Trip Overview
Widely famous as the Khopra Danda Trek, the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek is one of the best short, two-week, captivating journeys in the Annapurna trekking region of Nepal, showcasing the stunning aspects of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. A scenic, rewarding, and off-the-beaten-path alternative to the popular Ghorpani Poon Hill Trekking, the 14-day Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek itinerary takes you through the diverse tropical rainforest landscape to a high alpine meadow and eventually to Khopra Danda.
The Khopra Ridge Trail is a community-based Annapurna short trek route that is intended to benefit local schools and residents, while the Khopra Ridge Trek itinerary proceeds through traditional mountain villages of Gurungs and Magars right from Pokhara. The cultural immersion is there, and so is the delve into serene natural beauty and epic Himalayan views, including majestic Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/the seventh highest mountain in the world), Annapurna I (8,091 m/the tenth tallest peak on earth), Nilgiri, and Annapurna South.
The main highlights of the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trekking or Khopra Danda Trekking are the Khopra Danda Viewpoint itself at an elevation of 3,660 m above sea level and sacred Khayer Lake (4,660 m), also the highest point of the short Himalayan voyage in Annapurna. Both of these iconic landmarks are best known for peaceful sunrise and sunset moments to let yourself feel in the lap of Mother Nature, watched over by the sky and towering mountains.
One of the best family- and budget-friendly destinations in Nepal, trekking to Khopra is worth it, and further, at Mountain Monarch, our Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek cost includes meals, lodging, and other trekking essentials such as permits, guides, hiking gear, and equipment if needed. For the years 2026 and 2027, we have special discounts on the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trekking Cost for early bird bookings and for trekkers with more than 10 members.
Reserve your seat now or customize the Khopra Danda Trip itinerary as per your preferences and requirements. Contact us now and get a well-planned Himalayan journey offering a unique perspective of the Annapurna Himalayas. Budget, standard, luxury, group, solo, private, or family, let us know what you wish to relish in the years 2026 and 2027. Local based, we stand second to none in premium and personalized experiences. Our more than two decades of experience mean you are in safe and trustworthy hands.
What to expect during the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trip in Nepal?
In comparison to popular trekking routes in Nepal, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trekking is a short and sweet panoramic off-the-beaten-path mid-altitude Himalayan voyage in the Annapurna Trekking region. The highest altitude trekkers reach does not exceed 5,000 m above sea level; hence, there is a comparatively low chance of acute mountain sickness (AMS), which is concerning for anyone lacking proper acclimatization in high-altitude areas with low levels of life-giving oxygen.
While hardcore training and packing might not be essential, the better the preparation, the smoother the trekking and climbing experience is in the remote Himalayas, which remains the same for trekking to Khopra Danda or Annapurna Dhaulagiri Hiking. Including 5-7 hours of daily walking from and back to Nayapul, if you are physically fit and have made up your mind for some basic conditions, the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek is a rewarding experience for a wide range of adventurers, regardless of one age and experience level.
How do the mountain views differ between various sections of the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek?
Popular as the Khopra Danda (Ridge) trek in Nepal, a short and sweet Himalayan gateway to the Annapurna trekking region, the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Hike offers ethereal mountain views in each step you take to reach Khopra Ridge. Trekkers can relish the views of majestic Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli, which are perched deeper into the sky, during the initial days of the trek in the lower region framed by forests and terraced hillsides.
As you move closer to Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake, along the above-mentioned mountain peaks, trekkers on the trekking trail to the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Panoramic trek get intimate sights of Nilgiri and the massive Dhaulagiri range, added to by the distant views of Tukuche Peak and the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The sweeping views are more gratifying during sunrise and sunset from Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake to forget everything and let yourself be free to appreciate nature grandeur while giant mountain peaks appear almost within touching distance on clear days.
Is the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trekking Trail an off-beaten trekking trail?
Unlike the classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, or the Annapurna Circuit Trek within the Annapurna Trekking region, which is further under the largest conservation area of Nepal, the Annapurna Conservation Area, the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trekking route sees far fewer trekkers. Peaceful, it offers you a unique and authentic cultural experience that includes passing through and staying with local communities.
For those seeking an untouched landscape, which also means a more immersive natural and cultural experience in the Annapurna Himalayas, and less tourist influx on hiking trails, Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trekking is a fantastic choice. Isolated and remote from modern-day chaos, the Khopra Danda Trek is also an ideal short Himalayan adventure for beginners, families, and budget-conscious trekkers seeking a more immersive experience full of self-reflection and findings.
Who resides along the Annapurna Dhaulagiri hiking route? Why would you love it?
The Annapurna Dhaulagiri trekking trail is within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to a mix of several ethnic communities, including Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people. These Himalayan locals boasted their own way of living, culture, cultural attire, language, and festivals, offering a diverse cultural experience in a single trip. Friendly and smiling hospitality from here is unmatched, shaped by the Guests are God mindset, providing you a home away from home experience.
Still deeply connected to the traditional lifestyles of yak herding and farming as the primary source of income, the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trekking route passes through the mountain villages like Ghandruk and Ghorepani and stays in community lodges. It comes with the shared meals and culture of eating what locals have prepared for the day. Blending perfectly with the natural beauty, for a long-lasting cultural experience amidst the towering peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, to be booked in 2026 and 2027.
Why hike to Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake, and Poon Hill during the Annapurna hike to see Annapurna and Dhaulagiri?
All situated at mid-altitude: Khopra Ridge or Danda (3,660 m), Khayer Lake (4,660 m), and Ghorepani (3,210 m), not exceeding 5,000 m above sea level, the 14 days for the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trip itinerary include visiting three of the iconic landmarks and are so that you have a richer experience of the mountain ranges. All of these destinations offer expansive 360-degree sunrise and sunset views dipped in serenity, followed by a sense of adventure while the light and shadow play hide-and-seek.
Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake, both set high in the alpine wilderness, offer unobstructed views of Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak, while Khayer Lake reflects them in its clear water, and the lakes sacredness for both the Hindus and Buddhists adds much to the transformative experience. On the other hand is Poon Hill, also called the ultimate Annapurna viewpoint, providing various angles across Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machapuchare, and beyond a scene to remember for life!
Where does the two-week Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek get challenging?
Rated easy to moderate in difficulty level overall, the two-week Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trekking or the Khopra Danda Hiking gets slightly more physically demanding than the normal walking towards the Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake, and Poon Hill. In daily walking of 5-7 hours at high altitude, as you approach these landmarks with some steep ascents and descents, to reach here, trekkers must have a good level of physical fitness. If you are someone who does not suffer from heart, lung, and knee issues, the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek ensures a rewarding experience.
Whether you are a first-timer or seasoned trekker, if trained well, packed appropriately, and guided by professional mountain guides such as those from Mountain Monarch, the Khopra Ridge Trek promises you an incredible short Himalayan holiday experience in Nepal that must be added to your bucket list of things to do in the years 2026 and 2027 with your loved ones. Though the thinner air, lack of proper teahouses, unpredictable Himalayan weather, and rugged terrain to Khayer Lake can be physically and mentally demanding, overall, it is doable.
The best Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek itinerary and cost for 2026 and 2027
The journey for the Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek, which promises an unparalleled, complete 360-degree view of the magnificent Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, begins with a warm welcome in the vibrant city of Kathmandu. After a day of rest in Kathmandu, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, Boudhnath, and others, on the third day, trekkers finally head to the main destination, Khopra Danda, with a drive to the charming town of Pokhara, famous as the city of lakes.
The Annapurna Dhaulagiri trekking itinerary then includes trekking through lush rainforests and Gurung and Magar villages with terraced farms and fields, stopping at places like Tadapani, Bayeli, and Dobato, eventually leading to Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake (the sacred pilgrimage site at the base camp of Annapurna Fang), and Poon Hill. These high-altitude Annapurna viewpoints offer you views of a chain of mountain peaks rising dramatically from the depths of the Kali Gandaki Gorge: Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna I.
Do not miss this opportunity to explore the hidden gem of the Annapurna Himalayas. Without extensive trek days, extreme altitude, and heavy crowds, if you are looking forward to strengthening your bonding with your loved ones friends, family, spouse, and colleague or with yourself to connect with nature, the Himalayas, and its people. At Mountain Monarch, our Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek cost includes managing all the trekking logistics: meals, lodging, transportation, permits, and guides for trek days.
In addition, our Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trekking cost also includes essential trekking gear and equipment, and extra sleeping bags for colder nights, saving you from having to spend a huge sum on it. With our over two decades of expertise in organizing and operating epic Himalayan adventures such as Mera Peak Climbing, Island Peak Climbing, Everest Expedition, and Manaslu Expedition, with us, you are in the reliable hands of someone who strives to ensure you have a safe, responsible, and successful journey. Reserve your seat now for 2026 and 2027.
Journey That Steals Your Breath: Join our group departures for 2026 and 2027!
The Khopra Ridge Trek in the Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal, traditionally called the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Hike, is a golden opportunity to explore the less-traveled yet easygoing Himalayan trekking trail. Including admiring the majestic Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, and Annapurna South; reaching the highest point in Khayer Lake; and carrying significant cultural and religious values to both Hindus and Buddhists, book this amazing adventure experience of a lifetime at Mountain Monarch. Don’t have a group for it? Do not worry, join our exclusive fixed group departures in spring and autumn.
Or go solo, with family, or privately; either way, a trek to Khopra Danda is a life-changing adventure. For a scenic experience through rhododendron forests, make it to the untouched Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal, where suspension bridges, streams, prayer flags, mani walls, and monasteries add to both the cultural and natural dimensions. Contact us now, and book your trip for the years 2026 and 2027 confidently. With experienced local guides trained for high-altitude treks and in first aid, we ensure seamless logistics, so you enjoy every moment.
