Mohare Danda and Poon Hill Trek

Travel to and from the trek trailhead consists of domestic flights and private road transfers. Usually, there's a 25-30-minute scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. However, you can also choose the longer overland journey by private car or bus if you want to enjoy the journey through the country or if flights get delayed (around 6-7 hours). 

From Pokhara, there's a private transfer from to Banthanti (approx. 3 hours) via bumpy village roads which weave through the hills. 

On the return trip, there's a transfer from Ghandruk back to Pokhara (approx. 2 hours). Flights to Pokhara can be delayed during the monsoon season or if visibility is poor, so be sure to add an extra day to your itinerary if your international departure is close. For the ultimate in convenience, and especially if you are short on time, helicopter transfers can sometimes be booked as a supplement between Pokhara and nearby trek routes.

All food along the trek will be at tea houses, generally based on a standard trekking menu, consisting of the perennialNepali dal bhat (rice, lentils, and curry), noodlesoup, fried rice, momos, pasta, and simpler fare such as porridge, eggs, toast, and pancakes for breakfast. Because the altitude is moderate and the trail is along established villages, food options will generally be a bit more diverse than on high or extended trekking adventures. Vegetarians and vegans shouldn’t worry as much either – there are ample choices and most tea house can tweak dishes if asked. 

At the tea houses along the way, you can purchase drinking water that is boiled, filtered, or bottled. 

Boiled and filtered water are preferred over bottled water due to environmental concerns and costs. We highly recommend you pack water purifying tablets and/or a filter for an added bit of security.

Your accommodation on the trek will be in the local 'Tea houses' the tea growing region of Nepal. This refers to the most prevalent family run trekking lodges that are found all over the walking regions. Most have basic beds with bedding and shared bathroom Facilities, which become slightly less comfortable in the lower altitudes such as Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. 

On Mohare Danda it is slightly more rustic due to its smaller size, although the dining areas do double as community meeting rooms. 

Kathmandu and Pokhara will consist of standard hotel based with Bed & Breakfast facilities.

Trekking in this region requires two main permits, both of which are arranged by Nepal Adventure Holidays as part of the package.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): required for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, covering the entire trekking route

• TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): used to record trekker information for safety and monitoring purposes

• Permit checkpoints are located at key entry points along the trail, where documents are checked by conservation area staff

• Both permits are obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek begins

It is the moderate level treks in Annapurna Region, which can be taken as a moderate level multi day trek. The duration of walk is around 5-7 hours a day. Banthanti to Mohare Danda trekking route is steep but not extreme, there is some stone step as well and it involves going into a forest trails, and sometimes it gets muddy after rain.

No trekking equipment like ice axe or snow gear are needed, but a normal physical fitness is advised, however even beginners can opt this trek with their old children and those who want to be in Himalayas.

Since the highest point on this trek is 3,323 meters (10,902 feet), far below the level where altitude sickness typically becomes a significant issue, there are no specific rest and acclimatisation days on the schedule as is common on higher altitude treks. However, due to the way that the days’ altitude gain increases slowly, trekkers are able to acclimatise more passively throughout. They are reminded to take the day at a pace that suits them, ensure they keep properly hydrated and have sufficient rest during each night’s accommodation.

Mohare Danda and Ghorepani in particular, serve as natural pacing points that offer a place to slow down if required and your guide will keep a close eye on everyone to ensure they are comfortable.

While the risk of altitude sickness on this trek is lower than on higher Himalayan routes, it is still possible above 3,000 meters, and trekkers should stay informed.

Symptoms:

• Headache and dizziness

• Nausea or loss of appetite

• Fatigue beyond normal tiredness

• Shortness of breath during mild exertion

Prevention strategies:

• Ascend gradually and avoid rushing uphill sections

• Stay well hydrated throughout the day

• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals at higher elevations

• Get sufficient rest each night

Immediate actions if symptoms appear:

• Inform your guide immediately

• Rest and avoid further ascent until symptoms improve

• Descend to a lower elevation if symptoms worsen

• Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layers

• Fleece or down jacket

• Waterproof and windproof outer jacket

• Trekking trousers

• Warm hat and sun hat

• Gloves (lightweight and insulated)

• Trekking socks (wool blend)

Trekking Gear

• Sturdy trekking boots (broken in before the trip)

• Trekking poles

• Headlamp with spare batteries

• Daypack (30–40 liters)

• Sleeping bag liner (optional, for extra warmth)

Personal Items

• Reusable water bottle

• Water purification tablets or filter

• Snacks and energy bars

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• Small travel towel

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Biodegradable soap or wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

Electronics

• Power bank

• Universal travel adapter

• Camera or smartphone

• Spare batteries or charging cables

Documents

• Passport and visa copies

• Passport-sized photos

• Travel insurance documents

• Printed itinerary and permit copies

Medicines

• Personal prescription medication

• Basic first-aid kit

• Diarrhea and altitude sickness medication

• Blister plasters and pain relievers

Going in well-prepared makes for an enormous difference to one's well-being and comfort out on the trail. For weeks preceding the trip, work on one's cardio - by jogging, walking, or cycling, taking stairs etc. This will assist condition the body for prolonged periods of hiking, ideally up and down hills carrying a day-pack. 

Trekking with an experienced and a qualified local guide and a porter, who are incorporated into this itinerary, is one huge stride toward guaranteeing security and comfort from navigation to local information,weather information, and customs. 

Conditions in the hills change rapidly and you must carry water proof clothes as rain is possible at times even though outside monsoon.

Key preparation and safety points:

• Build cardio and endurance fitness 6–8 weeks before the trek
• Practice hiking on hills or stairs with a loaded pack
• Trek with an experienced guide and porter for safety and support
• Stay updated on weather forecasts, especially before high-point sunrise hikes
• Carry essential first-aid and altitude medication
• Follow your guide's advice on pacing and rest breaks

Full travel insurance. This is highly advised and not built into the tour, so should not be discounted. This coverage needs to feature helicopter extraction should the worst case scenario happen and you become seriously ill or injured on trail, as in most cases we’re hours from the road.

High altitude trekking needs to be covered, most general policies do not include anything above this elevation, you should check that your cover includes trekking at 3,500m+ on this journey.

Proof that you can have the most incredible Himalayan vistas in less than two weeks, and without summiting any towering 8,000ers? The Mohare Danda and Poon Hill Trek. In just 8 days, you’ll get to immerse yourself in genuine Gurung and Magar culture and daily life, wander serene trails through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, and watch the sunrise over two of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints in the Annapurna Himalayas. 

The perfect trek for novice hikers, couples looking for an escape, or families who want to introduce their kids to the Himalayas. 

Book the Mohare Danda and Poon Hill Trek with Nepal Adventure Holidays' expert local guides for an unforgettable adventure that you'll carry with you for the rest of your life.