Nature · Tansen
Sunrise over the Himalaya from Srinagar Danda
An early climb through pine forest from Tansen to the top of Srinagar Danda to watch the sun hit the Himalaya, from Dhaulagiri across the Annapurnas, with the Madi valley under cloud below.
We leave the bazaar in the dark with torches and climb about 30 minutes on a stone path through pines to the top of Srinagar Danda, at roughly 1,600 m. If you are staying at Hotel Srinagar, the walk is shorter.
As the light comes, the northern horizon fills with snow peaks. On a clear morning you see Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range and, with good visibility, ranges further east. Below lies the Madi valley, often a sea of cloud, and beyond it the deep cut of the Kali Gandaki.
We walk down a different way, through villages on the north side of the hill, and arrive back in time for breakfast in town.
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Questions
Which mountains can you see from Tansen?
On clear days Srinagar Danda gives a long view of the Himalaya: Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range including Machhapuchhre, and, in very good visibility, Manaslu and ranges further east. Mornings from October to February give the clearest views. From April, haze often hides the peaks.
How long is the walk to Srinagar Danda?
From Sitalpati in Tansen the climb to the top takes about 30–40 minutes on a stone path through pine forest, gaining roughly 250 metres. The walk down takes 20–30 minutes. A road also reaches near the top for those who prefer to drive.
Is it safe to walk to Srinagar Danda before dawn?
Yes, the path is well used by local walkers and joggers in the early morning. Take a torch, wear shoes with good grip and go with a guide or companion. In the monsoon the path can be slippery, and the views are usually lost in cloud.
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