Danaque is a small village at about 2,300 m on the Annapurna Circuit, between Dharapani and Chame. It is usually a tea or lunch stop, and the trail through it gives a first taste of the colder, higher Marsyangdi valley.
Altitude: about 2,300 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Danaque is and why trekkers stop
Danaque sits on the upper Marsyangdi trail, a stage beyond Bagarchhap and before Timang and Chame. Most walkers pause for tea, a meal or a rest rather than overnighting. Some itineraries finish the day here to keep the next stretch short, though lodges are limited, so it pays to ask your guide or lodge ahead. Its position makes it a natural pause between Dharapani and Chame. A short note of the next stage in your itinerary helps you judge how long to linger.
What to expect at Danaque
Expect a compact village with a handful of tea houses and lodges, set among forest and steep slopes. The trail around it climbs and drops in places and can be rocky or slippery after rain or snow. As you go higher, the pine forest and cooler air announce that the valley is changing. There is little formal sightseeing, but the setting and the rhythm of the walk are the point. Respect local customs, keep voices low near any shrine and pass prayer walls on the left.
Altitude and how you may feel
Danaque is about 2,300 m, so you may notice cooler nights but rarely feel altitude effects. The effort of climbing in a steady gradient is more noticeable. Hydrate and keep a gentle pace. Altitude illness can strike anyone higher on the circuit, and if symptoms worsen, with a severe headache or unsteady walking, you should descend and tell your guide before continuing toward Chame and beyond. Keep alcohol and sleeping pills out of the picture, as both can hide warning signs.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodging is basic. Expect plain rooms, shared bathrooms and a short menu of rice, noodles, eggs and tea. Carry cash and your own snacks, as shops are small. The weather in this narrower valley can turn from sun to rain quickly, so pack a light waterproof. Day length on the stage to Chame varies with pace and trail conditions, so start in the morning and leave margin for rest stops.
Common questions
How high is Danaque?
Danaque is about 2,300 m, higher than Dharapani at about 1,860 m and lower than Chame at about 2,670 m. The climb through this stretch is gradual but steady.
Do trekkers usually stay in Danaque?
Not often. Most treat it as a tea or lunch stop on the way to Chame, though a night is possible if you want a shorter day and a quieter place.
What is the trail like around Danaque?
It is a mix of forest path and steeper sections above the river, which can be rocky or slippery after rain. Take your time and watch your footing, especially in wet weather.
