Khumai Danda is situated on the North side of Pokhara at an elevation of 3245m and lies on the base of the south face of Mt. Machhapuchre (6993m.) , which is also a part of the Annapurna Trek . The Khumai Danda trek can be done in 3 to 4 days from Pokhara city and can also be extended up to a week by adding the Mardi Himal trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek to the itinerary.
Since it is located at the base of Machhapuchre, the views of the Himalayas and sunrise from the vantage point, Korchan (3700m) are astonishing. Apart from this, the peaceful trekking trail, unadulterated scenery, lush woodlands and ethnic villages like Saripakha, Hile Kharka, and Mirsha Village make Khumai Danda one of the magical trekking destination for anyone looking for solitude and a wonderful time amidst the nature.
Khumai Danda Itinerary for 3 days Trek from Pokhara:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Hemja and trek to Hile Kharka (2160m) via Ghachowk
On the first day of your trek, you will drive from Pokhara to Hemja, a 30-minute ride. Hemja is the starting point of the trek, from where you will start walking through the woodlands, small villages, and terraced fields, enjoying the sights of the surrounding hills. The Hemja to Hile Kharka trek takes around 6 hours and is a relatively easy walk. Ghachowk, known as the best place to view the Himalayas, also lies on the way to Hile Kharka. So please don’t hesitate to slow down and enjoy the sights of Macchapuchre, Annapurna and Lamjung Himal from Ghachowk.
Total Cost per person for 3 days Trek: USD 280 per person.
The trek from Hile Kharka to Kumai Dada is like a jungle walk, as you will be walking mostly inside the forest. The trail is peaceful and a bit more challenging than the previous day's walk as the path gets narrower that too covered with the grassy hill. Despite a few challenges, the panoramic sights of Macchapuchre, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna will reward and welcome you at their best. Walking past the Samsur Deurali, you will finally arrive at Khumai Danda, which lies in the shadow of the gigantic Macchapuchre Himal.
Day 3: Hike to Korchan Danda (3700m) and hike down to Ghachowk and drive to Pokhara
The major highlight of the trip, Korchan Danda, will undoubtedly surprise you with the astounding sights of sunrise and the Himalayas. Elevating at 3700m, the hill offers majestic views of Mardi, Annapurna, and Macchapuchre. You can spend some quality time far from the hustle, right into the lap of the Himalayas, before heading back to Pokhara.
Best Season for Khumai Danda Trek:
The Khumai Danda trek is the shortest and easiest trek in Nepal. Since you will not be gaining much altitude and the weather is pleasant all year round, you can do this trek any time of the year.
Although most people avoid trekking in monsoon (June to August) due to various reasons like slippery trails and continuous rainfallthe beauty of Khumai Danda is exceptional, especially in the rainy season because of the blossoming wildflowers in the hills. Other than the monsoon, during the Spring and Autumn, the trail is filled with a wide variety of rhododendron flowers that make the view even more pleasing. However, if you are not afraid of snow and want to enjoy the sights of the snow-capped pinnacles, Winter (December-February) can also be the best time for the Khumai Danda trek.
Trekking Permit and National Permits are required for Khumai Danda Trek
The Khumai Danda lies within the Annapurna conservation area. Hence, you will require the Annapurna Conservation area entry permit and the TIMS card, that is required for almost all treks in Nepal.
Highlights of Khumai Danda Trek
Total Cost per person USD 280
Cost does include:
