A quieter alternative to Poon Hill: from Ghorepani, a ridge trail runs up to Khopra Danda (3,660 m), with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South straight in front of you and an optional climb to sacred Khayer Lake.
The route
Khopra Ridge, or Khopra Danda, is the answer when someone in Pokhara says "Poon Hill, but quieter." It starts on the same trail through Ulleri and Ghorepani, then leaves the crowds and climbs a forested spur to a high ridge at 3,660 m. From there Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) rises across the Kali Gandaki gorge and Annapurna South fills the view to the east.
It suits people with about a week who want something less busy than Poon Hill or ABC, with good mountain views and real village life. The lodges are simple, so it is better for trekkers who do not need hot showers every night.
Day one and two follow the classic Poon Hill route to Ghorepani. After sunrise on Poon Hill, you turn off towards Swanta, a Magar farming village, then climb through forest to Chistibung and up onto the open ridge at Khopra. Most people spend two nights there to rest and watch the light change on Dhaulagiri.
The keen ones do the long day hike to Khayer Lake (Khayer Barahi), a small holy lake under Annapurna South, at about 4,500 m. It is a serious day out, so only go in settled weather. The descent goes east through Bayeli Kharka to Tadapani and Ghandruk.
October and November are best for clear views. March and April bring rhododendrons. In winter the ridge can get snow and the community lodges may close. Avoid monsoon.
Moderate. The climbing from Swanta to Khopra is steep, and the ridge is exposed to wind. Sleeping at 3,660 m is high enough to feel the altitude. Rest days on the ridge help before Khayer Lake.
You need ACAP (NPR 3,000) and TIMS (NPR 2,000) from Pokhara or online. Costs are similar to Poon Hill, but there is less choice at Khopra. Budget about US$20–30 a day for food. The price on this page is a typical starting price for a guided trip; message us for a quote from our local guides.
This is ACAP country, so the April 2023 licensed-guide rule applies. Honestly, it is also the route where we would most want a guide: trail junctions in the forest are poorly signed and the ridge can disappear into cloud.
Start and finish in Pokhara. Spend a night in Lakeside to sort permits and leave your big bag. Lazy Lads Backpackers Hostel is our go-to backpacker base; ask there for trek partners. Other good Pokhara hostels include Zostel Pokhara.
On the classic section you have normal teahouses. At Swanta, Chistibung and Khopra the lodges are community-run, with simple rooms, a basic menu and very warm hospitality. Some may have limited bedding in peak season, so carry a sleeping bag.
Do not try Khayer Lake if there is any cloud or snow. Stay together in forest sections and tell lodge owners your plan.
Combine with Poon Hill (it is already on the route), extend from Tadapani to Annapurna Base Camp, or walk out via Ghandruk.
Day by day
Jeep to the trailhead, then up the Ulleri stone staircase.
Through rhododendron forest to the lodges at Ghorepani.
Sunrise on Poon Hill (3,210 m), then off the main trail to the quiet Magar village of Swanta.
A forest climb to a small community lodge in the clearing at Chistibung.
Up onto the open ridge. Khopra has a community lodge and a front-row view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and the Kali Gandaki gorge.
A long, steep day to a holy lake below Annapurna South. Only in good weather and with a guide.
A long ridge and forest descent, joining the trail from Ghorepani at Tadapani.
Down to Ghandruk and back to Lakeside by jeep.
Good to know
Khopra Danda is a high grassy ridge west of Ghorepani in the Annapurna Conservation Area, facing Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
Six to seven days from Pokhara, or eight to nine with the Khayer Lake side trip.
A bit. You sleep higher, at 3,660 m, and the trail between Swanta and Khopra is steep. It is still a moderate trek.
Lodges on this route were developed with local communities so that income stays in the villages. They are simple but clean, and profits support local projects.
Yes, as a long day hike from Khopra. It is high, steep and should only be done in clear weather, ideally with a guide.
Yes, under the 2023 Nepal Tourism Board rule for conservation areas. The ridge is also easy to lose in cloud, so a guide is smart.
October to November for views, and March to April for rhododendrons along the way.
About US$30–40 a day plus permits and transport. Guided trips usually start around US$400–550.
Wifi and charging are limited at Khopra and Chistibung. Expect to be offline for a couple of days.
Lakeside hostels like Lazy Lads Backpackers Hostel make a good base and will store your extra bags.
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