Nepal Mohare Danda: Trekking tour with local guide & stays

Summary

Walk quiet trails, meet mountain communities, and wake to Annapurna’s light

You’ll walk quiet forest trails above Pokhara with a local guide on the Mohare Danda trek, stay in eco-lodges run by mountain families, and share meals cooked over wood fires. Expect sunrise views over Annapurna Massif and real moments with villagers along the way — memories you’ll carry long after your boots are clean again.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the air felt in Kathmandu — thick with incense and scooter fumes, but somehow still gentle. Our guide, Suman, met us at arrivals holding a sign with my name (spelled wrong, which made me laugh). Thamel was chaos and color; shopkeepers calling out, prayer flags tangled above the street. I bought a wool hat I didn’t need. That night, over dal bhat in a tiny restaurant, Suman explained the Mohare Danda trek route — “less crowded than Poon Hill,” he promised — and I realized I had no idea what to expect except that we’d be walking a lot.

Pokhara was softer — lakeside air, kids playing cricket by the water. The drive to Galeshwor took hours on roads that twisted like a snake; I kept thinking we’d tip off the edge but our driver just grinned. The first day of trekking started after crossing a suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki river — it bounced underfoot and my heart did too. We passed through villages where women waved from fields and goats blocked the trail. At Bas Kharka, dinner was cooked by our host’s mother (I never got her name), who handed me tea so sweet it made my teeth ache. That night in the community lodge, I could hear dogs barking far away and someone singing softly in Nepali.

The climb to Mohare Danda itself was harder than I’d guessed — seven hours up through forest that smelled of pine needles and wet earth. Suman pointed out peaks: “That’s Machapuchre,” he said, “the Fishtail.” My legs burned but then we reached the ridge just as clouds parted for sunset over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It wasn’t silent — wind rattled prayer flags, someone coughed behind me — but it felt like everything else dropped away for a minute. I still think about that view when I can’t sleep.

We stayed in eco-lodges run by local families along the whole Mohare Danda trek route. In Nangi village, kids practiced English with us (“What is your favorite food?”) while their grandmother spun wool outside. Breakfasts were always simple: eggs, chapati, black tea strong enough to wake anyone up. On our last morning before heading down to Ghandruk, Suman woke us early for sunrise — cold enough to see our breath as pink light hit the snow peaks. No one spoke for a while; even Suman just smiled quietly at his cup.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Thamel Market

• Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
• Visit Thamel market and trip briefing

Day 2 — Kathmandu Sightseeing

• Tour Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa

Day 3 — Drive to Pokhara

• Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
• Explore Pokhara lakeside

Day 4 — Drive to Galeshwor and Trek Bas Kharka

• Drive to Galeshwor
• Trek to Bas Kharka village

Day 5 — Trek to Nangi Village

• Trek through villages to Nangi

Day 6 — Trek to Mohare Danda

• Trek to Mohare Danda with mountain views

Day 7 — Trek to Deurali

• Trek from Mohare Danda to Deurali

Day 8 — Trek to Ghandruk Village

• Walk to Ghandruk and visit Gurung museum

Day 9 — Trek to Syauli Bazar and Drive Pokhara

• Trek to Syauli Bazar
• Drive to Pokhara

Day 10 — Pokhara Exploration and Flight to Kathmandu

• Visit Devi's Fall, Gupteshwar Cave, Mountain Museum
• Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 11 — Kathmandu Cultural Tour

• Explore Kathmandu city and Durbar Square

Day 12 — Departure Day

• Transfer to Kathmandu airport for departure

Top questions

How long is the Mohare Danda trek from Kathmandu?

The full tour lasts 12 days including travel from Kathmandu and back.

Is this trek suitable for beginners?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; some days involve 6–7 hours of walking uphill.

Are meals included during the trek?

Yes, all food and drinks are included while trekking between villages.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in eco community lodges or homestays along the route; hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara are 3-star standard.

Is there hotel pickup included?

Yes, airport pickup on arrival in Kathmandu is included as well as all transfers during the trip.

What permits do I need for this trek?

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekking Permit (TIMS) are included in your booking.

Who leads the trek?

A professional local trekking guide accompanies you throughout; porters and assistant guides are also provided.

What’s special about this route compared to others?

The Mohare Danda trek is less crowded than popular routes like Poon Hill and focuses on community-based tourism.

What’s included

Your journey includes airport pickup in Kathmandu, all private transfers between cities and trailheads, overnight stays at 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast each morning, all meals during your time trekking between eco-lodges or homestays run by local families, guidance from an experienced trekking guide plus porter support throughout the Mohare Danda trek route, necessary permits (ACAP & TIMS), use of down jacket, sleeping bag with liner, duffel bag for gear transport—and plenty of hot tea shared around smoky kitchen fires before bed each night.