INSIDE HIMALAYAS | NEPAL | TIBET | BHUTAN
INSIDE HIMALAYAS | NEPAL | TIBET | BHUTAN
in March and April. The final few hours’ climb
gradually ascends to Kopra Danda, which was
only visited by yak herders and the occasional
tent trekking expedition until local villages
organised the building and operation of the
Kopra Community Lodge a few years ago.
Proceeds support the local schools.
SAY “CHEESE”
Tharu woman with her child posing for a photo, Bardia, Nepal.
Photo: RMT.
The panoramic view at Kopra Danda is truly
extraordinary. The entire Dhaulagiri Range
stands as a mountain temple to the west,
and Nilgiri Himal, Bahra Chuli and Annapurna
South totally dominate the northern view. To
the south, the sun and clouds play a game of
colours throughout the day. For those with an
extra day, Khayer Lake (4650 metres) is sacred
to the local Magar community and worth a
magical day hike, where one can find remote
wildlife and more incredible mountain views.
Day 4: Satisfied with the view from Kopra and
a night at high altitude, visitors may choose
from a number of trails for the hike out. The
quickest way is to drop back down to Paudwar
to Tatopani, in one long day, with a lunch stop
in Paudwar. Otherwise, a longer day’s hike
northwest along the ridge toward Dhaulagiri
Himal continues to reveal gorgeous views,
before descending to the Upper Narchyang
village, where one can spend the night, or walk
another hour back to Tatopani.
Day 5: Visiting the waterfall on the walk
back down to Tatopani from Narshyang is a
magnificent way to complete the counter-
clockwise loop. It’s often considered to be the
most spectacular waterfall on the Annapurna
Circuit. Back in Tatopani, don’t miss a well-
deserved soak in the natural hot springs,
relaxing amidst the surging power and gentle
roar of the famous Kali Gandaki River. From
Tatopani one can easily catch a bus, jeep or taxi
back to Pokhara or Kathmandu to celebrate an
amazing trek. However, for those with more
time, there are numerous adventures that
await in all directions from Tatopani. For those
who came back via Paudwar, the Narshyang
waterfall should not be missed.
The Dhaulagiri Range is visible from the Kopra Danda trek. Photo: Michael D. Smith.
A small temple sits beneath the waterfall. Photo: Michael D. Smith.
Since Kopra Danda falls within the Annapurna
Conservation Area, an ACAP permit should be
obtained for all foreign trekkers, in addition
to a TIMS (Tourist Information Management
System) card, both available at the Nepal
Tourism Board Office in Bhrikuti Mandap by
Ratna Park in Kathmandu or in Damside,
Pokhara. There is a TIMS card checkpost just
before Tatopani Bazaar. However, as there is
no ACAP permit checkpost on the route from
Tatopani Bazaar to Kopra Danda, it may not be
necessary to obtain.
As always with trekking in the mountains, it is
strongly advisable to travel with a guide, never
trek alone, let others know your itinerary before
departure, and plan accordingly for weather,
altitude, and other potential hazards. Happy
and safe trekking!
Layered mountain views in the Annapurna Himalaya. Photo: Michael D. Smith.
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www.insidehimalayas.com | By Royal Mountain Travel
www.insidehimalayas.com | By Royal Mountain Travel
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