Physical Requirements
Good cardiovascular baseline and solid leg endurance. The trail involves rapid elevation gain through dense forests and rugged ridge crests with substantial stone staircases.
Pokhara Departure
Machhapuchhre Model Trek
Eye-level, unobstructed views of sacred, unclimbed Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). Dramatic, crowd-free alpine pasture viewpoint at Korchan Danda (3,700 m). Sustainable community-run tourism through authentic Gurung homestays. Pristine biological zones within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP).
5 Days
Duration
3,700 m
Max Altitude
Moderate
Difficulty
Teahouse / Homestay
Lodging
Year-round
Best Season
Highlights
Eye-level, unobstructed views of sacred, unclimbed Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). Dramatic, crowd-free alpine pasture viewpoint at Korchan Danda (3,700 m). Sustainable community-run tourism through authentic Gurung homestays. Pristine biological zones within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP).
Expedition Brief
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
2,160m
Drive Pokhara to Hemja (30 mins) & Trek to Hile Kharka
A quick drive from Pokhara brings you to the trailhead. The trail climbs past the traditional stone houses of Ghachok village, weaving through lush woodlands and terraced fields to reach the scenic clearing of Hile Kharka.
Day 2
3,245m
Hile Kharka to Khumai Danda
Leaving the village behind, the route heads upward via a quiet forest trail draped in moss and rhododendron trees. Emerging onto the alpine ridge of Khumai Danda, you are met with an extraordinarily close, striking view of sacred Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Day 3
1,480m
Sunrise Hike to Korchan Danda (3,700m) & Descend to Mirsha Village
An early morning push brings you to the pinnacle of the trek at Korchan Danda (3,700m), offering 360-degree sunrise vistas over the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himal massifs. After soaking in the views, retrace steps past the ridge and make a long descent down to the traditional Gurung homestay village of Mirsha.
Day 4
1,250m
Mirsha Village to Ghachok
Enjoy a steady downhill stroll through local farming hamlets, passing by a relaxing natural hot spring along the way. Arrive by afternoon at Ghachok, a clean, culturally rich village with excellent mountain views.
Day 5
Ghachok to Hyamja & Drive back to Pokhara
A brief 2-hour walk completes the loop back down to the suspension bridges at Hyamja, where a private vehicle waits to transport you back to Pokhara.
Pre-Trek Medical & Safety Prep
For any multi-day trek in Nepal—especially those exceeding 3,000 meters—it is highly recommended to get a baseline health check, confirm your physical fitness levels, and secure proper altitude sickness guidance or necessary travel vaccinations before departure.
Trail Logistics
What's Included
- Required trekking permits (Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit and TIMS card)
- Professional, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- local porters
- Standard twin-sharing accommodation in community teahouses
- village homestays
- Three main freshly prepared meals daily (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) along the trail
- Ground transport by private vehicle to
- from the Pokhara trailhead
What's Not Included
- Overland travel connections or domestic flights between Kathmandu
- Pokhara
- Comprehensive travel medical insurance covering emergency helicopter medical evacuation
- Personal gear like custom clothing layers, cold-weather apparel, and heavy trekking backpacks
- Optional teahouse expenses (hot shower fees, specialized Wi-Fi vouchers, and device charging costs)
- Alcoholic drinks, soft refreshments, packaged snacks, and tips for the guide and porter team
What to Bring
warm down jacket and wind-resistant outer shell layers (ridge temperatures drop considerably overnight)
Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots with thick wool blend socks
Lightweight, adjustable trekking poles for steep downhill stretches
UV-blocking sunglasses, sun protection cream, a high-lumens headlamp, and a water purification system
The Green Forest Standard
cottageVerified teahouses
medical_servicesFirst-Aid certified guides
languageJP · EN · HI
monitor_heartOximeters & satellite comms
home_pinPokhara start & end
Related Routes
Mardi Himal Ridge
Uncrowded ridge walking with face-to-face views of Mount Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal.
Khumai Danda
Pristine wilderness, zero crowds, and panoramic lookouts over the Pokhara Valley and Annapurna massif.
Ready to Walk This Trail?
Tell us when you arrive in Pokhara. We'll handle the rest.
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