Kokhe Danda Aapa Cottage Trek - 4 days

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Kokhe Danda Trek
Kokhe Danda Trek
Kokhe Danda Trek
Trip GradeEasy
Duration4 Days
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude3300
ActivitiesHiking
Group Size12
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Best TimeFebruary to May & September to November

Overview

Kokhe Danda Aapa Cottage Trek is one of the best-kept secrets for travelers looking to experience the natural beauty of Nepal without the crowds. Perfect for the 2025/26 trekking season, this easy and short hike takes you through the serene hills of the Annapurna region, offering stunning Himalayan views, peaceful trails, and rich cultural encounters. Whether you're a first-time trekker or looking for a quieter alternative to Annapurna region trek, Kokhe Danda is an ideal choice for a rewarding yet manageable Nepal trekking adventure.

Starting from the vibrant capital of Kathmandu, your journey leads to the picturesque lakeside city of Pokhara, known as the gateway to the Himalayas. From there, a scenic flight to Banthanti marks the beginning of your hiking experience in Nepal. The trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, charming Magar villages, and eco-friendly community lodges like Aama Cottage and Aapa Cottage, giving you an authentic local travel experience in 2025/26.

What makes the Kokhe Danda Trek stand out is its peacefulness and panoramic rewards. Kokhe Danda, a lesser-known viewpoint nestled between Mohare Danda and Ghorepani, offers some of the best sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It’s a perfect spot for those wanting the Himalayan grandeur without the rush. This trek provides photographers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers a rare chance to witness Nepal’s highlands in their quiet, undisturbed beauty.

Unlike longer treks that require intense physical endurance and weeks of travel, the Kokhe Danda Trek is an easy, short hike which can typically be completed in 3 days. It’s ideal for families, beginners, or those with limited time in Nepal. Still, it doesn't compromise on the magic of the mountains or the warmth of local hospitality. The community lodges along the trail are built and managed by locals, ensuring that your Nepal travel in 2025/26 supports sustainable tourism and uplifts rural communities.

This trek is also a great option for travelers looking to combine culture and nature. Along the way, you’ll interact with Magar families, taste home-cooked Nepali meals, and learn about traditional village life. The route connects well with nearby destinations like Ghorepani and Poon Hill, giving trekkers the flexibility to extend their short Nepal trek into a broader Annapurna hiking itinerary if desired.

Whether you're starting your journey from Kathmandu or Pokhara, the Kokhe Danda Trek in 2025/26 offers a perfect blend of ease, beauty, and authenticity. It's one of the best short treks in Nepal, ideal for those who want to travel slowly, hike light, and experience the heart of the Himalayas in just a few unforgettable days.

Trip Highlights:

Easy and Short Trek: Ideal for beginners or those with limited time, this trek offers an easy and manageable hike, typically completed in 3 days.

Stunning Himalayan Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with a particularly stunning sunrise from Kokhe Danda.

Authentic Cultural Experience: Trek through traditional Magar villages, interacting with locals and experiencing authentic Nepali hospitality.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Route: Escape the crowds of popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp or Mardi while still experiencing the best of Nepal’s nature and culture.

Eco-Friendly Lodging: Stay in community-run lodges like Aama Cottage and Aapa Cottage, supporting sustainable tourism in rural Nepal.

Rich Flora and Fauna: Hike through lush rhododendron forests, home to a variety of wildlife and vibrant plant life.

Access to Pokhara and Kathmandu: Easily accessible from Pokhara, with a scenic drive from Kathmandu, making it a perfect add-on to a larger Nepal travel itinerary.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for families, solo travelers, and small groups looking for a less strenuous trek with significant rewards.

Best season for Kokhe Danda Trek

The best time to trek Kokhe Danda is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Autumn offers clear skies, stable weather, and stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, making it perfect for photography and mountain lovers. Spring brings colorful rhododendron blooms, warm temperatures, and great visibility, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Winter (December to February) is possible but cold, with snow in higher areas. It’s a peaceful time for those who enjoy solitude and crisp air. Monsoon (June to August) is not recommended due to rain, leeches, and poor visibility making it difficult to walk.

For the 2025/26 trekking season, autumn and spring are the top choices for this short, easy, and scenic trek in Nepal.

Is there a possibility of altitude sickness on this trek?

There is very less chance of altitude sickness on this trek as the highest altitude of this trek is 3,210 meters. So, don’t rush while walking and you won’t suffer from High AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). 

 

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all
Day 01:

Your trek begins with a scenic journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a popular lakeside city known as the gateway to the Annapurna region. Take a short 30-minute domestic flight. Upon reaching Pokhara, you'll continue your adventure with a jeep drive to Banthanti, a small hill village that serves as the trailhead for this peaceful and easy Himalayan trek in Nepal. This part of the journey gives you a glimpse of remote village life and the traditional homes of the Magar community.

From Banthanti, you'll begin a short and pleasant hike through dense rhododendron and oak forests, enjoying the fresh mountain air and the soothing sounds of nature. The trekking trail is ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a short, quiet, and easy trek in Nepal, with gradual ascents and stunning views along the way.

By afternoon, you'll reach Aama Cottage, a charming community lodge nestled in the hills. This eco-friendly accommodation offers a cozy and authentic stay, surrounded by nature and distant Himalayan peaks. Spend your evening unwinding in a peaceful atmosphere, enjoying local organic meals, and experiencing genuine Nepali hospitality.

 

Meals: MAPAccommodation: Mountain Guest HouseDuration: 8 Hours
Day 02:

Your second day begins with an early breakfast surrounded by the tranquility of nature. Today’s hike takes you to Kokhe Danda, a serene and relatively unknown viewpoint in the Annapurna region. The trail ascends gently through dense forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the soothing sounds of birdsong and the fresh mountain breeze, making the walk both refreshing and meditative.

As you continue your ascent, the views begin to open up, offering glimpses of the majestic Himalayas. After around 2 to 3 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Kokhe Danda, perched at an altitude of 3,180 meters. This peaceful spot rewards your effort with breathtaking panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Nilgiri. Kokhe Danda offers a quiet and uncrowded space to relax, take photos, or simply absorb the beauty of the mountains in solitude.

During your exploration, you’ll also visit Aapa Cottage, a small, locally run eco-lodge near the viewpoint. This cottage is a great place to rest, sip a cup of tea, and interact with locals who promote sustainable trekking practices in the region. The experience gives you a deeper understanding of the local lifestyle and environment. Depending on the weather and your energy level, you can either return to Aama Cottage for another night or choose to stay near Kokhe Danda or Aapa Cottage to enjoy a high-altitude overnight experience.

 

Meals: APAccommodation: Mountain Guest houseDuration: 5-6 Hours
Day 03:

After breakfast, you’ll start your trek from Kokhe Danda towards Ghorepani, a charming village in the Annapurna region. The trail takes you through lush rhododendron forests and small villages, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hike is moderate, and you’ll reach Ghorepani in about 4-5 hours, where the crisp mountain air and peaceful surroundings await.

Upon arrival in Ghorepani (2,874 m), you’ll settle into a cozy teahouse, unwind, and enjoy the local hospitality. The village, known for its scenic beauty, is a perfect place to rest before the exciting sunrise trek to Poon Hill the following morning.

 

Meals: APAccommodation: Mountain Guest HouseDuration: 5-6 Hours
Day 04:

Start your day early with a pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Annapurna region. This short sunrise trek in Nepal rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of over 20 Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and more, bathed in golden morning light.

The Poon Hill sunrise experience is a must-do for trekkers seeking the best short trek with Himalayan views in Nepal, and it’s an unforgettable highlight of your journey. Capture stunning photos, sip warm tea at the top, and feel the quiet magic of the high mountains.

After enjoying the sunrise, descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then, begin your downhill trek through rhododendron forests and stone staircases, passing traditional villages like Ulleri or Nayapul, depending on your route and vehicle access.

Once you reach the road, drive back to Pokhara, where you can relax by the lakeside or grab a quick meal. Later in the afternoon or evening, return to Kathmandu by flight.

 

Meals: APAccommodation: Three Star HotelDuration: 5-6 Hours
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Cost Details
Included
  • Airport Pick up and drop.
  • Accommodation three star hotel with breakfast Kathamndu 
  • Flight Ticket Kathmandu to Pokhara both ways.
  • Pokhara to trekking starting point drop and pick up by private car or Jeep
  • 3 meals a day while trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as indicated by the itinerary.
  • Accommodation while trekking in twin sharing basis local lodges / guesthouses.
  • All trekking guide and porter insurance and related permit & fees.
  • English speaking, professional guides and porters.
Excluded
  • International air fare to/ from Nepal.
  • Meals at airports 
  • Entry Visa fee
  • Insurance which covers medical, emergency evacuation, lost, theft expenses.
  • Drinks,Laundry fee.
  • Personal gears and expenses.