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Kathmandu to Khopra Danda Trek Distance
The Kathmandu to Khopra Danda Trek distance covers approximately 70–75km of trekking trails (round trip) through one of Nepal’s most underrated ridge-line adventures. This trek of 10 days is an equally beautiful but far less crowded alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp trek or the Annapurna Circuit trek. You’ll mostly walk on community-managed trails across pristine forests, panoramic ridges, and traditional Magar and Gurung villages. Hence, trekking through the quiet trails to Khopra Danda, you get an authentic mountain trek experience that few travelers ever reach.
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Kathmandu to Khopra Danda Trek Route
The trek starts with a 200km drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It takes about 6 to 8 hours along the Prithvi Highway. Along the drive, you go through deep river valleys of the Trisuli and Marsyangdi and forested hillsides. Here, you’ll get glimpses of rural Nepal before reaching the lakeside city of Pokhara for an overnight. The next morning, a 1.5 to 2-hour jeep ride (about 55km) takes you to Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages in the region and the starting point of the Khopra Danda trek. You will also trek 5km to reach Ghandruk.
After spending a night in Ghandruk, the trek begins the next day with a gentle climb of about 8km to Tadapani through dense rhododendron and oak forests. Then, from Tadapani, you’ll again climb up 10km towards Dobato (3,350m). This leg typically takes 5 to 6 hours on steady uphill. Here, you’ll feel cooler and see the first real ridge views. The next day, you’ll do an early morning hike to Muldai Viewpoint (3,637m). The viewpoint offers you a warm start to the day with sunrise views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. You’ll then return to the lodge, have breakfast, and start another 10km trek to Chistibung. The path includes both descents and ascents through peaceful Bayeli Kharka until you reach another settlement surrounded by forest and grazing meadows.
Finally, a short trek of about 4km takes you to Khopra Danda (3,660 m), the ultimate destination of the entire trek. Despite the short distance, the climb may feel challenging for beginner trekkers, mainly due to the thinner air and constant incline. It may take you 3 to 4 hours to reach the ridge, and once you do, your view will expand dramatically. You will see the vast Himalayan ranges stretch in every direction, with Annapurna South so close it seems within reach. This way, the Khopra Ridge trek offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Nepal.
From Khopra Danda, you’ll now visit Khayer Lake, a nearby sacred glacial lake at 4,650m. The trek to Khayer Lake is about 12–13km and takes around 7 to 8 hours for a round trip. Hence, it is the longest and most demanding day of the trek. This uphill path is continuous but steady. You will trek through rocky alpine terrain. Then, after hours of trekking, you’ll reach the lake. As you approach the basin, you’ll see prayer flags and clear mountain reflections. After enjoying the atmosphere of calm and reverence, you’ll make your way back to Khopra Dandra.
Then, the trail turns downhill toward Swanta Village from the next day. The village lies about 6km away. The descent takes 4 to 5 hours through the rhododendron forest and pastureland. The following day, another 8km walk from Swanta will take you to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a famous and well-established stop on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek where trekkers can enjoy cozy lodges and forested scenery.
You will climb up to Poon Hill (3,210m) from here the next morning for one last sunrise panorama before descending about 10km to Ulleri. The descent to Ulleri has a long, steep stone staircase that will be challenging on your knees. After Ulleri, a jeep ride of roughly 2 hours will bring you back to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you’ll drive back 200km to Kathmandu, marking the end of your trek to Khopra Danda.
Outline Itinerary and Distance Breakdown
| Day | Route Section | Approx. Distance | Duration (hrs) | Transport / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu → Pokhara | 200km | 6–8hrs | Drive by a luxury tourist bus |
| Day 2 | Pokhara → Ghandruk (Jeep), then trek to Tadapani | 55km drive + 5km trek | 1.5–2hrs drive + 2hrs trek | Drive by private jeep, then trek |
| Day 3 | Tadapani → Dobato | 10km | 5–6hrs | Trek |
| Day 4 | Early morning hike to Muldai Viewpoint, then trek to Chistibung | 10km | 5–6hrs | Trek |
| Day 5 | Chistibung → Khopra Danda | 4km | 3–4hrs | Trek |
| Day 6 | Khopra Danda → Khayer Lake → Khopra Danda (round trip) | 12–13km | 7–8hrs | Trek |
| Day 7 | Khopra Danda → Swanta Village | 6km | 4–5hrs | Trek |
| Day 8 | Swanta → Ghorepani | 8km | 5–6hrs | Trek |
| Day 9 | Ghorepani → Poon Hill (early morning) → Ulleri, then drive to Pokhara | 10km trek + 55km drive | 6–7hrs trek + 2hrs drive | Trek then drive by private jeep |
| Day 10 | Pokhara → Kathmandu | 200km | 6–8hrs | Drive by luxury tourist bus |
Total Trekking Distance: Approximately 70–75km (43–47 miles)
Transportations Included to Reach Khopra Danda
For the trek from Kathmandu to Khopra Danda, you first need to reach Pokhara by air or road (tourist bus, public bus, or private vehicle). From Pokhara, you’ll again take a jeep drive to a trailhead like Nayapul, Kimche, or Ghandruk, from where the trekking sections to Khopra Danda start on foot.
Air Travel
Flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara is the fastest and most convenient option. It only takes approximately 25–30 minutes. The best part about taking a flight is a bird’s view of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). You may even catch glimpses of the Manaslu and Langtang ranges, depending on the route and visibility. However, it also has a downside. You have to be aware of the potential for weather-related delays, especially if you’re traveling during the monsoon season or periods of heavy fog. It is costly as well.
Road Travel
For those who want a more budget-friendly trek, you can also opt for an overland journey to Pokhara and further to Ghandruk. You can find different options for road travel, like a rental/private jeep, a public or reserved bus, or a tourist bus. You may choose whichever suits you the best based on your needs for comfort, speed, flexibility, and affordability. Jeeps are faster for road travel than buses because they are more agile on rough roads, unlike larger buses that must stick to fixed routes and stop frequently.
Walking & Trekking
In total, the Khopra Danda trek itinerary consists of 2 days of road travel and 8 days of walking. The daily trekking distances average 8–10km, and walking times are 5–6 hours. While the total Kathmandu to Khopra Danda Trek distance may appear moderate, the frequent elevation changes and diverse terrain make it a fulfilling experience.
The trek with diverse terrain begins at lower altitude terraced fields and lush forests around Ghandruk. Then it climbs through quiet forests to the higher, steeper, and rockier alpine terrain of Khopra Ridge. The round-trip hike to Khayer Lake is the most demanding as you climb high-altitude ridges with a constant incline. The return descends through forests to Swanta before rejoining the popular trail at Ghorepani. From there, the descent involves a steep downhill trek on the final famous stone staircase towards the Ulleri trailhead.
Major Highlights of Khopra Danda Trek
The trek to the Khopra Ridge or Danda is one of those treks in Nepal that combines the cultural warmth of the rural parts of Nepal with the grandeur of its high mountain views. Some of the main highlights on our trek itinerary are:
Sunrise from Khopra Ridge
Standing at 3,660m, from the Khopra Ridge early in the morning, you can witness the golden light reflect on the majestic Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, offering you a breathtaking glow. Down below, you can see the sea of clouds filling the entire Kali Gandaki Valley. Unlike the busier viewpoints like Kala Patthar or Poon Hill, Khopra Ridge offers a quiet, personal connection with the mountains. It’s not just a view but a moment of stillness where you feel completely present and humbled in awe of nature’s grandeur.
Sacred Khayer Lake
Khayer Lake is a holy site perched at 4,650m, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Although the hike is demanding, the tranquility on the site makes it all worth it. It is nestled at the foot of Annapurna South. As you walk along the lake, its icy blue glacial waters offer a beautiful reflection of the mountains, plus a moment of deep calm. You can really feel the spiritual atmosphere here, as the prayer flags flutter. Thus, the journey to this high-altitude lake is both spiritual and scenic.
Crowd-free Muldai Viewpoint
Muldai Viewpoint at 3,637m, located between Dobato and Chistibung, offers a stunning 360-degree view, similar to that of Khopra Danda, but it has fewer crowds. You will first see the amazing sights of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from here. Therefore, it is a peaceful spot that lets you enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas in quiet and solitude, perfect for those who prefer calm over crowds.
Another Sunrise Vista at PoonHill
Poon Hill is famous for its sunrise view. It is the main highlight of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, but you’ll also get to do this side trip on our Khopra Danda trip package. From this viewpoint, you can see a wide range of peaks from different angles, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and the striking Machhapuchhre. The path to the top of the hill is short but steep, but watching the mountains glow in orange and pink makes every step worth it.
Flora and Fauna at Annapurna Conservation Area
Trekking through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you’ll witness diverse landscapes and wildlife of the Annapurna region. The landscapes start from warm temperate forest zones to cold alpine regions. You walk through rhododendron and oak forests that burst with color in the months of spring (March to May). Similarly, you may also spot many wild animals, like the shy Himalayan tahr, and vibrant birds such as the Himalayan Monal, Nepal’s national bird. If you like exploring flora and fauna, then ACA’s diverse ecosystem will keep you amazed.
View Details
Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
View Details
Khopra Danda Trek
Tips for Kathmandu to Khopra Danda Journey
- Carry enough cash, as there are no ATMs after Pokhara. Bring enough Nepalese rupees for meals, lodging, and other expenses.
- Start early for sunrise hikes to Muldai Viewpoint, Poon Hill, or Khopra Ridge to catch the best views.
- Respect local culture by asking before taking photos and following Gurung and Magar customs.
- Stay hydrated and acclimatize by drinking plenty of water and moving slowly at higher altitudes.
- Pack in layers to adjust to fast-changing mountain weather.
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Be mindful of nature; don’t litter or disturb wildlife in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Check the weather beforehand, as rain or snow can affect trails and travel.
Conclusion
The Khopra trek with Ghorepani covers a mix of famous and quiet spots in the Annapurna region. This makes it perfect for those seeking mountain views and cultural experiences without crowds within a short, moderate trek. The climbs to Khopra Ridge and peaceful Khayer Lake are surely challenging, but they also reward you with stunning, less-visited scenery that popular treks lack. And to end the trek, the classic Poon Hill sunrise adds a lively highlight. You get to end the trek with varied landscapes and cultures back to Kathmandu and Pokhara, leaving lasting memories of Nepal’s mountains and rural charm.
