A Walk to Khumai: Where Nature, Silence, and Ideas Met

While waiting for the maturation fridge to arrive for our dairy in Ghachok, we decided not to wait idly. Instead, the Himalayan Dairy Group set out on a walk—both a journey through the mountains and a moment to pause, reflect, and plan.

Our destination was Khumai Dada, a beautiful ridge at 3,245 metres, known for its wide views, sunsets, and quiet mornings. The walk takes around six hours, starting from Ghachok (1,200–1,275 m)—the village where our dairy is being built.

The trail led us through Saripakha, Tubu, Hile Kharkha, and Chichimle, slowly climbing higher with every step. As we walked, the surroundings kept changing. Dense forests, protected under ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), surrounded us. We heard many kinds of birds—some familiar, others completely new to us—their songs echoing through the trees. There were moments when no one spoke, simply listening and walking.

By the time we reached Khumai, the light was already softening. We stayed overnight and were rewarded with a quiet sunset, followed the next morning by a clear sunrise that made the long walk feel effortless in retrospect. Standing there, above the forests and villages, the scale of the landscape reminded us why this place matters and why working with nature, not against it, is so important.

This time in Khumai was not only about tourism or hiking. It was also a moment to think ahead. Sitting together, we talked about the future of the dairy—how it should grow; how it can stay small, honest, and community-based; and how to protect the land that makes everything possible. Being away from noise and schedules helped those conversations come naturally.

The walk and the stay were shared by Gerhard Hochgraber, Lea Blankenberg, Amrit Dawadi, and Laxman Dhungana. Each of us came back a little tired, but clear-headed and motivated. Khumai gave us space—to breathe, to think, and to reconnect with the reason we started this journey in the first place.

The mountains have a way of slowing things down. And sometimes, that is exactly what is needed before taking the next step.