When is the best time to visit Mohare Danda and Khopra Danda?
The ideal seasons for the Mohare Danda and Khopra Trek are Spring, starting from March till May, and Autumn from September to November, where the weather and climatic conditions are expected to be stable, with clear skies, and great mountain views. However, due to the easy access and comfortable walking terrains, this trip is doable throughout the year, if you are well prepared or have prior himalayan experience. Basically, the peak times are considered to be Spring and Autumn, as during this span, the chances of rain and snowfall are typically high, which makes the terrains dry, smooth, and comfortable to walk through, and the best part, the mountain panorama views from the two vantage points become unhindered and undisturbed, entailing a worth-the-wait odyssey.
On the other hand, trekkers usually avoid the season of monsoon (June to Aug) and winter (Dec - Feb), because of the harsh weather conditions, unpredictable and doubtful climate, demotivating the hikers, as the expectation of the himalayan views remains typically low, and the muddy and slippery terrains demand a great fitness level and mental patience as well.
During the Spring, the daily sunlight hours last for a longer time, the humid tend to be mild, with the captivating blooming rhododendrons, thriving in the lush green valleys, showing another insight into the himalayas. Whereas, in the Autumn season, the major festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, fall between mid Sep and Oct, enhancing the overall trekking experiences, giving you a chance to witness how such festivals are celebrated in a traditional, simple, and remote way.
How difficult is the Mohare Danda Trek with Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake?
The Mohare Danda Trek, extended to Khopra Ridge and Khyer Lake, is rated as a moderately challenging journey that demands a daily 5-8 hours hike, and 11-12 days from the trailhead itself, following a standard itinerary. The walking terrains do not include any technical sections or high passes, or mountain walks; however, what makes this trip a bit on the difficult side is that it proceeds through several pathways, from forested routes to open meadows to rugged, steep climbs with several ascents and descents.
The first half covers the Mohare route, which is a gentle and easy walk, but the steep climb of approximately 1000 meters, from Nangi to the Mohare Danda (3320 meters), can be a bit hectic to some, as it is the 1st continuous trail that you will encounter. Whereas, the second route covers the Khopra Ridge to Khayer Lake, which involves a 9-10-hour walk, with the thinning air, reaching the highest at the wetland at 4665 meters, adding a risk of altitude sickness, if proper guidelines are not followed from the beginning. Apart from that, the beginners might find the remote trails and basic tea houses too overwhelming to handle, as they are very basic, so make sure to do research and engage in physical preparedness beforehand, to cover such a versatile navigation route.
With comprehensive planning, the right gears, and acclimatising properly, with the assistance of the experienced trekking guide, this trek to Mohare Danda and Khopra Danda is doable by everyone, even families with kids, and beginners as well.
What kind of foods and accommodations are available on the Mohare Danda and Khopra Trek?
As known as an off-beaten annapuran region trek, during this combined route from Mohare to Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake, expect the tea houses/lodges on the remote, and simple side, however, on the community-based and eco-friendly, sustainability-focused accommodations. In the lower, starting part of the trip, the amenities are widely and easily available, such as a single bedroom, Wi-Fi, and charging accessibility within the room itself, with other services available at the lodges, with extra fare, like hot water, hot shower, and laundry, with attached washroom and toilets.
As you move higher, go to upper altitudes, the rooms get simpler, with only twin basis, and group sharing basis, and wifi, charging sockets available only at the communal dining hall. Throughout, basic and essential amenities are available, where you won't find any difficulties in getting services for internet and communication. The only thing that you must consider is that the lodges do not offer heaters or AC in the room, due to limited electricity (charged by solar), so if this is your first hiking experience at high altitude, then bring a sleeping bag and a light blanket with you, for warmth at such freezing temperatures.
For the meals, you will find a wide variety of food options, from Western, Continental, to Asian, Indian, and local meals, catering to the taste and preferences of hikers all across the globe. There is a wide range of options for vegan, veg, non-veg, and gluten-free meals, with nutrient-packed foods with carbs, proteins that keep you full and energised throughout.
Where to obtain the permits for the Mohare Danda and Khayer Lake Trek?
For the Mohare Danda and Khopra Trek, there are only two permits required: firstly, the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and secondly, the TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System Card), just like any other standard Annapurna hike. No special restricted area trekking permits are required, whereas these two key permits are essential for registration, tracking of hikers, protection of the wild biodiversity and boosting the local economy. They can be obtained either in Kathmandu, the capital city, at the Thamel Tourism Board or in Pokhara, near the lakeside police station. The permits are registered at the starting point, but you must carry them throughout the trip; otherwise, you will be fined.
The ACAP costs approx. USD 23 (NPR 3000), and half for the Nepalese and SAARC nationals, whereas for the TIMS Card, it costs approx. NPR 1000 (USD 8) per head. The essential permits and the paperwork will be handled by the agency itself, soon after the booking is confirmed.
Travel Tips
Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is marked as a crucial aspect for any kind of high-altitude Himalayan adventure, and it remains the same for this trip, as well. Make sure to get a good insurance policy that covers trip delays, cancellations, medical expenses, and most importantly, helicopter evacuation upto 5000 meters.
Packings: While packing your gear and equipment, consider enlisting other seasonal clothing and essentials, such as, for instance, even though, if you are trekking during the seasonal time, do not miss out bringing a raincoat, a down jacket, hiking boots with grip, trekking poles, and summer light clothes as well.
ATMs: There are no ATM or Debit and credit card services throughout the trail, so carry Nepali currency (NPR) for personal use and in case of emergency.
Charging: The guest houses, especially at the higher sections, do not have the accessibility of the charging sockets within the room and are only available at the dining area, so bring a powerbank (20,000 mAh), to avoid long hours queuing in the dining area.
Altitude Sickness: Even though the possibility of altitude sickness is typically low, take preventive safety guidelines, such as hydrating the body well, fueling the body with enough carbs and proteins, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and checking the oxygen level via oximeter at every stopping point. If you have any symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) like nausea, dizziness, vomiting or any discomfort, then inform the guide immediately.
Personal Expenses: All the essentials, logistics and transportation with supporting crews are included in the package; however, you will require extra money for wifi, charging, buying beverages, souvenirs, and shopping (everything not included in our costing section), so estimate the spending, and carry the cash accordingly.
