Imagine waking up on a mountain ridge, with Machhapuchhre (the “Fishtail” peak) glowing pink right in front of you. There’s no long flight, no high pass, and hardly any crowds. And you started the trek just 90 minutes from Pokhara.
That’s the Khumai Danda trek, a short, scenic walk north of Pokhara that most travelers still haven’t heard of. It’s also known as the Machhapuchhre Model Trek. This guide covers everything you need to know: the route, difficulty, altitude, best time, permits, food, and who it’s right for.
Quick Answer
Khumai Danda is a short trek of about 2 to 4 days that reaches Khumai Danda (about 3,245 m), with an optional sunrise climb to Korchan Danda (about 3,700 m). It’s rated easy to moderate, it’s much quieter than Mardi Himal or Poon Hill, and it suits beginners, families, and anyone short on time.
Khumai Danda at a Glance
| Where | Annapurna Conservation Area, north of Pokhara |
| Trek length | About 2 to 4 days (longer versions exist) |
| Khumai Danda | About 3,245 m |
| Korchan Danda | About 3,682–3,700 m (the highest point) |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Best seasons | March–May, September–November |
| Accommodation | Teahouses, community lodges, and Gurung homestays |
| Permit | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) |
| Getting there | About 1.5 hours by road from Pokhara to Ghachok |
Heights vary by source. Korchan Danda is quoted from about 3,650 m to 3,700 m, so treat figures as close estimates.
What Makes It Special
- Close-up views. From the ridge and the viewpoint, you see Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and often Lamjung Himal and Dhaulagiri.
- A quiet trail. It’s newer and far less visited than Mardi Himal, Poon Hill, or Annapurna Base Camp.
- Rhododendron forest. In spring, the hillsides bloom in red, pink, and white.
- Gurung villages. Stay in homestays or simple lodges and see local farming life.
- Easy access. The trek starts after a drive from Pokhara, so no flights are needed.
- A hot spring finish. Some itineraries end at the Tatopani (Kharpani) hot spring.
The Route: How It Works
There isn’t one fixed route. Here’s a common pattern, with changes depending on the operator.
Day 1: Pokhara to Ghachok, then trek to Hile Kharka (about 2,160 m).
You drive to the trailhead and climb through villages, farms, and forest. It’s about 5 to 6 hours of walking, depending on where you start.
Day 2: Hile Kharka to Khumai Danda (about 3,245 m).
A steady climb through rhododendron forest to the ridge. It’s about 4 to 6 hours. You’ll arrive for sunset.
Day 3: Sunrise at Korchan Danda, then descend.
A pre-dawn hike takes about 2 to 3 hours to the viewpoint at about 3,700 m. After sunrise, you head down. On short versions, you return to Ghachok and drive to Pokhara. On longer versions, you descend to Mirsha village (about 1,480 m) and continue to Tatopani.
Day 4 (optional):
Relax at the hot spring and return to Pokhara.
Some versions also finish at Lwang, a Gurung village, instead of Mirsha.
How Difficult Is It?
Most operators rate Khumai Danda easy to moderate. The trail is non-technical, with mostly gradual climbs and a few steeper sections. Walking days run about 4 to 7 hours.
The hardest part is the steep climb from Khumai Danda to Korchan Danda, and the long descent afterward. Trekking poles help your knees on the way down.
You don’t need prior trekking experience, but you should be able to walk several hours a day on hills.
Altitude: Is It a Concern?
The trek tops out below about 3,700 m, so it’s much lower than Mardi Himal (about 4,200–4,500 m) or Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). Altitude illness is less likely, but it can still happen. Climb at a steady pace, drink water, and tell your guide about any headache, nausea, or dizziness. Never go higher with symptoms.
For the full guide, read our altitude sickness guide, and speak to your doctor if you have health concerns.
Khumai Danda vs Mardi Himal
| Khumai Danda | Mardi Himal | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest point | About 3,245 m (Korchan Danda ~3,700 m) | About 4,200–4,500 m |
| Altitude risk | Lower | Higher |
| Crowds | Quieter | Busier in peak season |
| Typical length | 2–4 days | 4–7 days or more |
| Best for | Beginners, families, short trips | Trekkers wanting a higher ridge |
If you want a bigger challenge, see our Mardi Himal Trek and our comparison of Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp.
Best Time to Go
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best seasons. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons. Autumn gives the clearest mountain views and the best sunrise at Korchan Danda.
Winter is possible, but nights are cold, and the sunrise hike is very cold. At Khumai Danda, nights can drop near or below freezing even in good seasons, and Korchan Danda is colder still. Monsoon (June–August) brings rain, leeches, and cloud, so it’s best avoided.
Food and Accommodation
Lodging is simple. Expect basic teahouses, community lodges, and Gurung family homestays, with shared bathrooms and limited hot water. Rooms get more basic as you climb.
Meals are usually simple too, such as dal bhat, noodles, soup, and eggs. A few operators note one main course per meal on the trail. Part of the charm is that it feels like local life, not a packaged trip.
Permits and Cost
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs about NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors. Some operators also list a TIMS card. Rules change, so confirm with your operator. See our Nepal trekking permits guide.
On price, guided short versions from other operators are listed from about $450 for 4 days. Snowbank’s longer 9-day Machhapuchhre Model Trek starts in Kathmandu, includes hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and costs $800.
What to Pack
- Warm layers. Evenings and the sunrise hike are cold.
- Headlamp for the pre-dawn climb
- Trekking poles for steep descents
- Rain jacket and a hat
- Sturdy shoes, not sandals
- Water bottle and basic first-aid
- Cash for lodges and snacks
Make It Longer
Khumai Danda is easy to combine with other things:
- Add Pokhara time. Enjoy Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple, and the International Mountain Museum.
- Try paragliding. A tandem flight over the lake is a fun reward. See our Paragliding in Nepal page.
- Add another short trek. See Ghorepani Poon Hill or the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek.
- Choose a quieter list. Browse our guide to hidden treks in Nepal.
Is Khumai Danda Right for You?
A great fit if you:
- Want Himalayan views without a long trek
- Prefer quiet trails over busy ones
- Are a beginner or traveling with family
- Have only a few days near Pokhara
Look elsewhere if you:
- Want to reach a high base camp or cross a pass
- Need comfortable lodges with hot showers
- Want a long, remote trek. See our best treks guide for bigger options.
FAQs
How high is Khumai Danda?
About 3,245 m. The optional Korchan Danda viewpoint above it is about 3,700 m.
Is Khumai Danda the same as the Machhapuchhre Model Trek?
Mostly. Both names describe the same trail north of Pokhara. “Khumai Danda trek” usually means a shorter version, while the “Model Trek” often includes Korchan Danda and a longer descent.
How many days does the Khumai Danda trek take?
Usually 2 to 4 days, depending on the start point and whether you include Korchan Danda. Longer versions can last 6 to 9 days.
How difficult is the Khumai Danda trek?
It’s easy to moderate. The steepest part is the climb to Korchan Danda, and the descent can be hard on the knees.
Is altitude sickness a risk?
Less than on higher treks, since the highest point is below about 3,700 m. It’s still possible, so go slowly and tell your guide about any symptoms.
When is the best time for Khumai Danda?
March–May and September–November. Spring has rhododendrons, and autumn has the clearest views.
What mountains can I see?
Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and often Lamjung Himal and Dhaulagiri.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, an ACAP, and sometimes a TIMS card. Confirm current rules with your operator.
Is it good for beginners and families?
Yes, for fit beginners and families with older children. It’s short and non-technical, but check age and fitness limits first.
Where do I stay on the trek?
In simple teahouses, community lodges, or Gurung homestays. Expect basic rooms and shared bathrooms.
How far is Khumai Danda from Pokhara?
About 40–50 km, or about 1.5 hours by road to Ghachok, where the trek starts.
How does it compare with Mardi Himal?
Khumai Danda is lower, quieter, and shorter. Mardi Himal is higher and busier, with bigger ridge views.
Ready to see Fishtail at sunrise? Explore Snowbank Adventure treks, or ask us about the Machhapuchhre Model Trek . For official information, see the Nepal Tourism Board