About the trek
Khopra danda trek is one of the emerging trekking destinations in Annapurna Region. Located in Annapurna conservation area of Kaski District of Western Nepal. It is less crowded, less explored and one of the off the beaten trekking routes. This trek offers a stunning view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range. Khopra danda also popularly known as Khopra ridge is at an elevation of 3640M. Along with the scenic Mountain View, The main attraction of the trek is Khayer Lake.
Khayer Lake is 8kms away and a day hike from the Khopra ridge. The lake is situated on the lap of Annapurna South (7219m) at an elevation of 4650m. The temple of Khayer Bharani stands right near the lake. Khayer Lake is also one of the sacred lakes in Annapurna region and during the Janai purnima festival in the month of August, hundreds and thousands of hindu pilgrims visit this lake. The locals have a religious belief and it is said whoever visits and takes a bath on this holy lake on the festival of Janai purnima their sins will be forgiven and their wishes will come true. The Khopra trek is normally a 10 days trip from Kathmandu inclusive of 6 days of trekking. The trek starts from Ulleri after a 4 hrs drive from pokhara. The route follows the Ghorepani- Poonhill trekking route and afterwards directs towards Chitre, Swanta and Chisti bang and reaches the Khopra ridge.
Trek Info:
Region: Annapurna
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Elevation: 4650M- Khayer Lake
Trip Duration: 6 to 8 days
Trip starting point: Kathmandu/ Pokhara
Trek starting point: Ulleri
Trek ending point: Tatopani
Trek type: Tea- House
How to get to Khopra ridge and Khayer Lake:
Khopra ridge can be reached either via trekking or Heli flights. It will be a one day trip via Heli flights whereas it will be a 8 days trip whereas it will take 5 to 6 days from kathmandu whereas 4 to 5 days from pokhara to Khopra ridge and khayer lake. There are approx. three trekking routes and the trek can be started from Nayapul (via ghandruk or Ghorepani) or from Beni.
On the first day, it usually takes 7 to 8 hrs drive or 30 minutes flight to reach pokhara. On the second day, it will be a 4 hrs drive to reach Ulleri from Pokhara and a 5 hrs trek to reach Ghandruk. On the third day, the trekkers can visit one of the famous Hill stations in Nepal: Poonhill. From Poonhill the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range can be observed and the treks towards the small village of Chisti bang via Chitre, and Swanta village. On the fourth day, from Chisti bang it will be 4 to 5 hrs of trek up to Khopra ridge. On the fifth day, Khayer Lake can be visited from Khopra danda.
After visiting Khayer Lake, There are multiple routes to return back. The quickest route is via Tatopani. On, 6ht day It will be a 6 to 7hrs trek to Tatopani of Myagdi district. On 7th day a 4 hrs. drive to Pokhara. And on 8th day, either 7 or 8hrs drive to Kathmandu or 30 minutes flight.
The overall minimum elevation during the trek in Pokhara is 800m and the highest elevation 4650m at Khayer lake.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (7/ 8 hrs.)
Day 2: Drive to Ulleri (4hrs), Trek to Ghorepani (2874m, 5hrs)
Day 3: Morning hike to Poonhill (3210m), Trek to Upper Chisti bang (3026m, 6hrs)
Day 4: Trek to Khopra danda (3640m, 6hrs)
Day 5: Visti Khayer lake (4650m, 7 hrs)
Day 6: Trek to Tatopani (1250m, 6hrs)
Day 7: Drive to Pokhara (4hrs)
Day 8: Drive to Kathmandu
For Trekking package details, Please click the link
https://altitudetrails.com/itinerary/khopra-trek-2/
Best Season to Trek:
The best season to visit Khopra danda in Nepal is in the spring and autumn season.
Spring (March to May): Spring is considered as one of the best times for traveling and trekking in Nepal, including Khopra Danda/ridge. During spring, the weather is warm and pleasant. The rhododendron forests along the trail are in full bloom, creating a colourful picturesque atmosphere. The skies are clear with a breath-taking mountain view. This season is also the best time for bird watching as many migratory birds return to Nepal in the spring season.
Autumn (September to November): Likewise Spring, autumn is also considered the best time for traveling and trekking in Nepal. The weather is stable with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. By autumn, the monsoon rainfall has already ended and it has cleared the air, resulting in amazing panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range. The trekking trails are quite dry and well defined. During autumn, the landscape is beautiful and filled with lush vegetation and blooming wildflowers. Additionally autumn is also the festive season as Nepalese biggest festivals Dashain and Tihar are celebrated. The festivities and cultural experience can enhance travellers’ experience.
Both spring and autumn offer Beautiful scenery, Trekking conditions and a chance for travellers to experience local festivals and culture. However, it’s important to note that trekking in the Himalayas is always subject to weather variations and it is advised to check current forecast and trail condition before starting the trek.
Permits and Entry fees:
With recent Notice, Trekking guide via Trekking Company is compulsory required to Trek in Nepal. Permits are issued if it is applied through trekking company.
As Khopra danda is located inside Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Foreigners are required to get permit to trek here. ACAP and TIMS permit are required for the trek. The ACAP permit is issued by National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN). The permit costs are:
For SAARC countries
ACAP: 1000
TIMS: 400
For Other countries:
ACAP permit: NPR 3000
TIMS permit: NPR 2000
The permits are not required for Nepali Trekkers.