Mohare Danda & Khopra Ridge Trek
Annapurna's quiet ridge trail, run as a community-tourism route
Duration
12 Days
Max Altitude
4,660 m / 15,289 ft (Khopra Ridge)
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group Size
2–12 (private trips available)
Overview
Developed as a community tourism initiative, the Mohare Danda and Khopra Ridge trek follows a quieter southern approach to the Annapurna range, staying in locally-run lodges built specifically to keep tourism income in the villages along the trail. The route climbs through rhododendron forest to open ridgelines at Mohare Danda and Khopra, delivering some of the widest uninterrupted views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Nilgiri in the region — with a fraction of the trekkers found on the nearby Poon Hill or ABC trails. An optional side trip reaches the sacred Khayer Lake.
Trip Highlights
- Wide panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Sanctuary peaks
- Community-owned lodges that keep tourism income local
- Far fewer trekkers than the nearby Poon Hill and ABC trails
- Optional side trip to the sacred, high-altitude Khayer Lake
- Rhododendron forest throughout the lower trail
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Drive Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga
Trailhead drive and first day's walk.
Day 2
Trek to Ghorepani
Climb through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani (2,860 m).
Day 3
Trek to Mohare Danda
Branch off the main Poon Hill trail to Mohare Danda (3,300 m).
Day 4
Trek to Khopra
Continue along the ridge to Khopra (3,660 m).
Day 5
Day hike to Khayer Lake
Optional high-altitude side trip to the sacred lake (4,660 m).
Day 6
Trek to Swanta
Descend off the ridge toward Swanta village.
Day 7
Trek to Ghandruk
Continue through Gurung villages to Ghandruk.
Day 8
Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
Final descent and return drive to Pokhara.
Day 9–12
Buffer / Pokhara leisure days
Contingency days for weather, or free time in Pokhara.
Cost Includes
- Pokhara–Nayapul–Pokhara transport
- Licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Community lodge accommodation
- All permits
Cost Excludes
- Kathmandu–Pokhara transport
- Meals outside the trek
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Permits Required
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card
Mohare Danda & Khopra Ridge Trek — FAQs
Khopra Ridge shares the same starting trail as Poon Hill but continues onto a much quieter ridge with arguably wider mountain views, staying in community-owned lodges that directly support the villages along the route.
