Khopra Dada trek is one of the latest trekking trails open for tourism in Nepal and is considered an unexplored destination. The main highlight of this trek is the view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Tukuche, and Bahra Sikhar. The clear close-up view of these sets of the snow-capped peak is very rare as Poonhill trek is only another viewpoint that can portray the beauty of Dhaulagiri peak but from Khopra Danda the view of Dhaulagiri is as close as it can get as from any other viewpoint. Except for the glorious mountain range, the pristine holy Khayer Lake is another must-visit location included in this itinerary. The holy Lake has huge religious significance in the Hindu and Buddhist culture and this part of the Annapurna region is untouched.
Overview
<p><b>Starting Trek point: Ulleri</b></p>
<p><b>Ending Trek point: Tatopani</b></p>
<p><b>Highest altitude to gain: Khayer Lake (4,660 m)</b></p>
<p><b>Difficulty: 3.5 out of 5</b></p>
<p><b>Seasons to avoid trekking here: Mid-June to August (Monsoon season) </b></p>
Itinerary
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1400m)
Your arrival will be awaited by our representatives at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA). You will be transferred to the hotel rooms in the city along with your luggage. There is no specific activity designated for this day. You will meet the rest of the trekking team and representatives and you will have all the freedom to prepare yourself for the next day.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1,400m), Pokhara (822 m), Ulleri (1,500 m)
We leave the bustling city of Kathmandu and fly to Pokhara. The flight experience guarantees unforgettable panoramic mountain scenery and an aerial view of Pokhara also popularly known as “The city of lakes”. From Kathmandu to Pokhara it is a half an hour flight and from Pokhara, we drive to Ulleri which takes about 3 hours. We stay overnight in Ulleri and prepare ourselves for the big climb tomorrow.
Overnight in Ulleri
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Today will be a tough day, as we climb 1,375 meters of altitude in a single day and the walk is completely uphill. Since we will still be spending our night at an altitude below 3,500 meters, gaining this altitude will not cause any breathing distress as long as the walking pace is maintained and hydrated throughout the climb.
The stone-paved stairs leading to the settlement of Ghorepani might seem hectic but compared to what this small Himalayan village has to offer in terms of hospitality and the scenic mountain view it is worth it.
Overnight in Ghorepani
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Ghorepani (2875 m), Swanta (2,430 m) Upper Chistibung (3,000 m)
From Ghorepani, the Poonhill viewpoint is only an hour away. So if you have the energy we highly suggest you experience the sunrise from Poonhill.
After breakfast, we will walk towards Chistibung. The beautiful ridge of Khopra can be easily seen from Ghorepani. Unlike other trails in the Annapurna region, this trail gives you a stunning view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Tukuche throughout the acclimation.
We keep on descending until we reach the village of Swanta which takes about 4 hours and start ascending again till we reach Chistibung.
Overnight in Upper Chistibung
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Upper Chistibung (3,000 m), Khopra Danda (3,660 m)
The gradual climb to Khopra Danda from Chistibung slowly reveals the barren land as we pass through the tree line. The Khopra region is still not very popular among tourists and travelers which makes this path comparatively an off-beat path meaning very less crowd and more of nature for you to enjoy. The higher you climb the Dhaulagiri range starts getting wider and clearer.
As we arrive at the Khopra Danda the mesmerizing view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Tukuche and Bahra Sikhar will be there for us all to see and admire. We take a break and wait for the sunset.
Overnight in Khopra Danda
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Khopra Danda (3,660 m), Khayer Lake (4,660 m)
We start our morning with a sunrise over the snowcapped mountains as seen from the Khopra Danda. The dawn and the golden peaks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as we will be watching the first ray of sun hitting the 8,000-meter peaks right in front of our eyes.
The adventure does not stop here. After watching the sunrise and breakfast we head towards the holy lake of Khayer. What makes this part of the trek more exciting is there are no teahouses after this point of the trail leading to Khayer Lake. It is a walk like no other. This is one of the untraveled pathways of the Annapurna region which makes it all the more special. After spending some time in Khayer Lake we returned to Khopra Danda.
Overnight in Khopra Danda
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Khopra Danda (3,660 m), Tatopani (1,250 m)
After capturing the sunrise and having our breakfast we will descend to Tatopani. The difficult part of the trek is over.
Overnight in Tatopani
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Tatopani (1,250 m), Pokhara (822 m)
From this day there will be no more walking as we take a ride from Tatopani to Pokhara. in about 4 hoursdrive in a jeep.
Overnight in Pokhara
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1,400m), Pokhara (822m)
We can return to Kathmandu by bus, minivan, or airplane. The return to the capital denotes an end to our memorable journey.
FAQs
Some days of this trek are challenging as you might have to gain about 1,400 meters of altitude in a single day but if you split those long days into two the trek will be easy. The trail from Khopra Danda to Khayer Lake is a very off-beat trail as there are no lodges or tea houses in between. With an experienced guide, the right gears, permits, and will to travel this trek can easily be completed. Minor fatigue and body aches can be the result of some off-road travel but it can be shaken off with a rest day.
There is only one lodge at the top of Khopra Danda and no settlement at all near Khayer Lake except that there are plenty of lodging options throughout the trail. Wi-Fi, hot shower, internet coverage are available in the tea houses but you might have to use shared bathrooms in some checkpoints.
The final altitude at which we will be spending our night on this trek is about 4,660 meters. If you are one of those travelers who has never attained such height you will have to be physically and mentally prepared for this trek. Preparing physically through cardio workouts, lower body workouts, and core strengthening exercises are highly recommended. No special training or physical fitness is required but if you can maintain a certain level of fitness before starting this trek it will be a bonus point.
Yes! When you gain altitude oxygen level in the atmosphere decreases but with a healthy diet, hydration, and slow-maintained walking pace it will not be a problem. If you see any signs of altitude sickness our guides and porter will guide you to a lower altitude for recovery. This trek can be completed in about 6 to 7 days by a physically fit person, so if you aren’t confident about acclimating every other day, extend your trekking days to 10 or 12 days, making your body familiar with the altitude.
