Khopra Danda Ridge Traverse
- 10 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide you along the quiet ridgelines of the Annapurna, reaching 3,660 m with close views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
At a glance
Trip overview
We lead this ten-day trek along the quieter ridges of the Annapurna conservation area, taking our groups away from the busier routes toward Khopra Danda. Our path climbs through dense oak and rhododendron forests, passing traditional Gurung and Magar settlements before breaking out onto high alpine pastures.
This route suits trekkers who have some prior multi-day hiking experience and want to experience high-altitude viewpoints without technical mountaineering. We maintain a steady, measured pace to allow proper acclimatisation as we approach the highest elevation of 3,660 m.
Along the trail, we stay in community lodges and basic teahouses operated by local families. We cross terraced hillsides, fast-flowing mountain streams, and grazing lands where domestic yaks and sheep roam during the warmer months.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Dhaulagiri Vistas
We witness towering ice walls of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri from the high vantage of Khopra Ridge.
Rhododendron Forests
Our spring ascents take us through blooming canopies of Nepal's national flower along the trail to Tadapani.
Gurung Culture
We explore the traditional stone houses and local museum in the hillside village of Ghandruk.
Munde Viewpoint
We hike out early from Dobato to watch the first light hit Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Off-Beaten Trails
We avoid the main highway corridors, following lesser-known tracks toward Chistibung and Swanta.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We use the afternoon to check your trekking gear and discuss the upcoming schedule.
Day 2
Flight to Pokhara and Trek to Ghandruk
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Flight to Pokhara and Trek to Ghandruk
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning scenic flight to Pokhara, catching views of the mid-hills before driving to Kimche. From there, our trek begins with a steady climb up stone staircases to the Gurung village of Ghandruk at 1,940 m.
Day 3
Ghandruk to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Ghandruk to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Ghandruk behind, walking through Deurali and entering deep forests of oak and rhododendron. A short descent brings us to Tadapani at 2,630 m, where we rest for the night surrounded by trees.
Day 4
Tadapani to Dobato
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Tadapani to Dobato
Meals: B / L / D
Our route today follows a quiet, lesser-used path beneath a heavy tree canopy. After navigating steep sections through the forest, we arrive at Dobato at 3,420 m.
Day 5
Dobato to Chistibung via Munde Viewpoint
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Dobato to Chistibung via Munde Viewpoint
Meals: B / L / D
We start before dawn to climb toward Munde Viewpoint for sunrise over the high peaks. Afterwards, we continue our descent and gradual traverse through varied terrain down to Chistibung at 2,975 m.
Day 6
Chistibung to Khopra Ridge
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Chistibung to Khopra Ridge
Meals: B / L / D
We climb steadily out of the valley, leaving the tree line behind as we step onto open alpine slopes. By midday, we reach Khopra Ridge at 3,660 m, our highest elevation camp.
Day 7
Rest and Acclimatisation at Khopra Ridge
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Rest and Acclimatisation at Khopra Ridge
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day resting and allowing our bodies to adjust to the 3,660 m altitude. Our guides lead short walks along the ridge to observe the Kali Gandaki Gorge far below.
Day 8
Khopra Ridge to Swanta Village
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Khopra Ridge to Swanta Village
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our steps down the open ridge before turning downhill through terraced farmland. We complete our descent into Swanta Village at 2,200 m, home to a predominantly Magar community.
Day 9
Swanta to Banthanti and Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Swanta to Banthanti and Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We hike through forest trails up toward Ghorepani before descending further to Banthanti. From there, our private vehicle meets us for the two-hour drive back to Pokhara.
Day 10
Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 10
Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B
We board our morning flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon remains free for resting or exploring the city.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card registration
- Experienced government-licensed guide and porters
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) on the trek
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency rescue
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging at teahouses
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Tips for guide and support staff
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
We reach a maximum altitude of 3,660 m at Khopra Ridge. While this is lower than typical base camp treks, we still maintain a measured ascent profile and include a dedicated day for rest and adaptation.
Our lead guides monitor every participant daily for signs of acute mountain sickness. We carry a comprehensive first aid kit and pulse oximeters on all our trips.
Accommodation on the trail
We house our groups in local teahouses and community-run lodges along the route. Facilities are basic, featuring twin-share rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and shared bathroom facilities.
Dining areas are communal and heated by a central stove, providing a warm space to eat and socialise in the evenings.
Fitness expectations
This is classified as a moderate trek with daily walking hours ranging from four to six hours. The terrain includes steep stone staircases, tree roots, and high ridgeline paths.
We recommend starting cardiovascular training, stair climbing, and long walks with a loaded daypack at least two months prior to departure.
Drinking water safety
We strongly advise against drinking untreated tap or stream water on the mountain. Our guides can help you purchase boiled water at teahouses or treat natural sources using iodine or chlorine drops.
We also encourage bringing a reusable water bottle and an insulating cover to keep your supply from freezing at higher elevations.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking boots with ankle supportEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to arrival.
Down jacket rated for sub-zero temperaturesEssential
Clothing
Necessary for cold mornings and evenings at Khopra Ridge.
Waterproof shell jacket and trousersEssential
Clothing
Gore-Tex or equivalent breathable material.
Thermal base layers (top and bottom)Essential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics.
Sleeping bag rated to -10°CEssential
Camping
Teahouse blankets can be thin at higher elevations.
Trekking poles
Safety
Useful for saving knees on long descents.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for early morning starts like the hike to Munde.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Keep physical copies and digital backups.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Essential for treating drinking water along the route.
Woolen beanie and sun hatEssential
Clothing
For protection against both alpine cold and strong sun.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitRequired for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area region.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for safety tracking.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?
We attain our highest point at Khopra Ridge, which sits at an altitude of 3,660 m.
Do I need prior trekking experience for Khopra Danda?
Prior experience is helpful but not strictly required, provided you maintain a solid baseline of physical fitness and cardiovascular endurance.
How do we get from Kathmandu to the trailhead?
We take a short morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a private jeep drive to Kimche where the walking begins.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
We stay in local teahouses and community lodges run by families in the villages, offering twin-share rooms with simple beds.
Are permits included in the package cost?
Yes, we arrange both your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and your TIMS card before departure.
When is the best time of year to do this trek?
We run this trek primarily during the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September to November for clear weather.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 10 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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