful with snow, although the temperature becomes very cold at higher elevations.
Yes, the trek can be done during June to August, but rainfall can make trails slippery and mountain views may be limited due to clouds. Proper rain protection is required during this season.
Trekkers need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card to complete the Khopra Danda Trek.
During the trek, accommodation is provided in mountain teahouses and community lodges. Rooms are usually twin-sharing with basic facilities, comfortable beds, and dining areas.
Some teahouses provide Wi-Fi and charging facilities, but availability can be limited in higher areas. Carrying a power bank is recommended.
A guide is highly recommended because some sections of the route are remote and less crowded. A professional guide helps with navigation, safety, accommodation arrangements, and local information.
There is a chance of altitude sickness, especially during the Khayer Lake hike above 4,000 meters. Proper acclimatization, drinking enough water, walking slowly, and taking enough rest help reduce the risk.
Important equipment includes good trekking boots, warm clothes, a down jacket, waterproof jacket, trekking poles, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and personal medication.
The major highlights include Khopra Ridge viewpoint, Khayer Lake, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain views, rhododendron forests, traditional villages, peaceful trails, and authentic Himalayan culture.
Unlike some popular Annapurna routes, Khopra Danda offers quieter trails, fewer crowds, community-managed lodges, and a more peaceful Himalayan experience while still providing spectacular mountain views.