Khopra Poon Hill Trekking

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Includes
Equipment List
Usefull Information

Trip Overview

Khopra Danda, also known as Khopra Ridge Trek, is a new route in the Annapurna Himalayan region. This walk is one of the most popular community walks in Nepal. As you ascend steeply, you’ll be surrounded by massive displays of mountains. It includes Annapurna Himal (8,091 m), Hiuchuli (6,470 m), Dhaulagiri (8,176 m), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Dhampus Peak (6,012). M), and Nilgiri Himal (7,061 m).

During the trek, you will experience the sacred Khair Lake. Stay in communities, interact with local people, and learn about local culture and hospitality.The splendor of nature and the grandeur of the Annapurna Himalayas are synonymous with this trek. If you are looking for a fun and less explored destination, the Kopra Hill Trek is an excellent option. While the ABC trek is already famous, this trek is still a less-travelled trail that has its beauty.

If you are looking for a 12-day journey on the less-beaten path, this trek is a suitable option for you. This trek covers every attraction that it has to offer. It includes breathtaking Himalayan scenery, cultural villages, high valleys, farmlands, and serene forests.Khopda Danda Trail passes north of Ghorepani and reaches another hill called Khopda. The trek is becoming more popular each year because of its spectacular scenery and natural beauty. Adventure lovers and those who prefer homestay treks will feel comfortable.You’ll see the local community, culture, food and less crowded trails.

You will get a wonderful opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city and enjoy the natural beauty.The Khopda Danda trek in the Himalayan region of Nepal is known as the finest scenic spot in this region. You will walk through many ups and downs during the walk. You will be well compensated with a close view of the picturesque valley and the high Himalayas. The trek to Khopda hill offers a panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Nilgiris, Dhaulagiri and many others.

In addition, you can enjoy the abundant nature of the Rhododendron forests. You will be blessed with the sacred Khayar Lake (4,665 m), which is famous among trekkers in Nepal. As this lake is also sacred for Hindus, bathing in this lake is believed to attain nirvana.Walkers can also stay in community villages that help you have real interaction with the Gurung and Magar communities. You will get to know the local culture, traditions, and hospitality of the trek.

The Khopra Poon Hill Trek in Nepal is a popular trekking route that offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The best time to trek to Khopra Poon Hill is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. Here are the details:

Spring (March to May):

Spring is considered the best time for the Khopra Poon Hill Trek.

The weather is generally stable, and the temperatures are moderate.

The rhododendron forests along the trail are in full bloom, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.

The skies are clear, offering excellent visibility of the surrounding mountains.

Autumn (September to November):

Autumn is another excellent time for the trek.

The weather is stable and dry, with clear skies and good visibility.

The temperatures are comfortable during the day, although the nights can be quite cold at higher altitudes.

The trails are well-defined, and the landscapes are beautiful.

During these seasons, you can expect daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) at lower elevations. However, temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes, especially during the nights.It’s important to avoid the monsoon season (June to August) because heavy rain can make the trails slippery, leech-infested, and the views can be obstructed by clouds. Additionally, winter (December to February) can be quite cold, with higher chances of snow at higher elevations, making the trek more challenging.Before embarking on the trek, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast, pack appropriate clothing, and be prepared for variations in temperature and weather conditions, especially as you ascend to higher elevations.

The Khopra Poon Hill Trek is a less crowded alternative to the popular Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

Highlights
                        Poon Hill Sunrise View: Like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Khopra Poon Hill Trek offers a stunning sunrise view from Poon Hill. The panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including peaks like Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli, is breathtaking.
Less Crowded Trails: One of the significant advantages of the Khopra Poon Hill Trek is that it is less crowded compared to other popular treks in the region. This allows for a more serene and peaceful trekking experience, giving you a closer connection with nature.
Khopra Ridge: The trek takes you to Khopra Ridge, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The landscape is diverse, featuring alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and traditional villages.
Gurung and Magar Villages: The trek passes through several Gurung and Magar villages, providing an opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality. You can interact with the locals, learn about their traditions, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the mountain communities.
Natural Hot Springs: The trek includes a visit to natural hot springs at Tatopani. After days of trekking, soaking in the hot springs is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Wildlife and Flora: The region is rich in biodiversity. You may encounter various species of birds, including the colorful Danphe (Nepal’s national bird), as well as other wildlife such as monkeys. The diverse flora, including rhododendron forests, adds to the natural beauty of the trek.
Off the Beaten Path: Khopra Poon Hill Trek is considered an off-the-beaten-path trek, providing a more authentic and less commercialized experience compared to some of the more popular routes in the region.
Community Lodges: The trek offers the opportunity to stay in community lodges, contributing to the local economy. These lodges are basic but comfortable and are run by the local communities, providing a more authentic experience.

                      

Itinerary

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Day01 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1320m/ 4329ft).

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from SawasdeeNepal who will drop us off at your hotel. After checking in, you take a rest or visit SawasdeeNepal’s office. you may also stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Sawasdee Nepal . For dinner,we will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s authentic food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 02 : Fly to Pokhara 820m/2690ft,

We have breakfast and then leave for Pokhara, also known as The Lake City owing to the large number of lakes in the city. Upon our arrival in Pokhara, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft), Manaslu (8,156m/26,759ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993m/22,943ft), the five peaks of Annapurna and others. We then check-in to our hotel and take a rest. We enjoy boating on Fewa Lake and walking through the city streets in Pokhara.

DAY 03 : Drive to Nayapool- Trek to Tikhedhunga/ Ulleri
Day 03 : Drive to Nayapool- Trek to Tikhedhunga/ Ulleri

Having had breakfast, you travel toward Nayapul and arrive in 2 hours. From there, you formally begin the trek by enjoying the snowcapped peaks, farmlands, traditional Nepali villages and natural waterfalls. As soon as you have obtained the permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area as well as the TIMS Card at Birethanti, you are ready to move forward. Walking along the snaky trails that climb up and down, you finally reach Tikhedhunga at the end of the day.
Day 04 : Tikhedhunga/ Ulleri-Ghorapani (3,194m/10,479ft) 6- 7 hours

Today we begin the long climb up Ulleri, which has steep 3200 stone slopes and a beautiful panorama of the valley and the Annapurna range. There are a few steps to climb, but this beautiful view gives you the strength to keep climbing. Shortly after leaving Ulleri, you will walk through a forest of rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. FromlowFrom Lowinger.wing,ail leads uphill to Ghorepani. The hilltop offers spectacular views of the entire Annapurna range and Mount Dhaulagiri.
Day 05 : Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani (2,590m/8,497ft) 5-6 hours

After waking up early this morning and taking an hour-long walk to Poon Hill, you will witness an amazing sunrise. The trail begins steeply uphill through stone steps, and after a few ups and downs, you reach Deurali Fort through forested area. Following crossing of the bridge, we descend steeply to the river..
Day 06 : Tadapani -Bayali Kharka 3420 mt,6/7 hrs

We move forward towards Bayali Kharka after breakfast, walking along the dense forests of rhododendrons and bamboo. On the way, you will walk past some pasturelands while enjoying the majestic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massifs. The Bayali Kharka community offers homestay facilities to visitors.

Experience traditional food and beverages (if you prefer) served with the warmest hospitality. During the evening, community members perform cultural showTraditionalnal songs and dances of the Gurung community can be watched here.
Day07 : Bayali Kharka-khopra Danda( 3660 Mts )6hrsMts

Taking the trail through dense forests and some pasturelands, you reach Chhistibung. This is a small village with some teahouses or homestay sites providing food and accommodation services to trekkers.

You should walk slowly from Chhistibung to avoid altitude sickness because the trail is steep. Enjoying the greenery all around and the snowcapped peaks above it, you reach the top of Khopra Danda.

This is the highest point reached on the Poon Hill Khopra Danda trek. From the top of this picturesque hill, you witness the enthralling vistas of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri Massif, Mt. Nilgiri and Tukuche PThis place offers sunset and sunrise views of the snowcapped peaks of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains.
Day 08 : Khopra Danda-Bayali Khark- 5hrs

You can use this day to explore Khayer Lake if you wish. Khayer Lake is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindu pilgrims who visit this lake during the Janai Purnima Festival. During Holy Thread Day, which falls in August, Hindus go to the lake for a holy bath. Hindus believe that taking a dip into the holy water of Khayer Lake cleanses their sins if any.Or else, you descend towards Bayali Kharka after having breakfast. The trail leads you along the dense bamboo and rhododendron forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). You reach your destination after walking through some pasturelands for 5 hours.

From here, you can enjoy the enchanting viewof the Dhaulagiriri (8,167m) Massif and other peakof the Annapurnana region. We spent the night at a homestay of Bayali Kharka, and we enjoyed the typical hot and spicy food of the Gurungs.
Day 09 : Bayali Khark- Ghandruk(1940 Mts)

Descending along the banks of a small stream, you move through dense rhododendron forests enjoying the amazing view of the Annapurna Massif. Walking past Tadapani, the trail leads you along dense rhododendron woodlands inhabited by diverse bird species.

As you listen to the birds chirping and enjoy the snowcapped peak, you arrive at Handrukuk village. You will see Annapurna II, III & IV, Annapurna South, Mt. Fishtail and Lamjung Himal during the journey.

Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung ethnic villages of Annapurna region. You can visit the Gurung Museum and talk with the Gurung people here. As the males of this village are serving in the British and Indian Army, they are known as the Brave Gurkhas. The old Gurkhas might share the interesting stories of the World Wars with you.
Day 10 : Ghandruk-Pokhara 4hrs trek-1.30 hrs Drive

The last day of trekking in Annapurna region, so you begin the trek after having breakfast. Enjoying the alluring views of Annapurna South, Himchuli Himal and Mt. Fishtail, you reach Chane Village. From here, the trail leads you across some beautiful villages like Kinche, Hile and Birethanti until you reach Nayapul.

From Nayapul, you can catch a private jeep or a public bus for Pokhara. After you reach Pokhara, you will be transferred to the hotel. InYou can visit the remaining places in Pokhara during your leisure time.
Day11 : Pokhara-kathmandu ,6-7 hrs Drive

Morning we will drive back through the scenic countryside and en route we will stop for breakfast & lunch. It takes 7 hours back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, your guide will transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore the region. You will stay in the hotel overnight and can extend your stay according to your interests and time.
Day 12 : Departure from Kathmandu

Our friendly representative will drop you off at the airport. We are sure that you will be inspired to visit Nepal again after this trek. We hope that you choose us to plan your next trip to Nepal.

What's Included

Included

Airport pick up and departure services.
Hotel accommodation in Kathamndu and Trekking Area
full bords meals during Trekking(breakfast,lunch and Dinner)
Land transport for all programs during the package
Professional and Authorize Tour Guide,Trekking Guide and poter
Trekking Permit,Tims and papers works
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, kit bag/duffel bag, , trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion Excluded
Highly experienced staffs,Staffs food,clothing &allowances ,Staffs insurance
First-aid service and Govt. tax, VAT etc...

Excluded

Nepal Visa fee/ air fair (bring accurate USD cash and two passport size photographs )
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Travel and rescue insurance
Excess baggage charges,Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, wifi,extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
Tips for guides and porters

Equipment List

Checklist for all season:

Travel document: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, and a passport-sized photo.
Hand Sanitizer
Reading/Writing materials
Binoculars
Travel games, like chess, backgammon, scrabble

First-aid kit (containing lip balm, aspirin/ paracetamol, Band-Aid, bandage for sprains, iodine or water purifier, Moleskin for blisters, antiseptic for cuts, anti-bacterial throat lozenge, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, Norfloxacin or

Ciprofloxacin, antibiotic for
Giardia, Diamox and any extra
prescription drugs you are currently taking)
Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruit, candies, and snack foods
Money-Cash
Swiss Army Knife
Sleeping Bag
Lightweight towel
Swimsuit
Toiletries (quick-drying towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clipper, face, and body
moisturizer, feminine, hygiene
products, small mirror
Day pack (with waist straps)
Alarm clock and
torch/flashlight/headlamp
Lighter
Insect repellent
Earplugs and eye mask
Small padlock
Refillable water bottle
Sun hat Sunglasses, Scarf
Bag Liner
Sewing kit
Wind and waterproof shell jacket and trousers (preferably breathable fabric)
Running shoes or sandals
Comfortable walking shoes
Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination
Lightweight thermal gloves
Underwear and shorts
T-Shirt 2 Or 3
Long sleep shirt
(Special Checklist for summer)
Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces
Lightweight long trousers (no jeans)

Special Checklist for winter and High Altitude:
34. Layered clothing /Thermals and extra warm clothing during winter (December-March)
1 heavyweight or 2 lightweight wool jumper/sweater/fleece jacket
Fleece wind-stopper jacket (optional)
Down jacket or down vest
Fleece Or wool trousers/pants
Heavyweight gloves or mittens
wool or fleece with a waterproof shell outer
A four-season sleeping bag/sleep
sheet Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Gaiter (optional)
Special Checklist for summer
Lightweight wool
jumper/sweater/fleece
Umbrella/waterproof jacket and
trousers (May—September)
Sunscreen lotion with maximum SPF
Water bottle

Usefull Information

Nepal Country Visa and Entry Procedure
Here are two ways to obtain a Nepalese visa. The first one is via the Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed in your country. As of the second way, you can easily obtain an On-Arrival visa at the entry/exit points stationed across the country. You can fill out an application form and provide the necessary documents to receive an On-Arrival Visa. Travellers can choose different visa types according to the length of their stay in Nepal.
The visa for 15 days costs USD 30, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. Also if your visa is about to expire but you are not yet done exploring the country, you can get your visa extended for USD 3 per day and if your visa has already expired, it costs USD 5 per day. This information regarding updated Visa Fees is available at the official website of the Department of Immigration at .
You can also head to the following link for more information regarding Tourist visas in Nepal.

How to reach Nepal?
International flights are only available through the only International airport i.e. the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you are planning on travelling to Nepal by air then TIA is your only option. Flights can be boarded from India, Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur among many other destinations.
Travelling by land you have two options, via India and China. There is also a direct railway line connecting India and Nepal along with several bus facilities for travelling across the border from India.
Travelling by road through India is the most easily accessible. You can travel to Nepal through Sunauli- Bhairahawa, Raxaul – Birgunj, Siliguri- Kakarbhitta, Banbasa – Mahendranagar, or Bahraich- Nepalgunj. Kodari and Kerung are two entry/exit points stationed at the Nepal-Tibet border.

Popular Destinations to Visit
There are numerous travel destinations in Nepal; each with a unique identity and story of its own. Kathmandu is one of such destinations, with dozens of sightseeing to do, eateries to try out, and handicrafts to shop. Next up is Pokhara which enchants its visitors with its serene lakes and the enthralling views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Fishtail ranges. Similarly, Lumbini, Chitwan, Bandipur, and Palpa are a few other destinations which are ripe for tours and leisurely vacations. Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are two of the most popular destinations for jungle safari and wildlife exploration.
As for adventure sports, Kathmandu and Pokhara offer plenty of choices including rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and paragliding. Likewise, the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions stand out as prominent destinations for treks, peak climbing trips, and expeditions.

Things to do in Nepal
The nation is considered to be a paradise for trekkers and grants an exciting number of choices. On these treks, you will witness the grand views of the Himalayas and the cultural prosperity of the ethnic communities along the trails. Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are two of the most popular treks in Nepal.
For those who are not satisfied with just gazing up to the mountains, you can go for a mountaineering expedition and peak climbing. While expeditions take you to mountains above the height of 6,500 meters, the destinations of peak climbing trips are low-lying peaks which can be summited even by amateurs. Everest (8848m), Annapurna (8091m), and Ama Dablam (6856m) are popular expedition sites whereas Island Peak (6189m), Mera Peak (6476m), and Pisang Peak (6091m) are the notable peak climbing destinations.
Short tours and sightseeing in Nepal are also quite popular among travellers in Nepal. Likewise, adventure sports like rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, canyoning, rock climbing, zip-lining, and mountain biking are also among the things that can be done in Nepal.

Trekking Seasons in Nepal
The country lies in the temperate zone and has four distinct climates: spring, summer (with monsoon), autumn, and winter. Normally, the best time to trek in Nepal is in March-May (spring) when the skies are clear, trails are filled with blooming flora, and the temperature is just right.
Another appropriate season is mid-September to November (autumn), during which the temperature is moderate, skies are clear, and mountain views are stunning. The summer season (June – August) is occupied by heavy rainfall increasing the chances of landslides in the hills, while the winter season brings in harsh weather conditions and extreme cold. However, there are treks which can be done during winter and monsoon as well.
Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang regions lie in the rain-shadow area so, they are ideal trek destinations during monsoon. Likewise, easy and low-altitude treks like Ghorepani Poonhill and Tamang Heritage Trek are perfect during the winter season.

Altitude Sickness
While trekking in Nepal is extremely satisfying, altitude sickness might get a better hold of you at times. The air pressure and oxygen concentration decrease the higher you travel.
As such, altitude sickness is an illness that the human body suffers from due to these reasons. The symptoms of the sickness include lack of appetite, nausea, weakness, lightheartedness, sleep disturbance, tiredness, and headache. These symptoms generally appear when moving upwards of the height of 2,400 meters from sea level.
You can adopt different measures to avoid altitude sickness like a walk at a slow and steady pace, avoiding smoking, and stopping at different stations to acclimatize. Before beginning your trek, make sure you have a first aid kit with ibuprofen or paracetamol and Diamox. If anyone falls victim to altitude sickness, it is necessary to inform the trip leader and descend to a lower altitude. In extreme cases, it might also be necessary to perform Heli rescue and emergency evacuations.

Travel Insurance
Accidents can happen anywhere so, it is recommended for all tourists to get travel insurance before visiting Nepal. Depending upon the insurance policy and the company, the insurance will look after tragic like theft, loss or accidental damage of gears and other belongings, baggage, and medical emergencies. Likewise, the insurance should also include helicopter evacuation and any kinds of mishaps that might occur during adventure sporting like bungee jumping, rafting, and zip-lining. No one is capable of foreseeing the accidents, but each individual can buy themselves an insurance policy to lessen the effects of the accident.

Meals and Accommodations
In major cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu, you will get multiple options to choose from, from cheap lodges to extravagant 5 stars hotels. Likewise, you will also get to choose from a wide range of cuisines while in the major cities. However, once you move away from the cities, the options for meals and accommodations in Nepal will become limited. During the treks, the best accommodations available are lodges and teahouses. They provide basic facilities for dining and lodging. These places mostly serve traditional Nepali food “Daal Bhat Tarkari” (rice, pulses, and vegetables). Similarly, there are several other food varieties like Momo, Thukpa, and Thakali food available across Nepal.

Banking, ATMs, and Money in Nepal
Nepalese Rupees are the official currency of Nepal. The banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 whereas coins of 1 and 2 are available in Nepal.
While travelling to Nepal, banking and money exchange are not a huge deal in big cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu. When you head to rural areas, the availability of banks, ATMs, and money exchange booths becomes fairly scarce. So, it is best to withdraw enough cash and exchange the currency in major cities. You can also exchange foreign currencies for Nepali Rupees at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You need to be updated about the exchange rates which are available at the official website of Neal Rastra Bank at

Internet and Communication
It is quite easy to access the Internet in Nepal. Using Wi-Fi is a widely used way to communicate and use the Internet. Wi-Fi is easily available in major cities and even in some remote destinations. When trekking to remote locations, Wi-Fi might not always be available; so, using cellular data is the best way to communicate over the Internet. You can buy a Sim-card in Nepal at a reasonable price which allows you to make an international call. Also, you can use mobile data while you are in the areas without Wi-Fi. Telephone, Fax, and newspapers are a few other forms of communication in Nepal.
Internal Flight Delays
Due to the geographical diversity and unpredictable climate in the Himalayas, internal flights are often delayed or cancelled. Weather conditions like heavy rainfall, storms, or fog can disrupt flights. So, it is wise to spare an extra day or two as buffer days, in case of flight delays and cancellations. Likewise, it is also necessary to note that the weather conditions are great during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. If you have enough time, you can also choose road transportation in such cases.

Health and Safety Including Traveling alone in Country
The country is very safe for all tourists and travellers. The country is not experiencing any armed conflicts, religious wars, or grave crimes. Travelling alone is also perfectly sage and you will find willing Nepalese to help you with your travel issues. We also advise solo travellers to inform their loved ones and authorities like local police about their travel destination and itinerary to remain on the safe side. However, there are many issues that you need to consider to trek alone. So, you should have ample knowledge and idea before going on a solo trek.
Likewise, there is a Tourist Police department in Nepal which looks after the welfare and safety of the travellers. You can learn more about them at the official website of the Nepal Tourism Board at
In case of medical emergencies during your trek, you can visit the nearest health post which provides basic medical services. If the medical complication persists, you’ll have to head to the hospitals in towns and cities. Similarly, it is also necessary to follow a healthy and hygienic lifestyle when travelling in Nepal to stay fit and healthy.

Useful Nepali Phrases

English Nepali
Thank You Dhanyabad
How are you? Tapaii lai Kasto Chha?
I am fine. Malai Thick Cha
Have you eaten? (used often as an informal greeting) Khanna khan nu bhayo?
What is your name? Tapako Naam ke ho?
Pardon me/ Sorry Maaf garnu-hola
I don’t understand Maile bhujhina
I understand Maile bhujhe