1 daysEasy4,130 mAnnapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day
From / person
$900
TrekModerate
Khumai Danda Trek — 5 Days
5 days3,245 mFrom Pokhara (drive to Hemja)Best: Oct–May
01 / 08
Duration
5 days
From
$470/person
Max Altitude
3,245 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts
Pokhara (drive to Hemja)
Group Size
2–10 People
Stay
Tea House / Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Season
Oct–May
4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later
Trip Highlights
Some of the closest views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South near Pokhara
A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path alternative to busy Mardi Himal and Poon Hill
Sunrise over the Annapurna massif from the Khumai Danda ridge (3,245 m)
Optional hike to the Korchan Danda viewpoint (~3,682 m) for a wider panorama
Walks through rhododendron and oak forest, terraced farmland and Gurung villages
Short itinerary starting and finishing in Pokhara — ideal for tight schedules
Family-run tea houses and authentic local hospitality
Licensed local guides and all permits handled for you
A quiet, fast-rising short ridge trek above Pokhara to Khumai Danda (3,245 m) with jaw-dropping close-up views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(5 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 3,682 m · Day 3A short 30–40 minute drive from Pokhara takes you to Hemja and on toward the Ghachowk trailhead. From here the trek begins, climbing gently through terraced fields and Gurung villages before entering cool forest. A steady ascent brings you to Hile Kharka, a quiet grazing settlement where you spend your first night in a simple tea house.
2,160 m5–6 hrs13 kmLunch & DinnerTea House
The Khumai Danda Trek is one of the Annapurna region's best-kept secrets — a short, scenic ridge hike that delivers some of the closest views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South you will find anywhere near Pokhara. Often called a quieter cousin of the increasingly busy Mardi Himal route, Khumai Danda climbs through rhododendron and oak forest, terraced Gurung farmland and grazing pastures to a high meadow ridge at roughly 3,245 metres, where the sunrise lights up a wall of Himalayan giants.
This 5-day version begins and ends in Pokhara. A short drive takes you to Hemja and the trailhead near Ghachowk, from where you climb steadily to Hile Kharka and on to the Khumai Danda ridge. With an early start you can also push a little higher toward the Korchan Danda viewpoint (around 3,682 m) for an even wider panorama spanning Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal and Nilgiri before descending back to the road head.
Why trek Khumai Danda
Because it is still off the main tourist circuit, the trail is peaceful, the tea houses are family-run, and you share the ridge with far fewer trekkers than on Poon Hill or Mardi Himal. It is short enough for a tight schedule yet high enough to feel genuinely alpine, making it ideal for travellers who want a real Himalayan ridge experience without the long approach.
Who it suits
Reasonably fit walkers comfortable with several hours of uphill each day will enjoy this trek. No previous high-altitude experience is required, and our licensed local guides handle permits, logistics and tea-house arrangements throughout.
What's Included
Included
- Airport / hotel transfers in Pokhara as per itinerary
- Pokhara–Hemja and Ghachowk–Pokhara private ground transport
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Licensed, experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Tea-house accommodation during the trek and 1 night hotel in Pokhara
- All standard meals on trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guide and porter wages, insurance, food and accommodation
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance
- Meals in Pokhara not specified in the itinerary
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers and Wi-Fi at tea houses
- Tips for guide and porter
- Any expenses arising from delays beyond our control
Pickup
Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?
This trip begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside trekking town. Most international flights land in Kathmandu, about 200 km away (25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus), so you can either make your own way to Pokhara or let us collect you in Kathmandu.
Pickup in Pokhara
Trip starts hereAlready in Pokhara? We collect you from your hotel at no charge.
- Pokhara hotel pickupFrom any hotel in Pokhara, Lakeside included.Included
- Pokhara airport pickupIncluded
- Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Pickup in Kathmandu
Landing in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.
- Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Includes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
- Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
- Kathmandu hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
- Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Hotel in the city
- Pokhara: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)Included
- Pokhara: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Pokhara: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.
Best Time to Go
Spring (Mar–May)
Clear mountain views and blooming rhododendron forests make spring one of the best times for this trek. Days are mild and pleasant, with stable weather on the ridge.
Low: -2°C High: 15°C Occasional residual snow on the upper ridge early in the season.
Summer / Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Monsoon brings heavy cloud, frequent rain and leeches on the forest trails. Mountain views are often obscured, though the hills are lush and green.
Low: 8°C High: 20°C None; rain is the main hazard.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
The premier season — crisp, dry air delivers the clearest possible views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas, with stable, comfortable trekking conditions.
Low: -3°C High: 14°C Generally dry; light snow possible late November on the ridge.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold but often very clear, with quiet trails and beautiful snow-dusted peaks. The upper ridge can be cold and may see snow, so warm gear is essential.
Low: -8°C High: 9°C Snow likely on the Khumai Danda and Korchan ridge.
Permits Required
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
NPR 3,000 (about US$23)Required for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area. SAARC nationals pay a reduced fee.
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
NPR 2,000 (about US$15)Mandatory trekker registration card. Carry passport-size photos. SAARC nationals pay a reduced fee.
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
What to Pack
Merino or synthetic base layers — two sets, one worn one drying
Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
Waterproof shell jacket
Trekking trousers (not jeans, not cotton)
Sun hat and sunglasses — UV is fierce above the treeline
Warm hat and gloves for early starts and evenings
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
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