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Khopra Danda and Poon Hill Trek

Two classic Himalayan viewpoints - Spectacular mountain panoramas - Atmospheric teahouse trekking - Annapurna and Dhaulagiri

All Meals on Trek Included

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Duration

11 Days
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Grade

Moderate
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Max Altitude

3650m
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Walking Days

6 Days
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Accommodation

3 Nts Hotels - 7 Nts Trekking Lodges
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Trip Overview

Not one, but two outlandish Himalayan viewpoints.

Poon Hill has long been one of the most famous viewpoints to enjoy a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and is naturally and justifiably popular. However, in recent years, a few intrepid trekkers “discovered” that the Khopra Danda ridge afforded equally (if not even better) spectacular panoramic views across the Kali Gandaki Valley to magnificent Dhaulagiri and was even closer to Annapurna than Poon Hill. Thus, for some time, Khopra Danda remained a bit of a secret, but now this route is served by a handful of strategically located (simpler) trekking lodges, often community-run, that help form a meaningful mini-circuit trek and a “double whammy” way to combine two fantastic viewpoint objectives and, from leaving Poon Hill, a sense of being a little “off the beaten track”, until rejoining the main route at Tadapani. Whilst we have given this trek a moderate grade largely due to the duration and relatively moderate altitudes achieved by Himalayan standards, the trekking days themselves are often quite tough, with no shortage of steep and lengthy ascents and descents that demand a very good level of fitness. Don't forget that our trekking holidays are tailor-made and although the rate of altitude gains is reasonable, you may wish to consider adding acclimatisation days, rest days, and even contingency days added. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.

This trek can readily be combined with our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek or our Annapurna Sanctuary & Poon Hill Trek to create a longer-distance Annapurna region trek.

If you're tight on time, then our Poon Hill Trek omits Khopra Danda and is shorter in duration.

Not one, but two outlandish Himalayan viewpoints.

  • Poon Hill has long been one of the most famous viewpoints to enjoy a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and is naturally and justifiably popular. However, in recent years, a few intrepid trekkers “discovered” that the Khopra Danda ridge afforded equally (if not even better) spectacular panoramic views across the Kali Gandaki Valley to magnificent Dhaulagiri and was even closer to Annapurna than Poon Hill. Thus, for some time, Khopra Danda remained a bit of a secret, but now this route is served by a handful of strategically located (simpler) trekking lodges, often community-run, that help form a meaningful mini-circuit trek and a “double whammy” way to combine two fantastic viewpoint objectives and, from leaving Poon Hill, a sense of being a little “off the beaten track”, until rejoining the main route at Tadapani. Whilst we have given this trek a moderate grade largely due to the duration and relatively moderate altitudes achieved by Himalayan standards, the trekking days themselves are often quite tough, with no shortage of steep and lengthy ascents and descents that demand a very good level of fitness. Don't forget that our trekking holidays are tailor-made and although the rate of altitude gains is reasonable, you may wish to consider adding acclimatisation days, rest days, and even contingency days added. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.

    This trek can readily be combined with our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek or our Annapurna Sanctuary & Poon Hill Trek to create a longer-distance Annapurna region trek.

    If you're tight on time, then our Poon Hill Trek omits Khopra Danda and is shorter in duration.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Fly to Pokhara & transfer to Ulleri
    • Day 3
      Trek to Ghorepani
    • Day 4
      Poon Hill sunrise & to Swanta
    • Day 5
      Trek to Khopra Danda
    • Day 6
      Trek to Bayalikharka (or add Khairbaraha/Kayer Lake option)
    • Day 7
      Trek to Tadapani
    • Day 8
      Descend to Ghandruk
    • Day 9
      Transfer to Pokhara
    • Day 10
      Fly to Kathmandu
    • Day 11
      Depart Nepal

  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Fly to Pokhara & transfer to Ulleri

    A private transfer to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Pokhara A private transfer then takes you to the start of the trek at Ulleri (2070m). Journey time is around 4-5 hours. So, you should arrive with some time for a wander around the area and get the legs stretched before tomorrow's ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ulleri
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY 2

    Fly to Pokhara & transfer to Ulleri

    A private transfer to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Pokhara A private transfer then takes you to the start of the trek at Ulleri (2070m). Journey time is around 4-5 hours. So, you should arrive with some time for a wander around the area and get the legs stretched before tomorrow's ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ulleri
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY
    3

    Trek to Ghorepani

    A tough day. It's a very steep climb of around 2 hours to walk up to Ulleri (2070m). Although the gradient eases in places, it's still all uphill as you continue to Banthanti. Here you are greeted by some fabulous Himalayan views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. Crossing a mountain stream, the trail now climbs up the hillside to reach Nangethanti. The relentless uphill continues virtually all the way until you arrive at Ghorepani (2900m). Ghorepani is quite a bustling sort of place as it has always been a stopping point between the Kali Gandaki Valley (from which it is a long steep climb up to Ghorepani) and Pokhara; hence, Ghorepani means 'horse watering place'. Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours with around 1300m of challenging ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghorepani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 3

    Trek to Ghorepani

    A tough day. It's a very steep climb of around 2 hours to walk up to Ulleri (2070m). Although the gradient eases in places, it's still all uphill as you continue to Banthanti. Here you are greeted by some fabulous Himalayan views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. Crossing a mountain stream, the trail now climbs up the hillside to reach Nangethanti. The relentless uphill continues virtually all the way until you arrive at Ghorepani (2900m). Ghorepani is quite a bustling sort of place as it has always been a stopping point between the Kali Gandaki Valley (from which it is a long steep climb up to Ghorepani) and Pokhara; hence, Ghorepani means 'horse watering place'. Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours with around 1300m of challenging ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghorepani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Poon Hill sunrise & to Swanta

    Although this is a rather unhurried day, a pre-dawn wake-up is needed so that you can ascend to the top of nearby Poon Hill (3210m) in order to witness the sunrise at this classic Himalayan view point. Across the Kali Gandaki, the stupendous peak of Dhaulagiri begins to glow surreal colours as the first light of the sun hits it, while closer and above you is Annapurna South. This now-very-popular view point ensures that some enterprising locals will have a hot brew for sale. Of course, if you prefer not to get out of bed very early and have breakfast before heading for Poon Hill, that’s OK; although you’ll miss the sunrise, the views in early morning light (while still clear) are good too. The ascent and descent of Poon Hill take around 2 hours, so if you’ve opted for sunrise, then you’ll have a leisurely breakfast back down in Ghorepani. Either way, as the walk to the next overnight halt is quite short, you can enjoy the views from Poon Hill without feeling the need to rush and move on. The walk to Swanta (2195m) is rather straightforward, with a mix of some ascent and a bit more in the way of descent. The trail may have become noticeably quieter as you’re now off the regular Annapurna trekking routes. Chances are you’ll reach Swanta with time to relax or pay a visit to the local community school. Walking time (inc Poon Hill) approx.4hrs

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Swanta
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 4

    Poon Hill sunrise & to Swanta

    Although this is a rather unhurried day, a pre-dawn wake-up is needed so that you can ascend to the top of nearby Poon Hill (3210m) in order to witness the sunrise at this classic Himalayan view point. Across the Kali Gandaki, the stupendous peak of Dhaulagiri begins to glow surreal colours as the first light of the sun hits it, while closer and above you is Annapurna South. This now-very-popular view point ensures that some enterprising locals will have a hot brew for sale. Of course, if you prefer not to get out of bed very early and have breakfast before heading for Poon Hill, that’s OK; although you’ll miss the sunrise, the views in early morning light (while still clear) are good too. The ascent and descent of Poon Hill take around 2 hours, so if you’ve opted for sunrise, then you’ll have a leisurely breakfast back down in Ghorepani. Either way, as the walk to the next overnight halt is quite short, you can enjoy the views from Poon Hill without feeling the need to rush and move on. The walk to Swanta (2195m) is rather straightforward, with a mix of some ascent and a bit more in the way of descent. The trail may have become noticeably quieter as you’re now off the regular Annapurna trekking routes. Chances are you’ll reach Swanta with time to relax or pay a visit to the local community school. Walking time (inc Poon Hill) approx.4hrs

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Swanta
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Trek to Khopra Danda

    As you’re now a little bit “off the beaten track” compared to the main Annapurna trails, the trekking lodges for this section are noticeably more basic until Tadapani. The trekking today is primarily ascent and begins with a climb up through forests of rhododendron and oak to reach the small village of Chistibung, an ideal lunch halt. It’s then an ascent through meadows to begin with, which at times is steep too. A long climb eventually opens out onto the spectacular Khopra ridge leading to Khopra Danda (3650m), from where there are expansive, spectacular views. It’s quite a tough walking day, but if you still have the time and energy, there are some additional hiking options to additional hilltop vantage points. Walking time approx.6hrs and a tough 1300m of ascent overall.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Khopra Danda
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5

    Trek to Khopra Danda

    As you’re now a little bit “off the beaten track” compared to the main Annapurna trails, the trekking lodges for this section are noticeably more basic until Tadapani. The trekking today is primarily ascent and begins with a climb up through forests of rhododendron and oak to reach the small village of Chistibung, an ideal lunch halt. It’s then an ascent through meadows to begin with, which at times is steep too. A long climb eventually opens out onto the spectacular Khopra ridge leading to Khopra Danda (3650m), from where there are expansive, spectacular views. It’s quite a tough walking day, but if you still have the time and energy, there are some additional hiking options to additional hilltop vantage points. Walking time approx.6hrs and a tough 1300m of ascent overall.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Khopra Danda
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Trek to Bayalikharka (or add Khairbaraha/Kayer Lake option)

    If you don’t want to leave this spectacular location just yet, then an option is to add an additional night at Khopra Danda and make a return trek to the truly spectacularly located Khairbaraha (Kayer) Lake. It is, however, a long and challenging day as the lake (in reality a small mountain tarn) is at 4700m and the return trek is a punishing 9–10 hrs of walking. For those that dare, this place of pilgrimage, complete with a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is about as close to Annapurna South as you can get without mountaineering, and although often obscured by mists, if it is clear, then the close-up views are undoubtedly sensational.

    If not, then it’s back down to Chistibung and then mostly ascent for the remainder of the day to reach Bayalikharka (3450m). Walking time is approximately 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge -Bayalikharka
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 6

    Trek to Bayalikharka (or add Khairbaraha/Kayer Lake option)

    If you don’t want to leave this spectacular location just yet, then an option is to add an additional night at Khopra Danda and make a return trek to the truly spectacularly located Khairbaraha (Kayer) Lake. It is, however, a long and challenging day as the lake (in reality a small mountain tarn) is at 4700m and the return trek is a punishing 9–10 hrs of walking. For those that dare, this place of pilgrimage, complete with a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is about as close to Annapurna South as you can get without mountaineering, and although often obscured by mists, if it is clear, then the close-up views are undoubtedly sensational.

    If not, then it’s back down to Chistibung and then mostly ascent for the remainder of the day to reach Bayalikharka (3450m). Walking time is approximately 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge -Bayalikharka
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Trek to Tadapani

    There’s a climb up through woodland initially to reach a minor pass. From this point, it’s mostly descent to reach Tadapani (2590m), where you have now rejoined the main Annapurna trekking routes. Walking time 4-5 hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Tadapani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 7

    Trek to Tadapani

    There’s a climb up through woodland initially to reach a minor pass. From this point, it’s mostly descent to reach Tadapani (2590m), where you have now rejoined the main Annapurna trekking routes. Walking time 4-5 hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Tadapani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    8

    Descend to Ghandruk

    An easier day as you follow the often stone-stepped trail down to Ghandruk. There are some great views across the Modi Khol Valley to Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) and above to Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. Ghandruk (2000m) is the headquarters for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the largest settlement in this part of the Annapurna's. With a total walking time of 4-5 hours, today is a more unhurried affair, with around 650m of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghandruk
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 8

    Descend to Ghandruk

    An easier day as you follow the often stone-stepped trail down to Ghandruk. There are some great views across the Modi Khol Valley to Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) and above to Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. Ghandruk (2000m) is the headquarters for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the largest settlement in this part of the Annapurna's. With a total walking time of 4-5 hours, today is a more unhurried affair, with around 650m of descent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghandruk
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    9

    Transfer to Pokhara

    As a road now reaches Ghandruk and is part-metalled the private vehicle transfer to Pokhara takes around 4 hours, so you should be able to enjoy a leisurely afternoon here by the lake.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 9

    Transfer to Pokhara

    As a road now reaches Ghandruk and is part-metalled the private vehicle transfer to Pokhara takes around 4 hours, so you should be able to enjoy a leisurely afternoon here by the lake.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY
    10

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu. You'll be met upon arrival and receive a private vehicle transfer to the KGH Hotel in downtown Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 10

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu. You'll be met upon arrival and receive a private vehicle transfer to the KGH Hotel in downtown Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    11

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made

    DAY 11

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 1195

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, internal flights in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, permits, National Park fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are english-speaking, professionals and fully licenced

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all our trips.

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