About This Trip
The Mohare Danda Trek represents a perfect combination of accessibility, authenticity, and natural splendor, offering what many experienced guides consider an ideal introduction to the magic of Himalayan trekking. What makes this trek exceptional is its ability to deliver magnificent mountain experiences and genuine cultural encounters while remaining manageable for most reasonably fit travelers, all within a framework of community-based tourism that directly benefits local people.
The trek follows a thoughtfully designed route that begins from either Galeshwor or Banskharka, ascending gradually through changing landscapes to reach the spectacular viewpoint of Mohare Danda, before descending via a different path to create a loop experience rather than a simple out-and-back journey. This circular approach maximizes the diversity of environments and communities encountered while avoiding repetition, creating a sense of continuous discovery throughout the trek.
The cultural dimension of this trek is particularly special. Villages along the route participate in a carefully developed community tourism initiative that maintains authentic local character while improving living standards through sustainable tourism revenue. Trekkers stay in locally-owned lodges where profits are channeled directly into community development projects ranging from education and healthcare to trail maintenance and conservation. This model creates a form of tourism where visitors become participants in sustainable development rather than mere observers of local culture.
Physically, the trek presents a satisfying challenge without extreme demands. Daily hiking segments generally range from 4-6 hours with significant elevation gains that reward effort with increasingly expansive views. The maximum altitude of 3,300m at Mohare Danda is high enough to provide spectacular mountain panoramas but remains below the threshold where serious altitude sickness becomes a significant concern, eliminating the need for complex acclimatization strategies required on higher treks.
Perhaps most distinctively, the Mohare Danda trek offers what many consider the perfect balance between genuine wilderness experience and basic comfort. The community lodges provide simple but adequate accommodations with proper beds, hearty meals prepared from local organic produce, and authentic hospitality, all while maintaining a genuine mountain atmosphere far removed from the relative commercialization of more popular routes. This balance creates a journey that feels like a meaningful adventure without unnecessary hardship.
This combination of accessible beauty, cultural authenticity, community benefits, and relative solitude creates what many experienced Nepal guides describe as the ideal short trek for those seeking the true essence of the Himalayan experience rather than simply checking off famous name destinations.
The Mohare Danda Trek represents a perfect combination of accessibility, authenticity, and natural splendor, offering what many experienced guides consider an ideal introduction to the magic of Himalayan trekking. What makes this trek exceptional is its ability to deliver magnificent mountain experiences and genuine cultural encounters while remaining manageable for most reasonably fit travelers, all within a framework of community-based tourism that directly benefits local people.
The trek follows a thoughtfully designed route that begins from either Galeshwor or Banskharka, ascending gradually through changing landscapes to reach the spectacular viewpoint of Mohare Danda, before descending via a different path to create a loop experience rather than a simple out-and-back journey. This circular approach maximizes the diversity of environments and communities encountered while avoiding repetition, creating a sense of continuous discovery throughout the trek.
The cultural dimension of this trek is particularly special. Villages along the route participate in a carefully developed community tourism initiative that maintains authentic local character while improving living standards through sustainable tourism revenue. Trekkers stay in locally-owned lodges where profits are channeled directly into community development projects ranging from education and healthcare to trail maintenance and conservation. This model creates a form of tourism where visitors become participants in sustainable development rather than mere observers of local culture.
Physically, the trek presents a satisfying challenge without extreme demands. Daily hiking segments generally range from 4-6 hours with significant elevation gains that reward effort with increasingly expansive views. The maximum altitude of 3,300m at Mohare Danda is high enough to provide spectacular mountain panoramas but remains below the threshold where serious altitude sickness becomes a significant concern, eliminating the need for complex acclimatization strategies required on higher treks.
Perhaps most distinctively, the Mohare Danda trek offers what many consider the perfect balance between genuine wilderness experience and basic comfort. The community lodges provide simple but adequate accommodations with proper beds, hearty meals prepared from local organic produce, and authentic hospitality, all while maintaining a genuine mountain atmosphere far removed from the relative commercialization of more popular routes. This balance creates a journey that feels like a meaningful adventure without unnecessary hardship.
This combination of accessible beauty, cultural authenticity, community benefits, and relative solitude creates what many experienced Nepal guides describe as the ideal short trek for those seeking the true essence of the Himalayan experience rather than simply checking off famous name destinations.

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Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Your Mohare Danda adventure begins in Nepal's vibrant capital. After airport pickup, settle into your hotel and attend a pre-trek briefing with your guide, who will outline the journey ahead through this community-managed trekking route. Take time to explore Kathmandu's cultural heritage sites and gather any last-minute supplies. The evening provides an opportunity to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine and prepare mentally for the trek ahead. Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Kathmandu with modern amenities.
Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m)
After breakfast, depart for Pokhara by tourist bus, a scenic 6-7 hour journey through the middle hills of Nepal, following river valleys and passing through traditional villages. Alternatively, take a short 25-minute flight for magnificent aerial views of the Himalayan foothills. Upon arrival in Pokhara, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this lakeside city with optional boating on Phewa Lake or visits to local temples. Use the opportunity to glimpse the Annapurna range, including the distinctive peak of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain), which will be visible during your trek. Accommodation: Tourist-class hotel in Pokhara.
Pokhara to Galeshwor to Banskharka (1,526m)
After breakfast, take a 2-3 hour drive to Galeshwor. The journey follows the Kali Gandaki river valley, offering beautiful scenery. Begin your trek with a 3-4 hour uphill climb through small villages and terraced farmland to reach Banskharka, your first night's stop. This traditional settlement provides your introduction to the community-managed tourism that characterizes this trek. The lodge is owned and operated by local villagers, with profits directed toward community development projects. The afternoon offers opportunities to explore the village, interact with locals, and observe traditional farming practices. Accommodation: Community lodge in Banskharka.
Banskharka to Nangi (2,300m)
Continue ascending through changing ecosystems for 5-6 hours, with the landscape transitioning from mixed farmland to more forested terrain as you gain altitude. The trail passes through small, authentic farming communities where you'll observe traditional daily activities largely unchanged for generations. Reach Nangi by afternoon, a remarkable village known for its community development initiatives including a locally-run school that pioneered computer education in rural Nepal. The village features organic farming projects, handicraft production, and innovative approaches to sustainable development that you can observe firsthand. Accommodation: Community lodge in Nangi.
Nangi to Mohare Danda (3,300m)
Today's challenging but rewarding 5-6 hour trek takes you to the highest point of your journey. The trail climbs steadily through beautiful rhododendron forests (spectacular when blooming in spring) before emerging into more open terrain with increasingly dramatic mountain views. Reach Mohare Danda by afternoon, where a community lodge sits alongside a radio communication tower powered by renewable energy. The panoramic views from this vantage point are breathtaking, encompassing Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. The late afternoon and sunset from this location are truly spectacular, with mountains glowing in golden light. Accommodation: Community lodge at Mohare Danda.
Mohare Danda to Deurali (2,100m)
Rise early to witness a magnificent sunrise over the Himalayan peaks—a highlight of the entire trek as the first light illuminates the mountains in spectacular fashion. After breakfast, begin your descent along a different route from your ascent, maintaining the journey's sense of discovery. This 5-6 hour trek passes through beautiful forests and small settlements, with continuous views of the mountains when the trail emerges from forested sections. Reach Deurali by afternoon, another community-managed lodge in a peaceful setting with views of the surrounding hillsides. Accommodation: Community lodge in Deurali.
Deurali to Tikot to Pokhara
Complete your trek with a 3-4 hour descent to Tikot, passing through more villages and terraced farmland. From Tikot, a vehicle will transport you back to Pokhara (2-3 hours), completing your circuit. The return journey offers final views of the landscapes you've traversed over the past few days. Back in Pokhara, enjoy the comfort of hot showers, varied cuisine, and the opportunity to reflect on your community-based trekking experience. Accommodation: Tourist-class hotel in Pokhara.
Pokhara
Take a well-deserved rest day in Pokhara. Options include boating on Phewa Lake, visiting the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views, exploring the International Mountain Museum, or simply relaxing in lakeside cafes and restaurants. This day allows time to absorb the experiences of your journey through one of Nepal's most innovative community-based trekking regions. Accommodation: Same hotel in Pokhara.
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus (6-7 hours) or a short flight (25 minutes). The afternoon in Kathmandu offers opportunities for souvenir shopping in Thamel or additional sightseeing. A farewell dinner provides a chance to celebrate your Mohare Danda adventure with guides and fellow trekkers. Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.
Departure from Kathmandu
Your Mohare Danda adventure concludes with a transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your schedule, you might have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu before leaving Nepal with memories of your journey through this community-managed trekking destination.
Services
Includes
- Specialized bilingual guide familiar with the Mohare Danda region
- Private Transport where applicable
- Tourist bus/flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Daily meals on the trek: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Services of an experienced guide and porter during the trek
- All essential trekking permits
- Accommodation throughout the trek (community lodges)
Excludes
- Additional accommodation due to personal preference or early completion
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the trek
- Gratuities for the guides, porters, and trekking support staff
- International flights and entry visa fees for Nepal
- Personal trekking equipment and gear (sleeping bags, jackets, etc.)
- Extra food and drinks beyond the standard meals provided
- Hot showers and battery charging at lodges (pay per use)
- Activities in Pokhara (boating, paragliding, etc.)
Good To Know
This trek requires reasonable fitness for daily ascents but is achievable for most active people. Community lodges are simple but clean, focusing on sustainability rather than luxury; bring a quality sleeping bag for additional comfort. Pack layers for temperatures ranging from warm days to cool nights, especially at Mohare Danda. WiFi is available at certain lodges, particularly in Nangi which pioneered rural internet access in Nepal. Solar charging facilities exist but may have limited capacity; consider bringing a power bank. The entire trek supports local community development, with portions of your payment directly funding education, healthcare, and conservation. Water purification tablets or filters are recommended as bottled water is not available at higher elevations. Most lodges serve organic, locally-grown food as part of their sustainability initiatives. Bringing small educational materials as gifts for village schools is appreciated but not expected.
Wildlife Encounters
- Various pheasant species including the colorful Danphe (Nepal's national bird)
- Himalayan langur monkeys in forested sections
- Barking deer in early mornings
- Eagles and kestrels hunting over ridges
- Colorful butterflies, particularly during spring and summer
- Numerous small bird species in forests
- Various reptiles in lower altitude sections
- Small mammals like marmots in higher areas
- Wild roses and numerous wildflower species in season
- Medicinal plants traditionally used by local communities
Reviews
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Your queries are answered.
What are community lodges like?
Simple but clean accommodations owned and operated by local villages. Profits support education, healthcare, and conservation. Basic private rooms with shared facilities and locally-sourced meals.
Best time to visit?
October-November (clearest views) or March-April (rhododendron blooms). Possible year-round but monsoon (June-September) brings leeches and cloudy views.
How difficult is the trek?
Moderate difficulty with 4-6 hour daily hikes and significant climbs. Suitable for reasonably fit beginners. Maximum altitude (3,300m) low enough to minimize altitude sickness.
Do I need a guide?
Highly recommended to support the community tourism model and for navigation. Guides enhance the experience by explaining development initiatives and facilitating cultural interactions.
What permits are needed?
Only a TIMS card (approximately $10), obtainable through trekking agencies or in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
How is this different from Poon Hill?
Similar mountain views but significantly fewer trekkers, community-based rather than commercial teahouses, and emphasis on sustainable development projects.
Is WiFi available?
Yes, particularly in Nangi village which pioneered rural internet access in Nepal. Connection quality varies but is surprisingly available in most community lodges.
Extra budget needed?
Approximately $8-12 daily for battery charging, additional snacks/drinks, and optional hot showers where available.
Can families with children do this trek?
Suitable for active families with children 10+ years old. Communities are particularly welcoming to children, creating educational cultural exchanges.