Khumai Danda Ridge and Korchan Viewpoint
- 6 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide you along the quiet Annapurna ridge of Khumai Danda, reaching 3700 m for close mountain vistas.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our six-day Khumai Danda trek offers an accessible route into the high ridges of the Annapurna region. Designed for hikers who prefer quiet trails over crowded hubs, this itinerary traverses terraced fields, dense rhododendron forests, and open alpine pastures. We designed this route to provide close-up perspectives of Mt. Machhapuchare, Mt. Lamjung, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri without the technical demands of longer high-altitude circuits.
We begin our journey with a short flight to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Hemja where our walking route starts. As we ascend toward Hile Kharka and Khumai Danda, our team manages the daily pace to suit varying fitness levels. The highest point on our route is Korchan Danda at 3700 m, where we catch unobstructed morning views of the surrounding peaks before descending toward Ghachowk.
This trek suits hikers with a reasonable level of physical fitness who are comfortable walking for five to six hours on uneven terrain. Teahouse accommodation along the ridge is simple and traditional, offering a glimpse into daily life in rural Gurung and Magar settlements. Our experienced guides and porters handle all logistics, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the trip.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Korchan Danda Sunrise
We stand at 3700 m on Korchan Danda to watch the sunrise light up Machhapuchare and Annapurna.
Rhododendron Forests
We walk beneath dense canopies of rhododendron and oak trees as we climb from Hemja toward Hile Kharka.
Gurung and Magar Villages
We pass through traditional mountain settlements, interacting with local residents and experiencing rural hospitality.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Route
We follow quiet ridge trails away from the heavily commercialized paths of the central Annapurna sanctuary.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you outside the terminal and escort you to our partner hotel. You can spend the afternoon resting and preparing your gear for the trek ahead.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara, Hemja to Hile Kharka
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara, Hemja to Hile Kharka
Meals: B / L / D
We board an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, enjoying a brief aerial view of the mid-hills. Upon landing, our private vehicle transfers us to Hemja where our trail begins.
We walk upward through green forests and rhododendron woodlands for about six hours, reaching Hile Kharka where we spend our first night in a local teahouse.
Day 3
Hile Kharka to Khumai Danda
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Hile Kharka to Khumai Danda
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast at the lodge, our trail climbs steeply uphill toward the ridge of Khumai Danda at 3245 m. We maintain a steady, manageable pace to adjust to the increasing elevation.
The afternoon opens up panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges and deep river valleys below our guesthouse.
Day 4
Khumai Danda to Korchan Danda, Ghachowk, and Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Khumai Danda to Korchan Danda, Ghachowk, and Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We start before dawn to hike toward the high viewpoint of Korchan Danda at 3700 m for sunrise over the high peaks. Afterward, we retrace our steps down to Khumai Danda and continue our descent toward Ghachowk.
A vehicle waits at Ghachowk to drive us back to Pokhara for a restful evening by the lake.
Day 5
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We catch a morning flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we transfer you to your hotel, leaving the afternoon free for souvenir shopping or personal exploration.
Day 6
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 6
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative will transfer you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your scheduled international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off on arrival and departure
- Two nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- One night in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- Round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- All ground transportation by private vehicle
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Twin-share lodge accommodation on the trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porter support
- ACAP permit and TIMS card fees
- Medical kit and safety gear
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees
- Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara beyond breakfast
- Bottled water, soft drinks, and personal snacks
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
Our highest point on this trek is Korchan Danda at 3700 m. While this altitude is lower than many major Himalayan passes, mild symptoms can still affect some travelers. Our guides monitor everyone closely and maintain a slow, steady pace.
Accommodation & Meals
We accommodate you in twin-share lodges during the trek and 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Meals on the trail include standard teahouse fare such as dal bhat, noodles, and eggs, prepared fresh daily.
Physical Fitness
This is classified as an easy to moderate trek with daily walks lasting five to six hours. Prior hiking experience is helpful, but consistent cardiovascular conditioning over the preceding months will ensure you enjoy the trail.
Responsible Travel
We adhere to strict leave-no-trace principles across all our routes. We ask our guests to minimize single-use plastics and respect local customs in the Gurung and Magar villages we traverse.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle support and waterproof lining recommended.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at higher camps.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Helpful for steep descents from Korchan Danda.
Sleeping bag (-10°C rated)Essential
Camping
For cold nights in high teahouses.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Essential for safe drinking water along the route.
Passport and passport-size photosEssential
Documents
Required for permit registration.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for early morning starts toward Korchan Danda.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.ACAP Entry Permit
PermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Project entry permit required for all trekkers in this region.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for tracking and safety.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Khumai Danda Trek?
It is an easy to moderate trek suitable for beginners with basic fitness. We walk five to six hours daily, reaching a maximum elevation of 3700 m at Korchan Danda.
What permits do we need for this trek?
We secure the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and your TIMS card as part of our service package.
What kind of accommodation should we expect on the trail?
We stay in local teahouses or lodges offering twin-share rooms with basic facilities. Dining areas are communal and heated by a central stove.
Do we need to carry our own luggage?
No, our porters carry the heavy duffel bags. You only need to carry a daypack with your water, layers, and camera.
What is the group size for this trek?
We operate this trek with a minimum of two participants to ensure safe group dynamics and personalized guide support.
Can we charge our electronic devices along the trail?
Yes, most lodges offer charging facilities in the dining hall, though they usually charge a small hourly or per-device fee.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 6 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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