Destination | Khopra Danda, Annapurna Base Camp |
---|---|
Activity | Trek |
Accomodation | lodge to lodge (hotel to hotel) |
Region | Annapurna region |
Start / End point | Kathmandu, Kathmandu |
Duration | 13 days |
Max. Altitude | 4,130 at Annapurna Base Camp |
Meals Included | Standard Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in trek regions |
Group size | 2 to 24 |
Nature of Trek | Lodge to lodge |
Best Season | Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (Septemeber, October, Novemeber) |
Transportation | Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu on a tourist bus, Pokhara to Ulleri and Ghandruk Phedi to Pokhara in a private vehicle |
Grade | Moderate |
Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview
Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you first to the Khopra ridge (Danda), a moderate hill that allows you to observe traditional villages before ascending to the Annapurna Base Camp. Khopra Danda is a viewpoint known for providing fantastic views of several snow peaks, including Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, from a distance. The Annapurna Base Camp is a higher altitude trek that passes through alpine regions and reaches Annapurna Base Camp.
Highlights
- 2 Nights at the beautiful lake city of Pokhara (830m)
- Awe-inspiring views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South(7,219m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Khangsar, Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare mountains
- Amazing sunrise views from Poon Hill
- Visit Ghandruk village, Gurung museum, and local monasteries
- Khopra Danda Ridge
- Relaxing hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- First-hand experience of rural Nepali village life
- Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
Benefits of trekking to Khopra Danda and ABC with us
- Free airport-to-hotel transfer on arrival and hotel-to-airport transfer on departure
- Easy booking and reservation system
- Multi-channel communication (Email, Viber, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat)
- Online trip briefing after booking confirmation
- 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
- Easy payment system
- Free excess luggage storage at the Discovery World Trekking store during the trek
- Pulse oximeters for monitoring blood oxygen saturation levels at high altitudes to recognize early signs of altitude sickness and other health risks
- Medical kits
- Sleeping bags and down jackets arrangement if you do not have your own
Online Trip Briefing
The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available date and time for the trek briefing. Please note that we conduct trip briefing only once either online or in person.
Comprehensive Trek Overview
Khopra Danda and ABC trek is a thirteen-day trek that takes you deep into the Annapurna region, one of the most famous trek regions in the world. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) treks are quite popular, and for novelty, this package combined Khopra Danda with ABC.
Like most of our other treks, the trek starts from Kathmandu as you board a bus to Pokhara. The bus will travel on Prithivi Highway for about seven hours through scenic landscapes to reach Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, surrounded by several snow-caps mountains, whose reflection images you can view on some lakes in Pokhara.
After a night at Pokhara, the following morning, we will take you to Ulleri, from where the trails begin. On the first trekking day, you will stop at Ghorepani to spend the night. Ghorepani is special as this village is the entry point to the famous Poon Hill Viewpoint. Almost all tourists who wish to enjoy the views from Poon Hill spend the night here, and you will do the same. To view the sunrise from Poon Hill, you will wake up early and climb for about forty minutes. As you see the early sunshine at the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, you will feel amply rewarded.
The next stop from Ghorepani will be Swanta before we reach Khopra Danda. The views from Khopra Danda are quite stunning, and we will stop at Khopra Danda to witness the sunset as well as the sunrise. After Khopra Danda, you will now head to Annapurna Base Camp.
You will descend for a while from Khopra Danda to reach Bayeli Kharka, known for stunning views of Dhaulagiri. After spending a night at Bayeli Kharka, we will take you to Tadapani via Meshar settlement and then to Chhomrong village at the base of Hiuchuli. After Chhomrong village, you will trek through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests to reach the Himalayas, where you will spend your night.
After a night in Himalaya, it is time to get up close and reach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), itself. The vegetations gradually become alpine as you ascend considerably. Before reaching the ABC, you will pass Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC), situated in a grassy moraine region. From ABC, you will get exquisite views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare, and many other peaks. You will spend a night at ABC, surrounded by these glorious Himalayan peaks.
After reaching Annapurna Base Camp, it is time to return. You will descend to Bamboo at first and then to Jhinu Danda. You can take a hot spring bath at Jhinu Danda and relax a bit. The following morning, you will leave Jhinu Danda and trek to Ghandruk Phedi (Siwa). From Ghandruk Phedi, we will drive back to Pokhara via Nayapul. You will stay at Pokhara one more day and return to Kathmandu the next day. Your trek ends at Kathmandu.
This trek includes Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu fares on a tourist bus. For an additional cost, you can fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu at the beginning of the trek and fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu at the end of the trek.
Photos & Videos
Day to Day Itinerary
-
day
1
Drive to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) 200 km west of the Kathmandu Valley (1,350m /4,429ft)
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours (205km / 127miles) 6-7 hrs Highest Altitude 1,350m /4429ft Your journey begins in Kathmandu. Early morning, you will leave Kathmandu and head to Pokhara on a tourist bus. The bus follows Prithivi Highway and heads west of Kathmandu. The highway follows a series of deep river valleys, and you can get views of raging rivers, lush forests, terraced fields, and the Himalayas, including the Machhapuchhare and Annapurna range. The bus journey will last around seven hours. Pokhara, also known as the tourist capital of Nepal, is known for its unparalleled beauty.
- Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn
-
day
2
Drive from Pokhara via Tikhedunga to Ulleri (1,540m / 5,050ft). Trek to Ghorepani ( 2,860m / 9,385ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 11km / 6miles Highest Altitude 2,860m / 9,385ft Trek Duration 3-4 hrs Early morning, you will leave Pokhara and drive to Ulleri via Tikhedunga. The trek starts from Ulleri. You will pass through lush rhododendron forests as you consistently elevate the hike can be quite exhaustive. As you climb up, you will also notice the changing flora and fauna on the path. All trekkers who want to enjoy the panoramic view from Poon Hill spend a night at Ghorepani.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Snow Land (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
3
Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m / 10,525ft) then trek to Swanta (2,260m / 7,415ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 9.3km / 5.7miles Highest Altitude 3,210m / 10,525ft Trek Duration 4-5 hrs You will wake up early at around 4:30 am and then leave the lodge by 5 am. It will take about forty minutes to reach Poon Hill, the most famous viewpoint in Nepal. We are sure this will be one of your most memorable days. From Poon Hill, you will get a panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Poon Hill is one of the most popular destinations in the Annapurna region. After enjoying the views from Poon Hill, you will descend to Ghorepani for breakfast and then head to Swanta.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Candle Inn
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
4
Trek from Swanta (2,260m / 7,415ft) to Khopra Ridge (3,660m / 12,008ft)- 5 hrs
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 9.6km / 5.9miles Highest Altitude (3,660m / 12,008ft) Trek Duration 5 hours From Swanta, you will aim for Khopra ridge. The trails at first ascend through several forests, shrubs, and pastures. You will most probably witness the Himalayan yaks grazing on those pastures, and in the background, you will see Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other glorious mountain peaks. Khopra ridge is famous as a spot that provides fantastic sunset and sunrise views.
- Overnight stay at Khopra Community Lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
5
Trek from Khopra Ridge (3,660m / 12,008ft) to Bayeli Kharka (3,460m / 11,352ft) - 4.5 hrs
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 8km / 4.9miles Highest Altitude 3,660m / 12008ft Trek Duration 5hrs The first part of the trek is over, and it is time to head to Annapurna Base Camp. So, you will start descending from the Khopra Danda (ridge), passing by rhododendron and bamboo forests and a few yak pastures. After walking some more, you will reach a junction, and after a short climb, you will reach Bayeli Kharka. From Bayeli Kharka, you will get fantastic views of Dhaulagiri mountain.
- Overnight stay in a community lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
6
Trek from Bayeli Kharka (3,460m / 11,352ft) to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft) - 5 hrs
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 5.8km / 3.6miles Highest Altitude (3,460m / 11,352ft) Trek Duration 5 hours From Bayeli Kharka, the trail ascends a bit before descending to the flat region at Dobato. Then you will trek through some rhododendron, bamboo, and pine forests before crossing a small pass to arrive at Isharu. From Isharu, you will trek to Tadapani via the Meshar settlement.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Grand View Lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
7
Trek from Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft) to Chhomrong (2040m / 6,693ft)- 5 to 6 hrs
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 10km / 6.2miles Highest Altitude (2,700m/8,860ft) Trek Duration 5 hrs You will wake up at Tadapani and enjoy your breakfast, soaking in the beauty of Annapurna South, Fishtail, and Hiunchuli mountains. After breakfast, it is time for a steep descent that passes through rhododendron forests and some tiny settlements. Then, you will cross a suspension bridge and reach Gurjung, a Gurung village. From Gurjung, you will slightly elevate to reach Chhomrong village, located at the base of Himchuli (6,441m). The views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare look stunning from Chhomrong.
- Overnight stay at Panorama View Hotel (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
8
Trek from Chhomrong (2040m / 6,693ft) to Himalaya (2,680m / 8,793ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 12km / 7.4miles Highest Altitude 2,890m / 9,425ft Trek Duration 6/7 hrs After breakfast, you will head downwards to the Chhomrong river and then continue your trek to Khuldighar and Sinuwa. The trail now becomes rough as it passes through the rocky slopes. At times, from the route, you can get mesmerizing views of the Annapurna ranges and Machhapuchhare. The path through bamboo and rhododendron forests becomes steep just before arriving at Himalaya.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
9
Trek from Himalaya (2,680m / 8,793ft) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m / 13,550ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 12.5km / 7.7miles Highest Altitude 4,130m / 13,550ft Trek Duration 5 hrs On this day, you will reach Annapurna Base Camp, the highest trek point. You will leave Himalaya early morning after breakfast. It is better to trek slowly as you will be gaining considerable elevation. On your way to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), you will also pass Macchapuchhare Base Camp (MBC), a flat grassy region of moraines. From ABC, you will get clear views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare, and several other peaks. You will be staying at ABC for the night.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Paradise Garden Guest House
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
10
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m /13,550ft ) to Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 14km / 8.6miles Highest Altitude 4,130m / 13,550ft Trek Duration 6 hrs After reaching Annapurna Base Camp, it is time to descend back and out of the Annapurna Sanctuary. But first, in the morning, we will take you to a sunrise spot just above the Annapurna Base Camp for you to witness sunrise on the nearby mountains. You can also see several prayer flags and memorials on the way. Since you will be returning through the same route, you will cross Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and Dovan on the way to Bamboo.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Green View
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
11
Trek from Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700ft) to Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) and nearby natural hot springs.
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 8.5km / 5.2miles Highest Altitude 2,350m / 7,700ft Trek Duration 3-4 hrs From Bamboo, you will head to Chhomrong on a route that you took to ABC. On the way, you will pass an experimental sheep farm as you traverse through bamboo and rhododendron forests. From Chhomrong, the route descends steeply to Jhinu Danda. There is a natural hot spring near Jhinu Danda, where you can take a bath and relax.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Park Himalaya (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
12
Trek from Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi (1,150m / 3,770ft) and drive to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) via Nayapul
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 4km / 2.4miles Highest Altitude 1,780m / 6,393ft Trek Duration 2-3hrs Driving Hours 2-3 hrs You will continue descending from Jhinu Danda following a dust road along the Modi Khola, passing Kyumi village. After trekking for three hours, you will reach Ghandruk Phedi (Siwa). From Ghandruk Phedi, you will drive to Pokhara.
- Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch)
-
day
13
Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) back to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft)
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours 7 hours Finally, it is time to return to Kathmandu. After breakfast, you will board a tourist bus to Kathmandu. The bus heads east from Pokhara on Prithivi Highway and enters Kathmandu about seven hours later. Your trek ends in Kathmandu, and you are free to spend your day in Kathmandu as you like.
- Included standard meals (Breakfast)
Cost includes
- Transportation for Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu on a tourist bus
- Private transportation from Pokhara to Ulleri (trek start)and Ghandruk Phedi (trek end) to Pokhara
- Two nights stay at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara (room with attached bathroom)
- Total 10 nights in trek regions. 3 nights in rooms with attached bathroom - (Ghorepani, Chhomrong, Jhinu Danda. 7 nights standard rooms at Santa, Khopra Danda, Bayeli Kharka, Tadapani, Himalaya, Annapurna Base Camp, and Bamboo. Twin sharing rooms.
- All standard meals (11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners) during the trek
- Government-licensed and experienced trek leader (guide)
- Porters for carrying luggage (1 porter for two trekkers) Per trekker luggage weight limit is 9 kg.
- Guide's and porters' costs - salary, lodging, meals, insurance, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Water purification tablets
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- Official expenses, government, and local taxes
- Rescue operation arrangements in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir - company's T-shirt & cap
- Discovery World Trekking trek achievement certificate after a successful trek
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu
Cost excludes
- International flight costs and airport tax
- Visa application fees at Tribhuvan International Airport - (USD 50 for a 30-day stay)
- Excess luggage charges (limit is 9 kg per person)
- Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
- Extra night accommodations, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure, and early return from the trek.
- Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
- Personal expenses (telephone call, battery re-charge fee, shopping, snacks, bottled water or boiled water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, extra porters, etc)
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance that covers emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation along with medical treatment costs
- Tips for guides and porters
- Additional costs due to circumstances outside company control like landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc
- All the costs/expenses not listed in "cost includes" will be counted as excludes.
Equipment Checklist
The exact clothing, gear, and equipment for Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camp will differ based on season and personal preferences. However, we have compiled this list to help you pack. Since your luggage weight limit is 9 kg, bring only the most essential items. You can store your excess luggage for free at the Discovery World Trekking store.
Head
- Sun hat or scarf
- Winter hat or insulating hat, or a wide-brimmed hat
- Headlight with extra batteries
Face
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Face/body wipes
Hands
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight winter gloves
Body
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Hiking shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt made of synthetic fiber
- Hooded rain jacket
- Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Sweater
- T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)
- Polypropylene underwear
Footwear
- Hiking Boots
- Thick wool socks
- Thick light socks
Essential gear
- Backpack or daypack (size depends on whether you take a porter or not)
- Water purification
- Trekking pole
- Thermal bottle
- Sleeping bag (-15 degree bag is best in the high altitude trek)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush)
Personal accessories
- Money
- Cell phone
- Camera
- Watch
Extra items
- First aid kit
- Notebook and pen
- Extra passport photos and passport photocopies
- Binoculars
Trip Information
Free airport pickup
Discovery World Trekking provides complimentary (Tribhuvan International Airport) airport-to-hotel transfer during arrival and hotel-to-airport drop-off during departure for all its clients coming to Nepal for a trek. We provide this service so that you would not feel alone in a foreign country or face navigation difficulties. When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will find our company representative holding a pamphlet with your name on it. After greeting you, they will present you with a garland as a welcome gesture and then take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. You must share your flight details with us to take advantage of this free service.
Journey start
You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport at least one day earlier than the trek departure date (before 3 pm) for last-minute preparations. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person trip briefing. During the trek briefing, we will introduce ourselves, provide you with vital information, and recheck your luggage to ensure you have packed all essential clothing/gear/equipment. On the trek departure day, we will board you on a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You will spend one night at Pokhara, and the following morning, we will drive you to Ulleri - your trek starting point.
Accommodations
You will be spending ten nights at the best accommodations in the trek regions. We hand-select all those accommodations paying attention to the amenities they provide and the overall hygiene. You will stay in rooms with attached bathrooms at Ghorepani, Chhomrong, and Jhinu Danda; and in standard rooms at Swanta, Khopra Danda, Bayeli Kharka, Tadapani, Himalaya, Annapurna Base Camp, and Bamboo. All of these rooms are on twin sharing basis.
You will stay for two nights at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara with all modern amenities, including 24-hour TV, hot/cold water, laundry, etc.
You will need at least two days of hotel stays in Kathmandu, one before the trek and the other at the end. However, this package does not include Kathamndu hotel stays. There are numerous hotels in Kathmandu to suit your taste and budget, and we do not want to restrict your choices.
Meals
As you will be trekking in high elevations, you will need plenty of nutrient-rich food, which we will provide for you. We select tea houses/hotels/restaurants that provide tasty, hygienic, and nutritious food. Though you will get non-veg choices, for hygiene concerns, we do not recommend you take non-veg items. Similarly, we advise you to avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeinated, and chocolate drinks and instead double down on fresh vegetables and liquids (ginger/green/lemon tea, garlic soup (must).
The food we will serve you will be traditional, western, or Asian. However, as you elevate the food choices get limited and more expensive as well. We will provide you with 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners in trek regions.
Breakfast: Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, Butter, Cheese, Honey, Tibetan bread or Chapati, Eggs, Pancakes, Muesli Breads, French toast with Jam, Local Tsampa porridge, fruits, Vegetables, Hot drinks (varieties of teas and coffees, hot chocolates, etc.)
Lunch: Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Potatoes, Macaroni dishes, Tenduk, Spaghetti, Noodles, Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Vegetables, Salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Desserts, (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc
Dinner: Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni, Tenduk, Spaghetti, Noodles Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable Curry, Potato items, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Vegetable and salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Korean Ramen, Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks Steaks, etc
Please note this package does not cover lunch and dinner in Pokhara. Similarly, you are responsible for personal bills (alcohol, hot (tea, coffee), and cold drinks) at bars/hotels/tea houses.
Best time for the trek
Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camp trek is an all-weather trek, and we conduct these treks throughout the year. However, your experience will largely depend on the weather you trek. Most trekkers complete this trek during spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, and November), taking advantage of cool temperatures, clear skies, minimum chances of rainfall, and great trail conditions.
Winter (December, January, February) and Summer (June, July, August) treks are less popular. The summer season coincides with the monsoon, bringing in heavy rain and making the trails wet and slippery. In winter, the high trek elevations receive heavy snowfall, and cold temperatures make the treks difficult.
Here are the weather conditions at high trek elevations throughout the year.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is a great trek season. The cool temperature, the clear skies, the fresh snow at mountain tops, and the trail condition are very conducive for treks, bringing in droves of trekkers to the trails. The temperature at high altitudes will be between 10 to 0°C. The temperatures constantly rise from March, and the forests you will pass look lovely with multi-colored rhododendron blooms.
Summer (June - August)
Summer at high elevations provides favorable temperatures for trekking, but, monsoon coincides with summer in Nepal and brings a lot of rain, which causes the trails to be wet and slippery. Nevertheless, the monsoon feeds the water bodies, making rivers roar and waterfalls spectacular. Due to water abundance, the foliage picks up its color and grows. You can see the whole vegetation blanketing itself with green growth. The day temperatures, at high altitudes, can reach 23°C and fall to 10°C at night. If you love water, this is the season you should trek.
Autumn (September - November)
It is another favorable trek season. It is also a harvest season, as grains ripen in the fields. The rain recedes, and a festive season begins. Major festivals, like Dashain, Tihar, Chhat, and Indrajatra, fall during this season. The temperatures are cool, at around 20°C, during the day and 5°C at night. Just as in the spring season, the views are unobstructed, the skies are clear, and trek trails will be in good condition. If you want to enjoy the views and observe the festivities, autumn treks are for you.
Winter (December - February)
The temperature at high trek elevations takes a dip and gets heavy snowfall. The coldest part of winter starts in late December and lasts till early February. At high altitudes, the day temperatures can reach -10°C and the nights are even colder. If you love the snow, this is the season for the trek, but if you are allergic to cold, you should at least wait till March to make the trek.
Weather in high Himalayan regions is unpredictable and can change quickly.
Group/single
We conduct private as well as group treks and can handle all group sizes. If you have your group, based on the group size, you will be eligible for discounts. However, you will not get discounts for the groups we gather. We add an assistant guide to all groups with 12 or more.
Trip grade and fitness
Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camp is a moderately challenging trek. Previous long trek experience is useful but not necessary. An average person who is medically fit can surely complete this trek. You will trek from around five to seven hours each trekking day. The trails consist of steep up-and-down slopes and straightforward sections that can pass through dense forests and alpine, arid landscapes. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. We advise you to participate in stamina-building exercises a few weeks before trek departure. You can try cycling, swimming or jogging. If you suffer from heart, lung, or blood diseases, consult your doctor before booking the trek.
Typical day
Each trekking day brings in new experiences as you trek, take pictures, climb, enjoy the scenery, interact with locals, try local dishes, and explore trek regions that most probably look different from those you are used to. You will be trekking from 5 to 7 hours per day based on the trek length and nature of the trails. Our guide will provide you with information about the places as you visit them.
You will have breakfast at around 7 to 8 am. If the trek is going to be a long one, we must begin early. We serve lunch at around noon, often in between the next destination. You will rest for an hour after lunch. Then, you will start on the trails once more. The afternoon trek will be short, for about two to three hours. After reaching the trek destination for that day, you will snack on the extra dietary supplements. Then, you are free to explore nearby places.
Dinner will be around seven pm. After dinner, your trek leader will brief you about the next day’s plan. You are then free to spend your time as you like before going to bed. Most of our guests read books, play cards, monopoly or chess, or simply learn fun and light Nepali words from our crew before heading to bed.
Water/electricity
Electricity is available throughout the lodges you will be staying in. You can use electricity to charge your electronics, such as your mobile or camera. However, you might have to pay a small fee for it.
You can buy packed water from en-route shops or hotels/lodges. However, some trek regions might not allow plastic bottles. Hence, we recommend you carry a water bottle and buy boiled water from lodges/hotels. We can provide you with water purification pills if you need them.
You shouldn’t drink water from taps, wells, and rivers in the trek region because the water may not be potable.
Communication
The lodges in the trek regions are internet-connected, and you can use the Wi-Fi to connect with your friends and families from these lodges you will be staying. You may also buy a local SIM in Kathmandu, but based on your network, the mobile signals may not be strong enough at high altitudes. All our trekking teams remain in contact with the Discovery World Trekking office at least once a day via the trek team lead. We have this policy to ensure the trek progresses as planned and everyone is fine and comfortable.
Travel Insurance
Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camp trek is a high-elevation trek that passes through some remote Himalayan regions and comes with risks such as altitude sickness associated with high-altitude treks. Hence, adequate travel insurance is a must for this trek. Your trek insurance must cover helicopter evacuation up to the highest trek altitude (Annapurna Base Camp, 4,130m) and treatment costs.
If you need help choosing an insurance provider, we can recommend companies based on our previous clients’ experiences. However, we do not sell insurance in any shape or form.
Before purchasing trek insurance, you must call your travel insurer and ask if their policy includes helicopter rescue up to the highest trek region (4,130m) in addition to treatment costs.
Passport and visa
All foreigners, except Indians, need a visa to enter Nepal. However, most foreign nationals are eligible for an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at immigration checkpoints along Nepal-India and Nepal-Tibet borders. You will need visa fees, a passport with at least six months of validity, and a passport-size photo to apply for an on-arrival visa. The current visa fee is USD 50 for a 30-day stay. Children under 10 receive a free visa.
SAARC (Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan) and Chinese nationals are entitled to free visas. However, citizens from certain countries ( Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan) may not get an on-arrival visa and should contact the local Nepalese embassy.
The Nepal government can change visa rules without prior notice. Hence, please visit https://www.immigration.gov.np for current visa rules.
Money Exchange
Nepali Rupees ( also NRP/NRS/ Rs.) is the official currency of Nepal. 1 USD = ~130 NPR. Even though the traveler’s check is more secure, we advise you to bring cash in major currencies (Euro, Dollar, Pound) and exchange them for Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu. It allows you to avoid lengthy bank processes and commissions while cashing out your traveler’s check. You can easily exchange your currency from legal currency exchanges all over Thamel in Kathmandu. These exchanges display ongoing rates publicly. Some hotels also exchange small amounts of foreign currency.
Please note that if you have Indian Rupees, only Indian Rupee notes of INR. 2,000 and 100 are legal in Nepal. You can also withdraw cash in Nepali Rupees from ATMs in Kathmandu. Several of these ATMs are open throughout the day. You can withdraw up to NRS 35,000 for a fee of NRS.500 using your foreign card.
There are no currency exchanges in trek regions. So, you need to exchange your currency in Kathmandu before departing for the trek. The exact amount you will require depends on your spending habits. We estimate you will need USD 10 to 20 per trekking day.
Most banks in Nepal do not honor old, faded, and torn foreign currency. So, make sure to bring only new and crisp notes.
Luggage
Traveling light helps a lot when going for long treks like this. Though we will assign porters to carry your luggage, your luggage weight limit is 9 kg. One porter will carry luggage for two persons and no more, which comes to 18 kg. You can store your extra luggage at the Discovery World Trekking store for free for the duration of the trek. We also expect you to carry a regular backpack to keep your valuables and essentials safe with you.
We will check your luggage to ensure you have packed all essential things for the trek during the trek briefing.
Extra personal expenses
Though this package covers all major expenses, it does not cover all expenses. You must bring spending money to meet several expenses such as beverages (hot (tea/coffee), cold and alcoholic drinks, visa fees, souvenirs, tips for the trek crew, snacks, hotel stays in Kathmandu, etc. The exact amount you require depends on your spending habits. We advise you to bring cash (major currency) and exchange them for Nepali Rupees. Trek regions do not honor foreign currencies.
Trek safety
Discovery World Trekking guarantees client safety, security, and satisfaction. We consider all our clients as extended family and take care of them accordingly. There are several policies in place to ensure trek safety. We carry all the essential standard gear and equipment, including first aid kits, ready to face any situation. Our guides will use oximeters to monitor your blood oxygen level at high altitudes to detect the first signs of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is quite common in high-elevation treks but can be serious in severe conditions. In emergencies, we will use a helicopter (funded by insurance) to rescue you and bring you to safety. Hence, adequate insurance is a must. Further, you will be trekking as a group for an extra layer of protection.
Discovery World Trekking crew
Our staff members come from the high Himalayas. Hence they have natural endurance and can easily remain at high altitudes without being affected. They have years of experience in conducting high-altitude treks. All our staff members are precious to us. We pay them well and cover their food, lodging, equipment, and insurance costs. We believe that only happy people can keep others happy, and we put every effort to keep our staff happy.
As you visit new places, our trek guide and porters will accompany you, providing information about the places as you travel. All our trek guides have:
- Nepal-government issued trek licenses
- Rock climbing experience and conservation and bio-diversity training
- Fluency in speaking English and another language
- Completed extensive wilderness first aid training
Responsible travel
Tourism can bring adverse effects to trek destinations and may potentially make tourist destinations unattractive in the future. So, we do our part to keep tourist destinations away from adverse tourism effects. We aim to leave behind only the footprints in the trek regions. We dispose of waste properly and encourage all our guests to do the same. If we use campsites, we try our best to leave them in a better condition than when we used them. Furthermore, we partner with Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize eco-friendly trips.
Booking and payment
Discovery World Trekking is a Nepal-government registered and bonded trek and tour company in service for over a decade. We are also members of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN). Hence, you can book treks with us in confidence.
We require 10% of the trek cost as an advance to book the trek. You can pay through bank transfers, online, or using Wise. The rest of the trek cost is due when you arrive in Kathmandu. Again, you can pay in cash, through bank transfer, Wise, or using credit cards. We will also email you about cost details, including modes of payment available.
Please send us your required documents, such as insurance copy and flight details, within a week of booking your trek so that we can complete official processes and preparations.
Tipping
Nepali culture accepts tipping and Nepalis view tipping as a validation of service quality. Tipping is at the traveler’s discretion. We believe the tipping amount should reflect the length of the trip, trip cost, and the quality of service received. We recommend you tip at the end of the trek and do so collectively. Tipping does not form part of wages at Discovery World Trekking.
Last-minute booking
It is always better to book treks in advance, but many people are impulsive, and they want to trek on short notice. For those people, Discovery World Trekking has a provision for a last-minute booking. In the case of last-minute booking, trekkers must clear 100 % of the trek cost 24 hours before the intended trip departure date. Though we are ready to conduct trips at any moment, for last-minute treks, you cannot hold us responsible for delays due to circumstances beyond our control, such as bad weather or unavailability of lodging, etc.
Trip extensions
After completing the Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camo trek, if you have a few days to spend in Nepal, we can organize activities for you. You can go sightseeing in and around Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan Jungle Safari, canoeing, rafting, and so on. You may even decide to go on another trek.
Feedback
After your trek concludes, Discovery World Trekking will organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. After dinner, we will present you with a Discovery World Trekking trek achievement certificate. It is also the right time to give us feedback so that we can improve our services in the future.
Useful info
This trek includes fixed departure dates from Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, if the departure dates do not suit you, let us know. We can organize treks at your convenience. Moreover, we can tailor this trek to suit your interest.
The trek itinerary above is a general guideline. In rare cases, we might need to modify the itinerary for safety and security, such as in the case of bad weather, floods, landslides, etc. If such a case arises, your trek leader will decide on the ulterior route, taking into account the interest of the trek group and in consultation with the Discovery World Trekking office.
Join Upcoming Trips
Book this trip with us. Here are the upcoming dates. Feel free to share this trip with your friends and family. For custom trips or general inquiries contact us.
Departure Date | Price | Trip status | |
---|---|---|---|
13 Days03 Jun, 2023 - 15 Jun, 2023 |
|
Booking Open | Enquire Now |
13 Days10 Jun, 2023 - 22 Jun, 2023 |
|
Booking Open | Book Now |
13 Days17 Jun, 2023 - 29 Jun, 2023 |
|
Booking Open | Book Now |
13 Days24 Jun, 2023 - 06 Jul, 2023 |
|
Booking Open | Book Now |
13 Days01 Jul, 2023 - 13 Jul, 2023 |
|
Booking Open | Book Now |
Benefits
Group Discount Prices
No. of Persons | Price per Person |
---|---|
1 Pax | US$ 990 |
2 Paxes | US$ 740 |
3 Paxes | US$ 720 |
4 - 6 Paxes | US$ 690 |
7 - 12 Paxes | US$ 670 |
13 - 18 Paxes | US$ 650 |