Dec 29 - Jan 5, 2026 | Change
via Khopra Ridge & Poon Hill
side trek
(8 days)
Annapurna Region, Nepal
View full itinerary: Annapurna Sanctuary
Highlights:
Ghandruk, Muldai, Khopra Danda, and Poon Hill
Difficulty:
moderate
This route climbs up the Khopra Ridge from Ghandruk for magnificent panoramas of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and other Himalayan peaks. Enroute you'll climb to the panoramic view point at Muldai before reaking Khopra Danda. An overnight at Khopra Danda (3640 m, 11,942 ft) lets you wake to this spectacular view just outside your room, at what must be one of the best lodge locations in the region. Finally you'll finish up via the classic view point at Poon Hill.
Weather Conditions in December
change startDecember is probably the most underrated month to trek, one of the driest months of the year skies are often clear from sunrise to sunset. The trails and teahouses are less crowded than in November. At higher altitudes, temperatures drop as the winter season approaches so it is important to carry warm enough clothing and sleeping bags. When properly prepared December can be a great month to trek
At a glance
On average there are 1 day with precipitation in
December. The highest point on the trek is
Khopra Danda at
3640 m. During
December, expect high temperatures of around
6.6°C (44°F)
and lows down to
-9.4°C (15°F)
at Khopra Danda.
via Khopra Ridge & Poon Hill
Side trek
(Elevation Profile)
Itinerary (8 days)
Add side trips by clicking '' in the itinerary below.
Extra rest days and overnights can be added once the itinerary is created. However any side trips must be added in this step before the itinerary is created.
| Mon Dec 29 (day 1) |
|---|
|
Ghandruk (2000 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 16.4°C (62°F) and lows of about 0.4°C (33°F) in December. Overnight |
| Tue Dec 30 (day 2) |
|---|
|
Tadapani (2590 m)
About 3-4 hours from Ghandruk (trail climbs through forest) Overnight |
| Wed Dec 31 (day 3) |
|---|
|
Dobato (3350 m)
About 4-5 hour from Tadapani Overnight |
| Thu Jan 1 (day 4) |
|---|
|
Muldai (3637 m)
About 30 min from Dobato. |
|
Bayeli Kharka (3440 m)
About 1 to 2 hours from Dobato |
|
Chistibung (3000 m)
About 5 to 6 hours from Dobato and 4-5 hours from Bayeli Kharka Overnight |
| Fri Jan 2 (day 5) |
|---|
|
Khopra Danda (3640 m)
About 4 hours from Chistibung Overnight |
| Sat Jan 3 (day 6) |
|---|
|
Chistibung (3000 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 9.4°C (49°F) and lows of about -7.6°C (18°F) in January. |
|
Swanta (2350 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 13.3°C (56°F) and lows of about -3.7°C (25°F) in January. Overnight |
| Sun Jan 4 (day 7) |
|---|
|
Ghorepani (2874 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 10.2°C (50°F) and lows of about -6.8°C (20°F) in January. Overnight |
| Mon Jan 5 (day 8) |
|---|
|
Poon Hill (3210 m)
About 1-1.5 hours up and a half hour back down to Ghorepani |
|
Tikhedunga (1525 m)
About 5-6 hours from Ghorepani (while not required it is recommended to add an overnight in Tikhedunga to avoid a very long day and more time on top of Poon Hill) |
|
Birethanti (1025 m)
About 1-2 hours from Tikhedunga |
|
Naya Pul (1000 m)
About 45 minutes from Birethanti |
|
Public bus from Naya Pul to Pokhara
(Not Included)
Estimated cost:
$2.00
|
|
Pokhara (827 m) Expect typical high termperatures of about 22.4°C (72°F) and lows of about 5.4°C (42°F) in January. |
via Khopra Ridge & Poon Hill Itinerary Reviews
by Charlie (Australia) on Oct 14, 2024
Annapurna Sanctuary via Short Modi Khola Start, with Annapurna Base Camp Day Visit, and via Khopra Ridge & Poon Hill led by Pasang Dawa Sherpa
