Three Peak Trek

Khopra Ridge, Poonhill Viewpoint, and Mohare Danda make a perfect destination for people looking for a magical sunrise, sunset, and a wide range of mountain peaks. All three destinations have their own distinctive feature, discussed below. 

1. Mohare Danda (3,300 m): The Eco-Community Gem

Mohare Danda is often called the peaceful alternative to Poon Hill, offering a pristine experience focused on community-based tourism. Sitauted at 3,300 m, this hilltop provides a stunning 360-degree panorama that rivals its more famous neighbor. The trek here is relatively easy and beginner-friendly, winding through terraced fields and lush forests of Oak and Rhododendron.

What makes Mohare special is its heart. You stay in community-run lodges that support local Magar and Gurung villages, often enjoying fresh local oranges and homemade cheese right from the source. The trail is quiet and rich in biodiversity; located within the Annapurna Conservation Area, it offers chances to spot langur monkeys or barking deer without the crowds. Watching the sunrise hit peaks like Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna I from this quiet summit feels deeply personal and untouched.

2. Khopra Ridge (3,640 m): The High-Altitude Wilderness

For those craving a wilder adventure, Khopra Ridge (Khopra Danda) takes you higher and deeper into the mountains. Standing at 3,640 m, this is the most remote and challenging section of the trek, requiring basic fitness to tackle steep ascents. The effort is rewarded with a dramatic ridge-line walk where you feel level with the giants of the Himalayas.

The views here are extraordinary, offering a full 360-degree sweep of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with Annapurna South looming directly overhead. A major highlight is the day hike to the sacred Khayer Lake (4,660 m), a turquoise body of water nestled below the peaks that attracts local pilgrims visiting the Barah Temple. This area is far less crowded than the main trails, offering solitude and a real chance to see wildlife like Himalayan pheasants, yaks, or even the elusive leopard.

3. Poon Hill (3,210 m): The Classic Sunrise Icon

Poon Hill needs little introduction; it is arguably the most famous sunrise viewpoint in the entire Annapurna region. Sitting at 3,210 m, it is renowned for the golden moment when the first light strikes the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. The journey here involves climbing the famous stone stairs of Ulleri and passing through vibrant rhododendron forests that turn red and pink in spring.

While it can be busy, the energy at Poon Hill is infectious, drawing trekkers from all over the world to witness the spectacle. It serves as a perfect cultural hub, connecting hikers with the warm hospitality of Gurung villages like Ghorepani and Ghandruk. Accessible and moderately graded, it remains the quintessential Himalayan experience for families and first-timers alike.

Three Peak Trek (Mohare Danda, Khopra Ridge, and Poonhill), you will need two official documents to legally enter the region.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

This permit allows you to enter the protected conservation zone and costs approximately USD 25 per person.

TIMS Card

The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is optional for trekker safety and data, costing about USD 10 for individual trekkers.

These permits are typically issued by trekking agencies in Pokhara and Kathmandu before your journey begins. If you are booking through a reputable operator, these fees and legal documents are almost always included in your package cost, ensuring a hassle-free start.

The Three Peak Trek is generally rated as moderate, making it a great choice for trekkers with good stamina but no technical climbing skills.

Terrain Variety

The trail is a mix of stone-paved paths, deep forest trails, and open ridgelines. You will encounter gentle walks through terraced fields near Swanta and Lespar, as well as more rugged cliffside sections near Bayali.

The Challenge

While Mohare Danda and Poon Hill are relatively easy and beginner-friendly, the climb to Khopra Ridge is demanding. The ascent from Chistibung to Khopra involves a steep, steady push that takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Highest Point

The hardest section is the day trip to Khayer Lake (4,660 m), which requires a 6–7 hour round trip with steady climbing. However, beginners can complete this trek at a slow pace and with proper rest.

One of the unique selling points of the Three Peak Trek is its journey through the rich ecosystems of the Annapurna Conservation Area.

The route takes you through deep rhododendron and oak forests that burst into vibrant colors during spring. You will also traverse pine forests and high alpine meadows as you ascend toward Khopra.

The region is alive with diverse fauna. In the lower forests near Swanta, you may hear gibbons calling or spot deer and foxes crossing the trail. Higher up, near Khopra and Khayer Lake, you might encounter yak herds, sheep, and even the rare Himalayan black bear or snow leopard.

The forests are filled with birdsong, and you may spot colorful Himalayan pheasants in the alpine meadows.

When you take on the ultimate alpine challenge of conquering the Annapurna region's most breathtaking ridges and viewpoints— Mohare Danda, Khopra Ridge, and Poon Hill—your safety, technical success, and high-altitude endurance depend entirely on elite mountaineering logistics. Here is why ambitious climbers choose North Nepal Travel & Trek:

Officially Licensed & TAAN-Registered

We are a fully government-registered trekking and expedition agency and an active member of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN). We guarantee complete legal compliance, robust high-altitude emergency protocols, and uncompromising safety standards on complex multi-peak routes.

Decades of High-Altitude & Technical Expertise

The Three Peaks route connecting Mohare Danda, Khopra Ridge, and Poon Hill demands rigorous logistical planning, precise acclimatization schedules, and expert knowledge of remote ridges and changing alpine weather. We bring over a decade of specialized experience managing technical trekking and climbing itineraries.

Elite Mountaineering Leadership

Your expedition is led by our government-certified, English-speaking climbing leaders who possess deep technical expertise in navigating high-altitude terrain, managing rope safety, and pacing multi-peak ascents safely.

Top-Rated Client Satisfaction

Backed by a 4.9/5 rating across global review platforms, our travelers consistently praise our meticulous safety standards, expert physical pacing, and unwavering support from base to summit.