5-Day Khopra Danda Trek With Poon Hill
5(24)
Trip Facts
Khopra Danda Trek with PoonHill Overview
The Khopra Danda Trek with PoonHill is a marvelous way to embrace the picturesque beauty of Nepal’s Annapurna region. This trek shows the serene nature paths, delightful local settlements, and remarkable views of some of the greatest peaks in the Himalayas. This path is ideal for those who wish to experience an authentic and tranquil trekking journey along the natural splendor. It is less visited than other highly sought-after routes.
Your trek officially starts off with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and further on foot through small villages, terraced fields, and thick woods. The quiet streams fill the air as you ascend higher into the peace of these regions’ landscapes. For people who want an escape into nature without being surrounded by other trekkers, Khopra Danda is perfect since it is much less crowded than other routes in this area.
Along with the famous views from Poon Hill, which include sunrise views of mighty Himalayan giants like Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), reaching Khopra Ridge also serves as a highlight sporting even more breathtaking panoramic mountain views alongside beauty unmatched during sunset.
You will also get a taste of the day-to-day life of rural Nepalese while trekking through stunning Magar and Gurung villages alongside picturesque rhododendron and pine forests, all bustling with that kind of shine tourists usually miss out on. After the long trek, you will have warm meals served at simple yet comfortable community lodges and teahouses where treks provide both comfort along with opportunity to meet friendly locals.
The hike involves a bit of steep climbing, but is achievable for most people who are reasonably fit and enjoy the outdoors. On the last day of the trek, you will enjoy descending for breathtaking views through Narchyang valleys before returning to Pokhara by vehicle, where your journey concludes.
This Khopra Danda Trek with PoonHill brings all the highlights, which ensures travelers do not miss out on stunning panoramic views and cultural encounters while experiencing peace within the embraced regions. The trek to Khopra Danda including Poon Hill invites you beyond busy pathways hiking during this excursion lets you breathe in unpolluted mountain air while creating lasting memories during your trip.
Trip Highlights
- Best sunrise views from both Poon Hill and Khopra Danda.
- Less crowded & more scenic than the traditional Poon Hill trek.
- Incredible views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.
- Visit the authentic Gurung & Magar villages and experience their lifestyle, culture and traditions.
Detailed 5 Days Khopra Danda Trek Itinerary
Your Journey, Step by Step
Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,874m/ 9,429 ft)
You will start a 4 to 5-hour hike to Ghorepani, which is one of the most picturesque towns in the Annapurna region, after a restful night in Ulleri. The trail travels through thick woods of rhododendron, which are particularly lovely in the spring when the blooms are in full bloom. You will be able to see snow-capped peaks like Hiunchuli and Annapurna South as you ascend higher. This part of the hike feels fantastic because of the mountain views, birdsong, and cold forest air. You will arrive in Ghorepani, a small mountain village surrounded by breathtaking scenery, by the afternoon. Be ready for the sunrise climb up Poon Hill the next morning. You will spend the night in a cozy teahouse.
Stay overnight in Ghorepani.
Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3,210m/ 10,531 ft) and Trek to Swanta (2,200m/ 7,217 ft)
The day starts early with an easy but rewarding 45-minute climb to Poon Hill, one of the most well-known viewpoint sites in Nepal. From the top, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over the snow-covered peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and many others. As the first light hits the mountains, the panoramic view is nothing short of magical—a highlight of the entire trek. You will return to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast after taking in the surroundings, and then proceed on your way to Swanta. The trail passes waterfalls, tiny streams, and peaceful local communities as it softly descends through calm rhododendron and pine forests. You might see local wildlife and catch a taste of traditional village life along the route.
After 4-5 hours of walking, you will arrive in Swanta, a beautiful but less-visited village surrounded by hills and fields. You will spend the night in a hospitable teahouse, where you will savor an impressive meal in a peaceful environment.
Stay overnight in Swanta.
Trek from Swanta to Khopra Danda (3,660m/ 12,007 ft)
Today’s trek is a challenging but rewarding journey as you climb steadily for 6–7 hours from Swanta to Khopra Danda. The trail takes you through dense forests and along scenic ridges, gradually revealing sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. As you gain height, the landscapes become more dramatic, and the air becomes cooler and fresher.
By the time you reach Khopra Danda, you’ll be greeted with one of the most breathtaking mountain panoramas in the Annapurna region, featuring Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurna range. Don’t miss the sunset here, as the golden light over the snow-capped peaks is truly unforgettable. You’ll spend the night at a peaceful community lodge, high above the clouds.
Stay overnight in Khopra Danda.
Trek down from Khopra Danda to Narchyang, and Return to Pokhara
Your final trekking day begins with a steady 5–6 hour descent from the high ridges of Khopra Danda down to the lush village of Narchyang. The trail winds through alpine meadows, dense forests, and terraced farmland, offering beautiful views all the way. As you lose elevation, the air gets warmer and the scenery shifts from rugged mountains to green hills and quiet villages. Along the way, you’ll pass peaceful waterfalls, suspension bridges, and small temples that reflect the area’s natural and cultural richness.
Finally, you will reach Narchyang, which is a charming Magar village where you can experience authentic local life and admire its natural beauty. After a short rest and lunch, you’ll hop into a vehicle for a scenic 3-4 hour drive back to Pokhara. The journey back offers one last chance to enjoy river valleys and hillside views, ending your trek with a sense of accomplishment and peaceful reflection.
Customize this trip with help from our local travel specialist that matches your Interests.
Customize This TripPoon Hill Khopra Danda Trek Inclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- Pick up from the hotel & drive to Nayapul by car.
- Meals, which include breakfast/lunch/dinner.
- Accommodation in the mountain/lodge or guest house.
- A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English-speaking guide and porter with all of his salary, food, drinks, and lodging.
- Rent an available sleeping bag, a down jacket, and a free duffel bag provided (if you don't have your own).
- A certificate of completion of the trip.
- Taxes and official costs are paid to the government.
- Oximeter to check your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice a day (very helpful to check for signs of Altitude Mountain Sickness, or AMS). This ensures that your trek is in the safest hands possible, regardless of your level of experience.
- All papers that need to be done, the fees for the Annapurna conservation area permit.
- Narchyang to Pokhara by bus or jeep (depending on group size ).
- Food that you will eat in Pokhara.
- The cost of a visa to enter Nepal.
- Your insurance for travel and medical care.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic cold and hot drinks you buy on trek (along the way and in the Tea Houses at night).
- All of the sweet desserts, like chocolate, cake, pie, and pudding.
- The tea houses have hot showers and places to charge your phone, which will cost you about 2$ to 5$ and internet.
- Tip to the guide (Tipping is expected).
Good to Know
Know Before You Go
Note:
- We provide a flight ticket to Pokhara from Kathmandu. It will cost you an extra USD 100 per person.
- We provide a luxurious tourist bus to Pokhara from Kathmandu, it will cost you an extra $15 USD per person.
Accommodation on the Trek to Khopra Danda Including Poon Hill
Simple teahouses and lodges maintained by local families provide the majority of the lodging on the Khopra Danda Trek, which includes Poon Hill. These teahouses provide simple yet cozy accommodations, typically with blankets, twin beds, and communal restrooms. More established resorts with better amenities, like as wood-fired dining areas and hot showers, may be found in lower villages like Ghorepani and Tadapani. The choices grow more basic and restricted as you ascend higher toward Khopra Ridge, but they are still warm and inviting.
Typically, home-cooked meals are served in a community dining room, and traditional Nepali food includes pancakes, noodles, and dal bhat. The lodgings along the walk, though not luxurious, provide a cozy and genuine experience that allows you to engage with the local way of life and take in the peaceful mountain landscape.
Food and Drinking Water: What to Expect on the Khopra Danda Poon Hill Trek?
Local teahouses along the Khopra Trek provide basic yet reliable food and drinking water, especially throughout the Poon Hill stretch. Dal Bhat, a classic Nepali dish consisting of rice, lentil soup, and seasonal vegetables, is the most popular and often served meal. Other possibilities include chapati, momos (Nepali dumplings), fried rice, noodles, pasta, and soups.
Teahouses usually serve toast, pancakes, eggs, porridge, and hot beverages such tea and coffee for breakfast. At higher elevations, such as Khopra Ridge, the variety may reduce, but the food is still filling and nutritious.
Throughout the walk, drinking water is available, but it’s crucial to purify it beforehand. Most villages offer bottled water, but the higher you travel, the more costly it gets. It’s advisable to bring a reusable bottle, use water purification tablets or a filter, or request boiled water at the teahouses (generally available for a modest fee) to save money and lessen the use of plastic.
A healthy diet and plenty of water are essential for enjoying this walk, and if you prepare a little, the food and drink along the Khopra Danda path will more than suffice.
Group Size for Poon Hill Khopra Danda Trek
Both small and large groups can enjoy the Khopra Danda Trek, which includes Poon Hill. However, many trekkers think that traveling in a small group of two to six individuals is the best option. Smaller groups make it simpler to meet people, locate lodging, and take in the trail’s peaceful atmosphere, allowing for a more flexible and friendly experience.
Trekkers can also go this path alone, especially if they have a porter or guide to help them. While larger parties are welcome, they might need to make more careful accommodation arrangements in smaller villages. All things considered, trekking with friends, family, or a guided group is always a wonderful experience.
Difficulty in Khopra Danda trek
The Khopra Danda trip, which includes Poon Hill, is regarded as a moderate trip that is appropriate for hikers with some prior trekking experience and a basic degree of fitness. Although the trails are clearly designated and not overly difficult, there are several physically demanding uphill and downhill parts, particularly as you ascend higher.
Most days involve 5 to 7 hours of walking, with some steep climbs, particularly when ascending to Khopra Ridge. To prevent altitude sickness, it’s crucial to pace yourself and drink enough water because the elevation rises to nearly 3,600 meters. Even for first-time hikers, this walk is doable and highly rewarding with the right planning, a steady pace, and a positive attitude.
Risk of Altitude sickness During Trek
Because Khopra Ridge, the highest point on the Khopra Danda Trek, rises to roughly 3,660 meters, there is a moderate risk of altitude sickness. Although slight headaches and shortness of breath are common, most hikers do not suffer from serious symptoms. It’s crucial to prevent rapid altitude rise, walk gently, and drink plenty of water to reduce the danger.
Taking a day off at mid-altitude locations, such as Ghorepani, facilitates acclimatization. Most hikers who pace and care for themselves properly finish the walk without experiencing any significant altitude problems.
Do I need Travel Insurance for the Khopra Trek?
For the Khopra Danda Trek, which includes Poon Hill, travel insurance is strongly advised because it protects you from unexpected events like sickness, injury, trip cancellations, or problems due to altitude. High-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation should be covered by the policy because portions of the trek are in remote locations and reach elevations of above 3,600 meters.
Because medical care in the mountains can be expensive and limited, having the proper insurance provides comfort and guarantees that you will receive help immediately if necessary. A copy of your insurance information should always be with you while trekking.
Safety and Security During the Trek
Trekkers can feel secure on the Khopra Danda Trek, which includes Poon Hill. The local communities are hospitable and friendly, and the trails are well-established. Theft and severe crime incidents are uncommon, particularly in hiking regions where tourism plays a significant role in the local economy.
Basic safety measures should still be taken, though: protect your possessions, avoid traveling alone in remote locations, and always let someone know your path if you’re trekking alone. An additional degree of security is added by hiring a guide, particularly in the event of bad weather or health problems. Overall, this walk is a safe and fun trip if you are aware of it and prepare a little.
Permits required for Khopra Danda Trek
You can hike the beautiful Annapurna region, which is part of a protected area and requires official permits for all trekkers, on the 5-day Khopra Danda hike, which includes Poon Hill.
These permits are necessary to protect the environment and to keep you safe when traveling. You will require two permits, which are:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
- Necessary for all hikers accessing the Annapurna Conservation Area, which includes Poon Hill and Khopra Danda.
- It is available at the Nepal Tourism Board or ACAP offices, and occasionally at trail checkpoints.
- Cost: NPR 1,000 for SAARC citizens and NPR 3,000 (around $25–30 USD) for foreigners.
The Trekkers’ Information Management System, or TIMS Card:
- This permit helps authorities keep an eye on and assist hikers, especially during emergencies, is the goal.
- It is issued by the Kathmandu and Pokhara offices of the Nepal Tourism Board or the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN).
- Cost: NPR 2,000 (about $17–$20) for each trekker. SAARC nationals may be qualified for discounts.
Required Documents
- 6 months’ validity passport
- Passport photocopy
- Passport-sized photos (at least 2)
- Nepal visa (if applicable)
- Travel insurance details
- Two permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
5 Days Poon Hill Khopra Danda Trek Packing List
General
- Passport & Photos: Carry your passport along with a couple of photocopies and passport-sized photos for permits.
- Permits: Get your ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS card before starting the trek.
- Sleeping Bag: Nights at Khopra Ridge can get cold, so pack a sleeping bag rated to around -10°C (14°F).
- Cash: Bring enough Nepali rupees for your entire trek, as there are no ATMs along the route.
- Main Bag/Duffel: Carried by a porter if you’re hiring one. Pack heavier or less-used items here.
- Daypack: A small backpack for essentials like water, snacks, rain gear, and your camera.
Upper Body
- Sunglasses: With UV protection, especially important at higher altitudes.
- Sun Hat & Warm Hat: One for the sunny days, another to stay warm in the early mornings and evenings.
- Neck Gaiter or Buff: Helps protect against sun, wind, or dust on the trail.
Torso
- Quick-Dry Base Layers: A couple of lightweight, long-sleeve shirts work well for layering.
- Warm Layer (Fleece or Down Jacket): Essential for cooler mornings and nights at higher elevations.
- Insulated Jacket (Optional): If you get cold easily, this adds extra warmth.
- Sweatshirt or Hoodie: Great for hanging out in the teahouse.
- Rain Jacket: Weather can change quickly
Lower Body
- Trekking Pants: Lightweight and breathable pants are best for walking.
- Thermal Leggings: Useful in the early mornings or when it gets colder up high.
- Shorts (Optional): Good for warmer sections at lower altitudes.
- Comfort Pants: Something comfortable to wear around the teahouse.
- Rain Pants: Handy if trekking during monsoon or if the weather turns wet.
Hands
- Thin Gloves: Light gloves are great in the morning chill.
- Warm Gloves: Insulated ones are useful at Khopra Ridge, especially in windy weather.
Footwear
- Trekking Boots: Waterproof and well-broken-in boots are key for comfort and safety.
- Wool or Hiking Socks: Bring 2–3 pairs to keep your feet warm and dry.
- Sandals or Slippers: Perfect for relaxing your feet in the evening.
- Flip-flops: Useful for bathrooms or quick use in the lodge.
Undergarments
- Quick-Dry Underwear: Keeps you comfortable and dry while hiking.
- Sports Bra (for women): Supportive and comfortable for trekking.
- Thermal Bottoms: Great to wear under pants in cold weather.
Medication & First Aid
- Altitude Pills (Diamox): Optional, but worth carrying if you’re sensitive to elevation.
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm: Choose high SPF to protect from the strong mountain sun.
- Plasters/Blister Pads: Must-have for avoiding or treating blisters.
- Painkillers: Like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for aches and headaches.
- Cough Drops or Syrup: The cold, dry air can irritate your throat.
- Antibacterial Cream: For treating small cuts or scrapes.
- Basic Thermometer (Optional): Helpful if you’re feeling off.
Other Essentials
- Hand Sanitizer: Easy hygiene when water isn’t available.
- Water Bottles: Enough to carry 2–3 liters. Bring purification tablets or a filter if needed.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, toilet paper, and wet wipes.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential for early starts or power outages (bring extra batteries)
- Quick-Dry Towel: Small and light, perfect for trekking.
Optional Items
- Camera or Phone: Capture those sunrise views from Poon Hill and Khopra Ridge.
- Trekking Poles: Very useful for balance and reducing knee strain, especially on descents.
- Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, or chocolate for the trail.
- Power Bank: Charging might be limited in remote lodges.
- Dry Bags: To keep electronics or clothes dry in case of rain.
- Notebook or Journal: Nice to write or sketch your daily adventures.
- Earplugs & Eye Mask: Great if you’re a light sleeper or sharing a room with snorers.
FAQs for Khopra Danda Trek Including Poon Hill
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best time to do the Khopra Danda trek?
The best seasons to do the Khopra Danda trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, the weather is mostly clear and pleasant for hiking.
How difficult is the Khopra Danda Trek?
The Khopra Danda trek is moderately difficult. Some parts are steep, but no particular abilities are required. It helps to have some hiking experience and a decent degree of fitness.
Do I need a guide for the Khopra Danda trek?
Although it is not required, hiring a guide can enhance your Khopra Danda hike experience. Guides are useful for local information, navigation, and emergencies.
What permits do I need?
You must have two permits for the Khopra trek, which are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before your trek.
What kind of accommodation is available?
During the Khopra Danda trek, you’ll stay in teahouses along the trail. These are simple lodges offering basic rooms and meals, perfect for resting after a day of trekking.
What food can I expect on the trail?
You can find traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), noodles, and soups. Most teahouses offer vegetarian options too.
Is drinking water safe on the trek?
Tap water is not safe to drink. It’s best to buy bottled water or boil/filter water before drinking. Carrying purification tablets is also helpful.
How cold does it get in the Khopra Danda trek?
The days during the Khopra Danda Trek can be warm and sunny, but especially at night, Khopra Ridge (around 3,600 meters)can be quite cold. You should pack warm clothes and a good sleeping bag.
Are there any health risks?
Altitude sickness is possible, but less common here since the highest point is a moderate altitude. You should walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and rest well to help prevent it.
What should I pack for the Khopra Danda trek?
You should bring layered clothing, a warm jacket, waterproof gear, sturdy boots, snacks, water bottles, and your permits and ID for the Khopra Danda trek. Don’t forget basic first aid and sunscreen.
Can I use a mobile phone and the internet?
Yes, you can use mobile signals that are available in some villages, but it is not available everywhere. Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or unreliable.
Is the trail safe?
Yes, the trail is safe and well-marked in the Khopra trek. You should just be careful on steep or slippery parts. Avoid trekking alone at night and stay aware of weather changes.
How fit do I need to be?
A moderate fitness level is enough. If you regularly walk or exercise, you should manage well. It’s good to do some preparation before the trek.
Can I do the trek alone?
Yes, many people trek solo on this route. You should just make sure to share your plans with someone and consider hiring a guide for extra safety and local support.
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