The troubles are over, and the country is safe again. Look at this video to see how kindly tourist buses were treated even during the protest.
Jhinu Danda is a charming village in the Kaski District at an elevation of approximately 1,760-1,780 meters. Located along the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trekking route, it is pretty famous for its natural hot springs on the banks of the Modi Khola river. Trekkers widely use it as a common rest stop before heading to or returning from the Annapurna Sanctuary trek.
A short walk below the village brings you to the hot springs, where mineral-rich waters collect in stone-built pools. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery, these springs offer the ultimate remedy for tired muscles. Beyond the physical relief, Jhinu Danda is a vibrant social hub. You can share stories with fellow adventurers as you recharge your spirit before the final leg of your journey.
Table of Contents
What Makes Jhinu Danda a Standout Stopover?
Jhinu Danda stands out for its balance of physical recovery and cultural immersion. Its riverside natural hot springs provide rare relief for tired trekkers, while its Gurung heritage and lush scenery offer a peaceful, authentic look at life in the Annapurna foothills.
Natural Hot Springs: A Trekker’s Must-Visit at Jhinu Danda
The natural hot springs lie about 15-25 minutes downhill from the main village. The descent is short but steep. At the site, there are three separate pools beside the river, surrounded by rocks and greenery. They vary in size and temperature, so you can choose the one that you prefer. They are comfortably warm, offering a natural, spa-like experience that helps ease sore muscles and joints after long days of trekking.
Socially, the springs are a hub for trekkers from around the world to relax. You can swap stories of travel or personal life and enjoy the tranquil environment together. It costs a small entry fee of about NPR 150-200 per person. Visit here in the early morning (around 7:00 AM) or just before dusk for the best experience and fewer crowds.
The hot springs area offers basic changing rooms and clean restroom facilities tucked near the edge of the jungle. While the surroundings remain rustic and natural, small benches and paved edges around the pools make it easy to keep your belongings dry. However, make sure to bring your own towel and flip-flops, and carry a small amount of cash for the nominal community maintenance fee.
Quiet & Less Commercial: Exactly How you Imagine a Village!
Unlike the bustling trekking hubs of Chhomrong or Ghorepani, Jhinu Danda retains a quiet, village-like charm. Here, nature takes center stage, where crowds and construction noise are replaced with the soothing sounds of the Modi Khola, birdsong, and gentle mountain breezes. It has fewer lodges and almost no commercial shops or souvenir stalls.
This lack of commercialization makes it easy to connect deeply with the environment and offers a truly rustic experience. Free from the distractions of modern amenities, you can fully decompress and hit the reset button. Additionally, you can occasionally see Annapurna South and Hiunchuli between the trees.
Birdwatching in the Bamboo and Rhododendron Woods
Because the village is surrounded by dense bamboo, rhododendron, and broadleaf forests, it is a sanctuary of Himalayan birdlife. Beyond just spotting them, you’ll get immersed in a symphony of calls from species like the Great Barbet and the colorful Scarlet Minivet. With a bit of luck, you might even glimpse the elusive Satyr Tragopan or the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie darting through the canopy.
The best time for birdwatching is early mornings and late afternoons. Take short walks from your lodge to reach excellent vantage points for photography or sightings. Keep your binoculars handy to enjoy nature’s theater without venturing far from your resting spot.
Authentic Interaction with the Gurung Community
Jhinu Danda offers an intimate, authentic glimpse into Gurung (Tamu) culture. Most lodges are family-run, allowing you to sample local specialties like Gurung bread, nettle soup, and traditionally brewed Chhyang. You can also try on traditional attire, such as the Ghalek and Gunyo Cholo. In the peak of October, you can experience vibrant Dashain and Tihar celebrations. However, they also follow the wisdom of local Lamas and the natural rhythms of the mountains. It’s a unique opportunity to witness a blend of Tibetan Buddhism and ancestral Bon (shamanic) traditions.
Moreover, they are legendary honey hunters. Staying here isn’t just about visiting. It’s about becoming part of a resilient community that has thrived in the Himalayas for generations. From the warmth of family-run lodges to the deep-rooted cultural pride and kindness of its people, Jhinu Danda offers you a unique window into a way of life shaped by both tradition and the majestic mountain landscape.
Mountain Views and Suspension Bridges
Even though Jhinu Danda is nestled in a valley, it offers spectacular, up-close views of some of the world’s most iconic peaks. If you hike up the village terraces, you can enjoy the views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the sacred, sharply pointed Machhapuchhre, famously known as Fishtail. On clear days, you may also see the distant views of Dhaulagiri on the west side.
Adding to the thrill is the legendary Jhinu Suspension Bridge, the longest and highest bridge in the Kaski district. It is 287 meters long and rises 135 meters above the Samrong Khola River. Walking across this narrow steel lattice bridge is a heart-pounding experience. The gentle sway, the view of the rushing river below, and occasional mule caravans create a true Himalayan adventure. Our expert guide says, “It feels like a walk in the sky”, framed by some of the most photogenic scenery on the Annapurna trail.
Accessibility and How to Reach Jhinu Danda
Jhinu Danda lies roughly 40-60 km from Pokhara and is easily accessible by road. Depending on the vehicle, the drive can take 1.5 to 5 hours to reach the nearest trailhead: Nayapul, Ghandruk, or Siwai. From there, a short 2-4 hour trek brings you into the village. That mix of road access and limited walking is exactly why Jhinu Danda has earned its reputation as one of the most convenient entry points in the Annapurna region treks. You get Himalayan scenery without days of grinding on the trail.
Through Ghandruk from Nayapul
This is the most scenic entrance into Jhinu Danda. You start by driving from Pokhara to Nayapul, then continue by jeep to Ghandruk, the famous Gurung village. From here, you trek down toward the Kimrong Khola, moving through forest shade and long ribbons of stone steps. After crossing the river, the trail gradually ascends toward Jhinu Danda. It’s about 4-5 hours on foot, with teahouses for breaks and constant front-row views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Through Siwai from Nayapul
This is the most direct access route. First, you get to Nayapul. Then from there, you can take a jeep to Siwai. The walking trail begins at the end of the motorable road and follows the Modi Khola River. You pass through lush forests, terraced fields, and small settlements, like Kyumi. The path is well-trodden but fairly moderate, with a few uphill sections and narrow stretches. It takes about 2.5-3 hours to walk to the Jhinu suspension bridge. From the bridge, a short, steady climb leads to Jhinu Danda village.
Chhomrong and New Bridge Alternative
If you’re already trekking the Annapurna route, this is the classic route to visit Jhinu Danda hot springs. You leave Chhomrong and walk down a long staircase path that takes 1.5-2 hours. It is tough on the knees, but the path is broad, well-maintained, and easy to follow. This path will take you down to the river and Jhinu Suspension Bridge. From here, you climb a short but steady uphill section to arrive in the village.
If you’d rather ease your knees and still want to enjoy the views, you can also try the Landruk approach. Here, the trail lets you enjoy riverside views and forested paths before you tackle a gentle 1.5-hour climb. You cross the iconic New Bridge, which adds thrill and photo opportunities.
Permit Requirements for Jhinu Danda
Before heading to Jhinu Danda, you need two essential permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS). Both can be obtained in Pokhara or through authorized trekking agencies.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
It is required to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. This permit helps protect the region’s natural environment and wildlife.
| Nationality | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nepali | NPR 300 |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 1,000 |
| Other Nationals | NPR 3,000 |
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
This permit registers trekkers in the Annapurna region and helps ensure safety by tracking hikers along popular trails.
| Nationality | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nepali | NPR 200 |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 200 |
| Other Nationals | NPR 2,000 |
Accommodations at Jhinu Danda
Accommodation in Jhinu Danda offers a wide range of options for trekkers. You can choose between traditional teahouses and modern lodges, both generally affordable and comfortable. Most provide clean twin rooms, shared or attached bathrooms, communal dining halls, and hearty local meals. As the village’s popularity has grown, facilities have also improved. Many lodges now offer reliable Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, and hot showers powered by gas or electricity.
However, keep in mind that older lodges sit higher on the hill. They offer panoramic views, while newer ones are located near the suspension bridge and jeep station for easier access. Because Jhinu Danda is a key stop on the Annapurna Base Camp trek and a weekend draw for visitors from Pokhara, peak trekking seasons (March-May and October-November) can get busy. So, book in advance during those times to secure rooms at scenic hilltop lodges.
This layout of the accommodations in the village offers a mix of accessibility, enhanced amenities, and authentic mountain charm. Jhinu Danda remains a convenient yet memorable place to stay before or after your trek.
Itinerary Options from Jhinu Danda to the Himalayas
Jhinu Danda is a well-connected trail hub and a popular stop on several classic Himalayan trekking routes of the Annapurna region. One of the main treks from here is the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, where you ascend through Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, and Deurali before reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. Many trekkers include Jhinu Danda on the return journey to soak in the natural hot springs after days at a higher altitude.
Another immersive option is the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, which leads from Jhinu Danda through subtropical forests and river valleys into alpine terrain framed by Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Similarly, Jhinu Danda is included in shorter ABC itineraries, as it is easily accessible from Siwai or Nayapul.
These routes let you experience the Himalayan highlights with fewer trekking days, with Jhinu Danda often serving as the last overnight stop before heading back to Pokhara. This mix of long, classic treks and shorter, time-efficient options makes Jhinu Danda a flexible and strategic base for exploring the Annapurna region.
Moderate
20 Days
$1,699
Starting from
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Annapurna Base Camp
View Trip Itinerary
Trip Link
Conclusion
Jhinu Danda leaves a mark that goes beyond the trails and views. With its natural beauty, warm teahouses, scenic stone paths, and the soothing hot springs by the river, it transforms a simple stop into a relaxing experience in the Himalayas. It’s a kind of place you regret skipping. So, take some time to catch your breath here and witness the local Gurung culture that feels somehow different from Ghorepani or Ghandruk.
Ready to experience adventure, relaxation, and authenticity in Jhinu Danda? Contact us, and we’ll provide a free consultation to identify the trek route that best suits you.
Share On:
Related Blogs
Home to some of the tallest mountains, there are many destinations for short treks in Nepal. Despite the short time duration, they offer adventurous and…
Read Continue
Blog Link
Yes. The ten days on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek will feel more rewarding than any typical holiday. It covers everything you’d want: mountain views, peaceful…
Read Continue
Blog Link
If you have second thoughts about trekking ABC, here are the 10 Reasons to Do Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. The Annapurna Base Camp is a…
Read Continue
Blog Link
Planning Your Journey to Nepal?
Discover the essential travel requirements for Nepal, including visa procedures, current travel restrictions, and health and safety guidelines. Our travel expert will guide you through the latest entry requirements based on your departure country and passport, ensuring you’re prepared for your Himalayan adventure.