The Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camp Trek combo includes Khopra RIdge Trek with Khayar Lake and Annapurna Base Camp Trek within 16 days. You will have the advantage of peaceful and holy Khayar Lake, remarkable Khopra ridges along with the panoramic sunrise views and the famous Annapurna Base Camp. On your typical trek day, you will hike through forests, mountain trails and pass by local villages.
If you are someone who wants the mixture of calm, secluded journey and renowned trek, this trip is the most suitable one for you. On the way, you will pass Gurung settlements, stroll through rhododendron forests, indulge in the sunrise views from Poon Hill, and experience Jhinu Danda's hot springs. The major highlight is arriving at the 4,130-meter Annapurna Base Camp, which is encircled by snow-capped mountains.
This trek offers amazing views, culture, and adventures, and our professional guides will ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable whether you're an experienced hiker or first-timer in good physical condition.
Khopra Danda & Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Visit and explore the less crowded, less travelled Khayar lake (4,660m) that has religious importance. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains.
- From Khopra Ridge witness the most jaw dropping sunrise views over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
- After several days of walking through the forest and rough trail, relax in Jhinu Danda hot springs
- Arrive at the famous Annapurna Base Camp and enjoy 360° views of mountain peaks like Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and so on.
- Dreamy walk in rhododendron forests, experience local traditions.
- Combination of Khopra Danda and ABC trek.
- Relatively less crowded offering cultural experiences and panoramic mountain views.
Khopra DandaTrek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The Khopra Danda, Khayar Lake & Annapurna Base Camp Trek is best suited for a physically capable traveller as it combines remote trails and glorious spots all in one journey. The trek is rated as moderate to challenging.
Khayar Lake at 4,660 meters is the highest point of the trek while Annapurna Base Camp, which sits at 4,130 meters, requires good stamina for the approach. Both places need proper acclimatization. The trek demands a daily routine of steep forested ascends and alpine 5-7 hours hikes.
No prior mountaineering experience is needed as this trek is non-technical. A positive mindset is preferred in the face of soaring altitude, quick shift weather, and long day treks
Strength and good endurance will battle others’ skepticism.
Have you completed the Poon Hill or Langtang Valley trek? This is an awesome next challenge.
Best Time to Do the Khopra Danda, Khayar Lake and Annapurna Base Camp Combo Trek
Inorder to get the most out of the trek, you should choose the right season as every season might not be the best time to do this trek.
Spring (March to May)
March to May is the famous season for this combo trek. It is because the weather during Spring is usually stable, the temperature is moderate neither too hot or too cold which you an advantge of clear skies. One of the major attraction during this season is the mesmerizing beauty of Rhododendron flower blooming and covering the forest. It can found especially in lower altitude like Poon Hill and Khopra Ridge.
- Enjoy beautiful sunrise from Poon Hill and Khopra Ridge
- Perfect time to visit Khayar Lake with very few tourists
- Clear views of mountain like Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli
This season is best suited for trekkers who adore vibrant trails, flowers and indulge in natural beauty.
Autumn (September to November) - Best Season for Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camp Trek combo
Autumn is widely regarded as the most favorable season for the Khopra and Annapurna Base Camp trek. Prerainous dust and debris from the monsoon rains will have settled, resulting in the clearest vistas of the mountains. Weather conditions are cool and dry making it easy and comfortable to trek longer distances.
- Throughout the trek, visibility of the Himalayas is excellent
- With key festivals like Dashain and Tihar, the season is rich in culture.
- Dry stable trails allow climbers to reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m
Autumn is incomparable if your focus is on photography and the weather during the trek.Monsoon/Summer (June to August) -Not Recommended
Monsoon/Summer (June to August) -
Trek to this region during monsoon season is a bit difficult but not impossible. This season has heavy rains which make the forest trails slippery, pouring rain creates a new set of challenges such as landslides that already exist due to rainfall. Poor visibility, especially in higher altitude forested areas makes travel riskier.
- The cloudy skies may obstruct views of the Annapurna range.
- Trails can get muddy making the trekking conditions risky and tricky.
- For less experienced trekkers, this time of year is best avoided unless they have the proper gear.
Winter (December to February) - Best views
While winter treks are possible, especially to Khopra Ridge, the winter season offers fewer crowds making winter an appealing season if you prefer a quiet experience. The lower regions tend to be less affected, making it a good choice if you can endure freezing temperatures.
- The limited availability and the freezing temperatures above 3000m
- Beautiful winter scenery, quiet and empty paths
This trek is suitable for those who are experienced trekkers and have proper gears.
Khopra Danda & Annapurna Base Camp vs. Annapurna Circuit
While Khopra Danda-Khayar Lake-Annapurna Base Camp Combo and Annapurna Circuit Trek lies in the same region. There are differences between them that you should know before planning for your trek.
| Feature | Khopra Danda + ABC Trek | Annapurna Circuit Trek |
|---|---|---|
| Trek Duration | 16 Days | 14–21 Days |
| Highest Altitude | Khayar Lake (4,660m) | Thorong La Pass – (5,416m) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Challenging | Challenging |
| Main Highlights | Khopra Ridge, Khayar Lake, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, Jhinu Danda hot springs | Thorong La Pass, Manang, Muktinath, Kali Gandaki Gorge |
| Crowd Level | Few people, so less chaotic | Popular and busy during peak season |
| Cultural Experience | Gurung villages, remote settlements | Mixed ethnic communities: Gurung, Thakali, Manangi |
| Trek Type | Combination of hidden gem + popular route | High-altitude circuit trek around Annapurna Massif |
Who is This Trek Suitable For?
This trek is perfect for:
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Hikers seeking a unique combination of traditional and off-the-beaten-path routes
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Adventurers want to immerse themselves in Gurung culture, holy lakes, and expansive panoramas of mountains
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Someone who wants more peaceful options instead of the Everest region or the Annapurna Circuit
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Physically active hikers seeking a balanced challenge without high-altitude pass crossings
