Who doesn’t enjoy traveling? It is true that when one has some free time, the human mind becomes restless. Exploring new places and hiking in the mountains can make one feel anxious. However, in such situations, a person can find beautiful destinations by enduring a little discomfort. If you are also searching for such destinations, then this video is for you. In the fourth episode of “Heaven is Myth, Nepal is Real” season 3, the Nepal 8th Wonder team showcases the beautiful Mohare Danda located in the Myagdi district of Western Nepal. By taking a one-week trip, one can witness the beautiful views of Ghorepani, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges, and get close to the Magar community.
For the previous episode, the team had reached the religious site of Aama Yangri in Sindhupalchok. From there, we embarked on a journey to Mohare Danda. On the first day, we were supposed to reach Pokhara by following the Prithvi Highway. We left behind Sikre, Kholaa, Malekhu, Muglin, and Aambukhaireni.
The new destination always adds a new level of excitement to a person. Even though the road was bumpy at times, the team’s excitement for the journey was different. When we arrived at Sikre Khola, leaving behind the familiar places like Durbar Marg, Sundhara, and Kalanki, the weather had become cloudy.
It was the end of the year 2079, and the dusty road on the construction-less Prithvi Highway was pushing the journey forward. The road was covered in dust. All travelers, heading out of Kathmandu and towards Kathmandu, were covered in brown dust. Even the colors of houses along the road had changed to a brownish hue. Looking at them, it seemed like everyone had painted their houses in the same color.
As it was the month of Chaitra, the wind was blowing and the leaves of the trees in the area were greener than ever before.
The road from Sikrekhola to AnbooKhaireni in Dhading district was quite easy. The construction of the road showed the possibility of convenience in the future. The road was wider and of better quality than before, making it easier for people to travel on this highway. Even though some people had to face difficulties for some time, it was believed that the country would develop, bringing happiness to everyone.
The Trishuli river flowing beside the road wasn’t very clean. As the heat increased, the Mugling bazaar, which was located 2-3 hundred meters above sea level, experienced a lot of heat. There were Trucks with funny quotes on Ukraine and Russia written on them. Day and night, the noise of vehicles is constantly present on the Prithvi Highway, which is the most important and busy highway in Nepal. It took us more than four hours to reach Muglin. Looking down from the Mugling bridge, we can see the wide river flowing below.
After spending some time on the bridge, we went to Benitar to have some food. After moving forward from Benitar, we met Amir in Ambukhairani. There, we refueled at a nearby petrol pump and continued our journey towards Pokhara.
We had to face a terrible dusty road along with the construction work going on during the daytime which caused a lot of traffic jams. Due to the frequent stops at various points, the vehicles formed long lines. The rough and dusty road made the journey very difficult, and the dust made our clothes and shoes dirty. At times, we felt like we were walking through a construction site rather than traveling on a road and we wanted to reach Pokhara soon.
The road to Pokhara was also very difficult to travel. The bulldozers were working in the area, and at times the road was completely blocked. One dusty highway was being used by all the traffic, and we too had to travel on it. However, the inconvenience was not only ours, but it was also shared by all who had to travel on the Prithvi Highway.
After going a little further, a scene of oxen plowing was seen on the side of the road. Due to the invention of machines like tractors, the scene of plowing bulls is rarely seen nowadays. That’s why we stayed there for a while. For a while, we got lost on the side of the road and watched the plowing of the oxen. The reality that we will have to reach Pokhara after a while hesitated and we started the journey again. The journey was a bit slower than usual as the road was not smooth. It was already evening when we saw the plowing of the oxen.
Pokhara, which is known as the Cherrapunji of Nepal for being the place where the most rain falls, introduced itself without even reaching Pokhara. The water that hit our desire to rest after reaching Pokhara was hit by the rain early on.
Around 8 o’clock, the rainfall slowly stopped. We rushed towards Pokhara with great difficulty. The muddy road was made even more difficult to travel because of the muddy way. The darkness of the night concealed Pokhara. Usually, traveling at night is more difficult than during the day. The glaring headlights of vehicles and the unknown ditches on the road made the journey quite challenging.
As the destination approached, we were feeling good. By the time we reached Raniban Retreat, the city of Pokhara was about to sleep.
We looked at the city of Pokhara, which was sleeping for a while after resting our tired bodies at Raniban Retreat. The team went to the room to sleep as they had to leave for the journey to Nangi early the next morning.
No matter how much one describes Pokhara city, words fall short. The beautiful lakes like Fewa and Begnas, where one can smile by capturing their reflection in the morning, the hospitality of the people with sweet smiles and words, the stunning sunrise and cloud cover seen from the hills. These are the sweet mixtures that introduce Pokhara. But, we can’t say this is the particular thing that defines Pokhara because there are many. This city has such an attraction that it mesmerizes everyone who comes here. Overlooking the ability to express beauty in words, Pokhara manages to turn every day into a festival, putting in a little effort to make people happy. Pokhara is such a city.
After staying at the Raniban Retreat on the hillside and enjoying a beautiful view of Pokhara city and the stunning Fewa Lake during breakfast, we were ready to embark on our journey to Nangi. However, we couldn’t resist taking in the beautiful scenery that we had seen from the Raniban Retreat and felt compelled to continue our journey. At times, we watched the sun’s rays playing with the clouds in the sky over Pokhara. We felt a certain sense of contentment within us.
We removed the dust from the Saddle Bags and started our journey to Beni. The road was not smooth and easy, but we were excited to reach our destination. Even the thought of arriving at our destination filled us with enthusiasm, and we realized how much excitement a small imagination about a destination can bring to a traveler.
The journey started and we rode on the Pokhara-Baglung highway. This is a 1095-kilometer long central hill highway of Nepal, which starts from zero kilometer in Pokhara and ends in Baglung. This 72-kilometer highway connects Pokhara with various other tourist destinations. Traveling on this beautiful highway is itself an amazing experience. Unlike Kathmandu, Pokhara is not polluted with smoke and dust. Spending time in this city, where the air is relatively clean, provides a great opportunity to escape from the dusty environment of Kathmandu. Moreover, traveling to Pokhara gives people a chance to enjoy the serene environment and make lifelong memories.
As time passed, we kept stopping and admiring the scenery, and then moving forward. Since the road up to Beni was easy, we didn’t have to face any major problems. Some road construction work was going on at some places.
When Ambot was reached, the weather had changed suddenly. The rain stopped mildly while we were having Lunch. However, the journey to Beni resumed smoothly despite the rain. After reaching Kusma, petrol was filled in the scooter.
It is necessary to travel about 42 kilometers from Kusma to reach Beni. We never knew how long it would take to reach Nangi. Kali Gandaki river was flowing nearby. From an altitude of 6,268 meters near the Tibetan border, the Kali Gandaki river flowed down and the water was golden due to the Himalayan rocks. Some turbulence was observed in the water due to the gorge.
The roads were muddy. The wheels of the scooter were all muddy as we proceeded to reach Nangi. We were wondering what the Mohare Danda, which has been heard about but few people have visited, would be like. But before that, We used to worry about how to reach Nangi using the difficult dirt road. If it was the rainy season, we would have suffered even more.
After crossing the suspension bridge over the Lumdi Khola, the path leads towards the narrow jungle. After traveling for almost 4 hours, one can reach Nangi.
The roads weren’t that difficult although we were traveling off road. The magical forests on the way were attractive. During the journey, the sweet fragrance of the forest was flowing all around. Those roads were built cutting down the whole hill. Although it seemed like we had been traveling for a long time, we were going to cross only one mountain.
The higher we climbed, the more the sun went down. The road to Nangi was very beautiful in the evening. The fields were visible on the side. Some small villages were left behind during the travel. If we had time, we would stop for a while in each village and get a lot of information about them.
Travel will sometimes make the traveler dissatisfied. Not knowing everything about the place you have reached comes with a kind of sadness. Looking at the places left behind, it could be said that agriculture is the main source of income for the people there, but it was difficult to move forward without knowing what kind of people live there, how they live and what kind of art and culture they are full of.
After a while, the uphill road started. As the road is being built, there are some steep slopes. The road was easy in some places and very difficult in some places.
It was time for the sun to set. The rough road journey continued. The children from the houses on the side of the road were welcoming us with their smiles. Although the body was sore from the continuous journey since morning, we continued to convince our minds that it was only a short time. At sunset, the sun plays sweet hide and seek in the hilly areas. Sometimes the sun would hide behind a mountain and after a while it would come out again.
When approaching Phalame Danda, we had to face the most difficult road. We had to suffer a lot on the scooter on that rocky road. It was a new world. The wind was also blowing differently. We were moving forward with enthusiasm to reach Nangi, but that enthusiasm could not last for long. On that day, they could only reach Phalame Danda.
After stopping for a while at a shop on the way, we proceeded towards Phalame Danda. The road to Phalame Danda was even worse. It was very difficult to travel in the dark of night. When going on a journey, it is uncertain when you will reach and where you will stay. We, who wanted to reach Nangi, had to stay at Phalame Danda. There was no idea how long it would take to get there.
The Phalame Danda is located at an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level, is situated in Ward No. 5 of Jaljala Gaunpalika. From this place, one can see the beautiful view of the Annapurna mountain range and other Himalayan peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Gurja, and Nilgiri along with the mesmerizing sunrise. A community homestay has been established in this area under the Karbakeli Padmarga to facilitate the visit of tourists. This route has been operational since 2075 BS by bringing together some of the popular tourist destinations of Myagdi and northern mountains. This route, which is named after the community’s patron deity Karbakeli Baba, connects Ghorepani, Poonhill, Fulbari, and Karbakeli Than.
This is an easy trail for those who have little trekking experience or want to experience trekking for the first time. Because it is named after the family deity, there is also a belief that walking on this path awakens spiritual feelings. Those who travel through this footpath can travel by jeep from Pokhara to Birethanti and from there climb Poonhill and reach Karbakeli Than in a 4-hour walk. It is an ideal trail to observe the biodiversity and the arts and culture of the community.
When we couldn’t reach Nangi yesterday, we were very upset, but the beautiful morning scene made us forget about it. After having breakfast in the morning, we rested in the shade of a tree on the bank of the river.
As we headed towards Nangi from our homestay, we felt a kind of happiness in our hearts.
Because we were going to Nangi, the birthplace of Nepal’s very own teacher, young scientist, inventor and respected social activist Mahabir Pun. He has a master’s degree in science from the University of Nebraska, USA and is trying to move the country towards the speed of development. He is currently the president of the National Innovation Center, which succeeded in expanding the Internet network through the Nepal Wireless Network Project with the goal of transmitting information to the rural areas of the country through wireless technology.
The fact that we were able to reach the birthplace of a true national servant who returned to Nepal to develop the country by leaving the facilities provided by foreign countries filled us with a unique excitement.
The road is rougher than we thought. Sometimes it’s rocky, sometimes it’s bumpy, and sometimes there are steep inclines that scooters can’t climb.
The roads in the hilly areas throughout the country are just like this. Either Ruby Valley or Amayangri or Mardi’s way it’s the same. Due to the steepness of the roads from the city, these roads do not turn into blacktops. Every year, water opens up these roads. When it rains, the situation of the roads becomes pitiable. Although in some places, the roads have been made smooth by laying stones, the roads that lead to the river are still not easily accessible.
While moving ahead we saw a Chhorten on the road. We felt like we were entering a place that consists of Buddhism.
After crossing Chorten and moving forward for a while, we reached the familiar Nangi village in Myagdi district.
Nangi village, which falls under Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community Ecological Trail, is well-known in terms of tourism. It is the development of information and technology of this place that will bring its introduction to a higher level.
Many people recognize this place as the place where Roman Magsaysay awardee Mahabir Pun’s goal of spreading information to the rural areas of the country through wireless technology was successful through the wireless project. The credit for the development of digital literacy and technology in Nangi village goes to Mahabir Pun. Access to technology, living conditions of the Magar caste, their art culture and the beautiful view of the Annapurna snow range are the main attractions of Nangi village.
Nangi, the well-known starting point of Mohare Danda Trekking, is at a height of about 2300 meters above sea level. This place is equally beautiful in terms of nature. Around a thousand tourists come to this place every month to experience the beautiful scenery of the Annapurna snow range and the clean environment of the mountains. Both domestic and foreign tourists are eager to stay at the homestay and eat the organic food made there.
When we woke up and looked outside the room, the yellow rays of the sun had poured over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna snow ranges. Magar brothers and sisters living in about four hundred houses got up early and took care of their work. What is more special about this place is, there is a majority of the Magar caste and the operation and management of the homestays and lodges here are done in a communal manner.
Some of the money from that homestay will be used in four areas of the village. Using the income mainly for education, health, science and technology and development, the people of this village are engaged in developing their own place.
There is a basketball and volleyball court next to Nangi Community Lodge. After spending some time there, we returned to the lodge. By the time we reached the community lodge, lunch was ready. It was decided to start the walk after eating breakfast. We had to walk all day to reach Mohare Danda. We don’t know why but on the first day of the trek, the enthusiasm of hikers doubles. The same thing happened to us.
By the time we left for Mohare after having lunch, it was already late. Carrying the heavy goods to the porter, the team moved towards Mohare Danda.
Toya Dai of Community Lodge arranged our stay well along with finding a porter. He has been very brave to think that if he can work as a community, not only himself but the whole village will progress.
The village of Nangi did not leave the company until some time after starting the journey. The locals were enjoying their day. This is one of the best aspects of traveling in villages. There is never a shortage of friends to share a laugh with.
Carrying his Doko, our porter’s dai walked ahead. The team was following him. There were beautiful snow chains in the landscape and cold wind was blowing here and there touching the gut.
Even though it was the month of Chaitra, it was not that hot. The cool breeze that touched the mountains made the body cool.
All along the road, the Rhododendrons were blooming. We proceeded through the forest path. This trail, sometimes steep or flat, is easy for new hikers. According to Toya Dai of Nangi village, 700 to 800 domestic and foreign tourists come here every month during the season to see Mohare Danda. In which the number of foreign tourists is more than Nepalese.
On a sunny day, walking uphill enjoying the fresh air of the forest, there was a special peace in our hearts. We were gossiping and taking videos. The drone got entangled in a tree branch and suffered an accident. Fortunately, there will be no problems with the drone.
Roundabouts were built to make it easier for travelers. As we did not feel tired, we walked somewhere without resting.
We were very happy that the road was shortening as we crossed Dobato Kharka. The land used for keeping cattle and grazing cattle is called Kharka. Every year for a few months, the farmers living around this area have been coming to graze their cows by keeping a temporary shed in Dobato Kharka.
It was very easy for us as the porter carried the heavy goods. However, a few moments ago, the porter brother who was walking along had disappeared because of the fast pace. Slowly we continued to climb.
While walking through the forest, hikers can experience many things. The chirping of the birds and the wind flowing through the leaves, the sound of one’s own steps trampling the leaves also sounds musical.
Going from Bhuwane Danda towards Hampal Bas, one has to travel through dense forest. The Rhododendron plants were seen at times. Looking at it, we moved forward.
The people living in the village below have been coming to Bhuwane Danda for grass and firewood. Not only here, but in most villages, the custom of going to the forest to bring firewood is still there. Due to the problems of transportation in rural areas, people are still living by burning firewood.
For the people living in the city, the forest only provides oxygen, but it plays a very important role in the lives of the villagers. The firewood for cooking or grass for cattle, the villagers depend on the forest for all these things.
After eating Noodles, we guessed the right way and we started our journey towards Mohare. As it was the month of Chaitra, the ground grass was all Yellowish. Those who travel to this area around Baisakh and Jestha months will enjoy seeing the greenery.
It is a very difficult climb on the ridge because we were lost. The dry slippery grass made walking more difficult.
After a difficult uphill journey for some time, we arrived at Hampal Danda, located in the Parbat District. A resting tower was also seen there. After seeing that, We thought that we finally found the right way.
By the time we reached the hill, the weather had turned cloudy. The mountains that were visible a while ago were covered with haze. The hills that were visible from the place where we were standing were also starting to look dim.
As the weather worsened, it became dark in the afternoon. We climbed for a while through the Hampal hill which is 3000 meters above the sea level.
The weather worsened as we climbed higher. A thunderous sound was heard from the sky. We were looking for a place to have lunch.
It is a matter of luck to experience snow in the month of Chaitra. Mohare Danda gave that experience. But there was also fear that it would be difficult to walk if there was a lot of snow. Without getting lost, we headed towards Mohare Danda through the forest path.
We sat for a while under the cover of a huge stone to have lunch. The pancakes cooked in the morning were already cold. Even though it was cold, it helped to satisfy the hunger. After a while while eating, the snow subsided. Taking that opportunity, we continued the journey.
After lunch, an even steeper road began. We were traveling with four friends. When walking and listening to each other’s travel experiences, it was not noticed that time had passed easily. On that day, when climbing uphill, it was snowing. Some told their first experience of playing in the snow, while others told the pain they had to face because of the snow. Mohare Danda had created an atmosphere to exchange memories on that day.
The Kharkas that appeared from time to time were reminiscent of Khaptad and Dhorpatan. Although some things were the same, the beauty of Mohare Trekking was different. There was something special that made this path different from others.
By the time we reached Dhima Danda, which is at a height of 3068 meters, the sky was very dark. The higher it went, the more snowy it got. While we were happy that it was snowing, we also complained about not being able to see the mountains. We kept on walking with a faint hope that the mountains would be seen tomorrow morning.
Travel not only teaches people to be one with beauty but also the meaning of compromise. Even if it is not what you think and say, it will teach the traveler to follow his heart. Not being able to eat when told. Don’t be able to sit. Don’t get the bed as you say.
A traveler learns to deal with all these things during the journey. If you look carefully, you will find a philosophy of life hidden in the experiences of travel. Along with teaching them to make compromises, the journeys that also teach them not to give up have been giving people a different perspective on life.
It didn’t stop snowing. There was no option to continue the journey by wearing the raincoat. After resting for a while, we were afraid that it would be night, so we decided to walk slowly.
We have been walking together since morning. The rest was only at the time of lunch, but still Mohare seemed far away. To witness the Mountains was like a dream at those moments. The team was making their way to meet Mohare Danda, finding a way through the mountains covered with snow.
We had raincoats to go with us. Porter Dai won’t have that either. Sometimes he was walking under the cover of hills. While walking in the forest, the snow did hit us. Walking in the open was somewhat difficult.
By the time I reached Rapse Kharka, which is 3168 meters above sea level, the whole land was white. It was as if the night had fallen earlier than the time due to the fog. We had to walk for another hour and a half. Fearing nightfall, we started to walk up. Somewhere along the way, there were boards with Mohare Danda written on them, which encouraged us that we are on the right path and the destination is nearing.
The wind was blowing hard towards the hills. During the dark, the snow-covered mountain looked like a scene from a horror movie. Because it was evening, the cold started to grow. We, who were happy with the snowfall a little while ago, had already started thinking about when we would be able to reach the hotel and stay near the fireplace. We reached Mohare before it was night.
We traveled from Kathmandu, traveling through Kaski, Baglung, Parvat for 4 days and arrived at Mohare Danda in Myagdi. After reaching the community lodge at Mohare Danda and having hot tea, the body felt a little warm. The body, tired from the whole day’s walk, was asking for food.
We were so hungry and wanted to eat the Noodles instantly, but because of the Cold weather conditions, cooking and eating it later will help defend against the cold.
The weather had defeated our plan to reach Mohare and capture the beautiful sunset. Hoping that the weather will clear up tomorrow morning, after dinner we went to our rooms to rest the tired bodies in bed.
Mohare Danda, which had been smudged the previous day, changed its appearance with the first rays of the sun. With the light scattered on the Annapurna Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre ranges, dozens more mountains like Sisne, Gurja, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhe, Manaslu and Annapurna were seen. The beautiful view of the sunrise was mind-blowing. From Mohare Danda, along with Pokhara, along with the city, Myagdi, Parbat, Baglung, Kaski, Palpa and other high mountain peaks of the district were also seen. Even the snow-covered Mohare Danda looked golden with the rays of the sun.
Thousands of tourists come every year to stand on Mohare Danda in Myagdi district at a height of 3313 meters above sea level to see the beautiful view of the mountains in front of their eyes. Among them, the number of foreign tourists is much more than Nepalese. Mohare Danda is one of the best destinations for tourists who come to Nepal and want to do a short trek. Since it is possible to reach and return from Kathmandu during the week, this footpath has recently become successful in the eyes of Nepalese youth.
Mohare Danda, which falls within the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community Ecological Trail, has become a new destination for trekkers looking to escape the crowds of Poon Hill and find some isolation. This place, which provides an opportunity to closely observe the art, culture and hospitality of the Magar caste, as well as a panoramic view of the mountains, has managed to attract a lot of tourists in recent times.
Hikers of all ages want to visit this area because of the access to the internet and the trails that can be completed in a short time.
Travelers who come to Mohare Danda, which connects Myagdi’s Nangi, Ghorepani, Kaski’s Ulleri and Parbat’s Lakefart, can reach Tiplyang via Danda Kharka and Tilkot and from there catch the bus to Pokhara. If we look at the development of technology, under the leadership of Mahabir Pun, arrangements have been made to provide wireless and fibernet internet facilities to the village by placing a tower on Mohare Danda in mutual partnership between Nepal Innovation Center and Worldlink.
In addition to that, by bringing in an American camera and placing it on Mohare Danda and giving live weather updates to Pokhara Civil Aviation, Mohre Danda has been established as a technology-friendly village.
A lodge with facilities is being operated targeting the tourists who come to visit Mohare Danda, and with the money raised from it supports other development programs including running a community school. Not only tourists but also people who run community homestays should visit this place once. Mohare Danda, which is a model place in the field of technology development and community homestay, has become beautiful and organized from all aspects.
Short in terms of days, but very memorable in terms of memories, Mohare Danda Trek. In 5 days, we crossed the dirty road of Prithvi highway and completed the journey through Phalame Danda and Nangi village to Mohare Danda. This journey gave us the opportunity to visit Kaski, Baglung and Myagdi at the same time.
We spent two nights in Nangi and Mohare Danda, getting beaten in the snow and observing the Magar community closely, becoming a model village in the field of technological development and community homestay operation. The view of the beautiful mountains and the clean air are in their place. Apart from that, we have returned with many memories that made the trip to Mohare Danda more pleasant with the help and intimacy of the Magar brothers. We would like to thank all those people who supported us throughout the journey from the bottom of our hearts.
Also, love and respect to a good national servant like Mahabir Pun. We are proud that the country has got a true patriot. Finally, like the previous trip, we say thank you to all the sponsors who helped make this trip possible. We hope that this video of ours will increase the number of both internal and external tourists reaching Mohare Danda in the coming days. We will come again with another episode. Hope you’ll wait.
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