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Lopchan Treks · Trip notes

Khopra Danda Trek

The Poon Hill sunrise, then off the main trail via Swanta and Chistibung to Khopra Danda, a high ridge facing Dhaulagiri, returning through Dobato and Tadapani to Ghandruk.

Duration
10 days
High point
Khopra Danda, 3,640 m / 11,942 ft
Grade
Moderate
Best months
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Start / end
Pokhara / Pokhara
Stay
Teahouse lodges, twin-share rooms
Group size
1–8 people
Price
From US$845 per person

Route

Ulleri 2,010 mGhorepani 2,860 mPoon Hill 3,210 mSwanta 2,240 mChistibung 3,040 mKhopra Danda 3,640 mDobato 3,450 mTadapani 2,680 mGhandruk 1,940 m N5 km
Route diagram: stops at their real positions, joined in the order you first reach them. Not a navigation map. Positions from OpenStreetMap.

Altitude

1,0002,0003,0004,00012345678910 Khopra Danda 3,640 m
Altitude in metres by day. Dashed line: 3,000 m.

Itinerary

DayRouteElevation
1Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Most of the day on the road. Night in Pokhara.		–
2Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri2,010 m
3Trek to Ghorepani2,860 m
4Sunrise on Poon Hill, trek to Swanta
Sleep at Swanta.		3,210 m
5Trek to Chistibung3,040 m
6Trek up to Khopra Danda3,640 m
7Trek to Dobato3,450 m
8Trek to Tadapani2,680 m
9Trek to Ghandruk, drive to Pokhara1,940 m
10Tourist bus back to Kathmandu–

Included

  • Licensed trekking guide
  • Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
  • Two hotel nights in Pokhara, before and after the trek
  • Teahouse accommodation on the trek
  • All meals on the trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Hotel nights in Kathmandu
  • Porter (we can add one; ask us for the price)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and porters

Is it for me?

  • No climbing skills needed, but the climbs to Khopra and over to Dobato are long and steep.
  • Lodges above Swanta are few and simple, so days are planned around where you can sleep.
  • You sleep at 3,640 m on Khopra Danda, high enough for altitude sickness, so read our safety approach before you go.

Permits

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (SAARC nationals NPR 1,000)
  • TIMS card (arranged by your trekking agency): NPR 2,000 (SAARC nationals NPR 1,000)

Spending on the trail

  • Hot shower: On request
  • Wi-Fi: On request
  • Phone or battery charging: On request
  • Dal bhat (set meal): On request

Questions

How hard is the Khopra Danda trek?

Moderate. It starts like the Poon Hill trek, then climbs steeply off the main trail to sleep at 3,640 m. It's a good step up from Poon Hill before a higher trek.

Khopra Danda or Poon Hill?

Poon Hill is shorter and easier. Khopra Danda adds three days, goes higher and is much quieter, with a wider view of Dhaulagiri.

Do I need a guide?

Since 1 April 2023, Nepal requires foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas, including the Annapurna Conservation Area, to trek with a licensed guide. See our [guide rules explainer](/journal/do-i-need-a-guide-nepal/).

What permits do I need?

An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Your guide arranges it.