An off-beat newfangled Nepal Trek (Khopra Danda Trek) destination that takes you to the lap of snowy sky-scraping mountains!
An off-beat newfangled Nepal Trek (Khopra Danda Trek) destination that takes you to the lap of snowy sky-scraping mountains!
The Khopra Dada trek is a unique journey located deep within the Himalayas. Khopra Dada offers an exciting adventure that will captivate you as it leads you through meandering pathways, lush forests, and stunning panoramas.
Away from the congested routes of the well-known Annapurna circuit, this journey is a hidden gem. It begins in the stunning traditional village of Ghandruk and travels through quaint towns, terraced farmland, and awe-inspiring scenery. The panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including the enormous Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, will reward you as you climb higher.
The walk entertains you with the alpine pastures, meadows, and rhododendron forests (in Spring), leading to less vegetation while reaching the awaited Khopra Ridge nearby. Along the trail, you will get a chance to witness the beautiful Kali Gandaki valley as well.
Finally, after a long walk, you will climb over the Khopra Danda at 3,640m breathing a long and relaxing phew while enjoying the surprising view of snowy capped Himalayas – Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna (8091m), and Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m).
The trail continues towards an exploration hike to the holy Khayar Lake (4600m), the highest point of the Khopra Danda Trek, for the most remarkable views of peaks and fascinating landscapes. The Khayer Lake, a holy spring of water encircled by soaring peaks, is undoubtedly the highlight of the Khopra Dada journey. This beautiful lake is tucked away in a peaceful valley and makes the ideal location for a picnic lunch as you take in the serenity.
The trek also provides an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy the excellent hospitality of the locals, who will greet you with open arms. You'll stay in conventional teahouses and sample real Nepalese food, including the renowned Daal Bhat (Rice, vegetables, pickles, and lentil soup).
Yet the Khopra Dada trek also offers a physical challenge, leaving you triumphant. It's not only about the vistas and the culture. Your stamina and resiliency will be tested as you ascend steep paths and traverse suspension bridges over roaring rivers.
The Khopra Dada trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that balances scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and physical difficulty. So prepare for an unforgettable vacation by packing your baggage and lacing up your hiking boots.
The Khopra Dada trek is a hidden gem in the heart of the Himalayas that offers a unique adventure to trekkers. Here are the highlights of the trek:
Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) are the finest seasons to embark on the Khopra Danda trek.
The weather is typically straightforward and consistent during these times of the year, with moderate temperatures and little to no precipitation. This makes it possible to see the nearby peaks and summits clearly, making for breathtaking scenery throughout the trek.
Autumn is a prevalent time for trekkers since it offers good conditions for hiking with dry, consistent weather and moderate, pleasant temperatures. Fall also brings several important Nepali holidays, such as Dashain and Tihar, which offer trekkers an unforgettable glimpse into the country's culture.
The Khopra Danda trek is best done in the spring when the weather is pleasant, the terrain is lush and green, and the rhododendron woods are blossoming. This results in a stunning and vibrant trekking experience.
The Khopra Danda walk can be challenging. Therefore, hikers should be ready with the right equipment, good physical condition, and acclimatization techniques. Also, mountain weather patterns can be erratic, so it's wise always to check the forecast and be ready for alterations.
Welcome to Nepal! well, upon your arrival at the airport, a representative from the Himalayan Connection will greet you and take you to the hotel. After having some rest you'll join to team meet–up and pre-trip discussion.
where you will meet your trek guide/leader before the Khopra Danda Trek starts. In the evening Himalayan Connection will organize a welcome dinner with delicious Nepali cuisine and a cultural show.
Khopra Danda Trek.
Camp: Thamel Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m. / 4592 ft.
Time:
Meals: Breakfast
Main Attractions:
It's a sightseeing day today in the Kathmandu Valley. UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square will be seen by you and your guide after breakfast.
These historical and culturally significant locations illuminate Nepal's rich culture and history. You will meet your trekking guide and other trekkers in the evening for a pre-trip meeting, where you will learn more about the journey and have a chance to ask any questions.
Be ready for Khopra Danda Trek.
Camp: Pokhara
Altitude: 827m / 2712ft
Time: 25min flight / 6-7 hrs. drive
Meals: Breakfast
Main Attractions:
Following breakfast, we'll travel the approximately 6-7-hour picturesque route from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
The route travels through quaint towns and rural villages while providing beautiful vistas of the Himalayas. When you get to Pokhara, you can relax at the hotel or explore the stunning mountain views, beautiful lakes, paragliding, mountain flights, temple, pagoda, cave, and many more.
Starting point of Khopra Danda Trek
Camp: Tadapani
Altitude: 2630m / 8626 ft
Time: 2:30 min drive / 4-5 hrs walk
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Main Attractions:
After a leisurely breakfast, we will drive to Kimche—a 2-hour journey—and begin our ascent into Tadapani.
The trek offers breathtaking mountain vistas as it travels through luxuriant forests and traditional towns. After eating lunch along the way, we'll arrive at Tadapani in the afternoon and spend the night in a teahouse.
We will inspect stunning mountain views, organic cultivation, different stone stairs, and cool and lush forests along the way and one of the biggest Gurung village which is Ghandruk.
Camp: Dobato
Altitude: 3420 m / 11218 ft.
Time: 5 – 6 hrs. walk
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Main Attractions:
We will set out on our walk to Dobato after breakfast. The trail offers beautiful vistas of the mountains, including Annapurna South(7219m), Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre(6997m), as it winds through rich rhododendron forests and oak trees (Fishtail).
After eating lunch along the way, we'll arrive in Dobato in the afternoon, spending the night in a teahouse.
Camp: Chistibung
Altitude : 3026 m / 9925 ft
Time: 4-5 hrs walk
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Main Attractions:
After breakfast, we will continue our trek toward Upper Chistibung. The trail passes through dense forests and alpine meadows, and we will have stunning views of the mountains throughout the day.
We will have lunch en route, and in the afternoon, we will arrive at Upper Chistibung, where we will spend the night in a teahouse.
We will inspect beautiful forests, pastures, amazing landscapes, wild animals and birds, and many more.
Camp: Khopra Danda
Altitude: 3640m / 11939 ft
Time: 4-5 hrs walk
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Main Attractions:
We'll trek today to the highest point of our trek, Khopra Danda. Despite its difficulty and steepness, the trail offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Dhaulagiri( 8167m), Nilgiri, and Annapurna South ( 7219m).
After eating lunch along the way, we'll arrive at Khopra Danda in the afternoon, where we'll spend the night in a teahouse.
Camp: Khopra Danda
Altitude: 4660 m / 15285 ft.
Time: 7 – 8 hrs. walk
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Main Attractions:
Although today is a leisure day in Khopra Danda, we'll go on an excursion hike to the stunning glacier lake of Khayer Lake, which is situated at an elevation of 4660 meters (considered a sacred lake by Hindus and Buddhists).
Although the trek is challenging, it rewards you with breathtaking views of the mountains and neighboring areas. We'll return to Khopra Danda to spend the night after taking in the expansive views of Khayer Lake.
The main attraction of Khopra Danda Trek
Camp: Tatopani ( hot spring )
Altitude : 1190 m / 3903 ft.
Time: 6 – 7 hrs. walk
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Main Attractions:
We will begin our walk down to Tatopani after breakfast. Although the trail is challenging and steep, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and scenery.
After eating lunch along the way, we will arrive at Tatopani in the late afternoon, where we can unwind in the natural hot springs and spend the night in a teahouse.
Ending point of Khopra Danda Trek
Camp: Pokhara
Altitude: 827 m / 2713 ft.
Time: 4-5 hrs. drive
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation : 3-star hotel
Main Attractions:
After breakfast, we'll travel the approximately 4-5-hour picturesque route from Tatopani to Pokhara. When you get to Pokhara, you can relax at the hotel or explore.
Camp : Pokhara
Altitude: 827 m / 2713 ft.
Time: relaxing day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation : 3-star hotel
Main Attractions:
After breakfast, we'll travel the approximately 4-5-hour picturesque route from Tatopani to Pokhara. When you get to Pokhara, you can relax at the hotel or explore.
Pokhara is home to different beautiful lakes, engaging city nightlife, magnificent temples, enthralling caves, World peace pagoda, and Adventurous activities such as paragliding, mountain flight, sightseeing, and a plethora of other things.
Camp: Kathamandu
Altitude : 1400 m / 4592 ft
Time:6 -7 hrs bus drive
Meals: Breakfast and special farewell Dinner with Nepali cultural show.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Main Attractions:
After breakfast, we will drive back to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 6-7 hours and is a beautiful road trip along the famous rivers (Marsyangdi and Trisuli ), massive hills, local markets deep valley, excellent settlements around the hills, cultivation, etc.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can explore the city or rest at the hotel, and in the evening, we will have a beautiful farewell cultural show with dinner.
Your new adventure experience in Nepal ( Khopra Danda Trek )ends today. A representative from Himalayan connections will take you to the airport, 3 hrs. before your flight schedule. we wish you a safe journey to your home and hope to see you soon for your next adventure.
Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying our company signboard outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in our tourist vehicle.
YES, you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 30 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 50 and 125 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)
Why it’s best to have a GUIDE when trekking in Nepal….
1) To really get to KNOW the beautiful country of Nepal. A licensed trekking guide will enhance your knowledge and appreciation of culture, flora and fauna and animals, mountaineering, and the peaks of Nepal. A guide can add so much depth and richness to your trek experience.
2) Safety. No one knows the details that will keep you safe like a trained trekking guide. Changes in the weather, changes in trail conditions, awareness of any political/social situations that could endanger you (for example, when we trekked in 2003, there was political unrest going on in certain areas; our guide knew where to go and where to avoid!)
3) Peace of mind and an uncomplicated travel experience. It takes a lot of mental energy to figure out bus timetables, to wonder about prices and bargaining, and to arrange to lodge when trails are crowded. We “could” have handled these details (we’re experienced travelers), but going out with a licensed trekking guide was the best decision and worth every dollar. Our guide kept us enchanted and informed about each peak and valley we were seeing, and he called ahead each day to confirm lodging. He gave advice that probably saved us much misery, such as “only order dishes with meat during our 1st or 2nd day of the trek...after that, it’s best to stick to egg and vegetarian options because meats have been carried in greater distances, stored for longer times, and there is the possibility of food poisoning”. Our guide kept current of weather forecasts and trail conditions and was able to make necessary modifications of which we would have been unaware.
4) The opportunity to form a friendship with a Nepali national. Trekking clients will have differing expectations of socializing, but in our case, we greatly enjoyed getting to know our guide, sharing meals, learning about Nepali life and culture through his eyes, enjoying laughs and after-dinner card games, and truly feeling like we were a group of “3 travelers + guide = 4”.
In conclusion, if you do not hire a trekking guide, it is possible to save a little money. But, my strong recommendation is that you trek with a GUIDE when exploring the amazing mountains of Nepal. Twice we have trekked Nepal, and twice we have had a guide….and we never regretted the decision for a moment.
~Becky Johnson
April 2019 - Mardi Himal Trek
(Guide: Sujan Pandey, Founder & Lead Guide of the company “Himalayan Connection”)