Khumai Danda Trek

Location

Pokhara

Duration

3 days

Elevation

3700

Best season

All Seasons

Transportation

Private Jeep / Car

Trip Type

Tea House

Starts/Ends

PoKhara - Pokhara

Overview

 

Khumai Danda is a popular trekking destination in the North of Pokhara, Nepal. The trek takes you to the top of Khumai Danda, which stands at an elevation of 3,245 meters (10,646 feet). The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The trek starts from the village of Hemja, which is located about an hour's drive from Pokhara. From Hemja, you will trek through beautiful villages, dense forests, and steep trails, before reaching the top of Khumai Danda.

The trek usually takes about 3-4 days to complete, depending on your pace and fitness level. Along the way, you will stay in local teahouses, where you can enjoy traditional Nepali food and hospitality.

Some of the highlights of the trek include panoramic views of the Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Macchapuchre, Mt. Lamjung and Mt. Dhaulagiri ranges, encounters with the local Gurung community, and the opportunity to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the region.

Overall, Khumai Danda trek is a great option for those looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Pokhara region. However, as with any trekking activity, it is important to prepare well, bring appropriate gear, and consult with a professional guide or tour operator before embarking on the journey.

Major Highlights

  • Magnificent views of the Annapurna range: The trek offers some of the most spectacular views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna II, III, IV, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal.
  • Remote and less-crowded trails: The trek is not as popular as other treks in the Annapurna region, making it less crowded and more peaceful.
  • Experience the rural Nepalese lifestyle: The trek offers an opportunity to experience the lifestyle of the local Nepalese people and their unique culture.
  • Homestay accommodation: The trek offers the opportunity to stay in local homestays, providing a unique cultural experience.
  • Watch the sunrise from Khumai Danda: The trek offers a stunning view of the sunrise from the Khumai Danda viewpoint, one of the major highlights of the trek.
  • Off-the-beaten-path experience: Unlike some of the more popular trekking destinations in the region, the Khumai Danda Trek is relatively less crowded, offering a more secluded and peaceful trekking experience.
  • Authentic cultural experience: The trek takes you through several small villages where you can experience the traditional lifestyles of the local people, who are mostly Gurung and Magar ethnic groups.
  • Biodiversity: The Khumai Danda area is rich in biodiversity, with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The trek takes you through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo, home to a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, deer, and various bird species.
  • Accessibility: The Khumai Danda Trek is easily accessible from Pokhara, one of the main tourist hubs in Nepal. It is also relatively easy in terms of difficulty, making it a great choice for beginners or those looking for a shorter trek.

Short Itinerary

Day 1 :
Drive from Pokhara to Hemja and trek to Hile Kharka (2160m) via Ghachowk
Day 2 :
Trek from Hile to Khumai Danda (3245m)
Day 3 :
Hike to Korchan Danda (3700m) and hike down to Ghachowk and drive to Pokhara

Details Itinerary

3 Days Hotel

The drive from Pokhara to Hemja should take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. From there, you can start your trek to Hile Kharka via Ghachowk.

The trail from Hemja to Ghachowk is relatively easy, with some gentle ascents and descents. You'll pass through small villages and farmland, with great views of the surrounding hills and mountains. Ghachowk is a small Gurung village with traditional houses and a nice view of the Annapurna range.

From Ghachowk, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend towards Hile Kharka. You'll pass through forests of rhododendron and oak trees, with occasional glimpses of the mountains through the trees. Hile Kharka is a small grazing area with a few basic lodges, where you can rest for the night.

MEALS
Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner

3 Days Hotel

The trek from Hile to Khumai Danda is a relatively short one, but it involves a steep ascent, so it can be quite challenging. The trek starts in Hile, which is located in the Khotang district of eastern Nepal. Hile is a small town situated at an altitude of around 1900m. 

From Hile, the trail heads north and gradually climbs up through the forest. You'll pass through several small villages, where you can get a glimpse of the local culture and way of life. The trail then continues to climb up steeply through the forest, and eventually reaches the open hillside. 

As you climb higher, the views become more and more spectacular. You'll see snow-capped peaks in the distance, and the valley below will stretch out before you. Eventually, you'll reach the top of Khumai Danda, which is located at an altitude of 3245m. 

Khumai Danda is a beautiful viewpoint, and the perfect place to stop and take in the stunning views. You'll be able to see the surrounding mountains, as well as the valley below. There are also several teahouses at Khumai Danda, where you can rest and refuel before continuing on your trek.

MEALS
Breakfast / lunch / Diner

3 Days Hotel

The hike to Korchan Danda will take around 4-5 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. The trail is steep and rocky, so you need to be physically fit and prepared for the climb. 

The views from Korchan Danda are breathtaking, with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You can also see the Seti River and the Pokhara valley from the top. After spending some time at Korchan Danda, you will need to descend to Ghachowk. 

The trail is less steep than the ascent, but it can still be challenging as it involves walking downhill for a long time. The descent will take around 2-3 hours, and you will reach Ghachowk, a beautiful village located on the banks of the Seti River. Here, you can take a break, have some food and water, and enjoy the scenery. 

After resting in Ghachowk, you can take a jeep or a bus to Pokhara, which is around 30 km away. The drive will take around 1-2 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. 

In Pokhara, you can relax and unwind after the hike. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can spend some time. You can also visit some of the popular tourist spots in Pokhara, such as the Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, and Davis Falls.

MEALS
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Useful Information

Autumn (September to November): This is the most popular time for trekking in Nepal. The weather is dry, clear and stable, with beautiful views of the mountains. The temperature is also pleasant, making it perfect for trekking.

Spring (March to May): This is another great time for trekking in the North Pokhara region. The weather is mild and dry, with beautiful rhododendron blooms and other wildflowers. The temperature is also pleasant, making it perfect for trekking.

Winter (December to February): This is a great time for those who prefer cooler temperatures and less crowded trails. However, the higher elevations can be cold and snowfall may occur, so it is important to be prepared for colder weather.

Summer (June to August): This is the monsoon season in Nepal and can bring heavy rainfall and muddy trails. Trekking during this time can be challenging, but the lush green landscapes and waterfalls can be a rewarding experience.

Overall, the best time to go on the Khumai Danda trek is during the autumn and spring seasons when the weather is stable, the views are stunning, and the temperature is pleasant.

TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Permit: This permit is mandatory for all trekkers and is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board or the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN). The TIMS permit costs around NPR 2000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This permit is required as Khumai Danda trek falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is a protected area in Nepal. The ACAP permit costs around NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

You can obtain both permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or from the ACAP office in Pokhara. Alternatively, you can also obtain these permits through registered trekking agencies or guides who will handle the permit process on your behalf.

Teahouses: Teahouses are the most common type of accommodation for trekkers in Nepal. They are small, basic lodges that offer a bed and simple meals. You can find teahouses in most villages along the Khumai Danda trek. However, as you gain altitude, the number of teahouses may decrease, and the facilities may become more basic.

Camping: If you prefer a more secluded and private experience, you can opt for camping. You can bring your own tent or rent one from trekking agencies. It's essential to have a guide or porter to assist you with the camping gear and food supplies.

Homestays: Homestays are becoming increasingly popular in Nepal. They offer a unique opportunity to stay with local families and experience their way of life. You can find homestays in some villages along the Khumai Danda trek.

Guesthouses: Guesthouses are larger and more comfortable than teahouses. They offer private rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers. However, they are not as common as teahouses along the Khumai Danda trek, so you may need to plan your itinerary accordingly.

Overall, there are several accommodation options available along the Khumai Dada trek, ranging from basic teahouses to more comfortable guesthouses and camping. It's essential to plan ahead and book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak trekking seasons.

Good quality trekking boots: A good pair of trekking boots with ankle support will be essential for this trek, as the terrain can be rugged and uneven.

Warm clothing: Even if you are trekking in the summer months, the temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes, so it is important to pack warm clothing, including a thermal layer, down jacket, and hat.

Rain gear: It is always a good idea to carry a raincoat or poncho as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.

Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important during any trek. Carry a reusable water bottle to refill along the way.

Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun can be quite intense at high altitudes, so don't forget to protect your skin and eyes.

First aid kit: A basic first aid kit with items like band-aids, antiseptic cream, and painkillers can be very useful in case of minor injuries or illnesses.

Snacks: Trekking can be tiring, so carrying some high-energy snacks like nuts, chocolates, and energy bars can help keep you going.

Camera: The Khumai Danda Trek offers some stunning views of the mountains and valleys, so make sure to capture those memories with a good camera.

FAQs

The Khumai Danda trek is considered moderate in difficulty. The trail is well-marked and not too steep, but there are some sections that can be challenging for those with limited hiking experience.
 

While it's not mandatory to hire a guide for the Khumai Danda trek, it's recommended, especially if you're a first-time trekker or unfamiliar with the area. A guide can help you navigate the trail, provide valuable information about the culture and history of the region, and ensure your safety. 

Yes, you can hire a porter to carry your backpack during the trek. This will allow you to hike with a lighter load and enjoy the scenery without the added weight.

The Khumai Danda trek is a moderate-level trek in Nepal that offers beautiful views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding landscapes. While it is possible for a beginner to attempt this trek, it is important to be physically prepared and have some prior trekking experience.

The Khumai Danda trek is located in the Mountain region of Nepal, which typically experiences cold and snowy weather conditions during the winter months (December to February). If you are planning to trek during this time, there is a possibility of snowfall in the region. It is always recommended to check the weather forecast before embarking on any trekking adventure and to consult with local guides or travel agencies for up-to-date information on weather conditions and trekking routes.

Speak to an Expert

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Sarita Adhikari

Nepal
WhatsApp ++9779846748548

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