Mohare Danda Trek: A Serene Himalayan Experience

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Beni, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. From Beni, a short drive takes us to Galeshwor, the starting point of our trek and home to the revered Lord Shiva temple.

Crossing a suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki River, we ascend through stone steps into a dense forest, where the cool shade provides respite from the sun. Along the way, we pass scattered farmhouses with vibrant orange groves and terraced fields of corn and lemons. As we climb, the breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Nilgiri gradually emerge.

After 2-3 hours of trekking, we reach Banskharka, a picturesque village known for its citrus farms. Take time to explore the village, visit a local school, and immerse yourself in the unique Magar culture.

• Trek Duration: 3 hours

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

We start our day with breakfast before trekking through lush terraced farms and pine forests. A challenging 3-hour ascent leads us to Danda Kateri, a perfect lunch stop with stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.

Continuing along a gentle trail, we arrive at Nangi Village, a key highlight of the trek. Nangi is renowned for its community-led initiatives, founded by social entrepreneur Mahabir Pun. Explore the Himanchal High School, a model for rural education, and witness the local paper factory, medicinal plant nursery, and craft shops. Engage with the local Magar community and gain insights into their sustainable tourism efforts.

• Trek Duration: 5 hours

• Difficulty Level: Challenging Start, Easier Later

Today’s trek is a continuous ascent through pristine rhododendron and oak forests, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri (8,167m). As we climb higher, we pass through bamboo groves and open pastures where yaks graze.

With a steady pace, we reach Mohare Danda (3,300m) after 6-7 hours of trekking. This vantage point provides panoramic views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Nilgiri (7,061m), and the sacred Machhapuchhre (6,997m). Witness a breathtaking sunset over the Himalayas before settling into the community eco-lodge, which also serves as Nepal’s highest wireless internet relay station.

• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

On the last day of our Mohare Danda Trek, we start our morning with a scenic hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), a renowned viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek from Mohare Danda to Poon Hill takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, passing through tranquil forested trails and ridgeline pathways. Along the way, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Annapurna South, among other towering peaks.

After soaking in the stunning mountain views, we descend towards Ghorepani (2,874m), a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Annapurna region. Depending on our arrival time, we will stop for lunch either in Ghorepani or Ulleri (2,050m) before continuing our trek.

The journey continues downhill along the classic Ghorepani-Ghandruk trail, meandering through lush rhododendron forests and terraced landscapes. Eventually, we reach Ulleri, where a private vehicle will be waiting to drive us back to Pokhara (3-hour drive), marking the conclusion of our memorable trek.

• Trek Duration: 7 hours

• Drive Duration: 3 hours

• Trek Difficulty: Moderate