Khopra Danda Trek via Ghorepani - 9 Days

Annapurna · 9 Days

Khopra Danda Trek via Ghorepani - 9 Days

· Moderate · Max altitude 3,660m (12,008 ft) at Khopra Danda · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

9 Days

Max Altitude

3,660m (12,008 ft)

at Khopra Danda

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

Teahouse / Community Lodge

Overview

The Khopra Danda Trek via Ghorepani is a 9-day journey combining the iconic Poon Hill sunrise (3,210m) with the quieter community ridge of Khopra Danda (3,660m). Starting from Pokhara, you walk through Magar and Gurung villages, climb to Ghorepani for the famous Annapurna sunrise, then traverse to the community-managed Khopra Danda lodge for face-on Dhaulagiri views.

The combination delivers both the must-see Poon Hill experience and the off-the-beaten-path tranquility of Khopra - a perfect balance for adventurous mid-length Annapurna trekkers.

Highlights

  • Poon Hill (3,210m) sunrise with Dhaulagiri-Annapurna panorama
  • Khopra Danda ridge (3,660m) with face-on Dhaulagiri views
  • Community-managed lodges supporting Magar villages
  • Mohre Danda and Ulleri quieter alternative endings
  • Spring rhododendrons in dense forests
  • 9-day balance of icon trek and hidden trail
  • Walk through traditional Gurung and Magar villages
  • Quieter middle and end of trek vs main Annapurna routes
  • All permits and TIMS included

Itinerary

Day 1

Pokhara to Tadapani (2,630m)

⏱ Jeep + 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Drive to trailhead, hike to Tadapani.

Day 2

Tadapani to Dobato (3,420m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb through rhododendron forests.

Day 3

Dobato to Sisdibhum / Danda Kharka (3,300m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ridge walk with broadening views.

Day 4

Sisdibhum to Khopra Danda (3,660m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive at community lodge with face-on Dhaulagiri.

Day 5

Khopra Danda to Paudar (2,200m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long descent through Magar villages.

Day 6

Paudar to Ghorepani (2,850m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb back to the famous Ghorepani lodge village.

Day 7

Ghorepani to Mohre Danda (3,300m) - Poon Hill Sunrise

⏱ Pre-dawn hike + 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Poon Hill sunrise, breakfast, then traverse to Mohre Danda community lodge.

Day 8

Mohre Danda to Ulleri (2,050m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend through forests to Ulleri.

Day 9

Ulleri to Pokhara

⏱ 4 hour hike + 2 hr drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Final descent to Nayapul and jeep to Pokhara.

Ready to walk this?

Enquire now →

What's included

Included

  • Meals in clean and hygienic hotels during the trek
  • Accommodation in clean lodges and community lodges
  • ACAP permit fees
  • TIMS card
  • Licensed guide (food, accommodation, salary, insurance included)
  • 1 porter per 2 trekkers (insurance included)
  • All land transportation
  • First aid kit

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hard drinks and soft drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters and drivers
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers
  • Personal expenses

Trek guide

Poon Hill Plus Khopra Danda

By combining Ghorepani with Khopra Danda, this 9-day itinerary captures both of the best Annapurna ridge experiences. The first half mirrors the classic Poon Hill trek; the second half breaks off into the quieter Khopra community trail.

Route

From Pokhara the route climbs to Tadapani via Ulleri's stone staircase and Ghorepani. After Poon Hill sunrise, the trail traverses to Khopra Danda via Dobato and Sisdibhum. Descent loops back via Paudar, Gorepani, Mohre Danda and Ulleri to Pokhara.

What is Special

The traverse from Ghorepani to Khopra Danda crosses high ridges with continuous mountain views. Mohre Danda is another quieter community lodge worth experiencing. The route ends at Ulleri for the descent to Nayapul.

Permits

  • ACAP
  • TIMS card

Altitude

Highest point: 3,660m at Khopra Danda. Moderate altitude.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May)
  • Autumn (September-November)

Fitness

Moderate. 4-6 hours daily on stone-step and forest trails.

Packing list

Same as Khopra Danda 7-day trek.

Clothing: Down jacket -10°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal layer, 4 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes

Accessories: 40L daypack, 60L duffel, -10°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 4 photos, cash

Medical: First-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, painkillers

Frequently asked questions

How does this compare to the 7-day Khopra Danda trek?
This version adds the famous Poon Hill sunrise and a stay at Mohre Danda community lodge for a richer overall experience.

Will I see crowds at Poon Hill?
Yes, especially in October and April. Khopra and Mohre Danda are quieter.

Are the community lodges as comfortable as commercial teahouses?
Basic but clean. Some find them more atmospheric and friendly.

How does the trek support communities?
Profits from Khopra and Mohre Danda lodges fund local Magar villages.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Mild risk above 3,500m. Acclimatization is naturally good with the route.

What is the food like?
Standard Nepali dal bhat plus local Magar specialties at Khopra and Mohre.

Can children join?
Children 10+ with hiking experience handle it well.

How cold does it get?
-5 to -10°C at Khopra and Ghorepani overnight in shoulder seasons.

Can the trek be customized?
Yes - we can extend to Khayer Lake (4,660m) or shorten to skip Mohre Danda.

How are knees on the descents?
Trekking poles essential. The Ulleri stairs are particularly hard on knees - take it slow.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $600

per person

WhatsApp Enquire