Side by side
| Khopra Danda Trek | Makalu Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 8 | 18 |
| Highest point | 4,660 m | 4,870 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Strenuous |
| Total distance | 78 km | 145 km |
| Best months | March to May and October to December | March to May and October to November |
| Typical cost | $680 to $1,150 | $1,450 to $2,200 |
| Starts from | Nayapul or Ghandruk, near Pokhara | Num (via Tumlingtar flight and jeep) |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
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 Makalu Base Camp Trek if
The Makalu Base Camp trek is an 18 day wilderness route in eastern Nepal leading into Makalu Barun National Park to the base of Mount Makalu at 4,870 m. Trekkers journey from subtropical cloud forests over rugged Shipton La pass into the dramatic sheer granite amphitheatre of Barun Valley.
Demanding high-altitude crossing of Shipton La at 4,210 m with steep climbs and descents. The upper Barun valley is remote with simple teahouses and unpredictable mountain weather.
