Overview
The Poon Hill Ghandruk trek is one of the easiest and most rewarding short treks in Nepal, combining the famous Poon Hill sunrise with the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk. Poon Hill at 3,210 meters delivers a panorama of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas, and Machapuchare that has graced countless travel photographs. Ghandruk, at 1,940 meters, is a showcase of Gurung culture — stone-paved streets, traditional slate-roofed houses, and a museum dedicated to the Gurung heritage.
The 5-day trek passes through rhododendron forests, terraced farmland, and small villages where life moves at the pace of the seasons. The altitude stays manageable throughout, and the teahouses along the way are among the most comfortable in Nepal. This is a perfect first trek for those new to the mountains, or a satisfying short walk for experienced trekkers who want a quick escape from Pokhara into genuine hill country.
Itinerary
Heartly welcome to Nepal from Crown Himalayan Treks team. Your journey begins from today. You will drive 200km by public vehicle from Kathmandu to Pokhara which starts your Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek. You will find a beautiful land cafe, green forest and paddy field on the way to Pokhara. When you reach Pokhara, you will check into a hotel and explore Pokhara lakeside where you will enjoy an orientation walk around the lake side with a guide. In the evening you will find a great restaurant in lakeside for dinner.
Overnight at Lodge in Pokhara
Today, you will take a public bus from Pokhara to Nayapul which takes about 2 hours. From Nayapul, you start your trek to Ulleri. In between the route, you can explore tons of forests decorated with different species of floras and rivers situated in the side or middle of the forests. You will first reach Birethanti village and then walk towards Bhurung Khola from where you ascend towards Tikhedhunga. From tikhedhunga you will climb 3500 stares to reach Ulleri. You will then climb steep stone steps towards Magar village named Ulleri. From there you can see Annapurna south(7219m) and Hiuchuli(6441m).
Overnight at Lodge in Ulleri
After having your breakfast, you will begin to trek from Ulleri towards Ghorepani Poon Hill. You can explore breathtaking views of snow-capped Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare, and Hiunchuli. As you reach rhododendron forest, you start climbing upwards from there. You first reach Nanghethani and then Ghorepani after an hour of your walk. You can observe eight different species of rhododendron in the hillside below Ghorepani. If you want to know how that place is named Ghorepani then it is really interesting. Once there was scarcity of water and the horse took water there so likewise the place there is named Ghorepani.
Overnight at Lodge in Ulleri
Early in the morning, you will wake up at 4 o'clock. You will ascend almost for 45 minutes to reach Poonhill. You will go there carrying a torchlight. After reaching there you will see overall mountains. You can see almost 20 different mountains from there. You can also see three mountains which are above 8000 meters i.e Dhaulagiri(8167m), Annapurna 1(8091m) and Manaslu(8156m). The one important attraction for everyone there is a 'Fishtail’. You will view the best sunrise from there which seems extraordinary. You will explore there and capture some memories and return back to the Hotel. You will do breakfast there in your hotel then you will head to Tadapani. On the way to Tadapani you can see the same mountains but from different angles. At the first hour you ascend to Deurali. From Deurali all your way is to descend into the river. You will cross bridges and climb to reach Tadapani for almost 30 minutes which is a beautiful place.
Overnight at Lodge in Poonhill
After having a savory breakfast, you will start your trek to reach Ghandruk. Today your trek has mostly steep descents. You will cross the forests, streams, ridges before you reach Ghandruk. You also need to walk on stone steps to reach the beautiful and famous village named Ghandruk. Ghandruk is the largest Gurung Settlements in the country. Gurkhas are the main inhabitants of Ghandruk. This village is surrounded by Mt. Annapurna(8091m) and Mt. Machhapuchhre(6993m). After doing lunch in Ghandruk you will go for sightseeing. You will visit Gurung museum with your guide. The people there will welcome you and give hospitality which is the highlight of this trek.
Overnight at Lodge in Ghandruk
After having breakfast, you will trek to Nayapul which takes almost two and half hours. You will be descending today most of the time. On the way to Nayapul you will go through Bamboo forests and a large waterfall which seems astonishing. First your path leads you to Syauli Bazaar then you will follow a clean river coming from Annapurna Base Camp until Nayapul which is your ending point of walking. After that you will take a local bus to go Pokhara.
Overnight at Lodge in Pokhara
Today you will be back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. You are going to have breakfast and lunch on the way. You will enjoy the drive with the view of green hill scenery, paddy fields and lifestyle in Nepal. You will be at Kathmandu around 3pm. Then you can do sightseeing around Kathmandu or choose to rest at your hotel. This is the end of your trek.