Khopra Danda Trek is a recently opened trekking trail in the Annapurna region. Also known as Khopra Ridge Trek and Khayer Lake Trek, Khopra Danda Trekking has become a great alternative to the famous Poon Hill Trek. This trek offers a perfect five days to week-long adventure in the lower part of the Himalayas. The Khopra Danda Trekking route goes through verdant forests and beautiful remote villages. It is an easy trek with a few kick-offs on the beaten paths, which makes the journey adventurous.
Khopra Danda Trek Nepal presents wonderful views of the Himalayan Mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Lamjung Himal (6,997 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), and numerous others. The trail ascends and descends through rhododendron forests and rice fields. Gradually, you will trek and reach the holy Khayer Lake located at 4,660 meters. Pilgrims from all over the place visit this lake during the Janai Purnima (Full moon of August) to pray and celebrate the festival.
The Khopra Danda Trek is doable for people of all ages. Without going on a long trek, you can witness gorgeous mountain sceneries and get to see the lifestyle of the locals. While spending nights in the villages, you will learn how simple life can be so satisfying. Moreover, Khopra Danda Trekking is also an ideal way to give back to the local community as this trekking trail was developed to uplift the local communities residing on the route. Not many trekkers know about this trek, therefore the trail is less-crowded and unspoiled.
From the top of Khopra Danda, you can see the stunning sunrise and surrounding views and the below valley view. We highly recommend this trek, especially to beginner trekkers. For more information regarding the Khopra Danda Trek package or Khopra Danda Trek cost, get in touch with us anytime.
Best time to do Khopra Danda Trekking
Although the Khopra Danda Trek is doable all year round, spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for the trek. These seasons encircle months from March to May and September to November. The temperature ranges from 22 °C to -5 °C in these two seasons. Trekking in spring means you will be walking along with the rhododendron-bloomed route.
The freshness and enchanted smell of several wildflowers enhance the journey. While trekking in autumn is magical and festive. The air has a crisp chill that rejuvenates your soul and allows you to slowly untangle your thoughts. The sky is clear, and the views are breathtaking. Likewise, the weather remains stable with a moderate climate.
Trekking in the monsoon is a not good idea. The weather is usually unstable, with unclear views and a muddy and slippery trail. Similarly, the chances of a landslide on the way also increase. While a winter trek is possible, however you have to carry heavy warm clothes as the region gets extremely cold and receives snowfall.
Meals in Kopra Ridge Trek
During the trek, you will get three meals a day- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All the meals are served as per the menu of the lodge. The menu is composed of Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and Continental dishes. You can expect toast, butter, jam, eggs, sausage, oatmeal, cornflakes, milk, coffee, pancake, tea, porridge, fruits, and juice for breakfast. Likewise, for lunch and dinner, there is rice; curries (veg/non-veg), Chapati, noodles, Thukpa, Momo, steak, porridge, sandwiches, pasta, mashed potatoes, pudding, and more are available.
Drinking water is available in all the lodges. All you have to do is carry a reusable water bottle and refill it every time it gets empty. You can also carry purification tablets to double purify the water. In cities, you can dine as per your wish. Cuisine from all over the world is available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Khopra Danda Trek Accommodation
During the Khopra Danda Trekking, you stay overnight in a community lodge. The lodges are simple and offer basic facilities. You can spend the night in single or shared rooms as per your desire. Small rooms with comfortable bedding and shared/private washrooms are available. The warmest place in the lodge is the dining cum common area, where you can spend time with fellow trekkers.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you stay overnight in a 3-star hotel or tourist standard hotel. As per your budget, you can go for a lavish stay or drop down to the hostel for a budget-friendly stay. All facilities are available in the hotels.
Can we do Khopra Danda Trek without a Guide?
Khopra Ridge Trek is a newly made trekking trail in the Himalayas. Not all trekking guides are well-known for this trail, and the same goes for travelers. Yes, you can do Khopra Ridge Trekking alone, but we do not recommend it. The trail from Tadapani to Khopra Danda is not well marked, and that can be confusing.
Moreover, it is a less crowded trail; therefore you might not see any people on the way to ask for help. Plus, hiring a guide will keep you safe and inform you more about the region, villages, and culture of the locals. We offer professional guides who have mapped the Khopra Danda Trek route before and have ample knowledge about the locals.
Khopra Danda Trek Difficulty
Kopra Ridge Trek Nepal is an easy trek with fair moderate sections that adds adventure to the journey. The most difficult part of the trek is ascending to the Khopra Dana. The route is steep and rugged. You have to trek for 5 to 6 hours daily. There are many ascents and descents along the route as well. The Khopra Danda Trek leads above 4,500 meters, which means you can get altitude sickness if your body does not acclimate properly on the way.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
Preventive Measure:
- Ascend at a slow pace with a constant increase in elevation
- Carry prescribed medicines
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol
- Descend to a lower altitude if you see any symptoms and rest until all the symptoms go away
Khopra Danda Trek Permit
Khopra Danda trekking route lies inside Annapurna Conservation Area. To go on Khayer Lake Trekking, you have to get Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers’ Information Management System Card (TIMS) card. You can get both of the permits from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or the Nepal Tourism Board at Damside, Pokhara.
- Cost of ACAP permit: NPR 3000 (equivalent to USD 30) per person
- Cost of a TIMS card: NPR 2000 (equivalent to USD 20) per person
