Mohare Danda Community Trek - 8 Days

Annapurna · 8 Days

Mohare Danda Community Trek - 8 Days

· Easy · Max altitude 3,300m (10,827 ft) at Mohare Danda ridge · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

8 Days

Max Altitude

3,300m (10,827 ft)

at Mohare Danda ridge

Grade

Easy

Lodging

Community eco-lodge / Teahouse

Overview

Mohare Danda is the community trek to the south-west of Ghorepani Poon Hill - a quiet ridge walk through Magar farming villages that benefits directly from the eco-lodges Dr Mahabir Pun and the Nepal Wireless Networking Project built two decades ago. It gives you the same panoramic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri sunrise as Poon Hill but with one-tenth the crowd, and your trekking fees support local schools, internet connectivity and renewable-energy projects in some of Nepal's most isolated villages.

The 8-day itinerary climbs gently through Nangi village (home of the famous Himalayan Wireless project), Lespar and Mohare Danda (3,300m), then descends via Poon Hill to Ghorepani for the final night. Lodges are simple but warm, food is fresh and local, and Wi-Fi is widely available (Dr Pun's legacy). Perfect for trekkers who want the classic Annapurna sunrise experience without the trail traffic.

Highlights

  • Mohare Danda sunrise (3,300m) - panoramic Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu views
  • Stay in community eco-lodges built by Dr Mahabir Pun's social enterprise
  • Visit Nangi village - home of the Nepal Wireless Networking Project
  • Optional cultural workshops on organic farming and weaving
  • See Poon Hill (3,210m) without the Poon Hill crowds (we arrive at sunset)
  • Trek through traditional Magar villages
  • Wi-Fi at lodges (rare for Nepal treks!)
  • Free filtered drinking water at lodges (no plastic bottles)
  • Direct community benefit - 30% of lodge revenue funds local schools
  • Lodge-based, no camping required

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m)

⏱ 6-7 hours by tourist bus ↔ 200 km 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Scenic drive west along the Trishuli river to lakeside Pokhara.

Day 2

Pokhara to Purna Gaun (1,705m)

⏱ 4-5 hours ↔ 7 km + jeep 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jeep to Nayapul, walk to Purna Gaun community lodge.

Day 3

Purna Gaun to Lespar (2,080m)

⏱ 4-5 hours ↔ 8 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gentle climb through Magar villages and rhododendron forest.

Day 4

Lespar to Nangi Village (2,340m)

⏱ 4-5 hours ↔ 9 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk to Nangi - heart of Dr Pun's community projects. Visit the school and wireless networking hub.

Day 5

Nangi to Mohare Danda (3,300m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 10 km ▲ 3,300m 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Steady climb through rhododendron forest to the ridge-top community lodge. Sunset views of Dhaulagiri.

Day 6

Mohare Danda sunrise, walk to Ghorepani (2,750m)

⏱ 2-3 hours ↔ 6 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pre-dawn 5 minutes' walk to the sunrise viewpoint. After breakfast, walk via Poon Hill (3,210m - quiet at this time of day) down to Ghorepani.

Day 7

Ghorepani to Pokhara

⏱ 2-3 hours hike + 2.5 hours drive ↔ 8 km + 52 km drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Descend through rhododendron forest to Ulleri, then jeep back to Pokhara.

Day 8

Pokhara to Kathmandu

⏱ 6-7 hours bus or 30-min flight 🍽 Breakfast

Return to Kathmandu.

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What's included

Included

  • Land transportation Pokhara-Nayapul-Pokhara
  • Tourist bus Kathmandu-Pokhara return
  • 2 nights' Pokhara accommodation (3-star, BB plan)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
  • Senior English-speaking guide
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (max 20 kg load)
  • Community eco-lodge and teahouse accommodation
  • Three meals a day during the trek
  • All applicable government taxes

Not included

  • Nepal visa fee
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara outside BB plan
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide and porter

Trek guide

Why Mohare Danda Matters

The Mohare Danda lodges were built between 2008 and 2015 as part of Dr Mahabir Pun's Himanchal Higher Secondary School initiative in Nangi village. Pun, who won the 2007 Ramon Magsaysay Award (Asia's equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize), built schools, brought wireless internet to remote villages, and developed the community trek as a sustainable funding model.

The Sunrise Comparison

Viewpoint Altitude Crowd Visible peaks
Mohare Danda 3,300m 5-20 trekkers Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu
Poon Hill 3,210m 200-500 trekkers Same

Mohare wins on solitude and on altitude (90m higher means slightly broader view). Poon Hill wins on history and on the smoother trail.

Acclimatisation

Not needed. Maximum altitude 3,300m. Most trekkers experience no symptoms.

Permits

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - USD 30
  • TIMS Card - NPR 2,000

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Rhododendrons peak in March-April
  • Autumn (September-November): Clearest visibility

Winter is fine but the upper villages can get cold mornings.

Fitness

Easy to moderate. 4-5 hour walking days, mostly uphill on Days 2-5 then downhill on Days 6-7. Suitable for any reasonably active adult with one month of cardio.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -5C, fleece, waterproof shell, 2 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal base layer, 4 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, lightweight gloves

Footwear: Trekking boots, camp shoes

Accessories: 30L daypack, 50L duffel, sleeping bag liner (lodges have blankets), trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, 1.5L water, purification, power bank

Documents: Passport, visa, insurance, 4 passport photos

Medical: Painkillers, blister care, sunscreen, lip balm

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from the standard Poon Hill trek?
Mohare Danda adds 2 days but takes you through quiet community-owned lodges away from the main trail. Same sunrise, far fewer crowds, direct community benefit.

Is altitude sickness a risk?
Very low. Maximum altitude 3,300m. Almost no one experiences symptoms.

Can families do this trek?
Excellent for families. Children 8+ with some hiking experience do well. The community-lodge experience is enriching for kids.

How are the eco-lodges?
Simple but warm. Solar power, free filtered water, hot showers, free Wi-Fi (Dr Pun's wireless project), local food (organic where possible).

Is Wi-Fi really available?
Yes - this is the only Nepal trek where you can rely on Wi-Fi at every lodge. Sometimes slow but functional.

How does the trek benefit the community?
30% of lodge revenue is reinvested in local schools, healthcare and infrastructure. You will see the schools and projects firsthand.

When is the best month?
March-April for rhododendrons. October for clearest sunrise.

Can I extend to Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes - we offer a 13-day Mohare Danda + ABC combo. Speak to our office.

Is the trail well-marked?
Yes - signs in English and Nepali throughout. Our guide knows the area well regardless.

Why is this trek cheaper than ABC or Mardi Himal?
No high altitude, no expensive permits, lodge-based throughout, no flight required. Excellent value.

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 $595

per person

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