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 Regionस्वाँता
Swanta
A Magar farming village below Ghorepani on the Khopra Danda trek, with homestays and simple lodges.
- Altitude
- 2,214 m*
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Myagdi, Gandaki
- Permit
- Permit required
Why go
Swanta is a farming village at about 2,200 m on the slopes north-west of Ghorepani, above the Kali Gandaki side of the hills. It is the first overnight stop after Ghorepani on the Khopra Danda trek, before the climb to Chistibang and Khopra Ridge.
Few trekkers came this way before the Khopra route opened, and the village still feels agricultural, with terraced fields, buffalo sheds and orchards. Dhaulagiri can be seen to the west on clear days.
History and culture
Swanta is a Magar village in Myagdi district, one of several in this area connected to the community trekking initiative around Nangi and Khopra. Families farm maize, millet and potatoes and keep livestock that graze the high pastures in summer. Many local men have served in the Gurkha regiments or work abroad.
Things to do in Swanta
Village walk
Walk through the terraced fields and lanes in the afternoon light.
Early start for Khopra
The next stage climbs steadily to Chistibang (Dhan Kharka) at about 3,000 m.
Weather and the best time to visit Swanta
Weather in Swanta
Forecast for 2,214 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 at night and often clear; snow and ice are possible on higher sections.
- 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, with leeches, slippery trails, landslide risk and peaks often hidden by cloud.
Where to stay
TeahousesHomestays
A few simple lodges and homestays.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Swanta is reached on foot from Ghorepani.
Nearest hub: Pokhara
- trekGhorepani to Swanta via Chitre and Phulbari, about 4-5 hours, mostly downhill.
Permits and fees
Permit required
Swanta 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 Khopra Danda trek.
- Previous stop:
- Ghorepani
- Next stop:
- Chistibang (Dhan Kharka)
- A typical day:
- From Ghorepani, after sunrise on Poon Hill, about 4-5 hours, descending roughly 650 m.
Practical tips
- There is no ATM; carry cash.
- Mobile signal is patchy.
- Respect village farmland: stay on paths and ask before photographing people.
Treks through Swanta
Questions about Swanta
Where is Swanta?
In Myagdi district, about 4-5 hours' walk below Ghorepani on the route to Khopra Ridge.
How high is Swanta?
About 2,200 m; sources range from 2,200 m to 2,270 m.
Do I need a permit for Swanta?
Yes, an ACAP permit; check the current TIMS and guide rules.
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All of Annapurna Region
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Nearby
National park or conservation area
Annapurna Region
Nepal's largest protected area, from Gurung hill villages and rhododendron forest to the dry valleys behind the Annapurna range.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Khopra Danda trekking itinerary, Full Time Explorer, OpenStreetMap