TICINO TREKS

Khopra Danda & Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 3193m
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Khopra Danda & Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 3193m

Khopra Danda & Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 3193m

Country

Nepal

Duration

16 days

Max Altitude

(3,193m)

Group Size

2 - 15 Person

Difficulty

moderate

Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn

Description

The Khopra Danda and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a scenic and culturally rich journey through the heart of the Annapurna region, offering an excellent combination of off-the-beaten-path trails and iconic viewpoints. This 16-day tea-house trek is perfect for trekkers seeking moderate challenge, quiet trails, cultural immersion, and sweeping Himalayan panoramas without venturing into technical climbing territory.

Beginning with a drive from Kathmandu to the lakeside city of Pokhara, the trek quickly immerses you in the terraced foothills and traditional Gurung and Magar villages of the Annapurna mid-hills. From Dhampus, the trail winds through rhododendron forests, crosses ridgelines with spectacular views, and ascends gradually toward the Khopra Ridge (Khopra Danda), one of the most spectacular and secluded viewpoints in the entire region. At 3,660 meters, Khopra Danda offers unobstructed views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Baraha Shikhar (Fang), and the dramatic Khopra Valley far below.

A rest day at Khopra includes an early morning hike to a panoramic viewpoint for breathtaking sunrise views. Descending from Khopra, the trek rejoins the more popular Ghorepani, Poon Hill trail. A pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,193m) is another highlight, delivering stunning sunrise views over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna masses. The journey concludes with a return to Pokhara and a final cultural day before heading back to Kathmandu.

This trek offers an ideal blend of solitude and highlights, quiet trails of Khopra Ridge, the warm hospitality of local lodges, and the famed beauty of Poon Hill, making it a perfect choice for trekkers seeking variety, views, and authenticity in a moderate Himalayan journey.

Travel Notes

Best Season:

  • Spring (March to May): Rhododendron forests in full bloom, clear mornings, pleasant temperatures.

  • Autumn (September to November): Best visibility and stable weather, with golden light across the Himalayan peaks.

Trek Difficulty:

  • Moderate, suitable for trekkers with good fitness. No technical skills needed.

Accommodation:

  • Tea-house lodges throughout the trek with basic amenities. Private rooms in most places.

Maximum Altitude:

  • Khopra Danda Viewpoint (3,660m)

  • Poon Hill (3,193m)

Permits Required:

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card

 

Itineraries

Your journey begins with a scenic 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, traveling along the Trishuli River past lush hills and farming villages. Upon arriving in Pokhara in the afternoon, you’ll check into your hotel near Phewa Lake and have the remainder of the day free to explore the lakeside or relax.

 

After breakfast, you will take a 30-minute drive from Pokhara to Phedi by 9:00 AM. From Phedi, the trek officially begins as you hike steadily through forest and terraced hillsides, reaching the Gurung village of Dhampus in approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, arriving by early afternoon. The trail offers great views of Machapuchare (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range.

 

Today’s trek takes about 6 hours. You will start trekking by 8:00 AM, traversing ridgelines and forests before descending toward the Modi Khola river. Passing through Pothana, you will arrive in Landruk by mid-afternoon, a charming village perched on a hillside with impressive valley views.

 

Starting your trek around 8:00 AM, you will cross a suspension bridge and climb steadily for about 4 hours, arriving in Ghandruk by midday. After lunch, there will be time to explore the village museum and local homes to experience traditional mountain culture.

 

You will begin trekking by 8:00 AM, ascending through dense rhododendron and oak forests. The final stretch offers beautiful views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, reaching the forested settlement of Tadapani around early afternoon after a 5-hour hike.

 

Starting early around 8:00 AM, the trail diverges from the main route onto less-traveled paths through thick forests. You will trek for about 5 hours, arriving at the small, remote hamlet of Isharu by early afternoon.

 

After breakfast starts around 8:00 AM, you will continue trekking through open alpine terrain. The trail takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Bayeli, where dramatic views of Dhaulagiri begin to dominate. You should arrive by midday to early afternoon.

Begin your trek by 8:00 AM. The path gently descends through forests, yak pastures, and occasional herder huts. The 6-hour trek offers a peaceful and immersive experience in this isolated area, reaching Dhankhar by mid to late afternoon.

 

Starting at 8:00 AM, the climb to Khopra Danda is steady and takes approximately 4 hours. Arrive at the ridge by noon, where you can enjoy some of Nepal’s best mountain views, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Baraha Shikhar.

 

You will rise early, around 5:00 AM, for a morning hike to the viewpoint to catch panoramic sunrise views over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The hike typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way. Afterward, spend the remainder of the day resting and enjoying this spectacular vantage point.

 

Begin your descent at around 8:00 AM. The trail leads through alpine pastures and pine forests, arriving in the quiet Magar village of Swanta after about 5 hours of trekking, around early afternoon.

 

You will start trekking at 8:00 AM, ascending through rhododendron and moss-filled forests. The 6-hour hike concludes in Ghorepani by late afternoon, one of the region’s most popular trekking stops.

 

Wake before dawn at around 4:30 AM to hike approximately 45 minutes to Poon Hill for an unforgettable sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna masses. After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, you will begin a 5 to 6-hour descent through Ulleri’s famous stone steps, arriving at Tikhedhunga by late afternoon.

 

After a short morning walk to the road, you will take a jeep ride around mid-morning for approximately 4 hours back to Pokhara. The rest of the day is free for relaxation by the lakeside.

 

Spend the day exploring Pokhara’s cultural sites, such as Davis Falls, the Peace Pagoda, Gupteshwor Cave, and the International Mountain Museum. You may also enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake. Most sightseeing activities last between 2 to 4 hours each.

 

Your trek concludes with a scenic 6 to 7-hour drive back to Kathmandu. You will arrive in the afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your trekking adventure.

 

Cost Includes

Accommodation & Meals

  • Tea-house lodge accommodation during the trek

  • Hotel accommodation in Pokhara and Kathmandu (as per package)

  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Welcome/farewell dinners

Permits & Entry Fees

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • TIMS card

Transportation

  • Tourist bus: Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu

  • Jeep transport: Tirkhedhunga–Pokhara

  • All local transfers as per itinerary

Staff & Support

  • Experienced licensed trekking guide

  • Porters (1 per 2 trekkers) with proper gear and insurance

  • Guide and porter insurance, meals, lodging, and salary

Other Services

  • First aid kit carried by the guide

  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (returnable)

  • Trekking map

  • Duffel bag for luggage (returnable)

 

Cost Excludes

International Travel & Visa

  • International airfare to and from Nepal

  • Nepal entry visa fee (easily obtainable on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport)

Meals & Beverages

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except for welcome and farewell dinners)

  • Additional snacks, packed food, bottled water, energy drinks, and alcoholic beverages during the trek

  • Any meals or drinks not included in the standard tea-house menu

Personal Equipment & Gear

  • Personal trekking clothing, footwear, and accessories

  • Sleeping bag, down jacket (available on request with refundable deposit)

  • Personal daypack and trekking poles

  • Personal toiletries and personal medical kit

Insurance & Emergency Services

  • Personal travel insurance (mandatory), including emergency evacuation and trip cancellation

  • Medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation costs

  • Costs related to emergency rescue by helicopter or ground transport

Tips & Gratitude

  • Tips for trekking guide, porters, and support staff (customary and appreciated)

Sightseeing & Entry Fees

  • Entry fees for monuments, museums, caves, and pagodas during Pokhara sightseeing (payable directly at the sites)

Additional Transportation & Services

  • Any transport, jeep hire, or domestic flights not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Costs for extra accommodation and meals due to itinerary changes, delays, weather, or personal reasons

  • Charges for excess baggage on domestic flights (if applicable)

Communication & Technology

  • Use of satellite phone, internet, Wi-Fi, mobile phone data, or charging devices at lodges (where available)

  • Camera permits, drone permits, or special filming permits (if required)

Other Personal Expenses

  • Laundry services during the trek

  • Souvenirs, gifts, and personal shopping

Any other costs not explicitly mentioned under “Inclusions”

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