The Mohare Danda, Poon Hill & Khopra Danda Trek combines three of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Annapurna region into one beautiful and less-travelled route.
Starting from Pokhara, we head towards the hills and begin trekking through traditional villages, terraced farmland and beautiful rhododendron forests. The trail takes us first to Mohare Danda, a peaceful viewpoint with incredible views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and far fewer trekkers than the more popular routes.
From Mohare Danda, we continue towards Ghorepani and Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s most famous sunrise viewpoints. After enjoying the panoramic Himalayan views, we leave the busier trails behind and head towards Chistibang and Khopra Danda, where the landscape becomes more remote and alpine.
One of the highlights of the trek is the day trip to Khayer Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. We then continue towards Dobato, where we have another early morning start to reach Mulde Viewpoint for sunrise before descending towards Tadapani and Ghandruk.
Along the way, we experience a great mix of mountain landscapes, forests, local villages and Himalayan culture. The route combines some of the best-known viewpoints in the region with quieter trails, making it a great choice for travellers looking to explore the Annapurna area beyond the classic trekking routes.
Three incredible viewpoints, one off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure.
This is a medium to challenging trek combining quieter mountain trails with some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Annapurna region. Expect around 5–7 hours of walking per day, with a mix of forest trails, stone steps, steep climbs and descents, and higher-altitude terrain.
Some days are more demanding, particularly the hike to Khayer Lake and the early morning climb to Mulde Viewpoint. A good level of fitness and a steady pace are important, but previous trekking experience is not essential.
Along the way, you’ll experience traditional villages, rhododendron forests, incredible Himalayan views and quieter trails, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and local mountain life.
The day before our trekking expedition begins, we’ll gather for a memorable welcome dinner. It’s a perfect occasion for us to connect and become acquainted with one another before we set off on our exciting adventure. This dinner also provides a valuable opportunity for you to approach your guide with any final questions or concerns you may have.
Vehicle: 3–4 h
Trek: 4–5 h, 700 m ascent, 100 m descent, 8 km distance
We leave Pokhara by vehicle and drive via Nayapul towards Tikhedhunga, where we begin our trek. From here, the trail climbs through traditional villages, terraced hillsides and beautiful forests before reaching Banthanti, where we spend our first night in the mountains.
Trek: 5–6 h, 1,100 m ascent, 50 m descent, 10 km distance
We continue climbing through beautiful rhododendron forests and quiet mountain trails towards Mohare Danda. As we gain altitude, the views gradually open up, with spectacular panoramas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. We reach Mohare Danda in the afternoon and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Trek: 5–6 h, 450 m ascent, 900 m descent, 10 km distance
We leave Mohare Danda and continue towards Ghorepani, passing through Poon Hill along the way. From this famous viewpoint, we can enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges before continuing through the forests and mountain trails to Ghorepani.
Trek: 5–6 h, 500 m ascent, 350 m descent, 10 km distance
From Ghorepani, we leave the busier trails behind and continue towards Chistibang. The route takes us through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests, with a mix of climbs and descents before reaching the quieter mountain settlement of Chistibang.
Trek: 3–4 h, 700 m ascent, 50 m descent, 5 km distance
Today we make our way towards Khopra Danda. The trail climbs steadily through open hillsides and alpine terrain, with the landscape becoming increasingly dramatic as we gain altitude. Reaching Khopra Danda, we are rewarded with spectacular views across the Himalayas.
Trek: 8–10 h, 1,000 m ascent, 1,000 m descent, 11 km distance
Today is one of the most challenging days of the trek as we hike to the remote and beautiful Khayer Lake. The trail takes us into high-altitude terrain beneath the Annapurna range, with incredible mountain views along the way. After spending some time at the lake, we retrace our steps back to Khopra Danda for the night.
Trek: 5–6 h, 500 m ascent, 750 m descent, 11 km distance
We leave Khopra Danda and follow quieter mountain trails towards Dobato. The route passes through open alpine landscapes before gradually descending into forests, with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks along the way. We arrive at Dobato in the afternoon and have time to rest before the early morning start the next day.
Trek: 6–7 h, 500 m ascent, 1,300 m descent, 12 km distance
We wake up early and hike to Mulde Viewpoint to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. After enjoying the views, we return to the guesthouse for breakfast before continuing through beautiful forests and mountain trails towards Tadapani, where we spend our final night in the mountains. Mulde Viewpoint is around 3,637m.
Vehicle: 3–4 h
Trek: 3–4 h, 700 m descent, 50 m ascent, 7 km distance
We descend from Tadapani to Ghandruk, one of the most beautiful traditional Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. After lunch in Ghandruk, we meet our vehicle and drive back to Pokhara, marking the end of our trek. Ghandruk is generally listed at around 1,940m.
The best time for the Mohare Danda, Poon Hill & Khopra Danda Trek is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), when the weather is generally stable, the skies are clearer and the Himalayan views are at their best. Spring is especially beautiful when the rhododendrons are in bloom, while autumn usually brings crisp mountain views and comfortable temperatures.
Winter (December to February) can also be a great time to trek, with fewer people and clear skies, although temperatures can be very cold and snow is possible at higher elevations, particularly around Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake. Monsoon (June to August) brings heavier rain, clouds and slippery trails, making conditions less ideal.
For the best combination of clear mountain views, pleasant weather and beautiful forests, we recommend March to May and September to November.
Travel insurance is compulsory for the trek. All the trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation – including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes (up to 4,660m).
Trekking members are kindly requested to send their detailed insurance information after trek booking. In case of emergencies, we will be using the insurance policy and informational documents you sent us. It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please ensure that your insurance covers all costs incurred during mountain rescue service.
Before buying travel insurance, make sure to call the insurance company and recheck if they have heli-rescue up to 4,660m.
This trek gradually takes us from the lower valleys to Khopra Danda (3,660m) and Khayer Lake (around 4,600m), allowing the body to adapt as we gain altitude. The itinerary includes overnight stops at different elevations, with Mohare Danda, Chistibang, Khopra Danda and Dobato being key points along the route. The day hike to Khayer Lake is especially important as we reach the highest point of the trek before returning to Khopra Danda to sleep.
We recommend walking at a steady pace, staying well hydrated, eating properly and listening to your body. Your guide will monitor everyone throughout the trek, especially at higher elevations, and safety always comes first.
We recommend you bring a container for one liter of water. In the teahouses we can buy boiled water suitable for drinking with which to fill our bottles. Another option is to refill water from natural fountains along the trail or directly from the taps in the teahouses, where the water usually comes straight from natural mountain sources. Although some travelers prefer to use water purification tablets or filters as an extra precaution, they are completely optional and can easily be purchased at pharmacies in Nepal before the expedition.
Khayer Lake is more than just a beautiful high-altitude lake. Located high above the Annapurna valleys, it is considered a sacred place by Hindu and Buddhist communities and has long been associated with pilgrimage and religious traditions.
The lake lies beneath the impressive Annapurna South and surrounding peaks, in a remote landscape that feels very different from the villages and forests lower down. During Janai Purnima, an important Hindu festival usually celebrated in August, pilgrims traditionally make the difficult journey to the lake to bathe in its waters and perform religious rituals.
Reaching Khayer Lake is one of the most demanding parts of this trek, but also one of the most memorable. After several days of walking through forests and mountain villages, the trail takes us into a remote high-altitude landscape where the mountains completely surround us.
For Nepali culture, tipping is widely accepted and appreciated. However, it remains entirely at the traveler’s discretion and should reflect the quality of service received and the length of the expedition.
After completing this trek, if you may want to stay a couple of days extra in Nepal, we can organize other activities for you, including sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, Pokhara trip, Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, canoeing, yoga, etc.
The Mohare Danda, Poon Hill & Khopra Danda Trek is a medium to challenging trek, suitable for active travellers with a good level of fitness. Most days involve around 5 to 7 hours of walking, with some longer and more demanding days, particularly the hike to Khayer Lake and the early morning climb to Mulde Viewpoint.
The route includes stone steps, long ascents and descents, uneven mountain trails and high-altitude terrain, especially around Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not essential if you are well prepared and comfortable with long days of walking.
We do not recommend this trek for people with serious heart or lung conditions, or other health issues that could be affected by physical exertion or altitude. The highest point is Khayer Lake at around 4,600m, so good overall health, preparation and a steady pace are important to enjoy the trek safely.
Every day brings something different, from traditional mountain villages and rhododendron forests to quiet trails, high-altitude landscapes and spectacular Himalayan views. Your experienced guide will be with you throughout the trek, setting a comfortable pace and helping you enjoy the journey along the way.
We usually start the day with an early morning tea or coffee, followed by breakfast, and begin walking around 7:00–8:00 am, depending on the day’s route. After a few hours on the trail, we stop for lunch and take some time to rest before continuing towards our destination.
Most afternoons involve another 2–3 hours of walking before reaching our teahouse for the night. Once there, you can relax, enjoy the views, have a hot shower if available or simply rest after the day’s trek.
Some mornings, such as the sunrise at Mulde Viewpoint, require an earlier start. Your guide will let you know the evening before so you can be ready.
In the evening, we have dinner together and your guide will explain the plan for the following day. Then it’s time to relax, chat with the group, play cards or get an early night before another day in the mountains.
You will usually find Wi-Fi in most teahouses, although the connection can become slower and less reliable as we reach higher and more remote areas. Mobile phone coverage is available in many sections of the route, but the signal can be weak or intermittent, particularly around Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake and other higher sections.
If you would like to use a local SIM card, we recommend getting one at Kathmandu airport upon arrival, where it is quick and easy to arrange.
For safety and coordination, our trekking guide stays in regular contact with the team, making sure everyone is safe, accounted for and supported throughout the journey.
