Mohare Danda Ridge and Poon Hill Route
- 7 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We lead a quieter Annapurna ridge route combining community lodges on Mohare Danda with the classic sunrise views from Poon Hill.
At a glance
Trip overview
We offer this 7-day trek as an alternative to the busier trails of the central Annapurna foothills, combining community-managed forest paths with established viewpoints. The route leaves the main highway at Birethanti and climbs past Ulleri toward the high ridge of Mohare Danda at 3300m, before traversing toward Ghorepani and Poon Hill at 3210m.
This journey suits trekkers looking for quieter paths without extreme altitude exposure. We spend our nights in basic twin-share teahouses and community lodges operated by local Gurung and Magar villages, keeping our footprint small and supporting local development initiatives.
While the maximum elevation is a modest 3300m, the daily walking distances and stone staircases require sound cardiovascular fitness. Our lead guides manage the pace carefully across the ascents, ensuring our team maintains proper hydration and steady breathing as we climb above the tree line.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Mohare Danda Ridge Sunrise
We catch early morning light across Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range from the 3300m ridge.
Poon Hill Panorama
We ascend to the 3210m viewpoint for wide-angle views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South.
Gurung and Magar Villages
We interact with local farming communities in settlements like Ghorepani and Ghandruk.
Rhododendron Forests
Our trail passes through dense stands of oak and flowering rhododendron trees along the ridge.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our airport representative meets you outside the terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You spend the rest of the afternoon resting and preparing your gear for the trek ahead.
Day 2
Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Birethanti, and Trek to Ulleri (1960m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Birethanti, and Trek to Ulleri (1960m)
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then board our private vehicle to reach Birethanti via Nayapul. Our walking begins with a climb past Ramghai and Tikhedhunga before we ascend the stone staircase to reach Ulleri at 1960m.
Day 3
Trek from Ulleri to Mohare Danda (3300m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Trek from Ulleri to Mohare Danda (3300m)
Meals: B / L / D
Today's route is a demanding uphill climb covering approximately 12 km through dense rhododendron and oak forests. We reach the high ridge of Mohare Danda at 3300m, where we are rewarded with broad views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 4
Trek from Mohare Danda via Poon Hill (3210m) to Ghorepani (2880m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek from Mohare Danda via Poon Hill (3210m) to Ghorepani (2880m)
Meals: B / L / D
We start with sunrise views from Mohare Danda before following the ridge trail toward the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3210m. After observing the mountain panorama, we descend to the nearby Gurung village of Ghorepani for our overnight stop.
Day 5
Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2630m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2630m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail today leads us through shaded forests of oak and pine over a distance of 9.5 km. We walk at a measured pace, reaching the ridge settlement of Tadapani by early afternoon.
Day 6
Trek to Kimche, Drive to Pokhara, and Fly to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek to Kimche, Drive to Pokhara, and Fly to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We hike downhill through Ghandruk to reach Kimche, where our transport vehicle waits to drive us back to Pokhara. From Pokhara airport, we board our afternoon flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel.
Day 7
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 7
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team provides private transport from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours prior to your scheduled international departure.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- All ground transportation by private vehicle
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porter services
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card
- First-aid medical kit carried by our lead guide
- Down jacket and sleeping bag for use during the trek
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi fees at teahouses
- Bottled drinks, beers, and extra snacks along the trail
- Tips for our trekking guides, porters, and drivers
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
The highest point on this route is Mohare Danda at 3300m. While this altitude presents a low risk for severe mountain sickness, our guides monitor every team member for headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
Fitness expectations
You should expect steep stone staircases and continuous daily climbs lasting between five and seven hours. Regular cardiovascular training and leg-strengthening exercises in the months prior to your arrival will make the daily ascents much more manageable.
Teahouse accommodation
Lodges along the Mohare Danda and Poon Hill route are simple twin-share rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. Dining areas are communal and heated by central wood stoves in the evenings.
Drinking water
Bottled mineral water is available in lower villages, but we encourage carrying a reusable bottle and chemical purification tablets or a reliable filter to reduce plastic waste along the trail.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to arrival with good ankle support.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Provided by us if needed, required for cold mornings at 3300m.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms for evening temperatures.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Essential protection against unexpected mountain rain.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -10°C; we provide these for your trek duration.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Particularly helpful for protecting knees on steep stone stair descents.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for early morning starts to Mohare Danda and Poon Hill.
Reusable water bottle and purifierEssential
Safety
Purification tablets or filter pump to treat drinking water.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must include high-altitude emergency medical rescue coverage.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitRequired for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area region.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for hiker registration.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?
The highest elevation on this route is Mohare Danda at 3300m, with Poon Hill reaching 3210m.
How difficult is the Mohare Danda Trek?
We rate this trek as moderate. It involves several hours of daily walking over stone steps and steep ascents, requiring good baseline physical fitness.
Do I need permits for this trek?
Yes. You require an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, both of which we arrange for you.
What kind of accommodation is available on the trail?
We stay in local teahouses and community lodges offering basic twin-share rooms and communal dining spaces.
Can I charge my electronic devices during the trek?
Most teahouses offer electricity in the dining room for charging devices, though they usually charge a small hourly fee.
How much cash should I carry on the trek?
We recommend carrying enough Nepalese Rupees for personal expenses such as hot showers, battery charging, bottled drinks, and staff tips, as there are no ATM facilities on the trail.
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 7 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
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