Mohare Danda Community Eco-Lodge Trek: overview
- Duration
- 4–7 days (typically 5)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Max altitude
- 3,313 m · Mohare Danda
- Start / finish
- Galeshwor, near Beni (drive from Pokhara) → Ulleri / Hile (jeep to Pokhara)
- Best months
- Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
- Sleep in
- Community-owned lodges and homestays at Banskharka, Nangi and Mohare Danda, run by village committees under the Nepal Wireless / Mahabir Pun community-trekking model, with income going to schools and the community. Rooms are simple twins and dorms, and meals are home-cooked dal bhat. Ghorepani on the last night has ordinary, well-equipped teahouses.
- Guide
- Licensed guide required
- Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS card
Mohare Danda is a grassy ridge at 3,313 m on the Myagdi–Parbat border, a few kilometres south-west of Poon Hill. It has the same view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, but you get there through Magar farming villages that almost no trekking groups visit. The lodges belong to the villages themselves: the route was set up by Nangi's Mahabir Pun, whose Nepal Wireless project also put a relay station on the ridge.
The standard 5-day trek from Pokhara starts with a drive to Galeshwor near Beni and climbs through the orange orchards of Banskharka, the terraced village of Nangi and rhododendron forest to the Mohare lodge. On day 4 you follow the ridge north through forest to Ghorepani, and next morning catch sunrise from Poon Hill before descending the Ulleri stairs to a jeep.
It is a gentle introduction to Nepal trekking: moderate daily climbs, a maximum altitude of 3,313 m, and a genuine village stay rather than a lodge strip. Expect simple facilities and fewer menu choices than on the main Poon Hill trail.
Highlights
- Sunrise from Mohare Danda (3,313 m) over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre
- Sleeping in community-owned lodges where your money goes to village schools
- Nangi, a Magar village and home of Mahabir Pun's Nepal Wireless project, with a school and community projects
- Orange orchards of Banskharka, best around November–January
- A quiet ridge walk from Mohare to Ghorepani through rhododendron forest
- Poon Hill (3,210 m) sunrise on the last morning
Day-by-day itinerary & route map
The standard 5-day itinerary from Pokhara. Tap any day, a marker on the map or a point on the altitude profile to follow the route. Walking times are for an average trekker at a steady pace, without long stops.
Route line and stops are approximate and drawn for planning — not for navigation. Terrain tiles © OpenTopoMap / OpenStreetMap contributors.
Show altitudes as a table
| Day | Route | Sleep | High point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara → Beni → Galeshwor (drive) → Banskharka | 1,526 m | — |
| 2 | Banskharka → Danda Kateri → Nangi | 2,260 m | — |
| 3 | Nangi → Mohare Danda | 3,313 m | — |
| 4 | Mohare Danda sunrise → ridge trail → Ghorepani | 2,860 m | — |
| 5 | Poon Hill sunrise → Ghorepani → Ulleri → Hile → Pokhara | 820 m | 3,210 m (Poon Hill) |
Day 1: Pokhara → Beni → Galeshwor (drive) → Banskharka
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 1,526 m
- Time
- ⏱ 3–3.5 h drive + 2–3 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 5 km
Drive west on the Baglung Highway to Beni, then a few kilometres up the Kali Gandaki to Galeshwor (about 830 m), known for its Shiva temple, Galeshwor Dham. From the trailhead, climb steadily on a path through terraced fields to Banskharka, a village of orange orchards.
Overnight: Community lodge, Banskharka
Local tip: A jeep can sometimes take you most of the way to Banskharka on the new road; walking the lower section is the better warm-up.
Day 2: Banskharka → Danda Kateri → Nangi
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 2,260 m
- Time
- ⏱ 4–5 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 8 km
A steep morning climb through forest and farmland to the ridge at Danda Kateri, a good lunch stop, then an easier traverse to Nangi. Nangi is a Magar village spread over terraces, with a school, craft workshops and community projects that the lodge committee will happily show you.
Overnight: Community lodge, Nangi
Local tip: Ask to see the school and the Nepal Wireless equipment; the village's story is the reason this trek exists.
Day 3: Nangi → Mohare Danda
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 3,313 m
- Time
- ⏱ 4–5 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 7 km
Climb about 1,050 m through dense rhododendron and oak forest, which is red and pink with blossom in March and April, to the open grassy crest of Mohare Danda. The lodge sits next to the Nepal Wireless relay tower with a 180° view from Dhaulagiri to Machhapuchhre. Sunset is often better than sunrise here.
Overnight: Community lodge, Mohare Danda
Day 4: Mohare Danda sunrise → ridge trail → Ghorepani
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 2,860 m
- Time
- ⏱ 3–4 h walk
- Distance
- ≈ 7 km
After sunrise, follow the ridge north through rhododendron and oak forest, with occasional clearings and views, to join the Poon Hill trail at Ghorepani. Arriving at a busy lodge village feels quite different after three quiet days. Walk up Poon Hill for sunset if the sky is clear.
Overnight: Teahouse, Ghorepani
Local tip: Snow can linger on the north-facing forest sections of the ridge in January and February; ask your guide about conditions before you leave Mohare.
Day 5: Poon Hill sunrise → Ghorepani → Ulleri → Hile → Pokhara
- Sleep altitude
- ▲ 820 m
- High point
- Max 3,210 m · Poon Hill
- Time
- ⏱ 1.5 h Poon Hill + 4–5 h walk + 2.5 h drive
- Distance
- ≈ 12 km
Climb 45 minutes to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, then return to Ghorepani for breakfast. The descent via Nangethanti and Banthanti to Ulleri is followed by the 3,000-plus steps down to Tikhedhunga and Hile, where you take a jeep to Nayapul and Pokhara.
Overnight: Hotel, Pokhara
Local tip: To save your knees, take a jeep from Ulleri instead of walking down the lower stairs.
Best time to trek
- Jan: possible
- Feb: possible
- Mar: best
- Apr: best
- May: possible
- Jun: not ideal
- Jul: not ideal
- Aug: not ideal
- Sep: possible
- Oct: best
- Nov: best
- Dec: possible
Not sure which season suits you? Our month-by-month guide to trekking in Nepal covers weather, crowds and festivals.
Permits, fees & the guide rule
| Permit | Cost (foreigners) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (≈ USD 22) | The villages on the first three days lie outside or on the edge of the conservation area, but the ridge to Poon Hill and Ghorepani is inside it, and permits are checked at Ghorepani. SAARC nationals NPR 1,000. |
| TIMS card | NPR 2,000 (≈ USD 15) | Issued through a registered trekking agency, together with your licensed guide. |
Licensed guide required for foreign trekkers
Since 1 April 2023 the Nepal Tourism Board requires foreign trekkers to walk with a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency in conservation areas, including the Annapurna Conservation Area. Enforcement at Annapurna checkpoints has been inconsistent, but plan on a guide (or at minimum a licensed porter-guide) rather than counting on walking alone, and check the current rules before you travel.
Fees as of September 2026. Nepal changes permit rules and prices from time to time — confirm before you travel. Full details in our Nepal trekking permits guide.
Getting there
From Pokhara
Beni is 3–3.5 h west of Pokhara on the Baglung Highway by private jeep or local bus from the Baglung bus park. Galeshwor is a few minutes beyond Beni. Your guide can arrange a jeep direct to the Galeshwor trailhead or, when the road is open, further up towards Banskharka.
From Kathmandu
Take a tourist bus (USD 10–25, 6–8 h) or fly (USD 100–130, 25 min) to Pokhara, and stay one night to collect your permits and meet your guide before driving to Beni.
Getting back
Jeeps run from Ulleri, Hile and Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and Pokhara (2–3 h). If you only do the Mohare section, you can instead descend from Mohare Danda to Nangi and back down to Beni.
How much does the Mohare Danda trek cost?
Move the sliders to estimate your own trip. Typical teahouse spend on this route is USD 25–40 per person per day for a room and three meals; a licensed guide costs USD 25–35 a day and a porter USD 18–25.
Estimated cost per person
USD 246
+ about USD 9 in tips for your staff
- Teahouse room & 3 meals × 5 daysUSD 125
- PermitsUSD 36
- Transport to & from trailheadUSD 10
- Licensed guide (shared by 2)USD 75
Do-it-yourself estimate for the Mohare Danda Community Eco-Lodge Trek, from typical 2026 teahouse prices. Excludes flights to Nepal, visa, insurance, gear, drinks, hot showers and charging fees.
- A local bus from Pokhara to Beni costs about USD 4–6; a private jeep to Galeshwor is about USD 80–120 per vehicle.
- Community lodges charge fixed rates, and menus are shorter than on the Poon Hill trail, mainly dal bhat, noodles and eggs.
- A jeep from Hile or Ulleri to Pokhara costs about USD 50–80 per vehicle.
- Consider leaving a donation for the village school at Nangi.
Important things to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
The maximum altitude is 3,313 m at Mohare Danda, below the level where altitude sickness becomes a common problem. The biggest single climb is about 1,050 m from Nangi to Mohare, so take it slowly and drink plenty. Mild headaches on the ridge usually pass overnight.
Trail conditions & roads
Trails are village paths and forest tracks, steep in places and muddy after rain, with none of the paving of the Poon Hill trail until Ghorepani. New village roads now cut across parts of the first day, and your guide will pick the footpath where possible. The last day includes the long Ulleri staircase.
Community lodges
The lodges at Banskharka, Nangi and Mohare are owned by the villages and staffed on rotation, so service is friendly but simple. Bed numbers are small, and your guide should phone ahead in October, November and April. Blankets are provided, but a sleeping bag is warmer and more hygienic.
Water & food
Treat or boil all water, or buy boiled water at the lodges. There are few reliable water sources between Nangi and Mohare, so fill 2 litres before you leave. Food is home-cooked and usually vegetarian, with dal bhat, local vegetables and buckwheat bread.
Charging, Wi-Fi & mobile network
Thanks to the Nepal Wireless network, Nangi and Mohare have internet access, although speeds are slow and it fails in bad weather. NTC works on the ridge and Ncell is patchy. Ghorepani has good 4G and Wi-Fi in almost every lodge. Charging at the community lodges may be solar-only.
Money & ATMs
Beni has ATMs, but there are none on the trek. Carry enough cash for all meals and lodges, plus a jeep out, and bring small notes.
Weather & best months
October–November are clearest and March–April bring the rhododendrons. December–February are cold but often clear, with occasional snow on the ridge. June–September are wet, with leeches, landslides on the Beni road and cloud-covered mountains.
Rescue & insurance
Helicopters can land on Mohare Danda and at Ghorepani, and evacuation typically costs USD 3,000–6,000+. Make sure your insurance covers trekking to at least 3,500 m and helicopter rescue.
Tips for solo trekkers
- Mohare is quiet, and you may be the only trekker in a village. That is the appeal, but it also means a guide is important for route-finding on the unsigned village paths.
- A licensed guide is required for the Annapurna Conservation Area section (Poon Hill and Ghorepani), so book one for the whole trek.
- You'll meet other trekkers only from Ghorepani onwards. Poon Hill at sunrise is the busiest spot in the region.
- Community lodges are family-staffed and very safe for women travelling alone. Rooms are simple, so a headlamp and padlock for your bag are useful.
- Avoid the monsoon if you're alone: the forest trail between Nangi and Mohare is slippery and leech-heavy, and the views are hidden.
- Let the lodge committee know if you plan to change route; they coordinate with the next village.
More in our complete guide to solo trekking in Nepal.
What to pack for this trek
- Sleeping bag rated to about −5 °C for Mohare Danda
- 2-litre water capacity plus purification for the Nangi–Mohare climb
- Warm jacket and hat for sunrise on Mohare and Poon Hill
- Trekking poles for the steep village paths and the Ulleri stairs
- Power bank; solar charging is limited in the community lodges
- Small notes and a small gift or donation for the school at Nangi
- Leech socks for the monsoon and early autumn
The basics are the same for every Nepal trek — see our interactive packing checklist.
Route options & variations
Mohare Danda only (4 days)
Walk Galeshwor → Banskharka → Nangi → Mohare Danda, then return via Nangi or a lower village trail to Beni. You'll skip Poon Hill and stay entirely in community lodges.
Mohare Danda + Poon Hill + Ghandruk (6–7 days)
After Ghorepani, continue east via Deurali pass and Tadapani to Ghandruk, then drive to Pokhara. This adds another sunrise in the rhododendron forest and a night in a Gurung village.
Mohare Danda + Khopra Danda (10–12 days)
From Ghorepani, drop to Swanta and climb to the Khopra community lodge, with an optional day to Khayar Lake, and exit via Dobato and Tadapani. It is the best long, quiet route near Pokhara.
Our recommendation
Plan the Mohare Danda Community Eco-Lodge Trek with a Pokhara team
We are a local operator based in Pokhara — the gateway to most of the treks in this guide. Booking with us means a government-licensed guide, permits and TIMS arranged before you arrive, transport from your Pokhara hotel to the trailhead, and a team on the phone if plans change on the trail. Foreign trekkers must trek this route with a licensed guide anyway, so it pays to choose one you trust.
- Licensed, English-speaking local guides
- Permits & TIMS handled for you
- Solo travellers welcome
- Itineraries adjusted to your pace and dates
Mohare Danda FAQ
How difficult is the Mohare Danda trek?
Moderate. Days are 3–5 h of walking with steady climbs, and the maximum altitude is 3,313 m. It suits anyone with basic fitness, and the steepest sections are the climb to Mohare and the Ulleri stairs on the way down.
How many days is the Mohare Danda trek?
Five days from Pokhara back to Pokhara, including Poon Hill, is standard. The Mohare section alone can be done in 4 days, or you can extend to 6–7 days via Ghandruk or 10–12 days with Khopra Danda.
Can I do the Mohare Danda trek without a guide?
The route to Poon Hill enters the Annapurna Conservation Area, where foreigners must have a licensed guide. The village trails are also unsigned and confusing in places, so a guide who knows the community lodges is the practical choice.
How much does the Mohare Danda trek cost?
Budget USD 25–40 a day for community lodges and food, USD 25–35 a day for a guide, plus ACAP (NPR 3,000), TIMS (NPR 2,000) and USD 10–50 for transport. A 5-day trek with a guide typically comes to USD 300–450 per person.
What is the best time for the Mohare Danda trek?
October–November for clear views, and March–April for rhododendrons. December and January are cold but often clear, and are a good time for Banskharka's oranges.
Is there Wi-Fi on the Mohare Danda trek?
Yes, surprisingly. Nangi and Mohare are connected through Mahabir Pun's Nepal Wireless network, although it is slow and weather-dependent. Ghorepani has good Wi-Fi and 4G.
Do I need a permit for Mohare Danda?
Yes, if you continue to Poon Hill and Ghorepani, which is the standard route. You need the ACAP (NPR 3,000; SAARC NPR 1,000) and a TIMS card (NPR 2,000), and permits are checked at Ghorepani.
Is Mohare Danda good for beginners?
Yes. The altitude is modest, the days are short, and the community lodges give a real village experience. It is a good first trek for families and for people who'd rather avoid the crowds on the main Poon Hill trail.
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