- Details
Itinerary
Itinerary- Useful Info
- FAQ
Trip overview
The Khopra Danda Trek is one of the Annapurna region’s newest trekking routes. This trek is also known as the Khopra Danda Khayer Lake trek because it includes a visit to the sacred Khayer Lake. This hike is one of Nepal’s most beautiful yet least traveled or unexplored trekking treks.
The Khopra Danda Khayer Lake Trek is located north-east of Pokhara, bordering the districts of Myagdi and Kaski. The Khopra Ridge is located near the Dhaulagiri town of Ghorepani.
Khopra Danda Trekking is distinct from other renowned Annapurna region hikes. It brings you to hidden locations off the beaten path, past villages and human settlements, deep amid the wilderness of mountains and dense woodland.
Khopra Danda Trekking is a fantastic tour through high hills in the shadow of the gigantic Annapurna range, where the trek leads you around gorgeous ridges in between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya, facing an incredible vista of peaks.
The Khopra Danda trek offers views of Dhaulagiri 8167 m, Annapurna I 8091 m, Annapurna South 7219 m, Machhapuchhre 6993 m, Annapurna II 7937 m, Annapurna III 7555 m, Gangapurna 7455 m, Tukuche peak 6920 m, Dhampus peak 6012 m, and Hiunchuli 6441 m
The best views, though, are of Annapurna South.
You continue your trek after relaxing in the serene surroundings to Khopra Ridge, a picturesque site with a stunning Himalayan vista.
After arriving at Khopra Ridge, make a stop at Khayel Lake, a holy body of water where a festival is conducted once a year and pilgrims come to bathe in this sacred lake.
After exploring the distant and hidden sections of Annapurna, you will be guided to the main Annapurna paths to reach Ghorepani. Sunrise from Poon Hill provides another beautiful panoramic view. Then you return to Pokhara by retracing your steps to Nayapul.
The journey is often referred to as a “community lodge-based trip.” During the trek, you will stay at the community lodge while deviating from the main Annapurna track. Unlike commercially run lodges, community lodges are run by local communities. In 2014, a local woman on the Khopra Trek constructed a community lodge.
The Khopra Danda Trek’s highest point is 3640 meters (11942 feet). If you do the side hike to Lake Khayar, you will reach 4,600 meters (15091 feet). Similarly, at 3640 meters, the highest sleeping location is at the community lodge on Khopra Ridge Phedi (11942 feet).
Itinerary
Useful Info
Khopra Danda Trek is a lesser-known trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is a relatively new trekking route that offers beautiful mountain views, unique cultural experiences, and a chance to trek off the beaten path. Here are some useful pieces of information for those interested in the Khopra Dada Trek:
- Trekking Route: The Khopra Dada Trek starts from Nayapul and goes through Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, and finally reaches Khopra Dada. The route is a combination of different terrain, including forests, valleys, and high-altitude meadows.
- Altitude: The highest point on the Khopra Dada Trek is Khopra Ridge, which stands at an altitude of 3,640 meters. Therefore, trekkers need to acclimatize properly and take necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
- Best Time to Trek: The best time to trek in the Khopra Dada region is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is clear and dry, and the views of the mountains are excellent.
- Difficulty Level: The Khopra Dada Trek is considered a moderate-level trek, and it requires a good level of physical fitness. Trekkers should be prepared to walk for 5-7 hours a day on average and carry a backpack weighing around 10-12 kg.
- Accommodation and Food: Trekkers can find basic tea houses and lodges along the trekking route. The tea houses offer simple accommodation and meals like dal bhat, noodle soup, and momos. Trekkers should carry their water bottles and fill them up in the tea houses.
- Permits and Fees: Trekkers need to obtain two permits for the Khopra Dada Trek: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card. The cost of the permits is around USD 40 per person.
- Things to Carry: Trekkers should carry warm clothing, a down jacket, a sleeping bag, good trekking shoes, a first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.
- Safety Tips: Trekkers should follow the trail, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and smoking. It is also advisable to trek with a guide or a porter, especially if it's your first time in the region.
Overall, the Khopra Dada Trek is a fantastic off-the-beaten-path trek that offers stunning views of the Annapurna region. With proper planning and preparation, trekkers can have a safe and memorable trekking experience.
FAQs
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How long does the Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek take to complete?
The Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek usually takes around 10-14 days, depending on your pace and itinerary. Some trekkers may choose to extend or shorten the trek, depending on their preferences.
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What is the starting point of the Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek?
The Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek typically begins from Nayapul, which is a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara. From Nayapul, you will trek through several villages and trails until you reach Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake.
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What is the highest altitude on the Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek?
The highest point on the Khopra Dada trek is the Khopra Ridge viewpoint, which is at an altitude of 3,640 meters (11,942 feet). The highest point on the Khayer Lake trek is the Khayer Lake itself, which is at an altitude of 4,660 meters (15,288 feet).
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What is the best time to trek the Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek?
The best time to trek the Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek is from September to November and from March to May. During these months, the weather is usually dry and clear, and the views are spectacular. However, the trail can be crowded during peak season. The winter months (December to February) are also possible, but the trail can be snowy and slippery. The monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended, as the trail can be muddy and slippery.
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Is it necessary to hire a guide or porter for the Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek?
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide or porter for the Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek, it is highly recommended. The trail can be challenging and remote, and a guide can provide valuable insight into the local culture and help with navigation, while a porter can carry your heavy backpack, making the trek more comfortable.
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What is the accommodation like on the Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek?
Along the Khopra Dada and Khayer Lake trek, there are tea houses and lodges that provide basic accommodation and meals. The lodges are run by the local communities, and they offer a warm and hospitable atmosphere. The quality of accommodation varies from basic to comfortable, depending on the location.
