This scenic Khopra Danda Trek, also known as Khopra Ridge Trek takes you through villages close to the Annapurnas where you can admire the magnificence of the Himalayas and avoid the crowd who preferably opt for the popular Ghorepani trail. It offers unrivaled views into the valley and close to Dhaulagiri and the 22 peaks of the Annapurnas. Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri (7061m), Bharha Shikhar (7647m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6434m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Gangapurna (7455m), Tukuche peak (6920m), Hiuchuli (6441m) are the panoramic peaks visible in the route that takes you through local trail that descends into the Annapurna valley. Hike up to Khayer Lake (4600m) at the foot of the Annapurna South is an unforgettable experience. Its a bit tough but once you reach the Khayer lake, you will be awestruck by the surrounding. This is an ideal trek if you prefer off the beaten trail where you can immerse yourself completely in the natural beauty of the Himalayas and meet a small handful of locals in their tiny mountain communities.
NOTES:
Maximum elevation | 3460m (Khopra Ridge)/ 4700m (Khayer lake) |
Start/Finish | Galeshwor/Tatopani |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Best Season | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov |
Fun facts | Holy Khayer Lake is visited by Hindus to achieve Nirvana in Janai Purnima. |
Drive from Pokhara to Galeshwor and Trek to Bas Kharka
Starting from Pokhara, you are driven to Galeshwor, where you start your trek. Heading up to Bas Kharka, you pass scattered farmhouses, climbing through the forest and then orange groves as you approach this attractive village. You will have time to explore this Magar village, visit the local school and health post, and in season, enjoy the sweet oranges that grow on the hillsides here.
Trek from Bas Kharka to Nangi
You head up through the forest to a little village where you stop for lunch. Overlooking the valleys, this is a good place to meet some of the local people and admire the views of Annapurna Range. After lunch, it is a leisurely walk on to Nangi, the village where you will spend the night. Here you can visit the school, see how the villagers make paper from the locally grown plants, visit a medicinal plant nursery, and a number of other income-generating projects in the rural part of the Nepal.
Trek from Nangi to Mohare Danda
Today you climb through beautiful, pristine forest, with stunning views of the mountains. Up on the top of Mohare Hill, you can see the Himalayas stretching as far as the eye can see, with close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail Mountain), Annapurna South, Annapurna, Himchuli, and Dhaulagiri. Surrounded by forest, don’t be surprised to see yaks grazing nearby. There is no village up in the Mohare Danda, but here is the highest wireless internet relay station in Nepal, providing internet to the remote villages for schools and health posts that use tele-medicine, linking up with hospitals in Kathmandu to provide better healthcare in the villages.
Trek from Mohare Danda to Swanta
A fantastic ridge walk, with marvellous views, you descend through forest and go downhill. On the way, you might see vultures and other birds of prey. As the path descends you pass Chistibung. You cross a river and after a succession of ascents and descents through sparse forest, you arrive at the village of Swanta. Here you can see farming activity in full swing. And there is a community cheese factory where if you are lucky, you can taste the local cheese. It is very beautiful village where people are more in agriculture and animal husbandry. people over there are very friendly and happy.
Trek from Swanta to Dhankharka
This day, you climb through changing landscapes to Dhankharka where you will receive a warm welcome from the locals. You trail ascends through the sparse forest. There is a waterfall by the powerhouse, remember to spend some time over there. You have a splendid view of the Dhaulagiri just opposite, with the Nilgiri to the north, the peak of Barahi Suikhar and the south-facing Annapurna South. This place also serves as a sheepfold for herds of yaks.
Trek from Dhankharka to Khopra
Today you climb to the highest point on the Khopra trek. The reward at the top is spectacular. It is a steady climb to Khopra above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures. On the approach to Khopra Ridge, you see the tip of Annapurna South right in front of you. Once you reach Khopra danda, you can walk along Khopra Ridge to a viewpoint that overlooks the Kali Gandaki River far below in the deep valley. From Khopra you can admire the stunning panorama that includes Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna South right infront of you. The heavenly view from uptop will surely transcend into the beauty of mother nature. ** Do not miss the sunset from Khopra Danda. The orange golden rays upon the Annapurna, Niligiri, Annapurna South, Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri Range, will surely takes you to paradise.
Excursion Day to Khayer lake
Starting early, this is the longest, but prettiest day as you walk to the sacred Khayer Lake, the most scenic blue-colored lake at the foot of Annapurna South. It is a place of Hindu pilgrimage (4700m), which is believed will help achieve Nirvana. You climb a steep trail on the ridge with stone steps with a gorgeous view of the Annapurna South. There is a small temple dedicated to Khayer Barahi at the lake, you then return back to Khopra Ridge and stay there overnight.
Trek from Khopra to Narchyang
Trekking down from Khopra Danda, you reach Narchyang where you stay in a homestay. Narchyang is a picturesque place with the scenes of shangri-la. The village life coupled with the scenic views of mountains and landscapes is something that gives a sense of a true retreat in the lap of the Himalayas.
Visit to Narchyang Waterfall and Hotspring
This day, you can have a close experience of local life in the typical Magar village. You can either go on a hike for about 30 to 45 mins to the beautiful waterfall of Narchyang or choose to go dip in the natural hotspring at a distance of approx 1.5 hours for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Trek from Narchyang to Tatopani and Drive to Pokhara via Beni (820m)
You climb down to Tatopani from Narchyang for about half an hour. It is then a 3 hours’ drive to Beni, and you are driven back to your hotel in Pokhara.