After days of climbing thousands of stone steps on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, there is one stop on the route that almost every trekker looks forward to more than any mountain view: the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. Tucked beside the Modi Khola river, these warm pools have become something of a legend among trekkers returning from ABC, offering a well-earned moment of relief for tired legs and sore muscles.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Jhinu Danda hot springs, including where they are located, when to visit them during your trek, and why they make such a perfect final stop before heading back to Pokhara.
Where Are the Jhinu Danda Hot Springs
Jhinu Danda sits at an altitude of around 1,780 meters, making it one of the lower and warmer villages along the Annapurna Base Camp route. The hot springs themselves are located a short walk downhill from the main village, close to the banks of the Modi Khola river. The walk down takes roughly twenty to thirty minutes on a stepped trail, and while it might feel like an extra effort after days of trekking, most people agree it is worth every step once they reach the water.
The springs consist of a few natural stone pools where geothermally heated water collects, offering a warm soak with the sound of the rushing river right beside you. It is a simple, rustic setup rather than a polished spa, but that rugged charm is exactly what makes the experience feel special after a demanding trek through the mountains.
When to Visit During the ABC Trek
On the standard 7 night, 8 day Annapurna Base Camp itinerary, Jhinu Danda typically falls on the return journey, after trekkers have already reached the base camp and begun heading back down through Bamboo. Most groups pass through Jhinu on their way toward the Jhinu Danda suspension bridge, also known as the Kadoorie Bridge, before continuing on to their vehicle pickup point and driving back to Pokhara.
This timing works out perfectly, since by the time trekkers reach Jhinu, their legs have carried them through some of the most physically demanding sections of the trail, including the long stretches of stone stairs between Chhomrong and Deurali. Arriving at the hot springs at this point in the journey feels less like a sightseeing stop and more like a genuine reward for the effort already put in.
Why the Hot Springs Feel So Good After ABC
There is a simple reason the Jhinu hot springs have such a strong reputation among trekkers, and it comes down to timing and contrast. After several days of walking five to seven hours daily, much of it on uneven stone steps, muscles get tight and joints take a real beating. Warm water has a natural way of easing that kind of built-up tension, and soaking in a natural spring after days without a proper bath feels far more satisfying than a regular hot shower ever could.
There is also something about the setting itself that adds to the experience. Sitting in warm water next to a flowing mountain river, surrounded by forested hillsides, creates a peaceful contrast to the physical demands of the trek. For many trekkers, this stop becomes one of the most memorable parts of the entire journey, sometimes even more so than reaching the base camp itself.
What to Expect at the Springs
The hot springs are open to the public and do not require advance booking, though a small entry fee is sometimes collected locally to support the maintenance of the pools. The water temperature stays comfortably warm year-round, making it an enjoyable stop regardless of the season you are trekking in.
Facilities are basic, so do not expect changing rooms, lockers, or towels to be provided. It is worth carrying a quick-drying towel, a change of clothes, and a pair of sandals for the walk down and back, since the trail can be slightly slippery in places, especially if it has rained recently.
Practical Tips for Visiting Jhinu Danda Hot Springs
- Carry a swimsuit or comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting wet
- Bring a quick-drying towel and a spare set of dry clothes for afterward
- Wear sandals or crocs for the short walk down to the springs, since hiking boots are unnecessary here
- Avoid soaking for too long in one go if you are already fatigued, since dehydration can sneak up quickly after a long trekking day
- Keep valuables secured or leave them at your tea house, since storage at the springs themselves is minimal
Visiting either early morning or late afternoon tends to be less crowded, especially during the busier trekking seasons of spring and autumn when more groups pass through the same stretch of trail.
How Jhinu Danda Fits Into the Bigger Picture
Beyond the hot springs, Jhinu Danda also marks an important transition point on the ABC route. Just beyond the village lies the Jhinu Danda suspension bridge, a notable crossing point over the Modi Khola that leads trekkers toward their vehicle connection back to Pokhara. This means Jhinu often serves as both a relaxation stop and a practical waypoint, bridging the final stretch of walking with the more comfortable return journey by road.
For those who enjoyed the atmosphere of small Himalayan villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong earlier in the trek, Jhinu offers one more chance to experience local life before the trip winds down. The village itself has a handful of tea houses and lodges where trekkers often choose to spend their final night on the trail, allowing for an unhurried soak at the springs followed by a good night’s rest before the drive back to Pokhara the next morning.
Is It Worth the Extra Walk
Some trekkers wonder whether the short downhill detour to the springs is worth the additional effort after already covering long distances that day. Based on how consistently the hot springs come up as a trip highlight, the answer for most people is a clear yes. The walk down is relatively short compared to the distances already covered earlier in the trek, and the physical relief it provides tends to outweigh the minor extra effort involved.
If you are trekking with a guide, they can advise on timing so you can fit in a soak without disrupting the day’s schedule too much, since arrival times at Jhinu can vary depending on pace and weather conditions earlier in the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly are the Jhinu Danda hot springs located?
The hot springs are located a short walk downhill from Jhinu Danda village, close to the banks of the Modi Khola river, along the return route of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
On which day of the ABC trek do you reach Jhinu Danda?
Jhinu Danda typically falls on the return leg of the standard 7 night, 8 day itinerary, usually on the day trekkers descend from Bamboo before heading back toward Pokhara.
Do I need to pay to enter the Jhinu Danda hot springs?
A small local entry fee is often collected to help maintain the pools, though this can vary, so it is best to carry some spare local currency.
Is it safe to soak in the hot springs after a long trekking day?
Yes, but it is advisable to rehydrate well and avoid soaking for extended periods if you are already fatigued, since dehydration can affect you more quickly after a demanding trekking day.
What should I bring for the hot springs visit?
A swimsuit or comfortable wet-friendly clothing, a quick-drying towel, sandals, and a change of dry clothes are the essentials for a comfortable visit.
Can I visit the hot springs even if I am not trekking to Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes, Jhinu Danda hot springs are accessible to visitors doing shorter treks in the region as well, not only those completing the full ABC route.
Final Thoughts
Of all the stops along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, few leave as lasting an impression as the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. Coming after days of steep stone steps and long trekking hours, this simple soak beside the Modi Khola river offers a genuine sense of relief and reward that stays with trekkers long after the trip ends.
If you are planning your own Annapurna Base Camp adventure and want a detailed itinerary that includes this rewarding stop, get in touch with our team at We Ramblers, or explore the full Annapurna Base Camp Trek package to see exactly how Jhinu Danda fits into your journey.
