Major Highlights of the Mohare Danda Trek
- A newly started trekking trail with only a handful of trekkers
- Panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range
- A short, beautiful trek suitable for everyone
- Live with the locals in a homestay and a community lodge
- Traditional villages of the Magar community
- Lush forests of Rhododendrons, Oak, and Pines
- Scenic terraced farmlands
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (850 M)
Day 02: Drive to Galeshwor and trek to Banskharka (1526 M)
Day 03: Trek to Nangi (2300 M)
Day 04: Trek to Mohare Danda (3313 M)
Day 05: Trek to Ulleri (2050 M)
Day 06: Trek to Hile (1505 M)and drive to Pokhara (825 M)
Day 07: Drive to Kathmandu (1350 M)
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (850 M)
In the morning, we will embark on our journey to Pokhara on a deluxe, air-conditioned tourist bus. The drive will be scenic, passing through numerous villages, towns, and valleys and offering mountain views. We will drive through the Prithivi Highway following rivers like Trishuli, Marsyangdi, and Modi.
Overnight: Pokhara, Altitude: 850 M, Duration: 8 hours
Day 02: Drive to Galeshwor and trek to Banskharka (1526 M)
After enjoying breakfast, we will make a 3-hour drive to Galeshwor, where we will have lunch as well. Then we will kick off the trek by crossing a suspension bridge and head to Banskharka. The walk is mostly uphill through the forests, an orange farm, beautiful terraced fields, and little villages in between.
Overnight: Banskharka, Altitude: 1526 M, Duration: 3 hours of 4WD drive and 2 to 3 hours of uphill trek
Day 03: Trek to Nangi (2300 M)
Today’s walk will be through the forest, farmlands, and a couple of beautiful villages. Till Dandakateri, the lunch place, the walk will mostly be uphill through the forests. Then it’s another 1 and a half hours to 2 hours of a pleasant walk along the traditional villages and terraced farmlands before arriving at Nangi.
Overnight: Nangi, Altitude: 2300 M, Duration: 5 hours
Day 04: Trek to Mohare Danda (3313 M)
After having breakfast, we will start the trek to Mohare Danda. The walk will be mostly uphill through the Rhododendron forest and ridges. Today, the lunch place will be in a simple hut with a beautiful view. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by the panoramic view of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges and the valleys down below.
Overnight: Mohare Danda, Altitude: 3313 M, Duration: 5 hours
Day 05: Trek to Ulleri (2050 M)
Today is a special day for all of us. Early in the morning, we will rejoice stunning view of sunrise over the majestic Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges, a sight to behold. With a cup of coffee/tea and the splendid views around us, it is an experience like no other.
Then, after having breakfast with the mountain backdrops, we will continue our journey, which will follow through the thick forests of Rhododendrons and Pines. As we arrive at Poon Hill, we will be joining the classic Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek trail. We will stop by Ghorepani for lunch and continue to Ulleri afterward. The walk today will mostly be downhill.
Overnight: Ulleri, Altitude: 2050 M, Duration: 6 hours
Day 06: Trek to Hile (1505 M) and drive to Pokhara (825 M)
Today will be our final day of this beautiful short trek. We will walk by several villages on our way down to Hile. And then, we will take a private 4WD jeep to the lake city of Pokhara. The first 6-7 kilometers of the drive will be off-road.
Overnight: Pokhara, Altitude: 850 M, Duration: 2 hours of trek and 2 hours of drive
Day 07: Drive to Kathmandu (1350 M)
After having breakfast, we will leave the beautiful city of Pokhara and head back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus through the scenic highway. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner hosted by the company for the successful completion of the trek. With a head full of good memories of the trek, we will say goodbye to each other.
Overnight: Kathmandu, Altitude: 1350 M, Duration: 8 hours
Note: The duration of walking and vehicle transfers is approximate. It may therefore vary more or less from the duration mentioned in the program. And the itinerary can be tailored to meet your preferences, demand, budget, time frame, and fitness level.
Trek distance
Our 5-day Mohare Danda Trek distance is approximately 38 km. Here is the breakdown of daily walking distance:
- Day 1/Galeshwor to Banskharka: 3.66km
- Day 2/Banskharka to Nangi : 9.01km
- Day 3/Nangi to Mohare Danda : 8.84km
- Day 4/Mohare Danda to Ulleri : 13km
- Day 5/Ulleri to Hille : 3km
Transportation
The starting point of the trek is Galeshwor, which is around 87km and 3 3-hour drive from Pokhara. The ending point of our 5-day Mohare Danda Trek is Hille, which is around 50km and a 2-hour drive from Pokhara. Local transportation options like bus, taxi, jeep, etc., are available to get to the trailhead and return. However, for comfort and timely transfers, having a private vehicle is highly recommended.
Required Permits
For the Mohare Danda Trek, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is required, which can be obtained in the ACAP office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Food and accommodation
During the first 3 nights of the trek, you will be sleeping in community lodges run by the locals. The rooms are simple with two single beds. A hot shower is available except in Mohare Danda. There are no attached rooms. All of the toilets are situated outside the rooms. There are Western-style toilets as well.
Food options are simple on the Mohare Danda Trek. You can get western menus, but they are limited compared to the treks like the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. Once you cross Poon Hill and get down to Ghorepani, you will find better facilities of food and accommodation.
As for drinking water, you can buy treated mineral water bottles or use filters or water purifiers as per your preference.
Internet, Telephone, and Electricity
There are internet facilities throughout the entire trek. All lodges have wireless internet facilities. In places like Nangi and Mohare Danda, you can use the free Wi-Fi services provided by the community.
All the places have access to telephone networks. The Namaste SIM works much better in this area.
Electricity is available on the entire trek except in Mohare Danda, where only the solar power option is available.
Difficulty
The Mohare Danda Trek can be considered an easy to moderate trek, depending on the experience and fitness level. A beginner with no prior experience can complete the trek without any issues. The trek is suitable for families and senior age groups. The highest point is Mohare Dand, situated at an altitude of approximately 3310 meters above sea level. The average walking duration is approximately 4 hours per day.
There are plenty of uphill and downhill sections with stairs, which beginner trekkers find difficult. Therefore, we would recommend practicing walking up stairs as preparation.
Trail features and conditions
The trail in the Mohare Danda Trek is a mix of natural and man-made. There are plenty of stone stairs and stone paths throughout the trek, mostly around the periphery of the villages. Likewise, we will be walking on an off-road in a few sections of Day 1, Day 2, and Day 4. The rest of the trails are natural. The first three days will mostly be uphill through stairs, natural trail, and a few off-road sections. Then it’s mostly downhill till Hile, the ending point of the trek. During the trek, you will cross a couple of suspension bridges as well.
Backpack and packing list for the Mohare Danda Trek
For a backpack, a small day pack of around 25 liters will be enough to carry your wallet, camera, chargers, sun cream, toilet paper, a spare jacket or fleece, water bottle, light snacks, etc. The rest of the things necessary for the trek will be in the company’s duffle bag, which will be carried by our porters.
Here is the detailed breakdown of the packing list for the Mohare Danda Trek:
Head
- Cap or Hat
- Beanie
- Sunglasses
- Buff
Upper Body
- 2 pairs of breathable and quick-drying t-shirts
- Waterproof/Windproof Jacket, Umbrella, or Raincoat as per the season
- Down jacket (light or heavy, as per the season)
- Thermal wear
- Fleece
- Light gloves
Lower Body
- 2 pairs of breathable and quick-drying pants
- Thermal wear
- Hiking socks
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Waterproof pants (For monsoon)
- A pair of sandals
Others
- Hiking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Mosquito repellant
- Sun cream
- Toiletries
- Headlamp
- Spare battery for camera, GoPro, etc.
- Power bank (Electricity is available, but power cuts can be expected sometimes)
- First-Aid Kit and medicines
- Local SIM card
- Water bottle
- Local currency
Best time to do the Mohare Danda Trek
The Mohare Danda Trek can be done all year round as it’s a short trek that doesn’t get that high in terms of altitude. But still, the ideal time to enjoy the most is the autumn and spring seasons.
The autumn season (October and November) has clear and stable weather. The temperature is ideal, neither hot nor cold, with splendid mountain views. Sometimes the monsoon could last till early October. Various important festivals like Dashain and Tihar take place during this period.
Spring (March, April, and early May) is another ideal time for the Mohare Danda Trek. Early March will be a bit cold, and May will be quite hot in the lower part. Therefore, you will need to prepare accordingly. This is a perfect time to see Rhododendrons blooming all over the hills. Rainfall can be expected starting from late April.
This trek can be done in winter and monsoon as well, but will need more preparation. Therefore, if possible, we would recommend the autumn and spring seasons.
Mohare Danda Trek Variations
The Mohare Danda Trek can be done in various ways. It can be combined with plenty of other treks if you wish to make it longer and a bit challenging. Whether it is a week-long trek or a more than 2-week trek, you have all the options. Some of the possible variations of the Mohare Danda Trek are:
FAQs
Can I do the Mohare Danda Trek without a guide?
Yes, the Mohare Danda Trek can be done without a guide if you have a fair amount of trekking experience. It’s an easy trek, and the trails are well-marked. However, if you don’t have that much experience, it is better with a guide.
Is a vegan meal option available on the trek?
Yes, it is available throughout the entire trek.
Is there a risk of getting altitude sickness on this trek?
The risk of getting altitude sickness on this trek is very rare. Even if you get it, it will most probably be a mild sickness that we can manage with rest.
Is the trek safe for solo travelers, especially for solo females?
Nepal is one of the safest countries in the world for travelers, including solo females. The Mohare Danda Trek is no exception. All of the local people are welcoming and always ready to help you. There will be no issues even for solo female travelers. If you would like to be on the safe side, you could trek with a guide.
Is the trek region easily accessible for rescue and help in case of emergency?
The trek has easy access except for the third day. For effective communication, there are telephone networks throughout the trek. And all of the villages are connected by road networks. The nearest town and highway can be reached in 2 to 3 hours of jeep ride or one day of walking. And also, Pokhara is near.
How can I prepare for the Mohare Danda Trek?
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, the Mohare Danda is an easy trek that can be done by everyone. There are plenty of downhill and uphill sections in this trek and especially through the stone stairs. For a beginner, a senior group, or a family group, it can be a bit difficult. Therefore, the best way to be prepared for the trek is to hike as much as possible. And practice walking up stairs.
Is there a problem with mosquitoes?
If you are doing the trek in early autumn and late spring, you can find mosquitoes in Pokhara and the lower parts. Therefore, carry a mosquito repellent with you. Other than that, there is no problem with mosquitoes.
Can I observe the rural lifestyle during the trek?
Yes, the trek passes through the vibrant villages of Pun Magar and the Gurung communities. You can observe their daily lifestyle and experience it yourself. The first 3 days of the trek will be through the less frequented trails. You will also trek through the big plantations of orange at Banshkharka.
What type of community and religious practices can I expect on this trek?
During the trek, you will be walking through the traditional villages of the Pun Magar community and a little bit of the Gurung community, situated in the foothills of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges with beautiful terraced farmlands. You will be able to experience most of these communities practicing nature worship, which includes shamanism and animism. And a mixture of bits of Hindu and Buddhist practices as well.
Can I customize the itinerary or the program?
Yes, the itinerary or even the whole program can be customized to suit your needs and preferences.
Are ATM services available on the trek?
It is available only in Ghorepani on the fourth day of the trek. It would be better to withdraw beforehand in Pokhara to cover your expenses during the trek.
What are the cancellation and refund policies of this trek?
It depends on various factors and the nature of the cancellation. You can find detailed information here: https://www.yakruadventure.com/terms-and-conditions
How can I book this trek?
To book any trip with us, an advance payment of 20% of the total cost is required. This can be made by card payment on our website or by bank transfer. The remaining payment can be made before the start of the trip. This can also be done by card, bank transfer, or cash, whichever is convenient to you. For more information about payments, please do let us know via email or WhatsApp.
