Mohare Danda Khopra Trek is a scenic off the beaten trek in the Annapurna region. Read on for the complete description of this exciting trek in detail.
Mohare Danda Khopra Trek is a recently developed community-based eco-trail in the pristine Annapurna Region. The trails of this beautiful off the beaten trek passes through the rugged landscape, fascinating hamlets, and high passes.
This incredible trek is ideal for those trekkers who want to avoid crowded trails and experience majestic Himalayas in a quiet atmosphere. Therefore, many trekkers find the Mohare Danda Khopra trek as a perfect alternative to the crowded Poon Hill Trek.
The panoramic 360-degree view of the entire Annapurna Range including Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Brahashikhari, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, Gurja Himal and others are the highlight of the trek. The incredibly gorgeous sunrise from Mohare Danda and Khopra Danda is also the prime attraction of the trek.
Furthermore, the 60 km long trekking route passes through a dense forest. The magnificent Khayer lake among the Himalayan vista also attracts many trekkers to trek these unexplored trails. You can also observe the amazing high altitude water ecosystem of the sacred Khayer lake.
Moreover, the eco-trek offers you a magical combination of natural landscapes and vibrant culture of the Annapurna region. You will pass through the unique settlements of the Magar and Gurung community and observe their culture and lifestyle. The natural beauty and charming villages will make you fall in love with this place.
So are you ready for an incredible adventure in the lap of mother nature? Read further for the detailed description regarding this incredible trek.
Significant Highlights of the Trip
- Awe-inspiring views of the snow-capped mountains including Mt. Annapurna I, II, III, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Mt. Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri, and others
- Breathtaking sunrise from Mohare and Khopra Danda
- Exploring the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of Magar and Gurung community
- Visiting the local Cheese factory, Mushroom farms, and Yak/Cow breeding farms
- Tasting the delicious local cuisine
- Lovely homestay experience in Ghandruk
- Relaxing at the Lake city of Pokhara
- Incredible hospitality of the Nepalese people
When is the Best Time for the Mohare Danda Khopra Trek?
The best time for the Mohare Danda Khopra trek is the Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). The weather is moderate and calm in these seasons.
Autumn
There are no heavy downpours or harsh cold climate in Autumn. This makes Autumn the peak season for trekking and climbing expeditions in the Annapurna region. Autumn is also the month of many religious and cultural festivals in the region. Hence, you will get a complete cultural experience as well if you trek in Autumn.
Spring
Spring season provides clear weather and unobstructed views of the mountains. Wildflowers like Rhododendron bloom all over the hills, turning them pink and red. The mild temperatures along with stable climate are the highlight of the trek in the spring season.
The offseason treks in the monsoon (June to August) are muddy and slippery due to heavy rainfalls. There are dark clouds that cover the skies and the snow-capped mountains. Besides that, there are risks of landslides and avalanches along with leech-infested trails.
Winters (December to February) is incredibly cold in the high altitude region. Heavy snowfalls and harsh winds are quite common in the winters. Overall, the Mohare Danda Khopra Trek is ideal in Autumn and Spring. However, with proper packing and preparation, the trek is possible all around the year.
How Difficult is the Mohare Danda Khopra Trek?
Mohare Danda Khopra trek passes along the rugged and remote landscapes of the Annapurna region. The trek is moderately difficult as you will be walking on an up and down trail for a long duration. Some of the factors that makes this trek difficult are as follows:
Altitude Sickness
Altitude is a significant factor in the Mohare Danda Khopra trek. Khayer lake (4600 meters) is the maximum altitude of the trek. This high altitude trek makes the trekkers prone to altitude sickness. Overall, this outstanding trek requires acclimatization at regular intervals with plenty of hydration is necessary for the trek.
Weather and Climate
Weather and climate is another factor for the difficulty of this trek. The weather is unpredictable in the high Himalayas. The off-season treks are especially challenging due to the weather conditions.
The wet and slippery conditions of the place after a heavy rainfall makes the trek quite challenging. However, with adequate gears and proper preparation, the trek is possible all around the year.
Remoteness
The off the beaten trails landscapes of the Mohare Danda Khopra trek makes it quite tricky. You will be trekking in the beautiful remote villages in the Annapurna region. The treks will take you through the lush forests with no settlements around. Hence, the trek can get quite tricky for first-time trekkers.
Khopra Danda to Khayer Lake Trek
Khopra Ridge/ Danda to Khayer Lake trek is a challenging section in the whole trek. Khayer lake situated at 4600 meters is one of the most beautiful attractions of the trek. The remote trail from Khayer lake from the Khopra ridge takes around 5 to 6 hours to complete.
The remote trail is strenuous, and there are no lodges in between. Most trekkers find this section quite challenging as you will be gaining around 1000 m of altitude in just a few hours. Hydrating yourself and walking slowly is the primary key to complete this trek.
Accommodation and Food During the Mohare Danda Khopra Trek
The accommodation facilities along the trek are basic including local teahouses and community lodges. These teahouses, lodges are mostly run by the local community. You will also find charming homestays in some parts of the trek.
The teahouses are comfortable and provide basic facilities for meals and accommodation. The rooms have twin beds, pillows, and warm blankets. Some tea houses also offer wifi, extra blankets, battery charging, hot showers, at an added cost. You will have shared bathrooms or toilets in the tea houses.
You can have your meal at the dining room where you can interact with fellow trekkers. The food provided is basic and generally comprises of “Dal Bhat”. Dal Bhat is a Nepalese dish that consists of white rice, pulses, vegetables, lentils, gundruk, meat, pickles, etc.
You will get a meal three times a day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A limited variety of western and international cuisine is also available in the teahouses. Besides that, hot beverages like tea, coffee, garlic soup, etc are quite popular in the region.
Is Mohare Danda Khopra Trek Possible Without a Guide?
The trekking trails of the Mohare Danda Khopra are well marked. You will find signposts with direction and altitude information for the trail. While the trek to the Khopra Ridge/ Danda is not that challenging, the trek from Khopra Danda to Khayer lake is a bit tricky.
The decision of hiring a guide or not is upon the trekker. However, this trek with a guide is safe and comfortable. A guide will help you immensely along the trail. They are incredibly helpful in case of any emergency and to find proper meals and accommodation.
If you are a beginner or trekking for the first time in the high altitude region, then you should hire a guide. However, if you have previous trekking experiences, then you can travel without a guide. With proper packing and preparation, the trek is possible to solo as well.
Mohare Danda Khopra Trek Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m
After your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, our representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. You will also get a brief orientation about Mohare Danda Khopra trek. You can stroll around the city in the evening and stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara
Maximum Altitude: 800 meters
Trek duration: 7-8 hours
After breakfast, we will start our journey with a drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu via the scenic Prithvi highway. It takes approximately 6-7 hours to arrive at our destination. Alternatively, you can take the early morning flight to Pokhara which takes about half an hour.
After arriving at Pokhara, you can stroll around the Lakeside area in the evening and stay overnight. There are several attractions in Pokhara including the Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Begnas Lake, and others. You can also indulge in various adventure sports like paragliding, canyoning, zip flying, mountain biking, and others. You will stay overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 03: Drive to Galeshwor and Trek to Bans Kharka
Maximum Altitude: 1520 meters
Trek duration: 3 hrs
After breakfast, we start our drive to Galeshwor from Pokhara, which takes around 3 hours. The trail moves along the banks of the Kali Gandaki river. After arriving at Galeshwor, we will start our trek to Bans Kharka.
We then ascend for about 3 hours to cross the Kali Gandaki river by a suspension bridge. The trail then continues towards the forested area and beautiful village settlements. We arrive at Bans Kharka and stay overnight at a community lodge.
Day 04: Trek from Bans Kharka to Naangi
Maximum Altitude: 2230 meters
Trek Hours: 7 hrs
After an early breakfast, we start our 7 hours trek with a walk from Bans Kharka. The trail passes through several villages. The breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains and surrounding landscapes will inspire you.
We also pass through the organic farm school and Magar villages before arriving at Naangi. We will stay overnight at a lodge in Naangi.
Day 05: Trek from Naangi to Mohare Danda
Maximum Altitude: 3300 meters
Trek duration: 7 hrs
After an early breakfast, we start our trek in the lush green forest of rhododendron and oak trees. The majestic views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and others will amaze you. We will arrive at Mohare Danda after 7 hours of walking and stay overnight at a lodge in Mohare Danda.
Day 06: Trek from Mohare Danda to Phalate or Tikot
Maximum Altitude: 2260m
Trek duration: 6 hours
After breakfast, we start our trek from Mohare Danda to Phalate or Tikot. The trails pass through the villages of Pun Magars and offer the greatest view of Dhaulagiri. You can observe the culture and lifestyle of the local community during this trek. We stay overnight at a homestay or a community lodge.
Day 07: Trek from Tikot to Khibang
Maximum Altitude: 2060m
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we start our trek from Tikot to Khibang through the lovely forest of rhododendron trees. Khibang is a settlement of 800 Pun Magar households, and they produce 100% organic farm products.
We stroll around the village that lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). The unique lifestyle, culture, and tradition of the place will enchant you. We will stay overnight at a community lodge in Khirbang.
Day 08: Trek from Khibang to Swanta
Maximum Altitude: 2270m
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we start our descending trail from Khibang to Swanta Magar village. The trail takes us gradually on a ascend to Swanta. There are around 52 houses in this village that lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
We can observe the fabulous views of Dhaulagiri, Gurja, Tukuche and Chuchura Peaks clearly from the viewpoint. We stay overnight at a community lodge.
Day 09: Trek from Swanta to Khopra
Maximum Altitude: 3660m
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
After early breakfast, we start our trek from Swanta to Khopra via Dhandkharka. The trails pass through the dense forest to arrive at Khopra. It is also a popular viewpoint for the snow-capped mountains of the far western region.
You can observe the magnificent view of the Andha gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world and Dana Valley. The majestic Khopra valley is the main entrance to the Barahi Tal (4,600 m). We will overnight at a guest house in Khopra.
Day 10: Excursion to Khayer Barah Lake
After breakfast, we start our excursion tour to Khayer Barah Lake. The sacred lake of glacial Khayer Barah Lake (4827 m) is of great religious importance. The trail is long, but the views are majestic. We will spend the night stay overnight at a guest house in Khopra.
Day 11: Trek from Khopra to Dobato
Maximum Altitude: 3420m
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we start our trek from Khopra to Dobato on an exotic off-the-beaten trekking trail in the Annapurna region. The 11km distance gets completed in 6-7 hours. We arrive at Dobato (3420m) and observe the exceptional sunrise views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. We will stay overnight at a lodge in Dobato.
Day 12: Trek from Dobato to Ghandruk
Maximum Altitude: 3420m
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
We wake up early to observe the gorgeous sunrise from the Muldai viewpoint. After breakfast, we will start the trail from Dobato to Ghandruk on an easy path. We can observe the Gurung village and several tourist guesthouses along the trail.
The beautiful community of Ghandruk provides you with exceptional views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiuchuli. We will spend the night at a guest house in Ghandruk.
Day 13: Drive from Ghandruk to Pokhara
Drive duration: 1.5 hours
After observing the incredible sunrise, we have our breakfast and drive back to Pokhara on the scenic Prithvi Highway. You can go on a sightseeing tour of Pokhara or stroll around the Lakeside area. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Essential Tips for Mohare Danda Khopra Trek
Some of the essential tips for the trek are as follows:
- You should also walk slowly with plenty of rests in the middle. Moreover, you should also hydrate regularly at higher altitudes.
- You should wear and carry a couple of pairs of comfortable trekking shoes. These will save you from blisters, and you can trek with ease.
- You should be careful to protect yourself from leg injuries or sprains while walking as the trails are tricky and harsh.
- You should carry water purifying pills to save water costs. Moreover, you can also carry refillable water bottles.
- You can carry protein bars, energy bars, and granola bars to munch on during the trek. These will provide you with instant energy during the trek.
- You should also carry a good quality sleeping bag. Sleeping bags will save you from freezing conditions at high altitude conditions.
Packing List for Mohare Danda Khopra Trek
Clothing
- Waterproof jackets
- Lightweight thermals
- Half sleeve T-shirts
- Full Sleeve T-Shirts
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Windcheaters
- Waterproof trekking pants
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Body wears
- Headscarf
- Convertible Trekking Pants with Fleece
- Warm Hat
- Hiking Shorts
- Woolen socks
Toiletries
- Soaps
- Toilet Paper
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Sanitizer
- Lightweight towel
- Shampoos
- Moisturizer
First Aid
- Water purification tablets
- Anti-loose motion pills
- Anti-nausea pills
- Band-aids
- Cold and cough medicine
- Anti-diarrheal antibiotics
- Allergies medication
Accessories
- Headlamps
- Comfortable backpack / daypack
- Camera with extra batteries
- Maps
- Power bank
- Sleeping bag
The Final Say
Mohare Danda Khopra Trek is incredible off the beaten trek in the pristine Annapurna Region. The newly developed community-based eco-trail trails are perfect for those who want to avoid crowded trails.
Furthermore, the rugged and remote landscape of the place will spellbind you. The view of the majestic Himalayas in a quiet atmosphere is the highlight of the trek. Overall, the Mohare Danda Khopra trek is an excellent adventure in the beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas.
