Khumai Danda Trek

2 Days

Overview

The Khumai Danda Trek is a short Himalayan trekking adventure north of Pokhara, situated beneath the impressive south face of Machhapuchhre, or Fishtail Mountain. Khumai Danda forms part of the broader Great Machhapuchhre/Machhapuchhre Model Trek network and is becoming popular as a quieter alternative to busier trekking routes around Pokhara.

This specially designed 1 Night / 2 Days itinerary is intended for travelers with limited time and reasonable physical fitness. Instead of beginning the walk from the lower villages, the journey uses road access toward Hile Kharka before trekking through rhododendron and oak forests to Khumai Danda at 3,245 metres. A published two-day itinerary follows the same basic plan.

Khumai Danda provides impressive close-up views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and surrounding Himalayan peaks. The main highlight comes early on the second morning with a hike toward Korchan Danda, approximately 3,700 metres, for sunrise and panoramic mountain views.

Because the journey is compressed into only two days, trekkers should expect sustained uphill hiking on Day 1 and a long combination of pre-dawn ascent and descent on Day 2. It is best suited to active travelers comfortable walking several hours on mountain trails.

Trip Highlights

Complete a Himalayan trek from Pokhara in just 2 days and 1 night.
Overnight at Khumai Danda, 3,245 m.
Sunrise excursion to Korchan Danda at approximately 3,700 m.
Spectacular close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayas.
Views toward Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal and Dhaulagiri.
Walk through rhododendron, oak and mixed Himalayan forests.
Experience peaceful trails with fewer trekkers than many popular Annapurna routes.
Stay in a simple local mountain teahouse/community lodge.
Excellent sunrise, sunset and mountain photography.
Convenient start and finish in Pokhara.
Ideal for fit travelers with limited time.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 :

Pokhara → Hile Kharka → Khumai Danda

Sleeping Altitude: Approximately 3,245 m / 10,646 ft
Driving: Approximately 2–3 hours depending on road conditions and final 4WD access point
Walking: Approximately 4–5 hours from Hile Kharka
Accommodation: Basic Tea House / Community Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Depart Pokhara early in the morning by suitable local or private 4WD vehicle and travel toward the Khumai Danda trekking area. The short two-day route is designed to drive as far as practical toward Hile Kharka, reducing the walking distance required on the standard Ghachowk route. A current trekking operator specifically lists Pokhara → Hile Kharka by road → Khumai Danda on foot for its two-day itinerary.

From Hile Kharka, begin the steady climb toward Khumai Danda. The trail passes mainly through oak and rhododendron forests and becomes narrower and steeper in sections. Standard itineraries estimate the hike between Hile Kharka and Khumai Danda at approximately 4–5 hours.

As elevation increases, the forest occasionally opens to reveal Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. Eventually arrive at Khumai Danda (3,245 m), where the ridge provides dramatic Himalayan views.

Spend the evening enjoying sunset and mountain scenery before staying overnight in a simple local lodge or teahouse.

Day 2 :

Khumai Danda → Korchan Danda → Khumai Danda → Hile Kharka → Pokhara

Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
Walking: Approximately 7–9 hours total
Driving: Approximately 2–3 hours, depending on road conditions
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Wake before sunrise and begin the ascent from Khumai Danda toward Korchan Danda.

Korchan is approximately 3 km from Khumai Danda, and trekking sources generally estimate around 1.5–3 hours uphill, depending on pace and conditions. The trail becomes steeper as it approaches the high ridge.

From the Korchan viewpoint, enjoy sunrise over Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. The position high above the valleys makes this the main scenic highlight of the Khumai Danda Trek.

After enjoying the views, descend back to Khumai Danda for breakfast or a short rest. Continue descending through the forests toward Hile Kharka.

Meet the vehicle near Hile Kharka or at the nearest accessible road point and drive back to Pokhara, completing the 2 Days / 1 Night Khumai Danda Trek.

Important: This is a fast-paced itinerary. A longer 3-day version is more comfortable, while the two-day version is best for fit trekkers comfortable with a long second day. Sources specifically describing two-day variants also characterize them as significantly more demanding than the normal itinerary.

Costs

The Cost Includes

Transportation from Pokhara toward Hile Kharka / trekking starting point.
Return transportation to Pokhara.
One night basic teahouse/community lodge accommodation at Khumai Danda.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary.
Government-licensed trekking guide.
Required trekking/conservation permits where applicable.
Local trekking route arrangements.
Guide’s salary, meals, accommodation and insurance.
Basic first-aid kit.
Applicable government/local taxes and service charges.

The Cost Excludes

International airfare.
Nepal entry visa.
Hotel accommodation in Pokhara before or after the trek.
Meals in Pokhara.
Personal travel and medical insurance.
Emergency evacuation or helicopter rescue.
Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
Porter unless specifically included in your package.
Bottled/mineral water and soft drinks.
Alcoholic beverages.
Hot showers where separately charged.
Wi-Fi/internet fees.
Battery/device charging.
Laundry and telephone expenses.
Tips for guide, porter and driver.
Expenses caused by weather, road closures, landslides, illness or itinerary changes outside the operator’s control.

Map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How difficult is the 2-day Khumai Danda Trek?

The normal Khumai Danda trek is generally moderate, but this compressed two-day itinerary is moderate to challenging because it combines significant elevation gain and a long descent into a short period.

What is the highest altitude?

The highest point is Korchan Danda at approximately 3,700 metres / 12,139 feet.

Where do we stay overnight?

The single overnight stay is at Khumai Danda, approximately 3,245 metres, in a basic teahouse or community lodge.

What mountains can be seen?

Depending on weather and visibility, trekkers can see Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, Dhaulagiri and other Annapurna-region peaks.

What is the best season?

March to May and September to November are generally the best periods. Spring is especially attractive for rhododendron forests, while autumn often provides clearer mountain views.

Is Khumai Danda suitable for beginners?

Fit beginners can undertake Khumai Danda, but the two-day itinerary is considerably faster than the standard itinerary. Beginners who are unsure about their fitness should choose the three-day option instead.

Is Korchan Danda included?

Yes. The itinerary includes an early morning hike from Khumai Danda to Korchan Danda for sunrise before descending toward Pokhara.

How long does it take from Khumai Danda to Korchan?

The distance is approximately 3 km, generally requiring around 1.5–3 hours uphill, depending on fitness, weather and trail conditions.