| Duration: | 8 Day(s) - 7 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Trekking |
It is one of the major trekking routes of the Annapurna region. The trail takes you through beautiful valleys, dense mossy forests, and icy waterfalls. Majestic views of the Himalayas appear around every corner of the trek. Undoubtedly, the trek offers a unique experience to every visitor—one that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
During this trek, one can also visit Poon Hill, which offers the best viewpoint among all trekking routes of the Annapurna region. From this point, one can see mountain peaks such as Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6993m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7219m), Lamjung Himal (6931m), and several other smaller peaks.
The region is dominated by the Gurung and Magar communities. Dense rhododendron forests, varieties of bird species, deep subtropical valleys, traditional villages, age-old traditions and culture, hospitable people, ever-smiling faces, and majestic mountain views are some of the major attractions of this trek.
TRIP FACTS:
Trekking Region: Annapurna Region
Trekking Name: Ghandruk Ghorepani Trekking
Best Season: September to December & March to May
Trekking Type: Lodge Trek (Tea House)
Maximum Height: 2855m (Ghorepani)
Transport: Flight / Bus
Duration: 08 Days
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Kathmandu (1320m) to Pokhara (914m)
We take an early drive or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m). One can view green hills, beautiful valleys, and mountain scenery along the way. Pokhara is regarded as a tourist paradise, rich in natural and cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, and temples. One can enjoy the views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Day 02: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1577m)
The trek starts from Nayapul (1050m), reached by a short drive from Pokhara. From Nayapul, we trek to Tikhedhunga (1577m) via Birethanti (1065m), which takes about four and a half hours. Overnight in a teahouse.
Day 03: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2855m)
We trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2855m). Today we ascend steadily, passing through Ulleri (2070m) and Banthanti, both Magar villages. On the way, one can enjoy views of Machhapuchhre (6997m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Annapurna South (7219m). Overnight at Ghorepani.
Day 04: Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m) and then to Tadapani (2675m)
Today we trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m) and then to Tadapani (2675m), covering the distance in about five and a half hours of normal trekking. Early in the morning, we hike up to Poon Hill to enjoy the sunrise over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna III (7855m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna II (7937m), Lamjung Himal (6931m), and several other snow-capped peaks. After breakfast at Ghorepani, we trek to Tadapani (2650m) through deep forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and oak. En route, one can observe waterfalls, rock formations, wildlife, birds, and lush valleys. Overnight at Tadapani.
Day 05: Tadapani (2675m) to Ghandruk (1950m)
Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1950m). Today is comparatively the easiest day of the trek. The trail passes through forests of rhododendron and oak, where one can hear the soothing chirping of birds. This section is an excellent alternative route for bird lovers.
Ghandruk is a large Gurung village with a handicraft centre and a Gurung museum. From this village, one can observe excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m), Annapurna III (7755m), and Machhapuchhre. Ghandruk village is listed as a World Heritage Site. Overnight at Ghandruk. In the evening, a traditional Gurung cultural program can be arranged on request.
Day 06: Ghandruk (1950m) to Pothana (1990m)
Trek from Ghandruk to Pothana (1990m). The first part of the trek is quite steep, descending to Kimbu (meaning “Beehive” in the Gurung language), situated at 1200m on the bank of the Modi Khola. From here, we ascend the stone steps to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for two hours and then climbs steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m), passing through Tolkha village (1850m).
From Deurali, one can enjoy panoramic views of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Annapurna III (7755m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna II (7937m), and Lamjung Himal (6930m). The rest of the trail descends gently toward Dhampus, passing through Pothana village (1900m). Overnight at Pothana.
Day 07: Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m) and Drive to Pokhara
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m), which takes about four hours. The trail descends gradually for an hour, follows a gravel road for two hours, and then descends to Phedi via Dhampus village. Upon arrival at Dhampus Phedi, we drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 08: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. After around seven hours of driving, we reach Kathmandu. On the way, we pass Damauli, Dumre, Muglin, and Kurintar, where Nepal’s first cable car operates to reach the Manakamana Temple. One may also choose to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
PRICE INCLUSIONS:
ACCOMMODATION
2 nights in a hotel in Pokhara
5 nights in tea houses
TRANSPORTATION
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Pokhara to the trekking starting point
Trekking ending point to Pokhara
Pokhara to Kathmandu
TREKKING
Accommodation in teahouses
Sleeping bag
Down jacket
ACAP entry permits
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
English-speaking guide
Porter
All necessities for Nepali staff (meals, accommodation, equipment, salary, insurance, etc.)
MEALS
7 breakfasts
6 lunches
6 dinners (including welcome and farewell dinner)
COST EXCLUSIONS:
Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, sweets, snacks, tips, etc.
Beverages like mineral water, juice, Coke, Fanta, Sprite, as well as alcoholic drinks
Travel insurance (essential)
Personal trekking equipment, except as stated above
Tips for field staff and drivers
