Khumai Dada Trek in Nepal- A paradise for photographers
If you seek short treks in Nepal, the Khumai Dada trek is the ideal choice. It's flawless for weekend travelers, as just a weekend is all it takes to find yourself near the Himalayas. During favorable seasons, you'll travel through Rhododendron-covered forests to snow-covered trails. This alluring trek is well-suited for beginners and offers enjoyment for all due to its manageable difficulty level and short duration, yet it provides great experiences to cherish along the way.
Out of the countless short trekking routes in Nepal, the recently discovered Khumai Dada Trek has swiftly garnered attention. Situated close to the renowned Mt. Fishtail, it remains unspoiled and less packed compared to the bustling Mardi Himal and Poonhill trails.
Situated on the northern side of Pokhara, Khumai Hill rises to an altitude of 3,245m. It rests at the base of the southern face of Macchapuchre, forming part of the "Macchapuchre Model Trek." The journey to Khumai Dada can be accomplished in 3-4 days starting from Pokhara and can be extended up to a week by combining the Mardi Himal trek into the itinerary.
Situated at the foot of Macchapuchre, the viewpoint of Khumai Dada offers sensational views of the Himalayas and mesmerizing sunrises. In addition to its serene trekking trails, the area offers undisturbed views, green forests, and charming ethnic villages such as Mirsha, Hile Kharkha, and Saripakha. These elements collectively make Khumai Dada an exquisite trekking destination, perfect for those seeking privacy and a memorable experience in nature.
On December 15, 2023, the team at Abound Holidays embarked on a journey to explore the Khumai Dada Trekking route. We were blessed to witness the immaculate beauty of nature, feel the soothing Himalayan breeze, and forge unforgettable memories together. In this blog, we aim to offer valuable insights into this remarkable short trek and highlight why it holds a special enticement for photographers.
Khumai Dada Photography Trek (A trekker perspective)
The beginning of Khumai Hill Trek
As an adventure tour company, we stay dedicated and occupied with office tasks during the off-season. Then, out of the blue, the idea of embarking on a short trek to Khumai Dada popped up. Excitement filled the air as everyone eagerly expected a quick escape from the daily grind of office assignments. We also acknowledged the essence of granting ourselves some free time to allow our minds the freedom for creativity.
We bought our bus tickets and initiated our journey to Pokhara from the Tourist Buspark at Sorakhutte early in the morning. Following an approximately 8-hour scenic bus ride, we arrived at the tourist bus park in Pokhara. There, we hired a local taxi to drop us off at Ghachowk, the starting point of the Khumai Trek. The friendly and cheerful driver made the car ride enjoyable as we headed to the Hemja Highway and crossed the Mardi Khola to reach Gahachowk. Arriving in the evening, we decided to spend the night at theMachapuchere Village Inn. Despite the lengthy journey earlier in the day, our enthusiasm remained high. We gathered around a bonfire, enjoying quality time with our team and engaging with locals. The inn owner warmly welcomed us and provided us with the finest lodgings and a delicious organic breakfast the following morning.
Ghachowk to Khumai Dada via Hile-Kharkha
Following a restful night at Ghachowk, we set out on the second day of the trek. The hotel owner accompanied us for the first 35 minutes, guiding us along a shortcut path to Tubi Dada, thereby skipping a section of the main Saripakha trail. The view that day was astonishing, with the glorious Annapurna range shining above and the lush green valley below, enhancing the charisma of our journey. After a few hours of hiking, we reached Tubi Dada and pressed on towards Hile Kharkha. Following a pleasing lunch at the Green Cottage teahouse in Hile Kharkha, another member of our team joined us to continue the trek together from there.
After our lunch break, the trails became steeper as we climbed towards the Khumai top. However, the lovely teahouses lodged along the way and the spectacular views of the jungle scenery diverted us from the challenges of the climb. It was a sight to behold, truly remarkable! After four more hours of ascent, we reached the top in the evening, guided by the brightness of our headlights.
Khumai Dada Trek for Photography
Equipped with our camera gear, we were prepared to seize the grandness of the Annapurna range and the peaceful jungles. For any readers who share our passion for photography, the Khumai Dada photography trek presents a premium opportunity. Consider embarking on this incredible short trek to capture the dazzling beauty of Mother Nature firsthand.
The Stunning Annapurna Range
Wow! Nature's pure beauty and magnificence are truly inspiring! The majestic Annapurna ranges beautified the entire journey, while the fascinating close-up view of Mt. Fishtail amazed us. This trek offers an immaculate opportunity for mountain photography, allowing you to behold some of the most sensational mountains on Earth.
Golden Hour Photography
During our trek, we encountered several groups of friends and couples returning from the top, and we were sure they also captured the colors of Khumai Dada with their loved ones. And you know what? We did the same! As we ascended towards the top, we experienced sudden changes in the weather as evening approached. Being above the clouds throughout our climb, the views were surprising. We were treated to a hues of colors during the golden hours. The excitement among everyone reached its peak as we witnessed the exquisite scenery around us. We were so fascinated by capturing the moment that we didn't even mind the upcoming darkness. We took our time, snapping hundreds of photographs to freeze the memories for a lifetime.
Sunrise in Khumai Dada
We arrived at the top of Khumai Hill under the cover of darkness. The owner of the lodge in Khumai kindly came to find us, holding a torchlight to guide the way. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious dinner and indulged in a musical session with our fellow trekkers. With suspense for the next morning's experience, we prepared for a cozy night's sleep, knowing that something incredible awaited us at sunrise.
In the early morning hours, we woke up, brimming with excitement and anticipation. Gathering outside, we patiently awaited the sunrise on the distant horizon. The scenery was surreal as the sun cast its first rays over the thick clouds below us. Sun-kissed in its golden light, we felt revitalized and energized. The morning spectacle was sure to leave everyone awestruck, ingraining them with positivity and good vibes.
Khumai Dada Trek Cost
Since we trekked as a team, we collectively shared the costs for food and accommodation each day. For Nepalese, this trek offers affordable costs. To enjoy decently, one can expect to spend around Rs.10,000-15,000 per person during the Khumai Dada Trek. Compared to other treks in Nepal, the expenses for food and accommodations on this trek are moderately lower.
End of the trek and celebration in Pokhara
After witnessing one of the most sensational mornings of our lives, it was time to descend from the high hills. It took us approximately 6 hours to reach the base of the hill. From there, we arranged for a local jeep to transport us back to Pokhara, at NPR 5,000. After an hour-long journey, we stopped near Mardi Khola for lunch, and the local fish there was so mouthwatering. Upon reaching our hotel in Pokhara, we decided to celebrate our post-trek achievements with a dinner in Pame. We opted for Samaya Restaurant, which comes highly recommended, and were pleased to find that it serves the finest cuisine in Pokhara. A must-try from their menu is the Pork Chilly. The following morning, we returned safely and soundly to Kathmandu.
Overview of Khumai Dada Trekking
Elevation | 3,245 meters from sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy-moderate |
| District | Kaski |
| Best Season | Feb-May and Sept-Nov |
| Days | 4 days maximum |
Khumai Dada is also the base of Macchapuchre and Mardi Himal from another side.
