+977 9849491482 (Lok)

Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek

Trip Cost: USD 600

Trekking highlights 

1. The classical trek starts from Nayapul with a drive.

2. The world's largest rhododendron forest with 3000 stone steps. 

3. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Annapurna (8091 m) & Manaslu (8163 m) view.

4. Rural lifestyle, culture, flora, fauna and diverse landscape. 

5. Hiking goes Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Landrung, & Dhampus villages. 

Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek is a classical, exciting five-day trip (30.82 miles) from Nayapul (1070 m) to Phedi (1080 m) with a drive from Pokhara. The beginner hiking without altitude risk offers 5-6 hours of walking daily to picturesque villages, rhododendron forests, terraced fields, Bhurungdi with Modi river valleys with exhilarating views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu Himalayas. The trip requires an ACAP (1992) permit. The former horse water station in Myagdi district, Ghorepani (2815 m), Poon Hill (3210 m) lies 60 km northwest of Pokhara. Poon Hill is a breathtaking viewpoint to observe the sunrise, Kali Gandaki Valley (6993 deep), Dhaulagiri 8167 m (7th), Annapurna 8091 m (10th), Manaslu 8163 (8th), Annapurna South (7219 m), and Fishtail (6993 m). 

Annually, 35,000 foreigners experience lush valleys, ethnic culture, wildlife, 3000 stone steps, waterfalls and suspension bridges. Ghorepani hiking route owns 20 picturesque villages of Thakali, Magar and Gurung, four bridges, four waterfalls, Poon Hill (3210 m), Deuralis, river valleys, rhododendron, alder and pine forests. Ghorepani to Ghandruk (Ghandrung) offers an 8-hour hike to visit Gurkha's hometown, vibrant Gurung culture, museums, food habits, and great views of Annapurna, Hiuchuli, Fishtail, and Modi River Valley. The four-day trek ends in Ghandrung. Five days of hiking continue to Landrung and Dhampus villages. 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek extend Annapurna base campTrishuli raftingPokhara sightseeing, and Chitwan jungle safari. This hiking faces difficulty from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri (2 hours), Ghorepani to Poon Hill (45 minutes), hydropower to Tadapani (40 minutes), Kyumi to Landruk (1 hour), Bhaisi Kharka to Deurali (45 minutes). Floral and faunal varieties in Ghorepani recorded 16 types of rhododendrons (bloom in March-April), Himalayan black bears, pheasants, monkeys, barking deer and domestic animals. Mountain festivals celebrate Toren Lha in Birethanti (March), Tote Parva (March-April, July-August), Jestha Purnima in Ulleri (May) and Kot Maula Puja (October-November). 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost

Group Size: 1 Pax tourist - $600

Group Size: 2-5 Pax tourists - $500 Per Person

Group Size: 6-10 Pax tourists - $400 Per Person

Trekking Season

September to December (high season) and February to May (low season) are the best trekking season. Rhododendron and orchid blooms in spring. January and February get snowfalls. Mid-June to mid-September held monsoon. Autumn (September to November) weather remains 0° to 17° Celsius, Winter (December to February) -3° to 9° Celsius, Spring (March to May) 2° to 20° Celsius and Summer (June to August) weather stay 10° to 22° Celsius. 

Food and Drinks 

The clean Nepalese and Western cuisine includes Dal Bhat, potatoes, chow mein, fried chicken, rice, noodle soup, local wine, and pizza. Beverages range from hot and cold drinks such as tea, coffee, beer, coke, cane juice, and safe drinking water.

Equipment 

Ensure that you bring along essential items for your trip. These include a cosy jacket, a hat, sturdy hiking boots, warm woollen socks, a comfortable T-shirt, a camera, a reliable rucksack, flip-flops for relaxation, trekking poles for support, sun lotion to protect your skin, and sunglasses to shield your eyes. Additionally, if you plan to visit the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, remember to obtain a permit from Pokhara or Kathmandu. It is also advisable to carry necessary medication, Nepali Rupee currency, and two pet bottles for filtered water.

How to Reach Ghorepani

Kathmandu to Pokhara (204 km) is by private car (6 hours), tourist bus (7 hours), and flight (25 minutes). Pokhara has available domestic flights from Bharatpur, Nepalgunj, Lumbini, Dhangadhi, Janakpur and Simara. Pokhara to Nayapul (42 km) requires a taxi (1:20 hours) or a local bus trip (2 hours) to start the trek. Private jeep from Pokhara gets to Ulleri (3 hours) and Ghandruk village (3/4 hours). Poon Hill charges 150 Rupees for tourists and 50 Rupees for Nepali visitors.

Trekking Lodges 

On the trekking route, you can find two-bedroom lodges equipped with a convenient small shop, electricity, provisions, beverages, hot shower facilities, battery charging, and Wi-Fi. The room costs 300 to 500 Rupees, while an attached bathroom is available for 1000 to 1500 Rupees. 

Village People 

The Magar, Gurung and Thakali people run tea shops from Nayapul to Dhampus. Additionally, the retired Gurkha individuals oversee the operation of the lodges. During their visit, tourists communicate with the locals, discussing various aspects such as their villages, culture, seasonal festivals, and traditional attire.

Ghorepnai Hiking Options

Two days - Commence your journey by embarking on a private jeep ride from Pokhara to Ulleri, which will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Following this, engage in a 5-hour hike to reach Ghorepani. The subsequent morning, undertake a 45-minute ascent to Poon Hill without indulging in breakfast to witness the captivating sunrise and behold the majestic Himalayas. Afterwards, return to Ghorepani for a satisfying hot breakfast and embark on a 3-hour hike back to Ulleri. Finally, conclude your adventure with a 3-hour and 30-minute jeep drive back to Pokhara.

Three days - It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, followed by a 3-hour hike to Hile. The following day, embark on a 6-hour hike to Ghorepani. On the next morning, enjoy a 45-minute hike to Poon Hill, where you can witness the breathtaking view of the world's highest mountain and the sunrise. Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast and continue the journey with a 3-hour hike to Ulleri. Finally, a private jeep will transport you back to Pokhara, which takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Four days - Embark on an exhilarating hike from Nayapul to Ghorepani, completing the journey in two days. Take a 45-minute climb up to Poon Hill to witness the awe-inspiring mountain vistas and catch a breathtaking sunrise. Traverse the picturesque mountain trails for eight hours to reach Ghandruk, soaking in the scenic beauty along the hike. On the fourth day, a 30-minute walk will lead you to the Ghandruk (Ghandrung) bus stop and return to Pokhara in a comfortable 3-4 hour local bus ride.

Five days - The traditional hikes from Nayapul to Dhampus Phedi, spanning five days, offer an intriguing journey through Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Landrung, and Dhampus village. To conclude the trek, a 30-minute taxi ride from Phedi will take you to Pokhara. If you're interested in embarking on this adventure, Yeti Trail Adventure, a local trekking company based in Kathmandu, provides the option to book a 5-8 day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with a knowledgeable guide.

Day 01: Pokhara (827 m) to Hile (1500 m) - 8.5 km/5.28 miles - 5 hours

Day 02: Hile to Ghorepani (2750 m) - 12.2 km/7.58 miles - 6/7 hours

Day 03: Ghorepani to Tadapani (2620 m) - 8.1 km/5.03 miles - 6/7 hours

Day 04: Tadapani to Landrung (1565 m) - 10.9 km/6.77 miles - 5/6 hours

Day 05: Landrung to Pokhara via Phedi (1080 m) - 9.9 km/6.15 miles - 7/8 hours

Day 01: Pokhara (827 m) to Hile (1500 m) - 8.5 km/5.28 miles - 5 hours
The journey by taxi from Pokhara to Nayapul, covering a distance of 44 km (27.34 miles), will last approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. During the drive, travellers are treated to breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, nearby villages, and Lumle, known as the rainiest area in Nepal at an elevation of 1610 m. The trek officially commences from Nayapul at an altitude of 1070 m and continues for 30 minutes until reaching Birethanti at 1030 m. Birethanti, a charming Thakali town, boasts 13 lodges, access to electricity from the Modi and Bhurungdi riverbanks, and a stunning view of Mt. Fishtail (6993 m) along with an ACAP check-post. The trek then proceeds through the Bhurungdi Khola Valley, leading to Hile in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. A lunch break is prepared along the way. Hile, a picturesque Gurung village, features terraced fields, seven lodges, electricity, a scenic view of the river valley, and impressive cliffs. Travellers will spend the night in Hile, enjoying meals provided on-site.

Day 02: Hile to Ghorepani (2750 m) - 12.2 km/7.58 miles - 6/7 hours
The journey from Hile to Ghorepani involves a steep ascent of 1250 meters. We hike for about 20 minutes to reach Tikhedhunga, where we cross a suspension bridge and enjoy a view of a waterfall. The next leg of the trek, from Tikhedhunga (1525 m) to Ulleri (2070 m), consists of 3500 staircases and takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes of uphill walking. Ulleri is a charming Magar village with tea shops and breathtaking views of Bhurungdi Khola, Annapurna South (7219 m), and Hiuchuli (6441 m). We continue our uphill walk for an hour to reach Banthanti at 2307 m, which serves as a resting place in the forest and offers a splendid view of Mt. Fishtail (6993 m). The forest trail takes us 1 hour and 30 minutes to Nayathanti (2606 m), a new rest stop with four lodges. Finally, it takes another 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Ghorepani, also known as "horse water." Ghorepani is situated amidst a rhododendron forest and consists of a lower and upper town at an elevation of 2815 m. It offers 15 lodges, electricity, and stunning views of Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and Annapurna (8091 m). The rhododendrons in this area bloom during March and April, adding to the natural beauty. The fauna in the region includes Himalayan Black bears, monkeys, and barking deer. We will spend the night in Ghorepani with meals.

Day 03: Ghorepani to Tadapani (2620 m) - 8.1 km/5.03 miles - 6/7 hours
In the early hours of the morning, embark on a 45-minute hike to Poon Hill (3210 m), equipped with warm clothing, a torchlight, and sufficient drinking water. The distance from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is 1.45 km to the north, with an entrance fee of 100 Rupees for tourists. This picturesque hill station offers a breathtaking sunrise overlooking the world's highest mountain, Dhaulagiri (8167 m), as well as views of Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri South, Twelve-Peak, Annapurna Fang, Hiuchuli, Fishtail, and Manaslu (8163 m). Explore the world's deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge (6967 m deep) and the charming Shikha village. Spend an hour taking in the views while enjoying coffee and energy bars. The return journey to Ghorepani takes 35 minutes. Following a hearty breakfast, hike for 50 minutes to reach a ridge (3158 m) offering stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Continue the trek for 45 minutes to Deurali (3097 m), where you can find tea shops and the Gurung Hill tower. Descend for 1:15 hours to Banthanti (2530 m), where five lodges are available. Hike for 1:20 hours downhill with some uphill sections to reach Tadapani (for water). Tadapani is nestled in a rhododendron forest with a view of Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Fishtail, and the Modi Khola Valley. Conclude the day by staying overnight in Tadapani and enjoying meals.

Day 04: Tadapani to Landrung (1565 m) - 10.9 km/6.77 miles - 5/6 hours
Today, we will trek 45 minutes from the world's largest rhododendron forest to Bhaisikharka with two hotels. Our journey will then take us through a forest trail to Ghandruk village, which will take approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. The distance between Tadapani and Ghandrung is 6.5 km. Ghandruk, situated at an altitude of 1940 m, is a Gurung village surrounded by terraced fields, offering stunning views of Annapurna, Fishtail, Landrung, and the Modi River valley. We will continue our trek, encountering downhill and uphill sections, until we reach Landrung in 2 hours and 15 minutes, passing the Modi Khola bridge at 1400 m. Landrung is a village inhabited by Gurung and Brahmin communities, boasting seven guesthouses with electricity. The village feeds a magnificent view of Annapurna South and the Modi Khola Valley. We will spend the night in Landrung, enjoying meals provided by the guesthouses.

Day 05: Landrung to Pokhara via Phedi (1080 m) - 9.9 km/6.15 miles - 7/8 hours
Today, our journey leads us to Phedi. Initially, we will embark on a 50-minute hike to reach Tolkha village (1700 m), which boasts six lodges and offers a splendid view of Annapurna South. Following the path, we will ascend uphill for 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Dhampus Deurali (2100 m), with teashop and breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. From there, we will descend for 35 minutes through a rhododendron forest until we reach Pothana village (1900 m), where we can enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna and Phewa Lake. After checking our trekking permit, we will continue our hike for an hour to reach Dhampus village (1650 m), surrounded by the majestic Annapurna ranges. Finally, it will take us 1 hour and 30 minutes to Phedi. From Phedi, we will take a 30-minute taxi ride to Pokhara (16 km). We will be staying in Pokhara and enjoying a delicious breakfast.

Trip Cost Includes

1. 4 nights' stay in Mountain lodges in a twin sharing bed.

2. Professional trekking guide.

3. One porter for two guests.

4. Food, lodge, salary, transport and insurance for the porter and guide.

5. Trekking permit and TIMS card.

6. Taxi from Pokhara to Nayapul, Phedi to Pokhara.

7. Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Mountain.

Trip Cost Excludes

1. Nepal visa fee.

2. Travel insurance with a helicopter evacuation.

3. Lunch and dinner in Pokhara.

4. Bar bills, tea, coffee, water, dessert, battery charge, laundry and hot shower in the mountain.

5. Tip to guide and porter.

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can complete in 2 days to 8 days from Pokhara and Kathmandu. Ghorepani-Tadapani hiking remains difficult in winter. This trail will crowd from September to November.  

...