Starting Point: Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport - KTM)

Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital city. Please ensure you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) by 4:00 PM (16:00) on Day 1. This allows you enough time to check into your hotel and attend our group briefing and welcome dinner, where you’ll meet your guide, fellow trekkers, and get introduced to the trek plan and local culture.

We provide complimentary airport pick-up, so just share your flight details with us in advance and our team will be there to greet you upon arrival.

Overland Transportation Plan

We’ve arranged all ground transportation needed throughout your journey. Here’s a breakdown:

Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara via a comfortable local tourist bus. Enjoy scenic views of rivers, terraced fields, and rolling hills along the way.

Day 3: Pokhara to Ulleri (Trek Start Point)

In the morning, you’ll take a private jeep from Pokhara to Ulleri, a charming Gurung village perched on the hillside. This is where your trek officially begins.

Day 9: Ghandruk to Pokhara

After completing the trek, take a shared jeep from the picturesque village of Ghandruk back to Pokhara. You'll return to the lakeside city for a relaxing evening and celebration of your trek.

Day 10: Pokhara to Kathmandu

On the final travel day, you'll board a local bus back to Kathmandu, retracing your scenic route with new memories and mountain experiences.

Departure: Kathmandu (KTM)

The trip concludes back in Kathmandu on Day 11. You can schedule your flight at any time, as we offer complimentary airport drop-off for all departures, regardless of your time or airline.

Optional Private Transportation Upgrade

Please check the Optional Add-ons section or contact us to customize your travel preferences.

Food on the Khopra Danda Trek

Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara

In the cities, you’ll find an extensive selection of dining options—from traditional Nepali eateries to global cuisine restaurants. Your package includes:

• Welcome dinner on Day 1 in a traditional Nepali restaurant
• Farewell dinner on Day 10 to celebrate your trek

Apart from these, you are free to explore and choose your own meals. Popular local dishes include:

• Dal Bhat (lentils, rice, vegetables)
• Momos (Nepali dumplings)
• Thukpa (noodle soup)
• Sel Roti (sweet rice bread)
• And many international options such as Italian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine

You’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy both cultural and culinary diversity during your free time in the cities.

Meals on the Trek

While trekking, all breakfasts are included in your package. These are served at the tea houses where you stay and typically include:

• Tibetan bread or chapati
• Eggs (omelet, boiled, or scrambled)
• Toast with jam or honey
• Porridge or muesli
• Hot drinks like tea or coffee

Lunches and dinners are not included on the trek, giving you the freedom to choose from each tea house’s menu based on your appetite. Most offer a limited but hearty selection such as:

• Dal Bhat (unlimited refills in most places)
• Fried rice, noodles, or pasta
• Boiled or fried potatoes
• Soup and seasonal vegetables
• Snacks like biscuits, chocolate, or energy bars

These meals are designed to keep you energized and satisfied for the high-altitude hiking days ahead.

Accommodation on the Khopra Danda Trek 

Accommodation in Kathmandu

At the beginning and end of your trek, you’ll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital city. These hotels are located in the heart of Thamel, a lively tourist district filled with culture, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy:

• Well-furnished twin or double rooms
• Private bathrooms with hot showers
• Free Wi-Fi and modern amenities
• Easy access to cultural landmarks and attractions

After a long flight or an adventurous trek, your hotel in Kathmandu offers the perfect place to relax and reflect.

Accommodation in Pokhara

Your time in Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside city, includes a stay in a carefully selected 3-star hotel near Phewa Lake. The peaceful ambiance, mountain views, and lakeside walks make it an ideal spot to unwind before or after your trek. These hotels feature:

• Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms
• Convenient access to lakeside cafes, shops, and walking trails
• Scenic views of the Annapurna range

Whether preparing for your journey or celebrating your return, Pokhara offers the ideal balance of relaxation and charm.

Accommodation on the Trek

During the Khopra Danda Trek, your nights will be spent in local trekking lodges, commonly known as tea houses. These are traditional mountain guesthouses run by local families. Although basic, they are welcoming, clean, and perfectly suited for trekkers. Here’s what they typically include:

• Twin-bedded rooms with warm blankets (bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth)
• Shared bathrooms (some with cold or solar-heated showers)
• Cozy dining halls with wood stoves for warmth
• Opportunities to interact with local hosts and fellow trekkers

These tea houses offer a genuine Himalayan experience, letting you enjoy the simplicity and serenity of mountain life.

The Khopra Danda Trek is considered a moderate trek, making it an excellent choice for both beginners with good fitness levels and experienced trekkers looking for a peaceful off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Trekking Grade: Moderate

This trek does not require technical climbing skills or prior high-altitude trekking experience. However, the route involves steady uphill and downhill walks, often on stone steps and rugged mountain trails. Here are key factors to consider:

• Maximum Altitude: 4,660 meters / 15,288 feet (at Khayer Lake)
• Average Daily Walking Time: 5 to 7 hours
• Trail Conditions: Well-established but includes rocky paths, forest trails, and some steep ascents and descents
• Acclimatization: The itinerary is designed with gradual elevation gain to minimize the risk of altitude sickness
• Physical Requirements: Good cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and the ability to walk several hours with a daypack

Most Challenging Day

• The trek to Khayer Lake (Day 6) is the most physically demanding, with a steep ascent to over 4,600 meters. This is a long and strenuous day, but entirely optional—those who prefer a lighter day can choose to explore around Khopra Danda instead.

Who Can Do This Trek?

• Fit beginners who exercise regularly (e.g., hiking, jogging, cycling)
• Trekkers looking to escape the crowds of Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill
• Nature and culture lovers who enjoy both scenic beauty and authentic village experiences

Tips for Success

• Engage in regular cardio exercises (hiking, walking, swimming) for at least a month before your trip
• Use trekking poles to ease pressure on knees during descents
• Stay hydrated and take it slow to acclimatize properly
• Follow your guide's instructions and listen to your body

With a well-paced itinerary, comfortable tea house accommodations, and breathtaking views, the Khopra Danda Trek offers a rewarding adventure for trekkers of moderate fitness. It’s perfect for those seeking a less crowded alternative to the more commercial trekking routes in the Annapurna region.

Weather on the Khopra Danda Trek

The weather on the Khopra Danda Trek varies significantly with altitude and season, ranging from warm, humid conditions in Pokhara (822m / 2,696 ft) to chilly alpine air at Khayer Lake (4,660m / 15,288 ft). The best times to trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer clear skies, stable weather, blooming rhododendrons in spring, and stunning mountain visibility in autumn. Daytime temperatures are mild to warm at lower elevations but can drop below freezing above 3,500m, especially at night.

Trekking in winter (December to February) is possible but colder, with snow on higher trails like Khopra Ridge. Monsoon season (June to August) is not ideal due to heavy rain, slippery trails, and leeches. Regardless of the season, weather in the Himalayas can change quickly, so it's important to pack layered clothing and rain gear. Choosing the right season ensures better views, safer conditions, and a more enjoyable experience in the remote beauty of Khopra Danda.

How to Get Fit for the Khopra Danda Trek

Although the Khopra Danda Trek is considered moderately challenging, it still demands good physical fitness and stamina due to the daily hiking hours, steep ascents, and high-altitude terrain. To prepare, begin training at least 6–8 weeks in advance. Focus on cardiovascular exercises like hiking, jogging, cycling, or stair climbing to build endurance. Aim for 4–5 sessions per week, gradually increasing duration and intensity to simulate trekking conditions. Incorporating hikes with a loaded backpack will help your body adjust to carrying weight over uneven terrain.

Strength training is equally important. Strengthen your legs, core, and back through exercises like squats, lunges, planks, and step-ups. Balance and flexibility routines such as yoga or stretching will also improve stability and reduce the risk of injury. Most importantly, practice walking for long hours on varied terrain, ideally including both uphill and downhill trails. While no extreme training is required, being consistently active, healthy, and prepared will ensure a more enjoyable and successful Khopra Danda adventure.

Equipment List for Khopra Danda Trek

Packing the right gear is essential for your safety, comfort, and enjoyment on the Khopra Danda Trek. Below is a recommended list of clothing, equipment, and personal items you should bring. Please note that Places Nepal provides rental gear, including a sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffle bag.

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layers (2-3 sets)
• Warm fleece or insulated jacket
• Waterproof and windproof shell jacket
• Lightweight down or insulated jacket
• Trekking pants (2-3 pairs)
• Waterproof trekking pants (1 pair)
• Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
• T-shirts or trekking shirts (quick-dry)
• Warm hat and sun hat
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Gloves (1 lightweight pair + 1 warm pair)
• Underwear and sports bras
• Warm socks (4-5 pairs) and liner socks

Footwear

• Well-broken-in hiking boots (waterproof)
• Camp shoes/sandals (for evenings)
• Trekking gaiters (optional but useful in snow or mud)

Trekking Gear

• Backpack (30–40L) with rain cover
• Duffle bag (provided by Places Nepal)
• Sleeping bag (provided; rated for -10°C or below)
• Trekking poles (recommended)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
• Water purification tablets or filter

Personal Items

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sunglasses (UV-protection)
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, quick-dry towel)
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• Small quick-dry towel
• Personal first-aid kit and any personal medications
• Quick snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
• Power bank and charging cables
• Travel documents and insurance

Optional Extras

• Lightweight book or journal
• Lightweight sleeping bag liner
• Earplugs (for noisy teahouses)
• Camera or smartphone with extra storage

Tip: Pack light but wisely. Keep your backpack under 10 kg—your porter will carry up to 12 kg of your main bag, but you’ll carry your essentials during the trek.

The Khopra Danda Trek is a captivating journey through the less-traveled trails of the Annapurna region, ideal for trekkers seeking both serenity and spectacular scenery. This 11-day adventure begins in Kathmandu, where you'll receive a warm welcome, a detailed trek briefing, and enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner.

After a scenic drive to Pokhara, the real trek starts with a drive to Ulleri, followed by daily hikes through Ghorepani, Swanta, and up to the stunning Khopra Ridge (3,660m / 12,008 ft). A highlight of the trek is the day hike to Khayer Lake (4,660m / 15,288 ft), a sacred and secluded alpine lake surrounded by dramatic Himalayan peaks.

The return route passes through Bayeli, Tadapani, and the culturally rich Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940m / 6,364 ft) before concluding in Pokhara and then Kathmandu.

What makes this trek truly special are its diverse attractions and quiet charm. Unlike the more crowded Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill trails, Khopra Danda offers uninterrupted panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

You'll walk through ancient rhododendron forests, quaint villages, and wide alpine meadows, often accompanied by Himalayan wildlife and birdsong. Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,531 ft) is a moment to treasure, while staying in local community lodges along the trail helps support sustainable tourism and village development.

The route is moderately challenging, with daily hikes ranging from 5 to 7 hours. It begins from Ulleri (1,960m / 6,430 ft) and steadily ascends through Swanta (2,214m / 7,263 ft) to Khopra Danda. The highest point, Khayer Lake, involves a tough but rewarding day hike.

The trail then descends via Bayeli (3,432m / 11,260 ft) and Tadapani (2,630m / 8,629 ft) before reaching Ghandruk. The gradual gain in altitude allows for safe acclimatization, and Places Nepal provides experienced guides, porters, and first-aid support, including a pulse oximeter for monitoring your health throughout the journey.

Before embarking, trekkers must obtain two essential permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card, both of which are arranged by Places Nepal as part of your package. While no technical climbing skills are required, a moderate level of fitness and prior hiking experience are helpful.

The best seasons for this trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), offering clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and vibrant landscapes.

You'll stay in well-equipped 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and sleep in cozy mountain lodges during the trek. Breakfast is included daily, while lunches and dinners are at your own expense, giving you the freedom to explore local flavors. Gear such as a down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffle bag is provided on a rental basis, so you can trek comfortably and light.