The 8 days Ghandruk - Ghorepani - Tatopani trek is a short trek in Annapurna Region. Along the Ghandruk Tatopani trek, you will pass through the villages, forest, waterfall and enjoy the stunning views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and many other unnamed peaks.
Tatopani is a natural hot spring where people enjoy taking bath in the hot spring. It is believed that the hot spring has the magic to cure skin disease and helps to relieve the stress due to it minerals found inside.
This trek will lead you further up to Poonhill, a hilltop that presents you with a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan ranges, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri.
The 8 days Ghandruk – Ghorepani – Tatopani trek is suitable to the beginner trekkers and all different ages of people. The best time for doing the trek will be in spring and autumn time.
After early morning breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the tourist bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours. The drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warm glimpse of Pokhara Valley and its beauty. If you choose to fly, you can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes. There are several flights from morning to afternoon available from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Pokhara is the tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Phedi (1130 m.) takes about 30. From Phedi you begin your trek to Pothana (1900m), which is a small Gurung village surrounded by pine and rhododendron forests. You can see close up views of Lamjung and Annapurna Hima. The trail ascends all the way to Pothana through forests till you reach the village called Dhampus. It is a Gurung village which magnificent views of Annapurna ranges, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. Stay overnight at lodge.
First part of your trek from Pothana to Deurali gradually ascends. From Deurali the trail descends to Bheri Kharka. From then on, the path is flat till Landruk. The trail from Landruk is a steep descend till Modi Khola. Now the trail ascends all the way up to Ghandruk village. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village from where you can enjoy the mountain view of Annapurna ranges and Fishtail (Machapuchhre). Stay overnight at lodge.
The trek begins through beautiful rhododendron forest enjoying chirping birds. The stream runs down its clear and pure water as you climb up. You will come across the place named Bherikharka with some tea shops and lodges for a rest. It takes another 2 and half hours to reach Tadapani mainly passing through dense forest. Stay overnight at lodge.
Today’s trek starts with a short descent till a small stream and then uphill through the Rhododendron forest. You come across a place name Banthahiti with the facility of tea houses and lodges. From here, the trail ascends through the forests up to Gurung Hill. Now the trail descends till Ghorepani. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Ghorepani to Tatopani (1189m.) takes about seven and half hours. This day offers you an early morning trip to Poon Hill (3210m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other snowcapped mountain peaks. After breakfast you trek from Ghorepani to Tatopani. You descend, gradually at first and then more steeply to cross the Ghar Khola. At Tatopani you can enjoy the Natural Hot Spring Bath. Stay overnight at lodge.
Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara by bus/ jeep, takes about 6 hours. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you pass through Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and finally Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. Leaving Kurintar you head towards Thankot via Naubise. Thankot is the entry point to Kathmandu. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmand to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.
Typically, the trek takes 6 to 9 days, depending on the itinerary and walking pace. Most start from Nayapul, trek to Ghandruk, then cross to Ghorepani, ascend Poon Hill, and descend to Tatopani, ending either by jeep drive or extending toward Beni or Pokhara. The route can be customized for longer or shorter versions depending on your schedule.
While the Ghorepani–Poon Hill trek is already famous for mountain views and forest trails, adding Tatopani brings a refreshing twist. You get to enjoy the natural hot springs, pass through terraced villages, and descend into a warmer, lower-altitude climate. This adds a relaxing cultural and therapeutic end to the trek, making it more balanced for those who want a mix of challenge and comfort.
The highest point is Poon Hill (3,210 meters), which is famous for its panoramic Himalayan sunrise views. Since the trek does not go above 3,500 meters, altitude sickness is rarely a problem. However, it’s still wise to walk at a steady pace, stay hydrated, and allow your body to adjust naturally.
The sunrise from Poon Hill is a breathtaking spectacle. On clear mornings, you'll see glowing golden rays slowly lighting up the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. Most trekkers hike up from Ghorepani early—around 4 to 5 a.m.—to witness this magical moment, which is one of the highlights of the entire trek.
The Tatopani hot springs are a relaxing highlight at the end of the trek. The name “Tatopani” literally means “hot water” in Nepali. The springs are public thermal baths fed by natural underground heat. Soaking in the warm mineral water surrounded by hills is an ideal way to relax sore muscles after days of trekking, and locals believe it has healing properties.
The trek passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, allowing you to experience the local lifestyle, hospitality, and architecture. Ghandruk is home to a Gurung Cultural Museum, while Ghorepani and Sikha offer a more Magar-dominated experience. You’ll see Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, chortens, and even local cultural dances during peak trekking seasons.
Absolutely. This trek is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families, including those with older children or seniors. The moderate terrain, availability of lodges, relatively low risk of altitude sickness, and cultural richness make it a well-rounded adventure for all age groups.
You’ll need:
The best times are:
Spring (March–May): Lush forests, blooming rhododendrons, and clear mountain views.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, post-monsoon freshness, and stable weather.
This trek offers a perfect balance of everything: cultural depth, moderate challenge, panoramic mountain views, lush forests, and a relaxing finish at Tatopani's hot springs. It’s not too long, not too high, and ideal for those seeking a diverse Himalayan experience without going into extreme altitudes or committing weeks to the trail. It's also logistically convenient and perfect for first-timers or those with limited time but a deep interest in both nature and culture.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Ghandruk–Ghorepani–Tatopani trek. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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