Explore a wonderful lake at 4,700m beyond Annapurna South. Khopra Danda Trek from Pokhara is one of the decent and peaceful trekking trails of the Annapurna region of Nepal. Situated at an altitude of 3,660 meters above sea level Khopra Ridge or Khopra Danda is located in the central part of the Annapurna region. The Khopra Ridge trek itinerary can be extended by adding Khayar Lake to the trip. Khopra Danda is one of the newly discovered trekking routes and is based on a community lodge trekking. It is slightly different from the private lodges on the other trekking trails.
Khayar Lake is a must-see destination that you should visit during this trek. Exploring Khayar Lake is worth it, and it would be beneficial to allocate an additional day for this purpose. During the day, one can catch a glimpse of some impressive high mountains like Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri, which are concealed behind the massive Annapurna range. The lake holds great significance and is considered one of the sacred lakes for Hindus. There is a belief that individuals who take a dip in this lake can achieve Heaven.
It's simple to add other popular treks like the Mardi Himal Trek, Mohare Danda, Annapurna Base Camp, or the Poon Hill Trek to this one. Similarly, Khayer Lake is the most sought-after extra on the Trek. Over a few years, this hiking trail becomes increasingly popular. When compared to other hiking routes, its trails are typically less congested. Khopra Trek from Pokhara is committed to the growth of its host community and its surrounding area. The Khopra Ridge community hike is also known as the Khopra Danda hike. This short trek is perfect for you if you want to explore the mountain area while you are on a vacation in Nepal.
The optimal time to visit this route is from March to May and September to mid-December. The difficulty level of the trek is moderate. The best time for this trek is typically from mid-October to early December. From March to April, one can observe the beautiful blooming of rhododendrons along the majority of the trekking trails. The monsoon season in Nepal occurs in July and August. The weather may not be ideal during this time, but the trail is adorned with beautiful wildflowers, creating a unique and delightful experience. This monsoon trek could become your favorite if you are interested in nature, particularly flora and fauna. It is possible to complete the trek almost year-round with the right equipment and an experienced trekking guide.
Khopra Danda (Ridge)
Another beautiful place to visit during this trek is Khopra Danda, which sits at an elevation of 3,660 meters. It offers breathtaking views of various mountain ranges, including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, and more. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking panoramic mountain views and lush green forests. The entire trek allows you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and savor the local products. Teahouses are available for trekkers along the route.
Khopra Danda is situated in the central region of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and shares borders with the Myagdi and Kaski districts of the Dhaulagiri zone. The community lodge at Khopra Danda has become increasingly popular in recent years since its establishment. To visit Khopra Danda, you will need to obtain an ACAP permit and TIMS cards. The trek's difficulty level is moderate, with the most challenging part being the ascent to Khopra Danda.
Khayar Lake
Khayar Lake is at an altitude of 4,700 meters on Annapurna South. Hindu regard this lake as a holy and sacred lake. Khayar Lake is also situated at a higher elevation than Khopra Danda and Poon Hill. Amazing views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Dhampus, Nilgiri, Lamjung, and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges can be seen. The lake itself carries a lot of significance. It is one of the holy lakes of the Hindus. During the time of Janai Purnima, many pilgrims reach Khayer Lake during the months of July-August.
On the trails, you can find mesmerizing views of the Kali Gandaki River, the deepest gorge, and the steady climb of the Alpine forests. Hidden behind the Annapurna range it was hidden for a very long period and is gaining popularity after the establishment of a community lodge. During the spring season, Khayar Lake amazes its visitors with various species of flowers that bloom only in this region.
About Khopra Ridge Trek from Pokhara
The trek starts from Pokhara and ends at Pokhara, it will take about 1 hour to reach Nayapul, and after that off-road drive will take you to Gurung village Ghandruk. This is one of the short treks from Pokhara which you can compete in around 6-7 days. If you are in Nepal and want to see the mountains and explore the tradition and highlands of Nepal and Khopra Danda trek from Pokhara is the perfect opportunity.
The trail starts in Pokhara and leads you to Ghandruk and other stunning villages such as Tadapani and Bayali. During your journey, you will have the opportunity to witness awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan peaks and captivating landscapes. After leaving Bayali, you will continue your journey to reach Khopra and Khayar Lake. The return trail includes the route to Khopra, Swanta, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and ultimately Pokhara.
During the trek, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Annapurna Mountain ranges. During the initial phase of this trekking route, community lodges have received significant support from backpackers and independent travelers. In terms of difficulty, the Khopra Ridge Trek is slightly more challenging than the Poon Hill Trek. This is because the trail is less exposed and has been opened more recently. In terms of crowd size, Khopra Ridge attracts fewer people compared to Poon Hill, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful environment and uninterrupted views. During your trek, you will have the opportunity to visit the renowned Ghorepani Hill. There, you will be able to witness a breathtaking sunrise, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you. It will be a truly remarkable experience before you say goodbye to this incredible place.
If our trip schedule doesn't work with your vacation time, or if you'd want to make changes to the itinerary or add on other trips, just let us know and we'll make it happen! Inquire with us if you have a group of any size, whether it be a family, a school, or a business. We have several plans to choose from.
60 KM