Mohare Danda and Khopra Ridge Community Trek

Overview This trek trail popularly known as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri Community base Eco lodge trek takes to you Mohare Danda (3300m), Kopra ridge locally known as Khopra ridge and Khayer (Khair Tal) lake. It recently promotes community base Eco-trail to take away from the busier trails of Annapurna region but provides similarly outstanding views of the Himalayas including Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchchhre (fishtail), Nilgiri and many other snow-capped mountains and hills. Another attraction of this trek is the holy Khair Lake (Khayer Tal), which requires a little experience of high attitude because it is at 4600 meters from the sea…

Overview

This trek trail popularly known as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri Community base Eco lodge trek takes to you Mohare Danda (3300m), Kopra ridge locally known as Khopra ridge and Khayer (Khair Tal) lake. It recently promotes community base Eco-trail to take away from the busier trails of Annapurna region but provides similarly outstanding views of the Himalayas including Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchchhre (fishtail), Nilgiri and many other snow-capped mountains and hills.

Another attraction of this trek is the holy Khair Lake (Khayer Tal), which requires a little experience of high attitude because it is at 4600 meters from the sea level. It is not necessary to go Khayar Lake to complete the this trek means possible to skip Khair Lake from Khopra. This trek is suitable for every dedicated trekker as the most regions of this trail are more strenuous and experiences are profoundly lavish thick pine, oak, rhododendron and bamboo woods. This trekking have the views of exquisite vistas, crossing delightful ethnic tribes of Magar, Gurung, Kami, Damai, Chetri and Brahmin villages boasting its flawlessly terraced cultivating terrains.

This trek is also famous for village tourism and the trekkers will have chance to stay in the local family run homestay, community lodges and teahouses. This trek trail was promoted and develops by local community to grow the economic status of this area people from tourism. Benefits from community lodges and homestay specially use for schools of this area. There are many options of itineraries for this trek. Most of Trekkers can include Myagdi Tatopani (hot spring) on their itinerary to taking a bath in natural hot spring but after Kopra there is alternative route to end the trek go via Tadapani and Ghandruk for those who are not willing to go Tatopani (Hot spring).

Conclusion and Summary

Overall, the Mohare Danda and Khopra Ridge Community Trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and sustainable tourism. It offers an alternative route for trekkers seeking a less crowded and more authentic experience in the Himalayas. By embarking on this trek, you not only get to witness the breathtaking landscapes but also contribute positively to the lives of the local communities. It is an adventure that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of Nepal.

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Trip Highlights

The closest views of the Annapurna massifs and the Dhaulagiri ranges
Stunning sunrise and sunset over the panoramic Himalayas
Journey to the abode of Lord Shiva
Eco community homestay lodges during most of the trekking days
Explore the lifestyles and the cultures of the indigenous Magar tribes
Off the beaten path in the lap of the Annapurna Himalayas

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4265ft)

Overnight at 3 star Hotel

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, as per your schedule. At the airport, a Nepal Challenge Trek representative and staffs will welcome you warmly. Then, you go to the hotel with them and refresh. Later, you can explore around the city and prepare for the trek.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2690ft), 6-7 Hrs

6-7 hrs

Overnight at 3 star Hotel

Breakfast

You have an early breakfast and board the tourist bus heading to Pokhara via Prithvi Highway. En route, you can see amazing views of Trishuli River and the hilly landscapes. You have your lunch at Malekhu and rest for a while. You reach Pokhara by afternoon and head to the hotel. Here, you can boat on the Phewa Lake in the company of the Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Annapurna I (6091m).

Day 03:Drive from Pokhara to Galeshwor and trek to Bans Kharka (1,525 m), BLD, Community homestay/Teahouse

Drive early to Galeshwor along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. After a short break, begin your hike towards Bans Kharka through the tranquil forests, farming communities and nature. It will be about 5-6 hours of driving to Galeshwor and 3-4 hours of uphill hiking, mostly through the stairs.

Day 04: Trek from Bans Kharka to Nangi (2,230 m), BLD, Community homestay/Teahouse

The second day of your beautiful trekking in the Himalayan region. You will pass through exciting villages, especially of the Magar tribe, and the impressive landscapes. The first few hours will be spent ascending the stairs, which gets easier flat afterward. Visit to organic farm school en route. Overnight in Nangi.

Day 05:Trek from Nangi to Mohare Danda (3,300 m), BLD, Community homestay/Teahouse

Today’s trail goes through beautiful forests of oak and rhododendron tree lines with magnificent views of Mount Fishtail, South Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and many more. A beautiful hiking day, mostly uphill, with flat trails in the intervals and breathtaking views of the valleys below. Evening time is for the sunset view from Mohare hill station over the panoramic Himalayas.

Day 06: Trek from Mohare Danda to Tikot (2,300 m), BLD, Community homestay/Teahouse

After watching a striking sunrise over the Himalayas in the early morning, this day trek will take us to lower altitude to Tikot village within around 6 hours. You will pass through rhododendron forests with a view of the Poon Hill view tower on the other side of the hills.

Day 07: Trek from Tikot to Khibang (2,060 m), BLD, Community homestay/Teahouse

On this fantastic day of our Annapurna region adventure, we descend through the rhododendron forest towards Khibang. Inhabited by 800 or more indigenous Pun Magars, the villages in Khibang produce all organic farm products that you can observe and experience while living their lifestyle for a day.

Day 08: Trek from Khibang to Swanta (2,200 m), BLD, Community homestay/Teahouse

We continue descending through the Magar villages to cross a small stream. Start trekking uphill towards Swanta, from where you can see the scenic Poon Hill village on the opposite hillside.

Day 09: Trek from Swanta to Upper Chistibung (3,000 m), BLD, Community homestay/Teahouse

Immediately after leaving Swanta, we will enter the cool forest and walk pleasantly, ascending mostly towards Chistibung. You might get lucky, so always look out for the Himalayan Tahr and the national bird Lophophorus or Danfe.

Day 10: Trek from Chistibung to Khopra Danda (3,640 m), BLD, Community homestay/Teahouse

We will steadily climb towards the ridgeline on this beautiful day. On the north side of Poon Hill, atop the hill, lies another stunning viewpoint called Khopra Danda or ridge. We continue early morning to climb to our ultimate destination. Besides observing the striking sunrise and sunset, one can also see the local yaks grazing below in the slopes.

Day 11:Trek to Khayar Lake 4,660 m and back to Khopra Danda, BLD, Community homestay/Teahouse

The rest day in Khopra Danda is when one can visit Khayar lake. It’s a strenuous walk to get to the high-altitude lake but getting to the top is another victory. The holy lake for Hindus, where people from all over comes to offer prayers to Lord Shiva, is formed by the glaciers of Annapurna South, Annapurna I and Annapurna Fang. After a wonderful time around the lake, descend to Khopra Danda.

Day 12: Trek from Khopra Danda to Dobato (3,420 m), BLD, Teahouse

From Khopra ridge, we take one of the two routes, either the upper or lower route, to get to Dobato. In Spring and Autumn, we take the upper path via a narrow trail and enjoy the trek while admiring the majestic peaks and the landscapes of Kali Gandaki valley. In the winter and monsoon months, we take the lower route to avoid adverse weather conditions, which will take a bit longer than the upper trail.

Day 13: Trek from Dobato to Ghandruk ‎(2,000 m) via Tadapani, BLD, Teahouse

After enjoying the early sunrise, we start this wonderful mountain trek today towards the famous Gurung village at the Himalayan foothill. In this easy but long day trail, we first arrive in Tadapani and continue on the pleasant path towards Ghandruk, playing hide and seek with the snowcapped mountains repeatedly.

Day 14: Drive from Ghandruk to Pokhara & further to Kathmandu, BL.

Unfortunately, we have come to the end of our short yet magnificent trekking. We take a local vehicle from Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara. Further ride to Kathmandu to end our journey.

What's Included

Airport picks up and drops off, upon arrival and departure.
Pre trek meeting.
3-star Hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights.
Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu travel on a deluxe tourist bus.
3-star Hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast.
Private Transport Pokhara to Ghandruk by private jeep.
Private Transport Galeshwor to Pokhara by private jeep
Trekking equipment: down-filled sleeping bag, walking poles and a duffel bag.
An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and local porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
Guide and porter salaries, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging.
Full meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on your choice.
Supplementary snacks: energy bar and cookies.
Fresh seasonal fruits after dinner.
Unlimited Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water.
Oxi-meter: To check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation.
All accommodation during the trek (Soft, comfort, private room with shared toilet).
A comprehensive First Aid kit.
All government and local taxes.
Souvenir: Nepal Challenge Trek t-shirt and Trekking Route map.
Farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.

What's Excluded

Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days).

Your international flight to and from Nepal.

Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.

The cost incurred during the tour around the city

Cost for additional trips.

Hot showers, Wi-Fi & battery charging on a trek.

Travel insurance (for helicopter evacuation if needed whilst on trekking).

Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet/e-mail, etc.

Bar and beverage bills.

Tip for guide, porter, and drivers.

Trip Information

The Mohare Danda and Khopra Ridge Community Trek is a captivating journey through the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering a unique blend of nature, culture, and community-based tourism. This trek combines two scenic destinations, Mohare Danda and Khopra Ridge, providing trekkers with awe-inspiring mountain views and the opportunity to engage with local communities along the way. Starting from Nayapul, the trail passes through charming villages, terraced fields, and lush forests, immersing trekkers in the beauty of the Himalayan landscape. The trek also offers a chance to witness the traditional lifestyles of the Magar and Gurung communities, known for their warm hospitality. Mohare Danda, with its panoramic vistas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, serves as a remarkable highlight.

As the trek continues towards Khopra Ridge, trekkers are greeted with breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy the tranquility of the sacred Khayar Lake and experience the local culture firsthand. This community-based trek is a sustainable tourism initiative that supports local economies and encourages interaction with the rural communities, enhancing the overall trekking experience. With moderate difficulty and a duration of around 10-12 days, this trek provides ample time for acclimatization, cultural immersion, and appreciation of the natural wonders that await. The Mohare Danda and Khopra Ridge Community Trek promises an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the splendor of the mountains while fostering meaningful connections with the local communities.

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