Jhinu Danda is a small lodge village at about 1,780 m, an hour's descent from Chhomrong on stone steps. From the lodges a path drops steeply through forest for 15–20 minutes to the river, where hot water emerges from the bank and fills a set of concrete and stone pools. The setting is a narrow gorge, with the grey glacial river rushing past a few metres away and forest climbing steeply above.
The water is comfortably warm, around body temperature or a little higher, which makes a long soak possible. There is a small entry fee, collected for upkeep of the pools and path; the amount varies and has changed over the years, so check current status before you travel. Changing rooms are basic. Bring a swimsuit, a quick-dry towel and sandals. Nudity is not acceptable, and soap and shampoo should not be used in the pools.
We schedule the hot springs on the way down from the sanctuary, when legs ache after descending more than 2,300 m from Annapurna Base Camp. A soak loosens tired muscles before the final day to Siwai or Ghandruk. Go in the afternoon, then climb back up to Jhinu for dinner before dark. The climb back takes 20–30 minutes and warms you up again quickly. Pools are busiest from 3 to 5 pm in October.
Good for
- Couples
- Groups
- Solo
- First-timers
Questions travellers ask
How far are the Jhinu hot springs from Chhomrong?
About 1–1.5 hours. Walk down from Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda in roughly an hour, then 15–20 minutes further down a steep path to the pools beside the Modi Khola. Climbing back from the springs to Jhinu takes 20–30 minutes, and on to Chhomrong another 1.5 hours.
Is there a fee for the Jhinu hot springs?
Yes, a small entry fee is collected for maintenance of the pools and the path, usually in the range of NPR 100–200 per person. The amount has changed over time and may differ for foreigners and Nepalis. Carry small notes, and check current status before you travel.
Are the Jhinu hot springs open all year?
The springs flow all year, but in the monsoon months of July and August the Modi Khola can rise high enough to flood or damage the pools. Access paths are also slippery then. From October to May the pools are normally open and in good condition.
