Khopra Danda
Annapurna, Western Nepal
Seven days on a quiet ridge above the Annapurnas, with Dhaulagiri close enough to feel. Community-run lodges, and a fraction of the traffic on the Poon Hill trail below.
- Duration
- 7days
- Max altitude
- 3,660m
- Difficulty
Moderate
- Best seasons
Spring — March to May
Autumn — September to December
From · 3–5 people
€500
Day by day
The route
Day 01
Pokhara → Ghandruk → Tadapani
A drive to the Gurung village of Ghandruk, then a steady climb through rhododendron and oak forest past waterfalls, with Machhapuchhre through the trees. The last stretch goes up moss-covered trail to Tadapani, a small ridge-top settlement with sunset over Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
- Altitude
- 2,630m
- On foot
- 4–5 hrs· 8 km
Drive, then a steady forest ascent
Day 02
Tadapani → Dobato
Off the main Ghorepani trail into quieter forest of rhododendron, magnolia and bamboo. A gradual but steady climb to Dobato. On a clear evening it is a few minutes further up to Muldai Viewpoint, for one of the best panoramas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges anywhere on this side.
- Altitude
- 3,420m
- On foot
- 5–6 hrs· 10 km
Gradual climb through quiet forest
Day 03
Dobato → Khopra Danda
Undulating trail through alpine meadow and yak pasture, then a final climb onto Khopra Ridge. Dhaulagiri at 8,167 m dominates the skyline as you gain height, and the ridge-top setting takes in Annapurna I, Nilgiri and the Kali Gandaki valley.
- Altitude
- 3,660m
- On foot
- 5–6 hrs· 9 km
Alpine meadow, with a final ridge climb
Day 04
Khopra Danda — Khayer Lake, or a rest day
A long hike to the sacred Khayer Lake at 4,600 m, through yak pasture and rough alpine ground to a turquoise lake under Annapurna South. Or a slow day on the ridge instead — the views from Khopra do not require going further.
- Altitude
- 3,660m
- On foot
- 6–8 hrs (optional)· 12 km
Optional long high-altitude day hike
Day 05
Khopra Danda → Swanta
A steep descent through grassy slopes and thick forest on a quiet trail to Swanta — terraced fields, Magar families, and a school supported by the community lodge programme.
- Altitude
- 2,270m
- On foot
- 5 hrs· 10 km
Steep forest descent
Day 06
Swanta → Ghorepani
A gradual climb through rhododendron forest to rejoin the classic trail at Ghorepani, a busy trekking hub of blue-roofed lodges. With energy left, Poon Hill at 3,210 m is worth it in the evening for sunset over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
- Altitude
- 2,860m
- On foot
- 3–4 hrs· 7 km
Gradual forest climb
Day 07
Ghorepani → Nayapul → Pokhara
Down through forest to Ulleri and the long stone staircase to Tikhedhunga, then a gentle riverside walk to Nayapul and a drive back to Pokhara — a hot shower and dinner by the lake.
- Altitude
- 1,070m
- On foot
- 5–6 hrs· 17 km
- Driving
- 1.5 hrs
Long descent, stone stairs, then a drive
Maptoolkit · © OpenStreetMap contributors
What’s included
Licensed female guide
Experienced and licensed, with all salary, meals and accommodation covered.
All meals on trek
Full board — breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus two servings of tea, coffee or another hot drink each day.
Accommodation
High-rated teahouse stays throughout the trek.
Transport
All transportation related to the trek.
Permits and taxes
All necessary government and local permits, paperwork and taxes.
Trekking essentials
Trekking poles, microspikes or crampons, and seasonal fruit on the trail.
What’s not included
Travel insurance
Strongly recommended for high-altitude treks, and required for helicopter evacuation cover.
Personal expenses
Wi-Fi, laundry, battery charging, bottled or hot water, hot showers.
Alcoholic and personal drinks
Tips for your guide
You can add
A porter
Hired from the region you are walking through, so the work and the money stay in the villages on your route — and you walk with a lighter pack and someone who knows the ground.
[PRICE TBC]
Permits
ACAP — arranged for you. Restricted areas require a licensed guide by law.
Safety
Our altitude protocol
Altitude is the thing most people worry about, so here is exactly what we do about it. This is our operating protocol, not medical advice.
A guide trained in mountain safety and first aid
Licensed, and trained specifically for the conditions on these routes.
Daily health monitoring
We record your SpO2 and heart rate each day with a pulse oximeter, alongside an AMS assessment, and keep it in a wellness log you can see.
A first aid kit on every trek
Essential emergency supplies, including altitude sickness medication.
Pre-trek safety briefing
Altitude awareness, pacing, weather and emergency procedures — before you start walking, not on the trail.
Emergency coordination
With local health posts, rescue services and helicopter evacuation. The evacuation itself is covered by your travel insurance.
Khopra Danda is a ridge on the far side of the Ghorepani trail, and it is one of the few places in the Annapurnas where you get Dhaulagiri head-on. The lodges along it are community-owned, which is unusual and is much of the reason to walk it.
Seven days, nothing technical, and a high point of 3,660 m on the ridge itself — with the option of a long day up to Khayer Lake at 4,600 m for anyone who wants it.
Questions
Before you go
What makes the Khopra Ridge trek special?
It is a hidden corner of the Annapurna region — less crowded than the classic trails, with views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Nilgiri that are every bit as good. From the ridge the mountains feel almost within arm's reach.
What is the highest point of the trek?
The optional day hike to Khayer Lake at 4,600 m. The sacred lake sits beneath Annapurna South, and locals believe bathing there brings blessings.
Why is it called a community trek?
Many of the lodges on this route are community-managed, so a stay supports local schools, health posts and environmental projects directly.
What wildlife might I see?
Himalayan tahr, pheasants and sometimes musk deer. The forests around Dobato and Swanta are especially good for birds.
What is unique about Khopra Ridge itself?
You stand on a ridge line with a 360-degree panorama from the Dhaulagiri range across to the Annapurnas. Sunrise and sunset here are among the best in Nepal, without the crowds at Poon Hill.
How does the trek support local communities?
Every night in a teahouse and every meal on the trail supports mountain livelihoods directly. 8Mountains also donates to and takes part in community plastic cleanups, and ACAP fees contribute to environmental protection and local development.
Not sure this is the right trek?
Book a free call with someone who has walked it. We will tell you honestly if another route suits you better — that happens often, and it is the whole point of talking first.