Trek · Ghandruk, Nepal
Poon Hill dawn on the Ghandruk loop
The classic short trek of Nepal: up through Ulleri to Ghorepani, sunrise from Poon Hill at 3,210 m, then across forested ridges to Tadapani and down to Ghandruk. Four or five days, teahouses every night and views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.
Photo: Thapaliyashreeram · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsMost people start by jeep from Pokhara to Nayapul or further up to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri, then climb the long stone staircase to Ulleri (about 2,000 m) and on through rhododendron and oak forest to Ghorepani (about 2,860 m). Ghorepani is a cluster of lodges on a saddle, busy in season, with views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South from its upper streets.
Wake at about 4:30 am and climb for 45–60 minutes to Poon Hill at 3,210 m. As the sun rises, the panorama lights from Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and its icefall across to Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare. After breakfast in Ghorepani, walk east over a forested ridge to Deurali and down to Tadapani (about 2,600 m), then the next day down to Ghandruk.
The trek is moderate, with long stone staircases, but the highest sleeping point is under 3,000 m, so altitude problems are rare. You need an ACAP permit and, for foreigners under the 2023 rule, a licensed guide; check current status before you travel. From Ghandruk, a jeep takes you back to Pokhara.
Good for
Also in Ghandruk
More days here
Photo: Bijaya2043 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Ghandruk's stone lanes and Gurung museum
A slow walk through Ghandruk's flagstone lanes, past slate-roofed houses and terraces, with a stop at the Gurung museum…
Photo: SPakhrin · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Dinner and a night in a Gurung homestay
Stay with a Gurung family in Ghandruk's homestay programme, eat dal bhat with seasonal vegetables and pickles cooked on…
Trips through Ghandruk
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Ghandruk. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Pokhara, Poon Hill and Ghandruk on a budget
Tourist bus and shared jeep; three days on foot
Questions
Before you book
How hard is the Poon Hill trek?
Moderate. Expect 5–7 hours of walking a day, with long stone staircases. Anyone reasonably fit can do it. The highest point is 3,210 m, at the viewpoint.
How many days is the Poon Hill and Ghandruk trek?
Four days from Pokhara is common if you take jeeps at both ends; five is more relaxed.
Can Indians do the Poon Hill trek without a guide?
The 2023 rule requires foreign trekkers in conservation areas to use a licensed guide, and checkposts may apply it to Indians. Plan for a guide. Check current status before you travel.