Khopra Danda Trek (Khayar Lake Trek)

Khopra Danda Trek is a remote, pristine and relatively unexplored trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The peaceful experience while vanishing into the complete nature is one of the best parts of trekking to Khopra Danda. You can explore the diverse range of cultures, traditions, natural beauty and Himalayan views along the trail. It is also a newly discovered trek and visited by a smaller number of trekkers. It is unspoiled by human interference, so, trekking to the Khopra ridge is one of the best trekking in the Annapurna region.

The Khopra ridge is situated at an altitude of 3600 m above sea level. It is easily accessible and not so difficult to trek. Since it lies at the lower altitude than most the trekking routes, this trek is favorable for every people with a good physical condition. By trekking in this beautiful place, you will not only be exploring the astounding Himalayas and the culture of villages but also you will be contributing to the community along the trail.

During the trek, you will get an excellent opportunity to explore Khayar Lake. It is also a major attraction of the trek. Isolated and kept secret of the Annapurna region, this lake lies adjacent to the Annapurna Massif. You can also explore the astounding Himalayas such as Annapurna Himalayan Range, Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. The lake is also sacred to Hindus and has some religious significance too. Taking a holy dip in Khayar Lake is believed to be helpful to attain nirvana and liberation. In the time of Janaipurnima, a sacred Hindu festival, Khayar lake observes some devotees.

Along the trekking trails, you will get an excellent opportunity to explore the amazing views of the Kaligandaki river. Kaligandaki is also the deepest gorge in the world and is one of the holiest rivers that has some association with Lord Vishnu according to the Hindu Holy epic. The spectacular Annapurna Himalayan Range itself is a major highlight of the trek however, the Khayar lake is also a major part of trekking to Khopra Danda.

This trekking further can be extended by adding trekking to the other routes such as Mardi Himal, Mohare Danda, Ghorepani Poonhill, Annapurna Base Camp and much other trekking in the Annapurna Region. The Khopra Ridge Trek is also a route that is designed for a social cause to enhance the lifestyle of the communities residing in the limelight of poverty in this region. That’s why the Khopra Danda Trek is also known as the Khopra ridge community trek.

A diverse range of flora and fauna, beautiful Himalayan views, valleys, rivers, glaciers and human habitat along the trail facilitates trekkers with the best experience in Nepal. Mostly inhabited by Gurung and Tamangs, the Khopra Danda Trek offers wonderful cultural practices and traditions in the rural settlement. The mountain ambiance at not so high altitude is probably the best at Khopra ridge as you can explore the pristine beauty of the Himalayas. The trekking to Khopra Danda is not commercialized, thus, it is unspoiled and has its very own natural essence.

Khopra Danda trek takes you to a vantage point and a lake from where you can see the spectacular beauty of the Himalayas. The mountain views you can see during the trek are Tukuche, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Dhampus, Nilgiri, Lamjung, Hiuchuli, Manaslu and many other neighboring peaks. The trekking area of Khopra ridge is bordered by Myagdi and Kaski districts of Nepal which are excellent places to explore the nature and culture in itself. To complete the trek, the trekkers need to obtain some ACAP permit and TIMS permit. Not so difficult, yet amazingly filled with mindblowing natural beauty and culture and traditions in the typical villages is expecting you to welcome with the best it has to offer.

Trekking to Khopra Danda starts with a drive to the beautiful Pokhara valley from Kathmandu. Pokhara is a beautiful tourist capital, which is also known as Gateway to the Himalayas. You can access almost every trekking to Annapurna Region from Pokhara city. Also, you can explore the beautiful lakes and mountain sceneries from this beautiful valley. From Pokhara, you will have a drive to Ghandruk and you will trek further to Tadapani. You can explore beautiful settlements and astounding natural beauty. From Tafapani, you will trek further to Bayali Kharka and Khopra.

A trek from Khopra will take you to Khayar Lake. After exploring the beautiful Khayar Lake, you will return back to Khopra. The returning trail from Khopra ridge follows the Swanta Village and Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, you will trek to Ulleri and get a drive to reach the Pokhara valley. A further drive from Pokhara will take you back to Kathmandu valley.

Khopra Danda Trek is an 11 days trek that takes you to the beautiful villages, vantage points, lakes, and amazing mountains. You can explore the diverse natural beauty from along the trail. This short trekking is best suitable for those people who are in Nepal for a short period of time and wants to explore the beautiful Annapurna region of Nepal.