Khopra Danda Trekking

Best Time To Do Khopra Danda Trekking

Whichever it might be, either trek to Khopra Danda or any other trek in Nepal, spring and autumn are the best time to do Khopra Trek Nepal. Also, the trekking routes in the Annapurna region are open throughout the year.

During spring (March to May), the climate is clear with temperate warmness. You can see a clear view of mountains and their surroundings. Likewise, autumn (September – November) offers one of the most favourable climates for trekking.

The days are calm and pleasant with a gentle breeze, and the nights are serene with a clear sky filled with twinkling stars.

In contrast, summer or monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) seasons are a little challenging.

The Khopra region observes unpredictable rain during monsoon season, with muddy trails and dangers of leeches and mosquitoes in lower altitudes, typically below 3000 meters (9842.5 ft).

Further, the winter season is colder, with occasional snowfall. The view of simmering mountain peaks such as Annapurna South and III, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri range is the most alluring feature of the winter trek.

Weather Information

The weather conditions on the Khopra Ridge trek itinerary can change throughout the year. During the peak seasons, spring and autumn, the skies are clear with mild temperatures and stunning mountain views.

During these seasons, the daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C. The nights could be freezing, with the temperature dropping to a negative 5°C at higher altitudes.

The winter season is colder, with occasional snowfall. During this season, the temperature ranges between -15°C and 10°C at night and day, respectively.

Moreover, the monsoon season faces unpredictable heavy rainfall. You might encounter some leeches, mosquitos, and other insects at lower altitudes. In contrast, you will be rewarded with a mesmerizing view of a vibrant forest coloured with different coloured rhododendrons.

Khopra Hill Trek Difficulty

The Khopra hill trek is considered a moderately difficult trek in the Annapurna trek compared to Annapurna Circuit Trek or ABC Trek. However, as you trek above 2500 meters (above 8200 ft), there is a chance of getting altitude sickness.

Moreover, other accidents that occur when walking in the mountainous region are common. You might fall down, sprain your legs, scratches, back and knee pains, and many more are common when trekking.

Also, if you are unable to adjust to Nepali, especially food and water in the mountains, you might get diarrhea, too.

Insomnia, loss of appetite, insect bites, allergies, etc., make your trek more challenging. Therefore, it is advised to eat digestible food and avoid eating meat when trekking in high-elevation treks.

Additionally, consult with your physician if you are fit for the trek or not, and be open about any allergies with Himalayan Masters’s team so that we can plan accordingly.

With proper preparedness and guidance, you can easily and safely complete the Khopra Hill trek.

Roads on the Khopra Valley Trek and How to Avoid

There are roads up to the village of Ghandruk when going to the Khopra Danda and from Banthanti to Pokhara when returning. To avoid these motorable roads, you can walk via the jungle or follow a different path.

Overall, the route on the Khopra Valley Trek follows a trekking trail. Instead of trekking on motorable, we have planned an itinerary that avoids these roads.

Moreover, until Ghandruk, you might come across roads, but while returning, you will be trekking on a complete trek trail until Hille. From Hille, you will be driving back to Pokhara.

Trip Grade: Fitness Level, Medical, and Health

Fitness Level

To trek to the Khopra Ridge viewpoint, you should have good enough physical and mental condition. You might find it challenging if you have a frail body.

There will be long trek days, which demands some level of mental and physical stability. To improve your physical state, do some strength-building exercises, and for mental stability, try doing some meditation and going for short treks 1 month before your trek.

Medical

Knowing your body’s limit is crucial for any trip. It is recommended that you should not trek if you are diabetic, suffering from asthma, or pregnant.

Furthermore, if you are not prepared to walk for several days on a rugged terrain, then you should consider before trekking.

Health

Your health is the first and foremost thing that you should care for. It is our utmost priority that you complete the trek with ease and without any health issues.

Therefore, while on trek, we see that you eat fresh and healthy food. Without good food, you won’t be able to trek properly. In addition to food, rest and proper sleep is also essential.

Special Training for Khopra Trekking

Khopra trekking is a moderately difficult trek in the Himalayas. So, you do not need any special training in it. However, it is essential to have some level of trek experience and physical condition.

You can do some core and stamina-building exercises like running, swimming, burpees, cycling, and some short hikes.

Altitude Sickness During the Mohare Danda Trek Map

The altitude sickness above the 2500 meters elevation is common. The Mohare Danda Trek map reaches a significant altitude of 4750 meters (15,584 ft) at Khayer Lake.

So, you need to be careful not to get altitude sickness. To avoid it, you need to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, eat liquid digestible foods, and be mentally positive all the time to enjoy the trek.

Emergency and Evacuation

During the Khopra Danda trekking or any trips, emergencies could occur. In the worst case, you might need helicopter evacuation.

Since the trekking trail does not have motorable roads, helicopter evacuation is the only option. You can find local medical only in Ghandruk and Ghorepani in between the trek.

To cover your medical and evacuation costs, we recommend that you have travel insurance. Moreover, your trek guide will always have a first-aid kit for minor injuries.

Insurance for Khopra Ridge Trek

It is not compulsory to have travel insurance for the Khopra Ridge trek or any other trek. However, it is better to have it in case of any emergencies.

Your travel insurance will cover your medical bills, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellations, and interruptions if needed. Further, you must read the insurance policy carefully to understand which insurance package to take.

Khopra Danda Trek Cost

All your 3 meals, accommodation, transport, and permits will be covered in the Khopra Danda Trekking package. However, you might need to pay some additional amount for additional services.

Here is a trek cost breakdown.

Food: Each meal during the trek costs around $8-$10, and for the package (accommodation, dinner, and breakfast), it costs about $20-$25.

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation is about $10, or you can take the package service as mentioned above.

Transport: The travel cost from Kathmandu to Pokhara comes to around $20, and nearly $10 from Pokhara to Naya Pul. A private shared jeep costs around $100 from Hille to Pokhara, which can be shared among 5-7 individuals.

Permit: You will need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. ACAP costs around NPR 3000, and TIMS card costs around $20.

Additional Expenses: Throughout the trekking journey, you might need to pay extra for some additional services, snacks, drinks, buying souvenirs, and tips for the porter and guide. So, you can carry around $200-$300 for these.

Additional Expenses During Trek

The additional expenses on the Khopra Danda trek map go for additional services like Wi-Fi, hot shower, electronics charging, and hot water. Wi-Fi and hot shower might cost $2-$3 each, and electronic charging and hot water costs around $1-$2 each.

If you want to drink some soft (made out of millet wine) or hard drink, it costs around $10. You can keep a few dollars for snacks and buying souvenirs.

Additionally, 10% of the trip is for the tipping guide and porter, but you can tip as you feel like more is always appreciated.

ATM During the Khopra Danda Trek

Whenever you are trekking to Khopra Danda or other treks in the Annapurna region, like ABC Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek, you must know that there are no ATMs en route. They are only available in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

So, you must carry Nepali currency for the trek. Some teahouses might accept mobile banking or card payment for Nepali trekkers, but it is better to be on the safer side.

Money Exchange

Nepalese currency is used all over Nepal. Payments can be made in cash, by ATM, or through online payment systems like mobile banking in major cities of Nepal.

However, payment by Visa or Mastercard will charge an additional 3.5%. So, you are advised to exchange your currency for Nepali currency at one of the money changer booths in Kathmandu or Pokhara before going to the Khopra trek.

Permits for Mulde/Khopra Danda Trek

The Khopra Danda Trek, also known as the Mulde Trek, requires two permits: an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit costs $30 for foreigners and $2 for the SAARC nationalities. Likewise, a TIMS card can be obtained for $20 for solo trekkers and $10 for each trekker in a group.

The money you pay goes into the management and protection of flora and fauna, as well as your security. These permits can be issued either in Kathmandu, Pokhara or at the gate of Annapurna National Park.

Packing List for Khopra Danda Short Trek

It is common to get baffled about what to include and what to exclude in the packing list for the Khopra Danda short trek or any trip. This article will explain each and everything that is required for the Khopra Danda trek. However, the packing list might vary from person to person.

Accommodation and Food

Travelling to a new place is also an opportunity to experience the new taste of food and a different bed to sleep in. You will find some decent teahouses in Khopra throughout the trail with a bed, mattress, blanket, and pillow.

Similarly, the human body does not function well unless it gets enough sleep at night. Thus, the food you consume and the bed you sleep in are the most important factors for making your trip successful and purposeful.

Khopra Ridge Trek Accommodation

A large number of teahouses in Khopra have been added in the past few years. But it is still very hard to find accommodation during the peak season.

If you are travelling from March to June or September to December, make sure to book suitable accommodation before the trip.

The teahouses are mostly empty in the winter and summer, and one can enjoy the best hospitality.

The accommodation on the Khopra Ridge trek is not as good as other treks in the Annapurna region. They provide clean and healthy food with a warm and comfortable bed and a blanket to sleep on. The rooms are normally shared dormitory.

The dining hall generally has a heating system and electric charging plugs. However, it is better to inquire beforehand.

Khopra Ridge Trek Food

Regardless of the region you trek, you must eat healthy, hygienic, and nutritious food to gain enough stamina for a long hike. The locally managed teahouses serve tourists a limited food option.

The teahouses make sure that you have warm and healthy food in Khopra. Every teahouse has the same menu provided by the authorities. The prices are set as per the altitude.

You will be surprised by the variety of options available on the menu. Along with the standard Dal baht (unlimited refills), other great options for lunch and dinner.

Basically, you will never be out of options for food, and the meals will cost somewhere between $4 and $7. We also recommend avoiding all kinds of alcoholic products and even meat in the higher regions.

Breakfast at Mohare Danda Khopra Trek

• Tibetan bread and toast
• Any kind of egg items
• Muesli and corn flex
• Puri and chapati
• Noodle soup, chicken soup, etc.
• Champa porridge (made of buckwheat)
• Apple pancake, banana pancake, and plain pancake, etc.

Lunch at Mohare Danda Khopra Trek

• Dal Bhat with veg or non-veg curry
• Tea/coffee
• Noodle and other soup
• Mo:Mo
• Chowmin
• Potato curry
• Chicken meat, etc.

Dinner at Mohare Danda Khopra Trek

• Variety of veg and non-veg soup
• Dal Bhat and curry
• Thukpa
• Mo: Mo
• Chowmin, etc.

Dessert at Mohare Danda Khopra Trek

• Apple pie
• Banana pie
• Rice pudding
• Chocolate and sneaker roll, etc.

Electricity and Battery Recharge

The electricity is available throughout the trek route of Mohare Danda Khopra trek. You can charge your electronics in the dining hall or at the reception desk. Some of the teahouses might even have charging plugs in your room. Moreover, you might need to pay an additional $1 or $2 fee for some of the teahouses.

Water During Khopra Trekking

You need to stay hydrated wherever and whenever you are trekking. Carrying a reusable water bottle and purifying the water before drinking with a water purifying tablet is an essential measure during Khopra Danda trekking.

Using plastic bottles is banned in the mountains, so you need to carry a refillable bottle. You can refill the bottle in a hotel for a dollar. However, the best option is to refill the bottle with the natural tap and use a Steripen (UV sterilizer) for safe drinking water.

Himalayan Masters will provide you with a complimentary water purifying tablet for the trek.

Communication on Trek

The means of communication on Mohare Danda Khopra Trek are Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the trek, but you might need to pay an additional $2-$3 charge for it. Likewise, you can get NTC and NCELL cellular connections in almost every part of the trek.

If you want to be connected to the internet, you can buy an NTC or NCELL SIM card from a shop in Kathmandu or Pokhara and use cellular data.

Safety and Security on Khopra Ridge Trek

Nepal is a safe country to visit. Despite some instances of robbery, theft, or demonstrations, it is not a big threat. However, when you are on the Mohare Danda Khopra trek, we recommend that you do not carry any valuable items. You can store them in our office or at the hotel.

Additionally, there are some other threats, such as avalanches, floods, landslides, earthquakes, etc. But with preparedness and proper guidance, they can be avoided.

Guide Vs Solo Trekking

The Khopra Danda trek can be done with or without a guide. If you are a solo trekker, you need to have thorough instructions about the trek. You need to know about the trek route, food, accommodation, emergency contacts, weather, local traditions, and so on. You might also want to learn a few Nepali phrases too.

In contrast to the Khopra Danda trek without a guide, with a guide, you need not worry about anything. Everything will be arranged by your guide. He/she will know almost everything from their experience. Not to mention, he is going to be your companion for several trekking days.

Additionally, there is a rule set by the Nepal government that if you are travelling in the high mountainous region, you need to compulsorily hire a licensed guide.

Porters Vs No Porter

Khopra Hill trek might not be long like the EBC and Gokyo Lakes Trek, Mount Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, or Upper Dolpo Trek, but trekking for several days with heavy luggage is quite challenging. In that case, hiring a porter would be a wise decision.

Hiring a porter will allow you to be free and enjoy the trip. Also, by hiring a porter, you are not only helping them but helping his entire family and providing them employment.

Tips on Hiring a Porter for Khopra Hill Trek

• Each porter will only carry 26 kg of your load. But it will be easier for the porter if it is less.
• If your luggage is less than 12 kg, you can share a porter with other fellow trekkers.
• As the porters will walk faster than you and will only meet you at the teahouse where you will spend the night. So, it would be better if you carried a backpack.
• When you hire a porter, you are directly benefiting him and his family’s income.

Tipping Culture for Guides and Porters

Your guides and porters are dedicated to making your trek safe, enjoyable, and memorable. Therefore, tipping them for their dedication is viable.

Normally, 10% of your trip is the tips for guides and porters. However, it is not mandatory, so you can tip them more or less as you feel like.

Extending Trip to Nepal

Extending Khopra Danda Trekking

Khopra Danda trekking can be extended by 1 or 2 to 8-10 days from your standard itinerary. If you add an overnight stay at Syauli Bazar on the 1st day of your trek, Khopra Danda trekking can be extended by a day.

Likewise, we can combine the Mardi Himal trek with the Khopra Danda trek to add thrill to the trip, with an additional 2 days of trek.

Additionally, if you add Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Mardi trek after Khopra Danda trek, this is going to take around a total of 18-20 days.

Trip Extension to National Parks

Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park are some of the best and most easily accessible national parks in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Moreover, due to their geographical differences, both of them offer a variety of wildlife that you can explore.

Jungle safaris, jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and short canoe trips are some of the best ways to explore wildlife in Chitwan National Park. You can see rhinos, gharial crocodiles, deer, tigers, and many other animals thriving in the protected ecology.

Likewise, Bardiya National Park is another popular tourist destination in the Bardiya district of Nepal. It is a less visited national park offering you an experience of wildlife and local culture. Additionally, you can see tigers, elephants, jackals, and a wide variety of birds around here.

How do you book a trek to Khopra Danda?

Himalayan Masters is a Nepal government-registered adventure and travel company. You can book a trek to Khopra Danda by any means you feel comfortable with.

You can contact us by messaging us on mobile or WhatsApp, emailing, or a phone call. There is another option, too. You can fill out our contact form. We will then prepare a trip package according to your preference or in the best manageable manner.

We will then provide a guide and a porter, permits, and some souvenirs on behalf of the agency.

How can I book a Khora Danda trip at the last minute?

If you want to book a trip to Khopra Danda just before the day of your trek, do not worry. You can make last-minute bookings with Himalayan Masters by directly contacting us.

You can visit our office at Saat Ghumti Marg 3, Thamel, Kathmandu, or reach out to us through email, WhatsApp, phone call, or by filling out an online form.

But remember that you should do it 1 or 2 days before starting the trek for trek preparation and briefings. Also, you need to pay the full amount for the trek.

Why choose Himalayan Masters?

With Himalayan Masters, you trek with a highly skilled and experienced team. You will be trekking with one of the most experienced and professional guides and porters. They will not only provide you with guidance and ensure your safety but also provide you with a journey filled with adventure and the experience of a lifetime.

Feedback/Review

Do not forget to give feedback or a review after completing the trek. It helps us know our good and bad points and improves our team’s quality in offering a comfortable and successful trekking experience.