The Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek is situated in the north-central part of Nepal, within the Annapurna region. Ghorepani and Ghandruk are different villages. Ghorepani is renowned for its rhododendron forest and offers breathtaking panoramic sunrise and sunset views from Pun Hill at 3210 meters, just an hour’s climb from Ghorepani. Ghandruk, on the other hand, is a well-liked tourist destination in the Annapurna area, boasting easy trails, diverse accommodation options, Gurung culture, a monastery, and spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range, including the picturesque Machhapuchhare, known as “Fishtail.”
The trek presents awe-inspiring mountain scenery, charming villages inhabited by the Gurungs, Poon, and Magars, dense rhododendron forests teeming with birds, and deep sub-tropical valleys—all beneath the majestic Annapurna peaks, with Machhapuchhare dominating the skyline. A highlight of the journey is the ascent to Pun Hill, offering one of the most spectacular mountain panoramas globally. As the sun rises, it illuminates the snow-capped summits of Himalayan giants like Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m), creating a mesmerizing scene.
Commencing from the tourist capital, Pokhara, the Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek, also known as Poon Hill Trekking, involves a one-day drive or a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu. Naya Pul, meaning “new bridge,” serves as the starting or ending point for the trek. The trek’s highlight is the Gurung village of Ghandruk, reachable within a day’s trek from Pokhara. After a three-day trek, Poon Hill offers panoramic sunrise views, followed by a two-day walk to Naya Pul and a one-and-a-half-hour drive back to Pokhara.
Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Check into a hotel in the vibrant Thamel neighborhood.
Day 2: Kathmandu City Tour and Flight to Pokhara.
Embark on a city tour, exploring cultural and historical sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu. In the late afternoon, board a flight to Pokhara and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 3: Drive to Nayapul (1010m/1.5 hours) and trek to Tikhedhunga. (1570m/3.5 hours.)
After breakfast, embark on an early morning drive to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. Follow the Bhurungdi River east, passing rice fields and villages. Reach Tikhedhunga for an overnight stay at a teahouse.
Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani (2860 meters/5 hours.)
Experience a strenuous day climbing 3300 stone steps to Ulleri, enjoying magnificent views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The trail eases as you pass Banthati and walk through a rhododendron forest. Overnight at a teahouse.
Day 5: Hike up to Poon Hill (3210m/1.5 hours) and trek to Tadapani. (2660m/4 hours.)
Embark on an early morning hike to Poon Hill for breathtaking sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After breakfast, descend to Tadapani through pine and rhododendron forests. Overnight at a teahouse.
Day 6: Trek to Ghandruk. (1940m/4 hours.)
Start the day on flat ground to Bhaisi Kharka before a steep descent to Ghandruk. Enjoy sensational views of Fishtail Mountain, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Annapurna South, and Himchuli. Explore the local monastery and Gurung Museum in Ghandruk.
Day 7: Trek to Nayapul (1010m/4 hours) and drive to Pokhara. (850m/1.5 hours).
Descend gently to Nayapul along the Modi River and drive to Pokhara. Spend another night in a hotel in this colorful lakeside town.
Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu. (1350m/6 hours.)
Take a tourist bus back to the capital and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
