Trek off the beaten trail in Annapurna Region. Join Adventure Treks Nepal to make your travel dream come true.

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek is a less explored trekking destination in the heart of Annapurna Region. Being so close with many popular treks such as Ghorepani Poonhill Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, this trek is still unknown to many travelers which offers a thrilling off the beaten path trekking experience to everyone. With some of the amazing panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range, this region is perfect for travelers looking for less crowded trails in Nepal.
Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek, also commonly known as Khopra Ridge / Danda Trek is an easy trek in the Annapurna that allows the travelers to go deep into dense forests along with climbs up to grassy pastures. People with kids or old age citizens anyone will be able to complete the trek without any difficulty.
Another special feature of this trek is to witness magical sunrises from multiple spots i.e Poonhill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft) and Muldai View Point (3,637m / 11,932 ft). The panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri South and North, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) from these sunrise spots can leave you speechless.
Along with gorgeous mountain sceneries, Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek offers amazing sites of Rhododendron blooming during March – April which adds up to the beauty of this region. The trail is filled with huge Rhododendron trees that keep the travelers in shock if seen during its peak blooming season.
Being one of the youngest trekking trails in the Annapurna Region, Khopra Ridge Trek offers the travelers the authentic and raw experience of trekking with very basic facilities compared to other destinations of this region. It wouldn’t be wrong to state that "Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek takes you back in time."
The trail to Khopra Danda is narrow that enters into dense forests, crosses many streams and winds up along the valleys. The hospitality and love of the locals during the trek is unmatched and will melt your heart. Exploring the villages of Ghandruk, Swanta, Poonhill, Ulleri while interacting with the locals will be a unique experience to cherish forever.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,338m] Transfer to the Hotel.
A Representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your welcome. You will then be transferred to your Hotel in Kathmandu. Looking at the time of your arrival trip, a briefing will be planned where your last minute question will be answered by our expert team members and you will be provided with a trekking map and duffle bags during the briefing. The evening is free for you to explore the hustling alleys of Thamel and surrounding areas.
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath [1,330m] "B" (05-06 Hours)
A Day filled with sightseeing of cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu VAlleys. After your breakfast at the hotel you will depart on an informational and exciting trip to the World Heritage monuments of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur city will be our first stop for the day, which is 15 km from Kathmandu, known as city of Devotees and center of medieval art and architecture founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD, visit Nyatapola temple, the most beautiful temple of Nepal, the 15th century palace of 55 windows, Golden gate and other place of Interest.The two other destinations are the Pilgrimage sites for Hinduism and Buddhism. The trip to Pashupatinath will allow you to witness the Hindu Cremation Process along the Bagmati River in front of the Main Temple. Next will be the Peaceful stupa of Boudhanath. Your tour Guide will help you to choose a perfect destination to have lunch according to your preference.
Day 3: Drive to Pokhara [970 m] "B" (06-07 Hours)
Early in the morning, we drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal's lake city. Our bus follows a winding road over the valley rim and descends onto the Trishuli River. The journey is slow and steady as the road winds through villages and passing terrace fields before reaching our destination.Pokhara is best known for its tranquil atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Normally, we arrive by midafternoon so you have time to explore or relax as you prepare for the journey ahead.
Day 4: Drive to Ghandruk [1,945 m] (Drive 03-04 hrs) and Trek to Tadapani [2,657 m]."B,L,D". (03-04 hrs).
Breakfast will be provided in your hotel in Pokhara followed by a scenic drive towards the Gurung village of Ghandruk. The drive today will offer you with Amazing views of the Annapurna Range including many mountains. We drove west of Pokhara, gradually stepping out of the concrete jungle and checking ourselves in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The drive upto Siwai is smooth as the last part requires some off-road skills. Upon arriving on Ghandruk we will have a short trip of the village tailed by our first day of the trekking.The trail after Ghandruk climbs gradually up towards Bhaise kharka. Expect some stairs during the initial stage today followed by a gentle walk into the Rhododendron forest after Bhaise Kharka. Crossing small streams along the way, we reach the settlement of Tadapani which is a junction for other treks of Annapurna Region.
Day 5: Trek to Dobato [3,420 m]."B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Wake up in Tadapani with amazing sunrise vistas of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) followed by a hearty breakfast at the Himalayas. Gurung Bread is a very popular local bread of this region which is loved by most of the trekkers. If you want to try some local cuisine it can be the best option for you. After Breakfast we begin our ascent towards Dobato, our final destination for the day.We will enter the less explored trail on this day so be ready for narrow trails into the dense forests where you might have the chance to witness some wildlife. Some sections of the trail are steep uphill which will be demanding at times. For Lunch we will arrive at Isharu where the fresh ingredients from the local farms awaits you. After lunch we will gradually climb up to Dobato and the landscape changes as the tree line becomes thinner.
Day 6: Sunrise hike to Muldai View Point and Trek to upper Chistibung [2,950 m] / Dhan Kharka "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Get your head lamps ready as we will start our hike before sunrise. The trail to Muldai View Point (3,637m/ 11,932 ft) goes into the thin Rhododendron Forests and climbs continuously before arriving at the flat grassland at the top. It will take us around 45 min to 1 hour to reach the top from Dobato. There is also a yak stable at the top where lots of Yaks might be waiting for us to greet us goodmorning.Upon arriving on the top you will be informed about the surrounding peaks by your guide and given free time to explore and take some good pictures for the memories. Don’t forget to carry some local currency for some Tea and Coffee at the view point. Return back to Dobato for Breakfast and start to trek north from Dobato. After 1 hour 30 min of trekking we will arrive at a place called Bayeli Kharka which is the last place for water or before reaching Upper Chistibung / Dhan Kharka. The trail after Bayli goes deep into the forest where we have a steep downhill section waiting for us. Just before reaching Upper Chistibung the trail again starts to climb up after crossing some streams and rivers on a wooden bridge.
Day 7: Trek to Kopra Ridge [3,660 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs).
After your Himalayan Breakfast at the Tea house in Upper Chistibung we prepare ourselves for the short yet amazing day of the trek. The trail upto Khopra Ridge rises continuously from Chistibung where the travelers will notice change in the vegetation. The surrounding trees become smaller as we gain altitude and eventually turn into the grassy surface. The views of surrounding villages and valleys during today's hike will give you a sense of being high into the mountains. Upon arriving in Khopra we will stay in a Community Operated Tea House and the rest of the day is at leisure where you can rest and acclimatize.
Day 8: Trek to Khayar Lake / Back to Kopra. [3,660 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (08-09 Hrs).
Finally the most challenging and demanding day of the trek. With early morning breakfast at Khopra we begin our hike toward the Sacred Khayar Lake. This Lake is a religious spot for people living in surrounding areas and during the time of Janaipurnima, a festival during August, it receives a large number of devotees from different parts of the country. The trail winds up high into the mountains and is challenging because of the increasing altitude. We will completely be out of human contact as there is only one hut providing basic facilities in between at Khayer Khola.
Day 9: Trek to Swanta. [2,290 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
After a challenging day and accomplishing the major destination of the trip we begin to retrace our footsteps back from the Mountains. The trail until Upper Chistibung is similar to what we took to reach Khopra. After Chistibung we enter into the dense forest once again. During our descent we will have an opportunity to have a glimpse of a small hydropower machine which generates and distributes electricity to the Local villages. We will eventually pop out of the forest and reach the tranquil settlement of Swanta which is home to Magar and Poon Community.
Day 10: Trek to Ghorepani (2810m). "B,L,D". Trek (04-05 Hrs).
Our trekking off the beaten path will be coming to an end as we will be joining the trail coming from Annapurna Circuit Region towards Ghorepani in Chitre. The hike during the first hours of trekking today allows us to spend some time without many travelers as we cross a suspension bridge over Dhand Khola (River). After reaching Chitre we will join the ancient trading route used by traders to travel to Tibet but in the opposite direction. The trail climbs gradually as we slowly step into the town of Ghorepani.
Day 11: Sunrise trip to Punhill, Trek to Trikhedunga. [1,545 m]. ("B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Early morning hike before dawn to Poonhill in order to catch one final glimpse of towering Peaks is the highlight of the day. The entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range is clearly visible from Poonhill with the Himlayas extending further east until Manaslu. After experiencing a magical sunrise we will return back to Ghorepani for breakfast. The trail today enters into Rhododendron forests crossing streams and winds up along the Burungdi River. Before reaching Tikhedhunga you will cross the last two suspension bridges of the trek simultaneously.
Day 12: Trek to Nayapul Drive to Pokhara [970 m]. "B,L". Trek (03-04 Hrs and 1.30 hours drive).
Begin your day after the final Himalayan breakfast as today we will be getting back to Pokhara. Hiking along the charming local villages and smiling locals we hike back to Nayapul where our car will be waiting for us. We pass through Ramghai and Sudame as we hike back towards the settlement. After reaching Pokhara, evening is free time for you. You can explore around the Lakeside area and enjoy "city food" in good restaurants.
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu [1,330m]. “B”. Drive an option.
After breakfast in Pokhara, we have a mountain flight to Kathmandu; it is a thrilling, exciting flight over forests, fields and villages with the Himalayas in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for any last minute shopping for your loved ones.
Day 14: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a lifetime. “B”.
A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will drop you to the airport. Return back home with the memories of that last lifetime.