Khopra Danda Trek – 12 Days

Day 1: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300)
The first day, considering your arrival hour at Tribhuwan International Airport our agents will be awaiting you to pick up for escorting towards tourist standard inn. We also hold a meeting for discussion regarding the trek following an introduction session with other team members.

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) 25mins and drive from Pokhara to Kimche and trek to Ghandruk (1940m) 1 hr

We catch our early morning 25-minute scenic flight to Pokhara. After landing, we take a jeep ride to Kimche via Nayapul, which takes about 3 hours to reach. From Kimche, we begin our short trek to Ghandruk ascending on stone steps through the forested path while relishing the beautiful scenery in the background. Ghandruk is the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region where we get to experience the Gurung culture, tradition, and lifestyle. From Ghandruk, we can get a stunning view of Annapurna South (7219m) and Machhapuchhre (6993m). Overnight at lodge.

Day 03: Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani (2630m) 3 hrs

Leaving behind the beautiful Ghandruk village, today we trek to Tadapani ascending through the forested path filled with rhododendron and oak trees. Listening to the chirping of birds and relishing the view of small waterfalls and mountains like the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (6993m), and Hiunchuli (6441m) along the way, we arrive in Tadapani, which offers stunning sunset and sunrise views. Overnight at lodge.

Day 04: Trek from Tadapani to Dobato (3420m) 5 hrs

We ascend through dense forests filled with rhododendrons, pines, and oaks that lead us above the tree line to an amazing view of the Annapurna range. We continue to slowly ascend through rhododendron forests which take us to Meshar Danda followed by Isharu. We then trek through grassland until reaching a small pass then descend for a while and again ascend between small hills to finally reach Dobato. Overnight at lodge.

Day 05: Trek from Dobato to Chistibung (3026m) 4 hrs

We take an early morning 30-minute hike up to Muldai viewpoint which offers a 360-degree view of the Himalayas including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs along with Machhapuchhre Himal (6993m). We then descend through dense forests of rhododendron for a while and ascend until we reach Bayeli Kharka. We then continue descending through the forest and cross a wooden bridge before moving uphill to reach the pasturelands followed by the village of Chistibung. Overnight at lodge.

Day 06: Trek from Chistibung to Kopra Ridge/Danda (3660m) 3 hrs

Leaving Chistibung behind, we ascend steadily and emerge above the tree line. We may encounter some animals like Himalayan Thar and Himalayan Monal. We continue to ascend steadily to reach Khopra Ridge, which offers a stunning panorama of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri (7061m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), and other mountains during the sunset and sunrise. Overnight at lodge.

Day 07: Trek from Khopra Ridge to Swanta (2214m) 5 hrs

Today we descend steeply through the hillside and retrace the trail back to Chistibung. After descending for 1 and half hour, the trail descends steeply through dense forest until we reach Ratmate. Crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend for a while through the bamboo forest followed by the gradual ups and downs until we reach the village of Swanta. Swanta is a beautiful village inhabited by Magar people. Overnight at lodge.

Day 08: Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani (2860m) 3 hrs

Today we trek to Ghorepani descending through terraced fields to a small river. We also get to take a quick look at the local water mill. We then cross a suspension bridge and climb up to the village of Chitre. We continue to ascend through the forested path to reach the village of Ghorepani from where we can catch the amazing view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Overnight at lodge.

Day 09: Trek from Ghorepani to Tikhedunga (1540m) 5 hrs

In the morning, we hike up to Poon Hill through rhododendron forest to catch the beautiful view of sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna III (7555m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), and so on. We hike back to Ghorepani and continue to trek through a forested path filled with rhododendron. We then descend steeply on a stone staircase to Bhurungdi Khola where we cross a suspension bridge to reach Tikhedunga. Overnight at lodge.

Day 10: Trek from Tikhedunga to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

For our last day of trekking, we trek to Nayapul, gently descending to the village of Birethanti on the bank of Modi Khola. We then cross the new bridge to reach the pick-up point at Nayapul. From Nayapul, we take a short drive to Pokhara and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight in hotel.

Day 11: Morning Hike to World Peace Stupa and afternoon fly back to Kathmandu

Early in the morning, we hike up to World Peace Stupa which offers a panoramic view of the different Himalayas from Annapurna to Dhaulagiri along with the beautiful peak of Machhapuchhre (6993m). We also get a view of the entire Pokhara valley and Phewa Lake. After spending some time at the stupa, we hike back to Phewa Lake and take a boat to cross the lake. In the afternoon, we catch a flight back to Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. Finally, after reaching Kathmandu, you will be picked up by our private vehicle and shifted towards fine tourist standard hotel. On evening hour, we host for genuine Nepali dishes in popular Nepalese restaurant where you can enjoy ethnic cultural dance and music. 

Day 12: Departure day
On last day of your trip after having delicious breakfast, you can go out for shopping to buy some gifts for your loving ones. We will be there to help with your packing and arrangements. Our private vehicle shifts you to airport considering your flight time and a representative will be there to wish for your safe journey and successful steps ahead.

Visa Information

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and you can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Official Papers

Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal.

Weather Information

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict.  Nights are generally cooler and days are warm.  Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February and December in Himalayan areas.

Best time to travel

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

Physical Fitness

Even though the physical fitness plays an important role in trekking you don’t have to be super athletes or a marathon runner to trek in Nepal.  Many people of good fitness for their age can complete the trek. You can prepare yourself before hand by doing some yoga which will prepare you in your breathing as you will be going to the higher altitude. Running or hiking to hills, going for a long walk will also help you. And if you live in urban area running in the stairs of a tall building will also work better in keeping you fit for trekking. All though these preparations aren’t strictly compulsory, you can do well even when the preparations you do aren’t rigorous like that of some ultra-athletic person. Do these things in moderate pace for two months or even less.  And you are set to complete any trekking to Nepal.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking is Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you to bring you travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your home land. We do not arrange or sell insurance so you can find your local travel insurance for this.

Vaccination for Nepal

All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

Booking Process

While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Marg, Kathmandu Nepal by email or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Safety Guidelines

• Do proper research about the company that you are planning to trek with and make sure they are legally registered travel agency.
• You should be well acquainted about the travel health and travel insurance before travelling.
• Have idea about the climate, geography, temperature and environment of Nepal before starting your trip.
• Using credit cards instead of cash is a wiser idea.
• Majority of the Nepalese people are nicer but there are few scammers you will come meet on your way and need to avoid them, for example ‘holy men’ who will try to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead demanding a payment for it on streets.
• Be careful while buying the medicinal herbs as some may be illegal for you t take home and also be aware of duplicate products.
• Never get yourself involve in doing drugs, trafficking and sexual relations with children as there is a strict rules for these cases and might get yourself into a big problem.
• Take copies of your passport, visa, air ticket and trekking permits and keep them separately from the originals.
• Prepare yourself for altitude sickness and be familiar with its symptoms so that you can follow the guidelines for safe acclimatization.

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country located in Southern part of Asia sharing the border with China form north and India from the south, east and west. It is especially known for its multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic diversity in unity. It is a small country with many world's most beautiful mountain ranges, art, culture, and wildlife, no wonder it is the paradise for the trekkers from all around the world. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is also known for its most unique culture and heritages which directly grabs the attention and takes you to the time of old civilization from 12th century.

What is Nepal known for?     

Nepal is mostly known for Mt.Everest, highest peak in the world. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of the Buddhist religion. Eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders are located in the country, either in whole or shared across a border with China or India. Besides that, it is also known as multi-ethnic, multiracial, multicultural, multi-religious and multilingual country. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality as there is a saying in Sanskrit  “Atithi Debo Bhaba”. (Guest are god).

How can I obtain a Visa?

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

Is the country politically safe and stable?

Nepal is one of the newly democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies, and leaders. Now Nepal has the communist government elected with 2/3 of the majority so, now it has the fully stable government it does not affect the daily life of the residents and the tourist. Life moves on, as usual, unperturbed.

When Is The Best Time To Travel?

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

What kind of weather (how cold does it get) can we expect during trekking?

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February, and December in Himalayan areas.

Are Vaccinations Required?

Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the vaccines for polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, Influenza (Flu), Japanese encephalitis, and Tuberculosis. Meantime, it is better to consult your professional doctor about your travel and he/s might recommend you properly. You can also take the suggestion of local travelers who have traveled Nepal before and know more about the required precautions. Please note that the protection that can be gained from vaccines varies from 50% to almost 100%. So remember that even if you have taken a vaccine you might still get the disease, although you will have greatly reduced your chances of getting ill.

How fit do I need to be for the trek?

You don’t have to be a super athletic person but despite the ages should be moderately fit. We recommend to running, hiking to hills and long walk as a preparation.

Are ATM booths easily available?

Yes, ATM booths are easily available around the major city area where you can use both credit and debit cards. But there are only few ATM booths on the way to your trek, so it’s better you withdraw your cash before to trek.

What type of food to expect during the trek? 

Nepal is rich in cultural diversity. Meal habits of the Nepalese vary with the ethnicity and the geographical differences. Normally, the local has a habit of taking milk/black tea in the morning, before noon take lunch after mid-day take light snacks as Khaja and Dinner in the evening. The lunch and dinner comprise Dhido (short of porridge), Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Achar (Lentil, Rice, Curry, and Pickles). However, you can have a choice of Indian/Continental/Italian/ Chinese food even in some trekking regions.

Is drinking water safe while trekking? 

Drinking water should be treated by boiling and water purification by medicine or with filtered. We suggest carrying a water purifier while trekking to be on a safe side.

Are there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course, there is tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board's Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport, Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel and so many other places. Tourist police are specially trained in English and have the detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. For security and travel related assistance, you can reach any of the officers from telephone 4-247041, 4-4268969 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?

Absolutely Nepal is safe for the traveler. Firstly, Nepal is considered as one of the peaceful countries in the world (chances are it's safer here than your home-country). Secondly, while you're on one of our trips, we take personal responsibility for your well-being, a responsibility we commit very seriously.

What about Time in Nepal?

Nepal is +5 hours 45 minutes ahead to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT: +0545). For example, when it is noon in Kathmandu, the standard time of London is 6.15am, 4.15am in Sydney, 1.15am in New York and 10.15 pm the previous night in San Francisco. The strange 15-minute difference is said to be a reflection of the exact time at the summit of Mt. Gaurishankar.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so we suggest you to do a research on the company and do the travel insurance.