Side by side
| Khopra Danda Trek | Annapurna Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 8 | 10 |
| Highest point | 4,660 m | 4,130 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Total distance | 78 km | 110 km |
| Best months | March to May and October to December | March to April and October to December |
| Typical cost | $680 to $1,150 | $650 to $1,200 |
| Starts from | Nayapul or Ghandruk, near Pokhara | Nayapul or Jhinu Danda, near Pokhara |
| Permits | 2 | 1 |
Choose the Khopra Danda Trek if
The Khopra Danda trek is an 8 day ridge trail in Nepal's Annapurna region reaching 3,660 m at the lodge and 4,660 m at holy Khayer Lake. It offers close panoramic views of Mount Dhaulagiri across the Kali Gandaki gorge without the heavy foot traffic of Poon Hill.
Steep forest trails and an exposed ridgeline. The excursion up to Khayer Lake at 4,660 m requires good fitness, early morning departures and steady footing over loose stone paths.
Choose the Annapurna Base Camp Trek if
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a 10 day route in central Nepal that climbs through terraced villages and bamboo forest into the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m. It starts near Pokhara, needs no flight, and is the best first Himalayan trek for most people.
Long staircase days rather than thin air. The altitude stays low enough that acclimatisation is rarely the limiting factor, but the stone steps above Chhomrong punish unprepared knees.
