Jhinu Danda, located at around 1,780 meters (5,840 feet), is a peaceful and refreshing stop on the Annapurna Sanctuary trekking route. While it is not a traditional cultural village like Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda is widely loved by trekkers for one special reason: its natural hot springs. After long days of traveling on steep paths and high mountain terrain, Jhinu is a place to stop, rest, and refresh your body and mind.
Set on a ridge above the Modi Khola River, Jhinu Danda has a calm and laid-back atmosphere. It feels less rushed than other stops on the trail, making it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy a well-earned break.
History and Local Significance
The hot springs of Jhinu Danda have been known and used for generations by local villagers from Chomrong, Sinuwa, and nearby settlements. Long before trekking became popular, shepherds and farmers visited these springs to soothe sore muscles and cleanse themselves after hard physical work. The warm, mineral-rich water was believed to wash away fatigue and negative energy.
As the Annapurna Sanctuary trek grew in popularity, Jhinu Danda gradually developed into a trekking stop. Simple lodges were built on the hill above the river to support travelers. Today, Jhinu Danda holds both physical and emotional importance for trekkers. It represents comfort, healing, and motivation, especially for those descending from higher altitudes.
Trekking Experience to Jhinu Danda
The walk from Chomrong to Jhinu Danda usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour. The trail involves a steep descent of around 400 meters, which can be tough on the knees, especially after days of uphill walking. Reaching the lodges feels satisfying, but the experience is not complete without visiting the hot springs.
To reach the springs, trekkers must walk downhill for about 15 to 20 minutes to the riverbed. The return climb is steep but manageable and well worth the effort.
The Hot Springs Experience
The hot springs consist of two simple stone pools filled with naturally heated, sulfur-rich water. They sit right beside the cold, fast-flowing Modi Khola River. The contrast between the warm water and cool mountain air creates a deeply relaxing experience.
Soaking in the pools while listening to the river and surrounded by forest feels like nature’s own spa. For many trekkers, this moment becomes one of the most memorable highlights of the entire Annapurna Sanctuary trek.
Atmosphere and Role on the Trail
Jhinu Danda has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Trekkers spend time soaking in the hot springs, reading, chatting, or simply resting. The air is warmer and richer in oxygen compared to higher elevations, which helps the body recover faster.
Jhinu Danda serves several important roles:
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A reward stop after returning from Annapurna Base Camp or the sanctuary
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A recovery point for tired legs and sore muscles
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A quieter alternative start or end point for the trek, often linked with Landruk or Ghandruk
Accommodation in Jhinu Danda
Accommodation in Jhinu Danda is simple but comfortable, with an emphasis on rest and relaxation. Many lodges have open terraces, gardens, and river or mountain views.
Popular options include:
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Jhinu Hot Spring Guest House
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Hot Spring View Hotel
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Mountainside Lodge or River View Lodge
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Several basic teahouses along the ridge
Most lodges offer better electricity access than higher-altitude stops and provide a wider choice of meals. While facilities remain basic, they feel more comfortable after days spent in remote areas like Deurali or Bamboo.
A small maintenance fee is usually charged by the local committee for using the hot springs, which helps keep the area clean and managed.
Jhinu Danda: The Trekker’s Natural Spa
Jhinu Danda is not about luxury, monuments, or cultural museums. It is about simple, physical comfort and natural healing. It may not have the deep cultural layers of Ghandruk or the dramatic mountain gateways of Chomrong, but it offers something equally valuable: rest.
Stopping at Jhinu feels like completing a quiet ritual that has existed for generations. After days of climbing and effort, you soak in the earth’s warmth, let the fatigue fade, and carry the memory of the mountains forward with a lighter body and calmer mind.
