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Key facts
- Duration
- 8 days from Pokhara and back
- Highest point
- 4,660 m (15,289 ft) at Khayer Lake
- Total distance
- 78 km
- Difficulty
- Moderate, 2 of 5
- Best months
- March to May and October to December
- Months to avoid
- June to August
- Starts and ends
- Nayapul or Ghandruk, near Pokhara to Tatopani or Nayapul
- Accommodation
- Teahouse lodges
- Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)
- Typical cost
- $680 to $1,150 per person, guided
- Experience needed
- No previous technical mountaineering experience required. Ideal for hillwalkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path alternative to Ghorepani.
How does Khopra Danda compare to Poon Hill?
Khopra Danda rises 450 m higher than Poon Hill and receives only a fraction of the visitor foot traffic. While Poon Hill hosts hundreds of sunrise tourists daily, Khopra Ridge offers peaceful solitude directly facing the towering massif of Dhaulagiri.
Poon Hill at 3,210 m is an accessible three to four day walk with large multi-story commercial lodges.
Khopra Danda at 3,660 m sits on a razor ridge where community-run lodges channel revenue into local schools.
The excursion to Khayer Lake at 4,660 m turns Khopra into a true high-altitude alpine experience.
What is the day hike to Khayer Lake like?
The round trip from Khopra Ridge to Khayer Lake is a strenuous 8 to 9 hour alpine trek climbing 1,000 vertical meters. Hikers depart before dawn to reach the sacred lake before afternoon clouds roll over the ridge.
The route follows an exposed narrow crest with drop-offs into deep gorges on both sides.
Hikers must carry adequate drinking water, energy snacks, and warm clothing as there are no teahouses on the trail.
During spring and early autumn, snow and ice patches can linger near the 4,660 m lake basin.
Khopra Danda Trek itinerary, day by day
The full 8 day schedule, with sleeping altitude, walking hours and overnight stop for every day. The acclimatisation days are the ones that decide whether people finish.
Day 1
Pokhara to Ghandruk
- 1,940 m
- Up 1,120 m
- 9 km
- 3 to 4 h
- Sleep: Ghandruk
Drive to Kimche and ascend paved stone staircases through terraced fields to the heritage Gurung village of Ghandruk.
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The scenic drive traces the Modi Khola river valley before ascending along hillside dirt roads.
Ghandruk features traditional slate-roofed houses, local cultural museums, and views of Annapurna South.
Transport: 2 hour private jeep drive from Pokhara to Kimche
Highlight: Gurung heritage and Annapurna South face
Day 2
Ghandruk to Tadapani
- 2,630 m
- Up 690 m
- 8.5 km
- 4 to 5 h
- Sleep: Tadapani
Climb through dense moss-covered oak and rhododendron forests along cascading mountain streams.
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The trail enters tranquil forest corridors with vibrant spring rhododendron blooms and birdlife.
Tadapani sits on a forest knoll offering sharp sunset silhouettes of Machhapuchhre.
Highlight: Deep mossy rhododendron forests
Day 3
Tadapani to Dobato
- 3,420 m
- Up 790 m
- 7.5 km
- 4 to 5 h
- Sleep: Dobato
Leave the commercial Annapurna circuit route behind onto quiet alpine pastures and rustic forest trails.
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The trail climbs past Isharu through stunted alpine birch and dwarf rhododendron scrub.
Dobato provides panoramic morning viewpoints toward Muldai Peak with sweeping Himalayan vistas.
Highlight: Muldai Peak sunset viewpoint
Day 4
Dobato to Khopra Danda
- 3,660 m
- Up 240 m
- 10 km
- 5 to 6 h
- Sleep: Khopra Danda
Traverse high alpine ridgelines with dramatic drops toward the Kali Gandaki valley and Mount Dhaulagiri.
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Walk past open grazing meadows with unobstructed vistas of the massive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The community teahouse on Khopra Ridge sits directly opposite the snow walls of Dhaulagiri.
Highlight: Direct views of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m)
Day 5
Excursion to Sacred Khayer Lake
- 4,660 m
- Up 1,000 m
- 15 km
- 7 to 9 h
- Sleep: Khopra Danda
Early morning alpine ascent along the high ridge to sacred glacial Khayer Lake at the foot of Annapurna South.
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Depart before dawn with packed lunch and headlamps over rocky moraine paths and loose alpine scree.
Khayer Lake is a holy Hindu pilgrimage shrine set beneath towering vertical mountain cliffs.
Highlight: Sacred turquoise waters of Khayer Lake (4,660 m)
Day 6
Khopra Danda to Swanta Village
- 2,210 m
- Down 1,450 m
- 9.5 km
- 4 to 5 h
- Sleep: Swanta
Descend steeply down into forested ravines and cross mountain streams to reach welcoming Swanta village.
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The steep descent drops through terraced farms, bamboo groves, and peaceful Magar settlements.
Swanta features local homestays, fresh community cheese production, and friendly rural atmosphere.
Highlight: Organic community farming in Swanta
Day 7
Swanta to Ghorepani
- 2,860 m
- Up 650 m
- 8 km
- 4 h
- Sleep: Ghorepani
Cross the suspension bridge over Swanta Khola and ascend through forest trails to rejoin the classic Ghorepani route.
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Connect with the popular ridge trail where teahouses provide heated dining halls and bakeries.
Optional afternoon climb to nearby Poon Hill for golden hour mountain photography.
Highlight: Panoramic skyline from Ghorepani ridge
Day 8
Ghorepani to Hile and return to Pokhara
- 820 m
- Down 2,040 m
- 11 km
- 4 to 5 h
- Sleep: Pokhara (Hotel)
Descend stone steps through Ulleri and Tikhedhunga to Nayapul before driving back to lakeside Pokhara.
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Step down the famous stone staircases of Ulleri alongside refreshing waterfalls and terraced valleys.
Transfer to Pokhara for a hot shower, celebratory lakefront dinner, and relaxing recovery.
Transport: 2 hour private drive from Nayapul to Pokhara
Highlight: Return to Pokhara lakeside
What is included and what is not
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.
Included in a guided price
ACAP and TIMS permits
All conservation area entry fees and official guide documentation.
Licensed mountain guide
Government-certified trekking guide with first aid knowledge.
Lodge accommodations
Seven nights in community teahouses and lodges along the route.
Ground transfers
Private jeep transport between Pokhara and the trailheads.
Not included, budget for it
International flights
Airfare to Kathmandu and domestic transfers to Pokhara.
Travel insurance
Emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue and medical cover.
Hot showers and charging
Nominal fees paid directly to rural community lodges.
Permits for the Khopra Danda Trek
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Issued by National Trust for Nature Conservation
- Foreign
- NPR 3,000
- SAARC
- NPR 1,000
Obtain in Kathmandu or Pokhara prior to departure. Purchase at checkposts incurs a 100 percent surcharge.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)
Issued by Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal
- Foreign
- NPR 2,000
- SAARC
- NPR 1,000
Mandatory registered guide card processed via authorized trekking agencies in Nepal.
What to pack
Moderate cardiovascular stamina and steady leg strength for 5 to 7 hours of daily ascents along steep stone steps and mountain ridgelines.
Footwear
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
- Wool trekking socks
- Camp sandals or slippers
Clothing layers
- Down jacket rated to -10C
- Hard-shell windproof jacket
- Thermal base layers
- Quick-dry hiking trousers
Gear and safety
- 30 to 40 liter daypack
- Trekking poles with rubber tips
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water purification tablets
Frequently asked questions
Sources checked
- Annapurna Conservation Area ProjectNational Trust for Nature Conservation, checked 10 October 2026
Fees and regulations in Nepal change. This page was last verified on 10 October 2026.
