Annapurna Region is famous for some of the well-known trekking trails, such as the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill, and so on. Many trekking routes have been discovered within the past few years. Most of the treks in the Annapurna foothills look like the same mountain views, but every trek has its own character. The newly established trekking destination is Khopra Danda Trek.
Khopra Danda trek is a trekking trail located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This offers stunning views of Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and other many Himalayan peaks. It also takes you deep into the traditional rural lifestyle of the local Gurung and Magar people.
To be honest this trek is a suitable alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Because it can combine with Poon Hill, Tatopani, and Mohare Danda. It all depends on how long you want to extend your trek to the various places. Not only possible to combine with ABC Trek, Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang Trek, and many more treks too.
The trek can start and end in various places, depending on how long and which place you want to go and explore.
Khopra Danda Trekking is considered a moderate trek in Nepal, suitable for those with some previous trekking experience, and a desire to walk in the Mountains. This trek is for those who like trekking and don’t like a lot of people on the way and guest houses. Comparatively, this trek is less crowded than other trekking trails in the Annapurna trekking region.
The highlight of Khopra Danda Trekking
Breathtaking Mountain Glimpse: The trek offers panoramic views of some of the tallest peaks in the world, including Annapurna Range, Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri.
Off the Beaten Path: Unlike other popular treks in Nepal, the Khopra Danda trek is less crowded and it will allow a more peaceful and memorable trekking experience.
Cultural Experience: The trek takes you through the traditional villages of the Gurung and Magar people, providing a real sight of their rural lifestyle, culture, and traditions.
Comparatively High-Altitude Trek: The trek takes you to Khopra Ridge, which provides stunning views of the mountains and is one of the higher trekking destinations in the region. Compare to Poon Hill, Mohare Danda, and Annapurna Base Camp.
Challenging Trail: The trek is one of the moderate treks and provides a good balance of physical challenge and scenic rewards. Also, walking through the dense forest and not the proper walking trail is a challenging task to complete this trek.
Best Time to Trek
Like most trekking destinations in Nepal, Khopra Trek is accessible throughout the year.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is by far the best time to trek to Khopra Danda. The weather is mostly dry and warm during this time of the year. Besides, the clear skies offer excellent visibility of the mountains and surrounding landscapes.
Panorama view
The only downside of trekking to Khopra Danda in autumn is the crowded trail.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is the second-best season to trek to Khopra Danda. During this time of the year, the mornings are usually warm and clear. However, the sky gets a bit hazy in the afternoon and evening. The trail of Khopra Danda is surrounded by crimson rhododendrons in full bloom.
Khopra Ridge trek variations
The beauty of this part of the Annapurna region is that there are a few trails that cross over so that you can tailor your trek. The Khopra Ridge trek traditionally begins in Nayapul and heads up to Khopra Danda via Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, there’s the option to do the very popular short hike up to Poon Hill. On the return from Khopra Ridge, you can either return the same way. Or, you can take an alternative trail back via Dobato and Tadapani, finishing in Ghandruk, which almost forms a complete loop. This is what I did and I would highly recommend it as you get the chance to enjoy the much less visited Muldai Viewpoint near Dobato.