Khumai Korchan Trek

4.9

90+ Google reviewsrated 4.9 by 90+ travellers on Google5+ years guiding5+ years guiding in the Himalaya30+ countriesGuests from 30+ countriesLocal-born guidesBorn-and-raised local guides

Trek at a Glance

Price From

US$ 270 per person

Duration

3–4 days

Trip Grade

Moderate

Max. Altitude

3,682m

Best Season

Oct–May

Group Size

1–10 pax

Region

Annapurna

Accommodation

Lodge / Tea House

Meals

All meals (Backpacker: breakfast)

Start / End Point

Pokhara

Permits

ACAP, TIMS card

Khumai Korchan Trek Overview

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

A little-known ridge trek with uninterrupted views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, ideal for short visits that still want real Himalayan panorama.

Khumai Danda sits on a ridge above Ghachowk village, roughly 20 kilometres from Pokhara. This trek offers something increasingly rare in the Annapurna region: genuine solitude. The trail climbs through mixed forest, pine, oak, rhododendron, passing small Gurung settlements and farmland before arriving at Khumai Danda's open ridgeline at around 3,245m. An optional further push to Korchan Danda (3,682m) gives a 360-degree view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and Hiunchuli.

What makes this trek distinctive is the quality of the wildlife and forest on the approach. The rhododendron forest between Ghachowk and Hile Kharka is excellent birdwatching terrain. Himalayan Monal, Nepal's national bird, is regularly seen in spring, and Langur monkeys are common at the forest margins. In spring, the hillsides above Ghachowk are covered in pink and red rhododendron blooms.

Accommodation is in local teahouses and Gurung family homestays. The infrastructure is more basic than on the main Annapurna trails; this is not a route with menu-heavy teahouses and hot showers at every stop. Instead, there is a genuine connection with the landscape and the farming communities that live in it.

Who this trek is for: Trekkers who want a short, quiet ridge experience without the crowds of Poon Hill or Australian Camp will enjoy this trek. It is good for fit beginners who want a taste of genuine mountain territory, birdwatchers, photographers working in the golden hours, and families with older children comfortable with 5-6 hour walking days.

Sunrise Viewpoint

Korchan Danda

3,682 m / 12,080 ft

An early pre-dawn climb to the remote Korchan ridge at 3,682m for sunrise and a 360-degree panorama of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and Hiunchuli, seen with a fraction of the crowds of the main Annapurna viewpoints.

Khumai Korchan Trek Highlights

360° ridge-top views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
Low traffic, high reward
Accessible from Pokhara in a short drive
Traditional Gurung village stays

Khumai Korchan Trek Itinerary

Day	Itinerary	Max Altitude	Duration
Day 1	Pokhara to Chichimle	—	4-5 hours hike + 1 hour drive
Day 2	Chichimle to Khumai	3,245m / 10,646ft	4 hours
Day 3	Khumai to Korchan to Meshrom	3,682m / 12,080ft	5-6 hours
Day 4	Meshrom to Pokhara	—	4 hours hike + 1 hour drive

Day 01: Pokhara to Chichimle
Duration4-5 hours hike + 1 hour drive
Drive of 1 hour to Ghachowk, then start hiking. Breakfast at Pokhara, lunch at Hille. About 4 to 5 hours of climbing through forest and farmland to the Chichimle herder camp. Camp at Chichimle.
Day 02: Chichimle to Khumai
3,245m / 10,646ft
Duration4 hours
Altitude3,245m / 10,646ft
About 4 hours of steady ridge climbing through rhododendron and oak forest to the open Khumai Danda viewpoint. Breakfast at Chichimle, lunch on the way. Camp at Khumai.
Day 03: Khumai to Korchan to Meshrom
3,682m / 12,080ft
Duration5-6 hours
Altitude3,682m / 12,080ft
Elevation Gain+437 m
Wake up early at around 4:00 am and hike 2 hours to Korchan for sunrise and the panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Breakfast at Korchan, lunch on the way. Then descent towards Meshrom. 5 to 6 hours total. Camp at Meshrom.
Day 04: Meshrom to Pokhara
Duration4 hours hike + 1 hour drive
Breakfast at Meshrom, lunch at Lumre. About 4 hours of hike from Meshrom to Lumre, then a 1-hour drive back to Pokhara.

Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide

Govt. 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

Khumai Korchan Trek Cost & What's Included

Pick a comfort level to see exactly what its package covers. Prices by group size are in the booking card.

What is included in this trek package?

All required permits and TIMS card

Licensed English-speaking trekking guide

Private vehicle transfers to and from the trailhead

Comfortable tourist-standard lodges, twin share

All meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Crew salary, insurance, meals and lodging

What is excluded in this trek package?

International flights and Nepal entry visa

Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance

Porter (available on request, extra cost)

Hot showers and Wi-Fi where not complimentary

Lunch and dinner in the city

Tips for your guide and crew

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.

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Khumai Korchan Trek Reviews

4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews

Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.

“I called Rohit just before 8hrs of starting our Khumai Danda trek. Even after being tired he said let's meet in morning at 6am. He knows English, Hindi, French and Nepali. He not only guided the trek route but made the whole stretch very memorable and interesting. We told stories to each other. He became more like a friend. It was complete fun trekking with Rohit. And yes, Rohit has his own band. Quite an interesting guy.”

Shreyassh Verma ★

Khumai Danda Trek · 2024

5.0

See reviews from all our treks

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

Khumai Danda is rated Easy-Moderate. Daily walking times are 5-6 hours with moderate gradient. The climb from Hile Kharka to the ridge involves sustained uphill walking through forest and requires reasonable fitness. The maximum altitude at Khumai Danda (3,245m) or Korchan Danda (3,682m) is not high enough to cause altitude sickness in most trekkers arriving from Pokhara, though mild headache is possible at the higher viewpoint. The trail is less maintained than the main Annapurna routes and is not always clearly marked; a local guide is strongly advised.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required, costing NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 100 for SAARC nationals per person. This must be purchased in Pokhara before departure.

A TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) is also necessary, available in Pokhara at the Nepal Tourism Board office, costing NPR 2,000 for independent trekkers and NPR 1,000 for groups.

The maximum altitude at Khumai Danda (3,245m) is low enough that altitude sickness is unlikely for trekkers who have had even a day to acclimatise in Pokhara. Korchan Danda at 3,682m is the upper limit of this route. At this elevation some trekkers experience mild headache, particularly if they ascend quickly from Hile Kharka. Walking slowly, drinking water, and resting if symptoms occur is advised.

Accommodation is in simple local teahouses and Gurung family homestays. Facilities are basic, including shared bathrooms and wooden beds. Electricity is available at most stops, although charging may require a small fee. Hot showers are not reliably available. Food consists of Nepali home cooking, such as dal bhat, noodle soups, omelets, and tea, but one should not expect the diverse menus found in main Annapurna circuit teahouses.

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 Khumai Korchan Trek

Khumai Danda is rated easy-to-moderate. Daily walking times run 4 to 6 hours over forest and ridge trails, and the sustained climb from the lower farmland up to the open ridge requires reasonable fitness rather than any technical skill. There is no glacier travel or scrambling. The trail is less maintained than the main Annapurna routes and is not always clearly marked, so a local guide from our team is strongly advised for route-finding and pacing.

Yes. This trek suits fit beginners who want a genuine taste of Himalayan ridge country without the crowds of Poon Hill or Australian Camp. The maximum altitude at Khumai Danda (3,245m) or Korchan Danda (3,682m) is not high enough to cause altitude sickness in most trekkers arriving from Pokhara. Families with older children comfortable with 5 to 6 hour walking days handle it well.

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), costing NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 100 for SAARC nationals per person, plus a TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System), which costs NPR 2,000 for independent trekkers and NPR 1,000 for groups. Both are arranged in Pokhara before departure, and our team handles all permit paperwork as your licensed guide so you do not have to queue at the offices yourself.

The best window runs from October to May. Autumn brings the clearest, most stable skies for the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri panorama, while spring covers the hillsides above Ghachowk in pink and red rhododendron blooms and offers the best birdwatching, including the Himalayan Monal. We generally avoid the June to August monsoon because cloud cover hides the very views the ridge exists for.

The risk is low. The maximum altitude at Khumai Danda is 3,245m, low enough that altitude sickness is unlikely for trekkers who have had even a day to acclimatise in Pokhara. Korchan Danda at 3,682m is the upper limit of the route, and some trekkers feel a mild headache there if they ascend quickly. Walking slowly, drinking water, and resting if symptoms appear keeps almost everyone comfortable.

You stay in simple local teahouses and Gurung family homestays. Facilities are basic, with shared bathrooms and wooden beds, and hot showers are not reliably available. Food is Nepali home cooking such as dal bhat, noodle soups, omelets, and tea. The infrastructure is more basic than on the main Annapurna trails, so do not expect menu-heavy teahouses, but you gain a genuine connection with the farming communities along the ridge.

Our guided Khumai Korchan trek starts at USD 320 per person on the Backpacker tier and USD 420 on the Standard tier for a solo trekker, with the per-person rate dropping as your group grows. The Standard price includes all jeep transfers before and after the trek, a licensed guide with all his costs covered, twin or triple-sharing teahouse accommodation, three meals a day with tea or coffee twice daily, the TIMS and ACAP permits, a first aid kit with oximeter, and government taxes. Backpacker keeps the guide, transport and teahouse rooms, but the TIMS and ACAP fees are not included and it covers breakfast only, with lunch and dinner paid on the trail. International flights, Nepal visa, and travel insurance are not included on any tier.

On day three you wake at around 4:00 am and hike 2 hours to Korchan Danda (3,682m) for sunrise. From this remote ridge you get a 360-degree view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and Hiunchuli, with far fewer trekkers around than at the well-known Annapurna viewpoints. After breakfast at Korchan you descend towards Meshrom, making for a 5 to 6 hour day.

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