KHOPRA DANDA

Khopra Danda is a quiet ridge trek in the Annapurna region, offering expansive Himalayan views away from crowded trails.
Passing through forests, villages, and high alpine terrain, the journey is designed for steady pacing, solitude, and time to absorb the mountains.

9 days

Duration

13,500 ft

Max altitude

8

Max group size

Moderate

Difficulty

Notes from the trail

I’ve walked through the Annapurna region many times, across different seasons and routes. For years, I assumed Khopra was optional — a place visible from Muldai Top but not essential to reach. It took several returns to the region before I finally walked all the way to Khopra Danda.

The difference was immediate.

From this ridge, Annapurna South feels closer and more imposing, and the massif reveals itself gradually, peak by peak, in a way that is difficult to experience from elsewhere on the route. The perspective changes not just what you see, but how the landscape unfolds over the days.

What continues to stand out is how consistently rewarding the trail feels. Forests remain quiet, ridgelines open naturally, and views arrive early rather than being reserved for a single destination. Instead of moving deep within a valley, much of the journey takes place along the edges of the terrain, offering space, light, and continuity.

Hidden Lake, approached from Pode Kharkha, reinforces this character. It is understated and quiet, adding a sense of exploration without demanding an exhausting detour. Moments like these shape the rhythm of the trek more than any single viewpoint.

Khopra doesn’t attempt to impress quickly. But for those who value perspective, quieter trails, and a journey that feels cohesive from beginning to end, it becomes one of the most satisfying routes in the Annapurna region.

Itinerary

  • Altitude: 4,600 ft
    Distance: —
    Duration: —

    Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel in Thamel. The day is kept flexible for rest, gear checks, and a short briefing before the journey begins.

  • Altitude: 6,800 ft
    Distance: 5–7 km
    Duration: 3–4 hrs

    A short flight to Pokhara followed by a scenic drive to Kimche. The trek begins with stone pathways and village trails leading to Upper Ghandruk, with early views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.

  • Altitude: 9,750 ft
    Distance: 7–8 km
    Duration: 7–8 hrs

    The trail climbs steadily through forested ridges and quieter pathways, gradually leaving busier routes behind. Meshar offers a peaceful setting surrounded by woodland.

  • Altitude: 11,200 ft (sleep) / 11,900 ft (viewpoint)
    Distance: 7–8 km + hike
    Duration: 5–6 hrs

    A forested approach to Dobato followed by an evening hike to Muldai Top, where expansive Himalayan views unfold at sunset.

  • Altitude: 12,000 ft
    Distance: 6–7 km
    Duration: 5–6 hrs

    The trail opens gradually from forest into alpine terrain, revealing broader ridge views and quieter landscapes.

  • Altitude: 13,800 ft (max) / 12,000 ft (sleep)
    Distance: 8–10 km
    Duration: 6–7 hrs

    A rewarding exploration day to Hidden Lake, a quiet alpine basin reached via a steady climb before returning to Pode Kharka.

  • Altitude: 11,300 ft
    Distance: 6–7 km
    Duration: 5–6 hrs

    A gentle ridge walk with alternating forest and open sections leading to Bayeli, a quiet stop with wide mountain views.

  • Altitude: 12,100 ft
    Distance: 8–10 km
    Duration: 5–6 hrs

    A gradual ascent through Chistibung before reaching Khopra Danda, where close-up views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri dominate the skyline.

  • Altitude: 7,400 ft
    Distance: 8–9 km
    Duration: 6–7 hrs

    A long descent through forest and village pathways leading to Swanta, marking a transition back toward lower elevations.on

  • Altitude: —
    Distance: —
    Duration: 6–7 hrs

    A scenic drive back to Pokhara with time to rest and reflect on the journey.

  • Altitude: —
    Distance: —
    Duration: —

    Return flight to Kathmandu followed by onward travel home.