A quieter loop west of the Annapurna Sanctuary from Ghandruk via Tadapani, Dobato and Khopra Ridge (about 3,660 m) to Swanta, Ghorepani and Poon Hill, with an optional hike to Khayer Lake.
- Days
- 7 days
- Maximum altitude
- 3,660 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Annapurna Regionदोबाटो
Dobato
A small high lodge stop on the ridge between Tadapani and Khopra, the base for sunrise at the Muldai viewpoint.
The high lodge stop at about 3,420 m on the ridge north of Tadapani, below the Muldai viewpoint; not the Dobato localities near Pokhara or in Madi.
- Altitude
- 3,420 m*
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Kaski, Gandaki
- Permit
- Permit required
Why go
Dobato is a small group of lodges on an open ridge at about 3,420 m, north of Tadapani and Ghorepani. The name means 'two paths' in Nepali, after the trail junction here.
It is the overnight base for the Muldai viewpoint, about 45 minutes to an hour above, where a sunrise view takes in Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre. Dobato also lies on the circuit of the Khopra Danda trek, linking Tadapani with Bayeli Kharka and Khopra.
Facilities are basic, and the stop is quieter than Ghorepani or Tadapani.
History and culture
The ridge was used as summer grazing land by herders from villages below, and the lodges grew up after trekking routes opened north of the Poon Hill loop in the 2000s and 2010s. It lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area, in forest of rhododendron and fir.
Things to do in Dobato
Muldai sunrise
Climb about 45-60 minutes before dawn to the Muldai viewpoint (about 3,637 m).
Ridge walk
The trail towards Bayeli Kharka and Khopra follows high ground with wide views.
Weather and the best time to visit Dobato
Weather in Dobato
Forecast for 3,420 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November bring clear mountain views and dry trails; lodges are busiest in these months.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cold, with snow possible on the ridge; some lodges may close.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May brings rhododendron flowers in the forest, warmer days and more afternoon cloud.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August is wet and cloudy, with slippery trails and leeches lower down.
Where to stay
Teahouses
A few basic lodges; in peak season book through your guide or arrive early.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Dobato is reached on foot from Tadapani or Ghorepani.
Nearest hub: Pokhara
- trekTadapani to Dobato, about 5-6 hours through forest.
- trekGhorepani to Dobato via the Deurali pass and Muldai, about 5-6 hours.
Permits and fees
Permit required
Dobato is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area; an ACAP permit is required.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation in Kathmandu and Pokhara or online; checked on the trail.
- TIMS card: Check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
- Guide rule: Since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas are generally required to go with a licensed guide; check the current rule.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against National Trust for Nature Conservation (Annapurna Conservation Area Project, e-permit links).
On the trail
On the Muldai Viewpoint trek, Khopra Danda trek.
- Previous stop:
- Tadapani
- Next stop:
- Muldai viewpoint
- A typical day:
- From Tadapani, about 5-6 hours and roughly 800 m of climbing through forest.
Practical tips
- At about 3,420 m, altitude illness is possible; go slowly. General information, not medical advice.
- Nights are cold; bring a warm sleeping bag.
- There is no ATM or shop; carry cash and snacks.
- Mobile signal is weak or absent.
Treks through Dobato
A four-day loop from Pokhara via Ghandruk, Tadapani and Dobato to the Muldai viewpoint (about 3,637 m) for sunrise, returning over Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
- Days
- 4 days
- Maximum altitude
- 3,637 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Questions about Dobato
How high is Dobato?
About 3,420 m, with the Muldai viewpoint about 200 m higher.
How do I get to Dobato?
On foot, about 5-6 hours from Tadapani or Ghorepani.
Do I need a permit for Dobato?
Yes, an ACAP permit; check the current TIMS and guide rules.
More in Annapurna Region
All of Annapurna Region
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Nearby
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Muldai View Point trek, Day Tours Nepal, OpenStreetMap, Khopra Danda trekking itinerary, Full Time Explorer