A quieter loop west of the Annapurna Sanctuary from Ghandruk via Tadapani, Dobato and Khopra Ridge (about 3,660 m) to Swanta, Ghorepani and Poon Hill, with an optional hike to Khayer Lake.
- Days
- 7 days
- Maximum altitude
- 3,660 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Annapurna Regionखोप्रा डाँडा
Khopra Ridge
A high grassy ridge at about 3,660 m facing Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South, with a community-run lodge.
- Altitude
- 3,660 m*
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Myagdi, Gandaki
- Permit
- Permit required
Why go
Khopra Ridge, also called Khopra Danda, is a high grassy shoulder at about 3,660 m west of the Annapurna South massif, looking across the Kali Gandaki to Dhaulagiri and north to Annapurna South, Nilgiri and Barah Shikhar (Annapurna Fang).
It is the main stop of the Khopra Danda trek, reached in 4-5 days from Pokhara via Ghorepani and Swanta or via Tadapani and Dobato. From the ridge, a long day hike leads to Khayer Lake, a small holy lake at about 4,500-4,660 m.
The ridge is open pasture used for summer grazing, and yaks and other livestock are often seen nearby.
History and culture
The lodge on the ridge was developed as a community enterprise, part of a community trekking initiative associated with Mahabir Pun's work in Myagdi, where income from trekkers supports local schools and services. Khayer Lake above the ridge is visited by Hindu pilgrims, mostly during the full-moon festival of Janai Purnima in August.
Things to do in Khopra Ridge
Sunrise and sunset on Dhaulagiri
The ridge faces Dhaulagiri directly to the west across the valley.
Khayer Lake hike
A long day, roughly 7-9 hours return, climbing to the holy lake at about 4,500-4,660 m; go only with a guide and in settled weather.
Weather and the best time to visit Khopra Ridge
Weather in Khopra Ridge
Forecast for 3,660 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November bring clear mountain views and dry trails; lodges are busiest in these months.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cold with snow on the ridge; the Khayer Lake trail is often snowbound.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May brings rhododendron flowers in the forest, warmer days and more afternoon cloud.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August brings cloud and rain; pilgrims visit Khayer Lake in August despite the weather.
Where to stay
Lodges
A community-run lodge with dormitory and private rooms; book ahead through your agency in peak months.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Khopra is reached only on foot, 4-5 days from Pokhara.
Nearest hub: Pokhara
- trekGhorepani to Khopra via Swanta and Chistibang (Dhan Kharka), usually 2-3 days.
- trekTadapani to Khopra via Dobato and Bayeli Kharka, usually 2 days.
Permits and fees
Permit required
Khopra is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area; an ACAP permit is required.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation in Kathmandu and Pokhara or online; checked on the trail.
- TIMS card: Check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
- Guide rule: Since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas are generally required to go with a licensed guide; check the current rule.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against National Trust for Nature Conservation (Annapurna Conservation Area Project, e-permit links).
On the trail
On the Khopra Danda trek.
- Previous stop:
- Chistibang (Dhan Kharka)
- Next stop:
- Khayer Lake (day hike)
- A typical day:
- From Chistibang, about 2-3 hours and roughly 650 m of climbing over open slopes.
Practical tips
- At about 3,660 m, altitude illness is a real risk; take the route slowly. General information, not medical advice.
- Weather changes quickly on the open ridge; carry warm and windproof layers.
- There is no ATM or shop; carry cash for the whole trek.
- Do not attempt Khayer Lake in snow or poor visibility without a guide.
Treks through Khopra Ridge
Questions about Khopra Ridge
How high is Khopra Ridge?
About 3,660 m; Khayer Lake above it is at about 4,500-4,660 m.
How many days does it take to reach Khopra?
Usually 4-5 days from Pokhara via Ghorepani or Tadapani.
Is there accommodation on Khopra Ridge?
Yes, a community-run lodge on the ridge.
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Nearby
National park or conservation area
Annapurna Region
Nepal's largest protected area, from Gurung hill villages and rhododendron forest to the dry valleys behind the Annapurna range.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Khopra Danda trekking itinerary, Full Time Explorer, OpenStreetMap, Mahabir Pun, Wikipedia