Poon Hill is a busy, comfortable trek of four to five days to a sunrise viewpoint at 3,210 m. Khopra Danda is a quieter trek of seven to nine days to a ridge at 3,660 m, with a closer view of Dhaulagiri and simple community lodges. Most Khopra itineraries pass through Ghorepani, so you can have both.
Khopra Danda and Poon Hill at a glance
- Days from Pokhara. Khopra Danda: 7 to 9. Poon Hill: 4 to 5.
- Height. Khopra Danda: 3,660 m. Poon Hill: 3,210 m.
- Where you watch sunrise. Khopra Danda: from the lodge door. Poon Hill: after a 45-minute climb with a crowd.
- Lodges. Khopra Danda: community-run, basic. Poon Hill: comfortable, many.
- Crowds. Khopra Danda: few. Poon Hill: many.
- Optional extra. Khopra Danda: Khayer Lake, about 4,600 m. Poon Hill: none.
How the routes relate
Poon Hill is the hill above Ghorepani. Khopra Danda is a ridge to the north-west, a day and a half further on by a side trail through Swanta and Chistibung. The standard Khopra trek climbs to Ghorepani first, visits Poon Hill at dawn and then leaves the crowds behind. It finishes by descending steeply to Tatopani and its hot springs, or by crossing to Tadapani and Ghandruk.
The view from each
From Poon Hill, Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas are spread along the horizon at a distance. From Khopra you are on a spur directly facing Dhaulagiri across the Kali Gandaki gorge, with Annapurna South, Fang and Nilgiri close behind you. It feels higher and wilder, and you can watch the light change from your lodge.
Trail and lodges
The Poon Hill loop is stone-paved almost throughout and lined with lodges. Beyond Ghorepani the Khopra trail is an earth path through forest and yak pasture, with one or two lodges at each stop, run by village committees. Rooms are plain and food is simple but good. In peak weeks the lodge at the ridge fills, so booking ahead through a guide helps.
Effort
Poon Hill is an easy to moderate trek. Khopra is moderate: longer, a little higher, with a steep final climb to the ridge and a knee-testing descent to Tatopani of about 2,400 m if you go that way.
Season
Both are best in October to November and March to May. Poon Hill is walkable all year. Khopra can be snowbound in January and February, and its lodges may close in deep winter and in the monsoon.
Permits and guide
Both lie in the Annapurna Conservation Area and need its permit and a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency.
Cost
Khopra costs more only because it is longer. Lodge prices on the community trail are modest, and part of what you pay supports local schools and health posts.
Choose Khopra Danda if
- You have a week or more.
- You want quiet trails after Ghorepani.
- You want Dhaulagiri close.
- You like simple lodges and community tourism.
Choose Poon Hill if
- You have four or five days.
- You want comfortable lodges.
- It is your first trek.
- You are trekking in mid-winter.
Can you do both?
Yes. Nearly every Khopra itinerary includes Poon Hill on the way, so the longer trek gives you both viewpoints.
Plan it
See the Khopra Ridge guides and Poon Hill, or ask us for a linked itinerary.
Common questions
Is Khopra Danda harder than Poon Hill?
A little: longer and higher, with rougher trail after Ghorepani.
Is Khopra the same as Khopra Ridge?
Yes. Danda means ridge in Nepali.
How far is Khopra from Ghorepani?
About a day and a half of walking.
Which is better for photography?
Khopra for Dhaulagiri at close range; Poon Hill for the classic wide panorama.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
