Khumai Danda Trek - 5 Days

Annapurna · 5 Days

Khumai Danda Trek - 5 Days

· Easy · Max altitude 3,250m (10,663 ft) at Khumai Danda · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

5 Days

Max Altitude

3,250m (10,663 ft)

at Khumai Danda

Grade

Easy

Lodging

Teahouse / Community Lodge

Overview

The Khumai Danda Trek is one of Nepal's newest budget-friendly short treks - a 5-day journey to a quiet community ridge with stunning views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Located in the northern Pokhara hills, Khumai Danda (3,250m) offers a true Himalayan experience without high altitude, big crowds or hefty price tags.

This is the perfect trek for travellers with limited time, a modest budget, or first-time trekkers seeking an authentic Nepal hill experience.

Highlights

  • Khumai Danda (3,250m) views of Annapurna, Manaslu and Machhapuchhre
  • Newly developed community trekking route
  • Affordable budget-friendly Annapurna option
  • Quiet trail - very few foreign trekkers
  • Visit Korchong Danda and Sarepakha viewpoints
  • Cultural immersion with Gurung villagers
  • Compact 5-day format perfect for short trips
  • Low altitude - no altitude sickness risk
  • All permits and TIMS included

Itinerary

Day 1

Pokhara to Hile

⏱ Jeep + 3-4 hours hiking 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Hile, the trailhead, then short hike to a lower village lodge.

Day 2

Hile to Khumai Danda (3,250m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb through Gurung villages and forests to the ridge community lodge.

Day 3

Khumai Danda to Korchong Danda (3,100m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Traverse to another quiet ridge with new views.

Day 4

Korchong Danda to Sarepakha (2,400m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend through forests and villages.

Day 5

Sarepakha to Pokhara

⏱ Hike + drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Final descent and jeep to Pokhara.

Ready to walk this?

Enquire now →

What's included

Included

  • Meals in clean and hygienic hotels during the trek
  • Accommodation in clean lodges and community lodges
  • ACAP permit fees
  • TIMS card
  • Licensed guide (food, accommodation, salary, insurance included)
  • 1 porter per 2 trekkers (insurance included)
  • All land transportation
  • First aid kit

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hard drinks and soft drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters and drivers
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers
  • Personal expenses

Trek guide

Nepal's Newest Hidden Hike

Khumai Danda was developed as a community trekking route in the early 2020s and remains relatively unknown to foreign trekkers. Sitting in the lower hills north of Pokhara, the ridge offers excellent Annapurna and Manaslu views without the altitude demands of larger treks.

Route

From Pokhara a jeep takes you to Hile or a similar trailhead. The trail climbs through Gurung villages to Khumai Danda, then traverses to Korchong Danda and Sarepakha before descending back to Pokhara.

Views

From Khumai Danda you see:
- Annapurna II, III and IV
- Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
- Manaslu range on clear days
- Lamjung Himal

Permits

  • ACAP
  • TIMS card

Altitude

Highest point: 3,250m. Mild altitude - no significant risk.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May)
  • Autumn (September-November)

Fitness

Easy. 4-5 hours of walking daily. Minimal preparation needed.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -5°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 2 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal layer, 3 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, gloves

Footwear: Trekking boots, camp shoes

Accessories: 30L daypack, 50L duffel, optional -5°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 4 photos, cash

Medical: First-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, painkillers

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from Poon Hill?
Khumai Danda is shorter, quieter, lower altitude and cheaper. Poon Hill is the iconic mainstream choice; Khumai is the off-the-radar alternative.

Are the views as good as Poon Hill?
Different but comparable. Khumai has stronger Manaslu and Lamjung Himal views.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Essentially no. The maximum altitude is 3,250m.

What is the trail like?
Mix of stone steps, forest paths and ridge walking. Well-marked but quiet.

Are the community lodges comfortable?
Basic but clean. Twin-share rooms, shared bathrooms, solar power. Hot meals.

What is the food like?
Authentic Gurung dal bhat, simple breakfast (porridge, pancakes), tea.

Will I see other trekkers?
Very few, especially compared to Poon Hill. Could be alone on the trail some days.

How cold does it get?
0 to 5°C at night at the highest lodges in shoulder seasons.

Can children and seniors do this trek?
Yes - very accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.

Can the trek be extended?
Yes - we can combine with Mardi Himal or Poon Hill for longer adventures.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $400

per person

WhatsApp Enquire