Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek

  • Duration: 14 Days

Overview

  • Difficulty LevelModerate Plus
  • Trip ModeTea House
  • Best TimeOct -May
  • Max Altitude4,500m

Less Trodden Community Trek to Annapurna Dhaulagiri

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek also is known as Khopra Danda trekking is one of the best scenic two weeks community based finest tea house treks in Nepal. No other treks offer such a rich variety of spectacular scenery, peaceful isolation, and experience of so many diverse Himalayan culture. We stay at community run and managed lodges, whose profits directly benefit local schools and people. The Khopra Danda Khayer Lake Trail passes through many interesting traditional villages, beautiful forests, and rarely trekked high alpine pastures. Truly magnificent views of the spectacular Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges also known as Khopra Ridge Danda trek.

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek - Community lodge trekking on less trodden remote but beautiful trails into the wonderful heart of the Annapurna region.

On your arrival in bustling Kathmandu, Mountain Monarch organizes an authentic Nepali welcome dinner with ethnic cultural dances. We explore the sights and sounds of world heritage sites in Kathmandu before we drive to the peaceful lake city of Pokhara. Furthermore, we take a short drive to Nayapul and then ascend slowly and steadily through the lust forest to Ghandruk and Tadapani. No doubt traditional ethnic settlements with the most stunning mountain profile of the Annapurna and Machapuchare. Surprisingly combination of charming tiny thatched roofed settlements set among the narrow terraced fields on the backdrop of breathtaking mountain ranges simply amaze you.

Stunning views from Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake

Once we leave Tadapani our route is through the remote and less trekked high alpine settlement of Bayeli and Dobato on our way to Kopra Danda. Undoubtedly Khopra ridge offers probably the most incredible views of the colossal ramparts of Dhaulagiri. It plunges dramatically into the misty depths of the Kali Gandaki - the deepest gorge in the world. Which is being surrounded by the spectacular lofty peaks of Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna south which dominates the North. We do an exploration hike to the Khayer lake, an ancient pilgrimage temple beneath the awesome face of Annapurna Fang.

We return by a different trail to Ghorepani via Swanta after a week-long Khopra Danda trek. This is fabulous and isolated routes through open alpine pastures, oak, and rhododendron forest. We hike up to Poon hill to capture the magical panoramic of 8000 meters peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Besides that many more other satellite peaks including Hiunchuli, Annapurna south, and the fluted peak of Machhapuchhare distinctly seen. We hike down to Nayapul to end the memorable tea house trip to the Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek.

Itinerary

Printable Version (PDF)

Khopra Danda Trek Itinerary

  • 1 Day
    Arrive Kathmandu / Nepali dinner with ethnic cultural program.
    • Hotel
    • Welcome Diner
    • 1340
    • Car
    • Airport pick up

    • Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel and check in to the room.
    • Welcome group dinner with the guide. 

  • 2 Day
    Visit to Buddhist shrine and Hindu Cremation temple / Trip briefing.
    • Hotel
    • @ 9 am
    • Breakfast
    • 1340 m
    • Hiace
    • Cultural tour and Trek Preparation

    • Half-day sightseeing tour of world heritage site Pasupatinath and Boudhanath.
    • PM trek preparation with a briefing and gear distribution. 

  • 3 Day
    Drive to Pokhara, lake city and over night at hotel to start the Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek.
    • Hotel
    • Breakfast
    • 820 m
    • Hiace
    • Drive and Explore

    • 7 Hours Drive via Prithiviraj Marg Highway to Pokhara.
    • In Pokhara, your spare time can be used to explore the peaceful surroundings of Lakeside or boating on the Fewa Lake.

  • 4 Day
    Walk to Ghandruk after short drive.
    • Teahouse
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 2000 m
    • Trekking

    • Drive to Nayapul trek starting point.
    • MMA crew will be waiting to organize the load before we set off. We cross Iron.
    • Bridge on Modi River in Birethanti and endorse permit at Annapurna Conservation Check Post.
    • After lunch, the trail continues to traverse and reach the hamlet Ghandruk for a night stay.

  • 5-8 Day
    Hiking to Khopra Ridge. Stunning high alpine views of Annapurna and giant Dhaulagiri at its best.
    • Tea house
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 3820 m
    • Less Trodden Route
    • Gradually climb predominantly rain forest throughout the day.
    • Beautiful Campsites middle of the forest with spectacular Mountain Views.
    • Many Tibetan Vendors in Town.
    • Being off the beaten track barely could see other trekkers on the trail. Keep your eyes open for chances to encounter wildlife.
    • We take a morning hike to the view tower above Dobato camp to observed panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
    • After breakfast follows the sharp ridge towards the north initially and Travers to the west.
    • After lunch trek down to Chistebung Khola through thick bamboo and subtropical forest, the trail ascends steeply through grazing pasture and reach an open clearing area in Chistibung for the night Stay.
    • Khopra the last designated and most highlighted camp at an altitude of 3760 Meter initially there is a steep climb that takes above the tree line.
    • The duration of the walk is shorter so more time permits you for a slow and steady walk enjoying extraordinary down valley view and adjacent mountain panoramas.
  • 9 Day
    Full day exploration hike to the holy lake at Kaire / stay at community base teahouse.
    • Tea house
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 3820 m
    • Exploration hike to Khair lake @4500 m

    • Early morning starts walking to Khair Lake.
    • Trekkers get possibly the closes magnificent Mountain View on the way to Khair Lake, the highest point on the trek and along the way watch the overwhelming sunrise on Dhaulagiri and its dominants.
    • Descend after the exploration of the lake surrounding and adore pack lunch on the way down.

  • 10-11 Day
    Hking to Ghorepani on the way of old Tibet-Nepal trading route.
    • Teahouse
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 2820 m
    • Trekking

    • Retrace to Chistebong and follow the southward track, which leads us to the camp Sounta village.
    • Lunch above the Chistebong Khola beautifully set up teashop in open pastures. After lunch, it is an easygoing trek through the bamboo forest to camp.
    • Ghorepani a popular touristic town on the ridge at an elevation of 2860 meters with the impact of modernization, access to the internet, book shops, souvenir shops, mini departmental stores, bakeries and snooker houses.

  • 12 Day
    Trekking to Poon Hill for Panoramic vistas / descend to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
    • Teaouse
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 820
    • Trekking, Hike Poon hill 3320 m
    • Morning hike to natural view tower (3,220 m)“Poon Hill “ for astounding sunrise on Annapurna’s, Dhaulagiri and its dominants.
    • The trekkers get possibly the most magnificent mountain panorama from Poon Hill.
    • Descend to Hile 1340 meters
    • Trek follows the downstream of Bhurungdi towards the Nayapual and then drive to Pokhara for 1: 30 hours.
    • Once we check in to the hotel you are free to explore around your own self unless you feel to escort by your guide and he is happy to accompany on the requirement.
  • 13 Day
    Drive to Kathmandu. PM Free.
    • Hotel
    • Breakfast
    • 1340 m
    • Hiace
    • Drive and Explore

    • The morning after breakfast 7 hours drive back to Kathmandu and the afternoon free to explore Kathmandu before flying back home.

  • 14 Day
    Khopra Danda Trip ends / Airport departure.
    • Breakfast
    • Airport transfers
    • Your trip to Annapurna Dhaulagiri ends today with customizing airport transfers.

Trip Inclusion

  • Private Arrival / Departure transfers on both domestic and international flights.
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin share BB basis as itinerary.
  • Full board meals while trekking (breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) on Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek.
  • Accommodation at a local tea house while on this community trail trekking.
  • Welcome dinner as listed in the itinerary.
  • Half-day guided city tour with world heritage entrance fees as listed in the itinerary.
  • Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as applicable.
  • Mountain Monarch Trip Gears - sleeping bag, fleece inner liner, down jacket for use during the trip.
  • Professional and experienced Trek Leader / Guide trained in Wilderness First Aid with comprehensive medical kit box
  • Support trek crew including trek porter with proper insurance and gear
  • Complementary trek Duffle bag, Mountain Monarch T-shirts and trek map.
  • TIMS / Trekking permit, Annapurna conservation entry fees for Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek.
  • Nepal entry Visa fees
  • Your travel insurance of any kind.
  • International Airfare
  • All Drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Tips and Items of personal expenses like the hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks etc

Cost and Dates

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek Dates:

Looking to join the group for the package 2 weeks teahouse trekking in the Annapurna region in Nepal. Here we offer the fixed departure trip dates of the Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek with Annapurna teahouse trek cost for 2021

Start DateEnd DateStatusPrice 
06 Mar, 202119 Mar, 2021AvailableUS$1190
20 Mar, 202102 Apr, 2021AvailableUS$1190

Media Gallery

  • Khopra danda
  • Muldai view point in Annapurna
  • Annapurna trek group
  • Annapurna dhaulagiri trekking group
  • Dhaulagiri peak, 7th highest peak
  • Traditional Grandruk village in Annapurna
  • rhododendron flowers in Annapurna
  • Traditional Ghandruk village
Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek map

Client Reviews

15 Reviews
Maureen E
Australia16 September 2016

Well managed company

A well-managed company with Pradip at the helm who has great communication and organizational abilities. We had such capable and interesting leaders in Dipen and Prakesh who were a source of constant support and amusement to us on our trekking journey. It was an enhanced experience walking with the Mountain Monarch Nepalese team and I particularly enjoyed learning Nepalese and playing UNO with them all. Any concerns we had were worked out and options were offered. I would definitely travel with Mountain Monarch again and hope to do so in the next few years.
with thanks to the M. Monarch TEAM.

Murray Lonsdale
United Kingdom13 June 2016

Excellent adventure in Nepal and Himalaya

Vicky and I would like to thank Mountain Monarch for an excellent 2-week adventure in Nepal and Himalaya in March 2016. From our pickup at the airport to departure we were looked after really well. Our guide Dawa and our porter Ram were courteous and kind all the way. The trip was a great mix of the cultural tour (1 day), rafting (1 day), and trekking (10 days). I will always remember our rafting day “please Sir, swim for pleasure !?” and the generosity of Dawa, Ram, and Pradip. You probably cannot find a better value package for a Nepali adventure.

KC Chin
United States14 January 2016

Personalised service with Mountain Monarch

” You will get personalized service with Mountain Monarch. This Annapurna Dhaulagiri trip was my SECOND adventure with them. Their porters are treated with dignity and respect. So you will get to know your Sherpas and porters as friends before the end of your trek. Mr. Pradip, the owner of Mountain Monarch is thoughtful, trustworthy, and professional in every sense of the word. Your email will be promptly answered however simple it is and have professional advice for all your inquiries. You will be personally met at Kathmandu’s airport and the end of the trek, you will be driven to the airport for your departure. Mr. Pradip will personally await your arrival at the hotel to greet you, like one of the family. They will stay with you until you pass through the door of the airport at your departure. Mountain Monarch is THE leader in Nepal trekking. All necessary drugs and precautions are brought along during the trek in case someone gets into trouble. All the Sherpas and porters used by Mountain Monarch are top-shelf. They are friendly, caring, and genuine. You will be treated like family throughout your trek. In fact, as I write this review, I am contemplating a third trek with Mountain Monarch. Thank you again Mr. Pradip for making my visit to Nepal memorable once again.”

Julie Hoover
United States18 February 2015

Simply amazing trek in Annapurna!

Thank you Mountain Monarch for a simply amazing trek in Annapurna! Everything was extremely well organized from the very first emails to the final drop off at the airport. Pradip went out of his way to answer emails within hours, and he frequently checked in with us while in Kathmandu to make sure things were going smoothly. He even led our tour around Pashupatinath and Bhaudanath.

Our guides, Dipen and Nima, went above and beyond looking out for us throughout the trek. They took care of everything so all we had to do was simply relax and enjoy being in such a beautiful place. Safety was their top priority – from providing hand sanitizer with meals, filling our water bottles with boiled, filtered water every day, leach removal, and carrying a fully stocked first aid kit. One of the trekkers in our group got a little GI bug, and both Dipen and Nima checked in with her frequently, recommending electrolyte hydration packets and options for antibiotics if it got worse. I’m a pharmacist, and I was impressed with how much they knew their drugs! Our porters, Veejay and Khush, hauled our heavy bags all over the mountains without complaint and even showed off their cooking skills a few days (wow!!). And besides being extremely professional, the four of them were all around fun guys to hang out with :)

We were on the mountain when the tragic Cyclone Hudhud hit. Fortunately, we were not on the circuit, but the harsh wind and rain at Khopra Ridge forced us to change our plans. Dipen kept an eye on the weather on his phone and made the call to delay our descent down until the wind died down. After hearing about the lives lost at Thorong Pass, it became clear how truly invaluable it is to have experienced guides.

I loved this trek in particular because of the combination of popular destinations (Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Tadapani) along with some quiet, off the beaten path, hidden gems like Swanta, Chistabung, and the stunning Khopra Ridge. Some days we did not see any other trekkers at all, and we had the tea house all to ourselves!

Thank you again for a fabulous trekking experience and already planning my return!

Carles J
Spain16 December 2014

Enjoyed the experience

just returned from my second trekking in Nepal with Mountain Monarch and I have really enjoyed the experience. I and my father have been trekking for 15 days doing the Annapurna Base Camp, Khopra ridge, and Poon Hill trek on a customized basis with the guides cum porters Bijaya and Jaya. They brought us to the best lodges and always took care to call the tea houses in advance so we could have a private room. In some places where they did not have good cooks, they cooked delicious food for us, as they work as cooks in India during the monsoon season. I would like to thank Pradip as well, for being so patient in responding to the numerous emails I sent before my departure and giving me the best advice. I am already thinking about my next trekking in Nepal, and it will be for sure with Mountain Monarch.
Visited November 2014

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Faqs

Annapurna Dhaulagiri also known as Kaire lake treks is pretty new, very untouched, and entirely different to that of Everest or Annapurna base camp. Anybody can join and it is attainable for anyone from all walks of life as AD is simply a moderate, away from being strenuous with the beautiful effortless trail that has more of a lord of the rings forest setting and unique mountain views including the sensational sight of sunrise and sunset which is very dramatic. Moreover, altitude isn’t an issue since the highest you go is 3600m and with Mountain Monarch you can take your time, set up your own pace and enjoy the experience.

Usually not more than 4 to 7 hours excluding lunch. However, it also depends on your pace though we allow you enough time to set up your own pace to make everyday more entertaining. We usually start early so that you could reach the destination on time leaving you enough time to explore and enjoy the serenity of the place.

April to mid-June during spring and September to November during autumn before the harsh winter is the best time to trek to Annapurna Dhaulagiri when the view stunning landscape and the soaring mountain is at its best state.

To capture the incredible beauty of AD travelers from far and wide do trek in winter (December till February) despite the serious wind chill factor and lower temperature - however, there might be a possibility of the only existing community lodge being closed, especially at Khopra ridge. Trekkers are requested to prepare for the worst of circumstance and probability of change in the itinerary from your leaders.

Since we employ professional, qualified and competent employees- all our group leaders are very well with English and medical knowledge who would be catering you from the day of your arrival until your departure. They being typically local have advance knowledge about the culture and history of the region and are always ready to go an extra mile to give you the necessary information. Besides facilitating you with the incomparable service they are there to ensure that all our local staffs (porters and assistant guides) are very well looked after.

Depending on the weight restriction on most international airlines and 15 kg in our domestic airlines it's always wise to minimize your weight limitation. However, you will receive a trip dossier with a specific detailed list of what you need to bring. While on a trek you will be carrying your day pack containing your valuables and essential gear for the day, whereas your entire gear goes into the company trek duffel bag to which you will have access only once you get to your destination.

Food poisoning and stomach problems are the common ailments that aren't simply confined to Nepal- this is a calamity trekkers may encounter while being in the wilderness trekking routes to Annapurna no matter which part of the world you are in. In regards to precaution to all these ailments, your group leader will update you with preventive measures of choosing the right food, maintaining the precise pace while walking etc

Since this Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek started as community tea house trekking lately the accommodation can be pretty basic except for few villages. However, we use the family-oriented lodges with twin bed sharing rooms with clean common toilets and occasional rooms with attach toilet bathrooms. Despite being relatively basic and electricity problem lodges in AD are at their best offering you the comfort experience and its typical local environment. You have a variety of choices for the food and most lodges prepare delicious food. So far there have not been any complaints whatsoever in regards to food and accommodation provided by us.

Yes, as per the time convenient to you and the level of fitness you can always modify the AD trek. Mountain Monarch has always been unbeaten in customizing trek as per our guests' requirements and time duration.