6K Nepal Treks

Kahun Danda

4.9
90+ Google reviews
5+ years guiding30+ countriesLocal-born guides

Trek at a Glance

Price From

Contact for pricing

Duration

1 day

Trip Grade

Easy

Max. Altitude

1,520m

Best Season

Sep–May

Group Size

1–10 pax

Region

Pokhara

Accommodation

Lodge / Tea House

Meals

B / L / D

Start / End Point

Pokhara

Permits

Local entry fee

Kahun Danda Overview

Rohit Timilsina

Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide

A short, quiet hike on the eastern edge of Pokhara with panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the Kali Gandaki valley.

Kahun Danda is the ridge that rises directly above Pokhara's northern suburbs. You can see it from the lakeside on a clear day. The hike starts from the Yellow Bridge area near the Fulbari Army Barrack at the northern edge of the city and climbs steeply through forest for one to two hours, reaching the Kahun Danda view tower at 1,444m. From there, the entire Pokhara valley spreads out below, and Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and on the clearest days the distant peaks of Manaslu can all be visible to the north.

This hike is a completely different experience from the commercial viewpoints at Sarangkot. It is quieter, more forested, and the approach from below the city offers a different perspective on how the valley sits in relation to the mountains. In October or November mornings, with the peaks lit and the valley still in mist below, it is one of the most striking views near Pokhara.

This is a genuine half-day option, with most groups returning to Pokhara by mid-morning. It allows time for a lake visit or a meal before or after longer treks. Our guides also use this as a warm-up walk at the beginning of multi-day itineraries to assess group fitness.

Who this trek is for: Any level of trekker, including beginners, families with fit older children, experienced trekkers looking for a half-day warm-up or wind-down, and anyone in Pokhara with a morning to spare. The trail is steep enough to provide a workout but short enough not to be intimidating. It is also excellent for photographers wanting a sunrise cityscape-and-mountains composition that is impossible from the lakeside.

Kahun Danda Highlights

  • Quiet, uncrowded trail close to Pokhara
  • Panoramic Annapurna views
  • Traditional Gurung villages

Kahun Danda Itinerary

DayItinerary
Day 1

Kahun Danda sunrise hike, full circuit from Pokhara (1,444-1,520m)

  1. Day 01: Kahun Danda sunrise hike, full circuit from Pokhara (1,444-1,520m)

Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide

Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide at 6K Nepal TreksGovt. License #1497

Rohit Timilsina

Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks

Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina

I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.

“Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.”
Govt. License #14974.9★ from 90+ reviews30+ countries guidedHighest guided: 5,416m
Meet the full team

Kahun Danda Cost & What's Included

Here is exactly what this guided package covers. We price it per departure, so ask us for a quote for your group size and dates.

What is included in this trek package?

Accommodation

  • Twin-sharing accommodation in tea houses or local lodges throughout the trek
  • Hotel accommodation on nights before and after the trek where applicable (breakfast included)

Meals & Drinking Water

  • All standard meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with one hot drink per meal
  • Purified drinking water throughout the trek (filter or purification tablets)
  • Seasonal fruits when available

Transportation

  • All ground transfers by private or shared tourist vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Domestic flights where explicitly noted in the itinerary

Guide and Staff

  • Experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide
  • Assistant guide for groups of 7 or more
  • One porter per two trekkers for carrying main luggage (up to 10 kg per person)
  • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance for all trek staff

Permits

  • All required trekking permits and conservation-area fees for the route
  • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card where applicable
  • All permit paperwork arranged before the trek starts

Safety and Support

  • Comprehensive first aid kit including pulse oximeter for daily altitude checks
  • Emergency oxygen on treks above 4,000m
  • 24/7 operational support from our Pokhara office
  • Trip completion certificate

What is excluded in this trek package?

Flights & Visa

  • International flights and airport departure tax
  • Nepal entry visa (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days, on arrival at Kathmandu airport)

Insurance & Personal Gear

  • Travel insurance with high-altitude and emergency helicopter evacuation coverage (mandatory)
  • Personal trekking gear, clothing and footwear

Meals Outside the Trail

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara before and after the trek
  • Any beverages including alcoholic drinks, bottled and boiled water

Other

  • Tips for trekking staff and drivers (recommended but not included)
  • Hot showers, WiFi, and charging fees at tea houses
  • Any personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, or souvenirs
  • Any additional costs caused by natural disasters, political disturbances, or flight delays
  • Any items not explicitly listed in the Price Includes section

Private departures, your dates

We run this trek as a private trip on the dates that suit you. Tell us when and we will confirm availability.

Kahun Danda Reviews

4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews

Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.

No published review names the Kahun Danda yet.

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Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks

Licensed & Insured

Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.

Expert Local Guides

Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.

Safety First

Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.

Small Groups

Maximum 12 trekkers per group, and one porter per two guests whenever porters are part of your package. You are a person, not a tour number.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Every quote itemises exactly what your package covers and what it does not, so nothing lands on you at the trailhead.

Responsible Travel

Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.

Know Before You Go

Rated Easy-Moderate. The trail gains around 600-700m of altitude in one to two hours, which is steep by any standard. However, on a short and well-worn path, it is easy for trekkers accustomed to hill walking. Individuals who do not walk regularly may find the steepness challenging on the lower section. There is nothing technically difficult; good footwear and a reasonable pace are all that are needed. The descent can be slippery on wet mornings.

No preparation is required beyond comfortable footwear and a torch if starting before dawn. Bring water, as one litre is usually sufficient for the round trip. A light jacket for the summit may be necessary if the morning is cool. Starting early is advisable, as the view tower becomes crowded with local walkers and cyclists by 7-8am. A 5am start allows trekkers to enjoy the ridge largely to themselves for sunrise.

The Kahun Danda trek requires a local entry or conservation fee of NPR 100-200, which may vary and should be verified locally. This trek does not necessitate an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) or Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. A small local entry or conservation fee is usually collected at the trailhead near the army barrack, and trekkers are advised to carry small notes in Nepali rupees. Our team handles all permit paperwork as your licensed guide.

Maximum altitude is 1,444-1,520m. There is zero risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as this altitude is well below the threshold for any mountain sickness. No altitude considerations apply to this hike; however, heat and dehydration are more relevant concerns during summer months, so carrying enough water and starting early before the midday heat builds is advisable.

There are no teahouses or food stalls on the trail itself. A few small shops or tea stalls may be open near the Yellow Bridge trailhead, especially in the morning. Trekkers should plan to carry water and a snack from their hotel. Pokhara's lakeside restaurants and cafes are easily accessible on the return, making a post-hike breakfast one of the better ways to conclude the morning. No accommodation is available on the route as this is an out-and-back day hike only.

The following is a solid starting point for most multi-day treks we run. Adjust for the season and the maximum altitude of your specific route. Shorter, lower-altitude hikes need far less than this full list. For the key insulation items (down jacket and four-season sleeping bag) we offer rental in Kathmandu or Pokhara for USD 35 each.

General

  • Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (rental available: USD 35)
  • Insulated down jacket (rental available: USD 35)
  • Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with rain cover
  • Sleeping bag liner

Head & Face

  • Sun hat or cap
  • Beanie or knitted hat for colder mornings and evenings
  • Buff or neck gaiter
  • Sunglasses with full UV protection
  • Headlamp with spare batteries

Upper Body

  • Technical base layer shirts, two
  • Technical long-sleeve shirts, two
  • Fleece or synthetic mid-layer
  • Waterproof and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

  • Hiking pants, two pairs
  • Technical base-layer leggings for cold mornings
  • Waterproof or windproof outer shell pants
  • Comfortable pants for evenings in the teahouse

Hands

  • Lightweight liner gloves
  • Insulated outer gloves for high altitude or winter conditions

Feet

  • Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, broken in before the trip
  • Hiking socks, three to five pairs
  • Liner socks if prone to blisters
  • Comfortable shoes or sandals for evenings
  • Microspikes recommended November to March on routes above 4,000m

First Aid & Medications

  • Personal prescription medications
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Blister care, plasters, and antiseptic cream
  • Electrolyte sachets or tablets
  • Note: our guides carry a comprehensive group first aid kit with pulse oximeter

Other Essentials

  • Passport, two passport-sized photos, and photocopies of travel documents
  • One-litre reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
  • Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
  • Small toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, and toilet paper
  • High-protein snacks for the trail (bars, nuts)
  • Waterproof dry bag for documents and electronics
  • We provide a free duffel bag at your pre-trip meeting, used for luggage carried by the porter. The duffel stays yours afterwards.
  • One porter is assigned per two trekkers. The duffel bag should weigh no more than 10 kg / 22 lbs per person.
  • Always carry your own daypack with essentials: cash, documents, water, camera, rain gear.
  • Non-trekking luggage can be stored securely at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • Down jacket and four-season sleeping bag are available for rent at USD 35 each. Loss or damage reimbursement is USD 100 per item.

Guide & Porter Services

Every trek is led by a government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide who is also trained in first aid and high-altitude emergency response. For groups of seven or more we add an assistant guide. Porters are assigned one per two trekkers, each carrying up to 10 kg of your main luggage so you only carry a daypack. All staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance are fully covered in the package price.

Accommodation Bookings

We pre-book every night's accommodation before you start, so you never arrive at a full teahouse during peak season. Nights before and after the trek are in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast included. On the trail you stay in tea houses or local lodges on a twin-sharing basis, with the best available rooms in each village. Private rooms and en-suite bathrooms are available where offered, usually at lower altitudes.

Transportation Arrangements

All ground transfers are arranged by private or shared tourist vehicles as specified in the itinerary. Airport pick-up and drop-off are included. Where a domestic flight is required (for example, Kathmandu to Lukla for Everest, or Jomsom to Pokhara for Mustang routes), the round-trip fare is covered in the package. We monitor flight and road conditions daily and adjust logistics proactively when weather or landslides affect the schedule.

Equipment Rental

A four-season sleeping bag and an insulated down jacket can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara at USD 35 per item for the duration of the trek. Trekking poles, microspikes, and additional layers are also available on request. We supply a 75-litre duffel bag for you to keep at your pre-trip briefing. A full packing checklist is sent after you book so you can pack with confidence.

Insurance Requirements

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for every trek we operate. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking at the maximum altitude of your route and include emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and trip cancellation. Please send us a copy of your policy at least two weeks before departure. We cannot start the trek without confirmation of valid coverage. This is for your safety and ours.

Good to know. Arrive in Pokhara at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.

FAQs for Kahun Danda

The two prime seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendron forests. Autumn delivers the clearest skies and most stable weather after the monsoon washes the air clean. Winter treks are possible on lower-altitude routes but cold; the monsoon (June to August) brings rain, leeches at lower elevations, and obscured mountain views.

No specific prior experience is required, but a good level of cardiovascular fitness is essential. You should be comfortable walking five to seven hours per day on uneven terrain for consecutive days. Regular hiking, running, cycling, or stair climbing in the months before departure makes a real difference.

Permits depend on the route. Most Annapurna treks need an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) plus a TIMS card. Everest requires a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and a Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee. Restricted areas like Manaslu and Upper Mustang need a separate Restricted Area Permit. All permit paperwork is arranged by our team before your trek starts.

Altitude sickness (AMS) is possible above 3,000m. Our itineraries include graduated ascent profiles and dedicated acclimatisation days where needed. Our guides carry a pulse oximeter for daily altitude checks and emergency oxygen on routes above 4,000m. All guides are first-aid trained and will adjust the pace, rest, or descend whenever necessary. Descent is the only reliable cure for AMS and we do not negotiate on that decision.

Our standard package covers accommodation in tea houses or lodges, all meals on the trail, ground transfers, domestic flights where the itinerary requires them, a licensed English-speaking guide, porter support, all permits, and safety equipment. Not included: international flights, Nepal visa, travel insurance, personal gear, and beverages outside meal times. See the full Price Includes / Excludes breakdown on each trek page.

Absolutely. Every itinerary can be extended with rest days, shortened where possible, combined with side trips, or rebuilt around specific dates and fitness levels. Contact us with your preferences and we will propose a tailored itinerary.

Free cancellation applies up to 30 days before the trek departure date. Cancellations within 30 days may incur a fee to cover non-refundable permits, domestic flight bookings, and porter commitments. We will always do our best to reschedule rather than cancel outright.
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