If you are dreaming of the Himalayas but want to avoid the “trekking highways” of Everest and Poon Hill, the Khopra Ridge Trek 2026 is your perfect match. Standing at 3,660 meters, this off-the-beaten-path Nepal trek offers a front-row seat to Dhaulagiri (the world’s 7th highest peak) without the heavy crowds. For those seeking a moderate trekking experience in the Annapurna region, Khopra Danda provides the perfect balance of raw adventure and authentic cultural immersion.
Why Choose the Khopra Danda Trek in 2026?
Unlike the commercialized trails, the Khopra Danda Trek (also known as the Annapurna Community Trek) is designed for the ethical traveler. Every night, you’ll stay in community-run eco-lodges where your stay directly supports local mountain schools and health clinics. This is sustainable tourism at its finest.
The “Eye-to-Eye” View of Dhaulagiri
Most people see the mountains from below. On Khopra Ridge, you are looking directly across the Kali Gandaki: the world’s deepest gorge at the massive ice walls of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. This makes it one of the best views in Nepal for photography, especially during the golden hour of sunrise.
The Challenge: Sacred Khayer Lake
For adventure lovers, the highlight of this trip is the side-trip to Khayer Lake (4,600m). This high-altitude alpine lake is a sacred pilgrimage site for locals. Reaching the lake is a challenging day hike, but standing at the foot of the Annapurna massif in total silence is a memory that lasts a lifetime. It is widely considered the best quiet alternative to the busy ABC trail.
What Makes This a “Moderate” Trek?
The Khopra Ridge 2026 route is ideal for active hikers. While it involves steady climbs through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows, the trails are well-maintained.
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Experience Level: Moderate (No prior mountaineering needed).
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Daily Trekking: 5-7 hours.
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Trail Conditions: Less crowded, authentic, and peaceful.
Book Your Local Khopra Ridge Expert
As an expert company based in Nepal, We ensure your 2026 journey is safe, organized, and culturally rich. We handle all the Annapurna Community Trek permits and logistics, so you can focus on the mountains.
Trip Facts
Trip Code
Khopra 1
Duration
11 Days
Max. Altitude:
4,660 meters
Group size
Minimum 2
Best Time for Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Activity
Trekking
Meals
B&B , B/L/D
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
LOCATION
Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
Khopra Danda Trek 2026 Highlights
- Front-Row Views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m): Wake up at the Khopra Danda viewpoint (3,660m) for an eye-level, panoramic sunrise over the world’s 7th highest mountain and the entire Annapurna Massif.
- Sacred Khayer Lake Hike: Challenge yourself with a high-altitude day trip to Khayer Lake (4,660m), a pristine glacial lake held sacred by local Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
- Sustainable Community-Run Lodges: Stay in unique community-owned tea houses where your trekking fees directly support local mountain schools and rural health clinics.
- The Deepest Gorge on Earth: Gaze down from the ridge into the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest canyon, separating the two 8,000m giants: Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
- Muldai Peak 360° Panorama: Visit the underrated Muldai Viewpoint, which many experts now argue offers a superior 360-degree mountain view compared to the famous Poon Hill.
- Authentic Cultural Immersion: Walk through the stone-paved streets of Ghandruk and Swanta, experiencing the genuine hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities.
- Zero-Flight Reliability: Unlike Everest treks, this route is accessed by a scenic drive from Pokhara, meaning no stress over Lukla flight cancellations or mountain weather delays.
Overview
Essential Trip Facts of Khopra Ridge Trek:
| Fact | Details |
| Max Altitude |
3,660m (Ridge) / 4,660m (Lake)
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| Difficulty |
Moderate (Suitable for active beginners)
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| Best Season |
March–May (Rhododendrons) & Oct–Dec (Clear Skies)
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| Permits Required |
ACAP & TIMS Card (No Restricted Permit needed)
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Essential facts for the Khopra Ridge Trek 2026, the best quiet alternative to the Annapurna Circuit.
For Direct Booking through WhatsApp click in: https://wa.me/9779814160683
While Khopra Danda Trek 2026 is a fantastic off-beat choice, if you are looking for a shorter, more classic route, check out our [Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek guide].
Enjoyed this guide? You might also like:
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[Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek] – The best trek for beginners.
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[Annapurna Base Camp] – The ultimate journey into the heart of the mountains.
About the Author: Surya Thapa is a veteran Himalayan guide and local trekking expert with over 20 years of first-hand experience leading expeditions through the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Having personally scouted the Khayer Lake route numerous times, Surya specializes in off-the-beaten-path itineraries that prioritize community-based tourism and trekker safety.
Connect and view our past expertise posted in our socials at : First Camp Trek Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram
Khopra Danda Trek 2026 Itinerary | 11 Day Annapurna Community Trek
Accommodation
Hotel in Pokhara
Meal
B&B Plan
Embark on a scenic overland journey via the Prithvi Highway, enjoying a comfortable ride on a VIP tourist bus that offers stunning views of the Trishuli River and terraced hillsides. As you travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, experience the changing landscapes of rural Nepal with scheduled stops for local breakfast and a traditional buffet lunch along the way.
Duration: 7 Hrs Drive
Altitude Gain
2,630m
Accommodation
Teahouses in Tadapani
Meal
B,L, D Plan
The Experience: We start our moderate trekking in Annapurna with a scenic jeep ride to the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk. After a quick local lunch, we head into the rhododendron forest. This is a gentle start to your Khopra Ridge trek, allowing your body to acclimate while enjoying views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Duration: 3 hrs drive / 4 hrs trek
Distance: ~10 km
Altitude Gain
3,350m
Accommodation
Teahouse in Dobato
Meal
B,L,D Plan
The Experience: Today, we leave the main tourist trails behind. This “off-the-beaten-path” section takes us through ancient mossy forests. Keep your camera ready; this ridge offers your first glimpse of the best views of Dhaulagiri across the valley.
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Altitude Gain
3,000m
Accommodation
Teahouse at Chistibung
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The Experience: We wake up early for a 30-minute hike to Muldai Viewpoint. Experts agree this 360-degree panorama is superior to Poon Hill. After sunrise, we descend through alpine pastures to the small community settlement of Chistibung.
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Altitude Gain
3,660m
Accommodation
Teahouse at Khopra Danda
Meal
B,L,D Plan
The Experience: A steady climb above the treeline brings us to the famous Khopra Ridge. You are now standing on a massive natural balcony. The sunset here is legendary and the massive ice wall of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) glows deep orange right in front of your tea house window.
Pro Tip: The community lodge at Khopra has the best yak cheese in the region
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Altitude Gain
4,660m
Accommodation
Teahouse in Khopra Danda
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The Experience: This is the most demanding day of our moderate trekking in Annapurna. We follow a high-altitude pilgrim trail to Khayer Lake, a turquoise gem sitting at the base of Annapurna South. This is the ultimate “hidden” destination for 2026 adventurers.
Duration: 8-9 hrs (Round trip)
Altitude Gain
2,270m
Accommodation
Teahouse at Swanta Village
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The Experience: We begin our descent into the lush valley. Swanta is a beautiful Magar village famous for its local cheese factory. Staying here supports the Annapurna Community Trek initiative, ensuring your travel dollars help local schools.
Duration: 5 hrs
Altitude Gain
2860
Accommodation
Teahouse in Ghorepani
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The Experience: We rejoin the edge of the classic route. Walking through the world’s largest rhododendron forest (breathtaking in March/April), we arrive at the bustling village of Ghorepani.
Duration: 4-5 hrs
Accommodation
Hotel in Pokhara
Meal
Breakfast and Lunch
A final iconic sunrise at Poon Hill allows you to compare the view with Muldai Peak. We then descend the famous stone stairs of Ulleri and Tikhedhunga to reach the road-head at Nayapul. From where we will be heading to the tourism capital of Nepal Pokhara.
Duration: 6-7 hrs trek and 2 hours drive to Pokhara
Accommodation
Hotel In Pokhara
Meal
B&B Plan
Experience the magic of Pokhara with a guided sightseeing tour of iconic landmarks, including the serene Phewa Lake for a boat ride to Tal Barahi Temple and the thundering depths of Davis Falls. Discover the spiritual heights of the World Peace Pagoda for a stunning 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna Massif and the majestic Machhapuchhre reflected in the lake below.
Accommodation
Hotel in Kathmandu
Meal
B&B Plan
Conclude your adventure with a scenic return drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a comfortable VIP tourist bus, retracing the beautiful Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli River. Enjoy final views of the mid-hill landscapes and rural villages during scheduled stops for breakfast and a local lunch before arriving back in the capital city by late afternoon.
Tour Package includes
- Accommodation: Rooms in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and community-run eco-lodges on the trail.
- Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a cup of tea or coffee with every meal during trek.
- Transport: VIP tourist bus to/from Pokhara, and private jeep to the trailhead.
- Permits: Full coverage of ACAP conservation permits and official TIMS trekking cards.
- Guide: A government-licensed, English-speaking trekking expert to lead your journey.
- Safety: Comprehensive first aid kits and oxygen saturation monitoring provided by your guide.
Tour Package excludes
- Flights: International airfare to Kathmandu and any domestic flight upgrades.
- Airport Pick Up and Drop
- Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency helicopter evacuation.
- City Meals: Lunches and dinners during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Drinks: All bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages purchased at lodges.
- Lodge Extras: Personal costs for hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging fees
- Tipping: Gratuity for your guide and porter.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Khopra Ridge Trek is considered a moderate trekking experience in the Annapurna region. While the daily walking distance is manageable (5-7 hours), the steep ascent to Khayer Lake (4,660m) is physically demanding. It is suitable for active beginners with good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength.
The best time for the Khopra Ridge Trek is during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). Spring offers blooming rhododendron forests, while Autumn provides the clearest, best views of Dhaulagiri. Winter trekking is possible but requires gear for snow and sub-zero temperatures.
Yes, altitude sickness (AMS) is a risk because you reach 4,660 meters at Khayer Lake. While the sleeping altitude at Khopra Ridge (3,660m) is relatively safe, the 1,000m climb to the lake is a rapid gain. We recommend staying hydrated and using the "climb high, sleep low" strategy.
The Khopra Ridge Trek is quieter and less crowded than Annapurna Base Camp. While ABC takes you into a mountain amphitheater, Khopra Ridge places you on a high balcony with superior views of Dhaulagiri and the world's deepest gorge. It offers a more authentic, community-based lodging experience.
No special restricted area permit is needed. You only need the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and a TIMS Card. These are the standard permits for the Annapurna region and are included in our 2026 trekking packages.
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