When you join us on our two-week Nepal tour, you’ve got the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable two-night, three-day trek across the Annapurna region.
Led by an experienced Leader, you’ll traverse high and low, with breathtaking views, vibrant villages, and stunning wildlife awaiting you en route. If you’re a keen walker or simply want to seize the day whilst you’re in Nepal, the Ghorepani-Gandruk trek is an incredible route that’s suitable for all levels. It’s a journey that our Dragons love – put simply, we think it’s the best trek in Nepal.
Day 1: Pokhara to Ghorepani
You’ll have spent the last couple of nights with your group around Pokhara, but it’s an early pickup for your first day trekking. The route works best when started from a specific point in Banthanti, so we’ll drive you to this point to make sure you’re walking the ultimate route. On the way, you’ll get astonishing views of Mount Machhapuchhare and the Annapurna range of the towering Himalayas. You’ll see the beautiful Hyangja Village, meander through winding roads of Nau Danada and over the pass at Kande, down through Nayan Pul and Birethanti.
After a few hours, you’ll arrive in Banthanti for a spot of lunch before we set off on our epic hike. Banthanti is a popular trekkers’ sanctuary given its location, so the small village also holds some tea houses and restaurants for hungry walkers. It’s aptly named, as it literally translates to ‘Rest House in the Forest’ – and between March and May, the village becomes a colourful paradise as the native rhodedendrons bloom.
Once you’re nice and full, it’s time to get walking! Heading upwards on a climb that’ll get you sweating but is still relatively easy, you’ll pass through vast flower forests. In addition to the beautiful rhodendrons, you’ll also smell the scent of the beautiful magnolia flowers in the air. The region is in the Annapurna Conservation Area and is home to over 1,200 flowering plants – only one of the reasons we think it’s the best trek in Nepal.
After walking for about four hours (passing through Mage Thanti on your way), you’ll arrive at your rest stop for the evening – Ghorepani. Another favourite of hikers, this small village is full of traditional lodgings that are perfect for some home comforts. After a busy afternoon, load up on some food before heading to bed ahead of an early rise tomorrow. Tea houses often have fairly traditional Nepalese dishes on the menu, such as mixed vegetable rice or noodle dishes paired with beef or chicken. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor dhal bhat, Nepal’s national dish made from rice and lentils!
Day 2: Ghorepani to Tadapani
You’re up well before breakfast today, but it’s in service of a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that really does make this the best trek in Nepal. Rising at around 4.30am, you’ll embark on the one hour climb up Poon Hill in the early dawn. Lead by your Leader up the 3291m elevation, you’ll see the sunrise across the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu Himal ranges. It’s an absolute must-see for anyone walking in Nepal, so make sure you bring your camera to capture the moment.
After your camera memory card is full (we hope you’ve brought a spare!) you’ll head back down to your accommodation to have a hearty breakfast. Then the walking boots go back on, as you prepare to spend the next part of your day trekking and taking in the amazing views in the light.
The trek today starts off with a gradual climb from Ghorepani – there’ll be a small patch where it’s slightly steeper, but it’s then followed by a fairly even walk along the stunning mountainous ridgeline. After about two hours, you’ll reach the village of Deurali, at which point you’ll be about 60km north of Pokhara. This village is home to the Gurung peoples, and is actually a stop along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek too – so it’s also well-equipped with rest stops for travellers. After a quick cup of tea here, it’s off again.
From Deurali, the trail is downhill all the way to a small settlement, where we’ll stop for lunch – you’ll have earned it! After this, it’s down slightly further to a small stream before we begin the climb to Tadapani. You’ll arrive here after about an hour’s walk, where we’ll check into our lodgings for the night, toe our hiking boots off, and get ourselves a well-earned dinner.
Day 3: Tadapani to Ghandruk
Waking up in Tadapani, you’ll get great views of Annapurna South and the Hiunchuli Peak before breakfast. After eating and packing up, we’ll set off on the last part of our incredible trek in Nepal – but don’t worry, we’re going easier on you today!
Leaving Tadapani in the morning, the trail that leads to Ghandruk, our final walking destination, is an easier, flat one. Taking you through mossy forests and past beautiful creeks, we arrive about four hours later in Ghandruk. Make sure you get a rooftop view of the village, which is locally renowned for its slate roofs. We’ll stop here for one last local lunch and a quick look around, before we’re picked up. After that, rest your feet for a few hours before you arrive back in Pokhara in the mid to late afternoon – safe in the knowledge that you’ve completed the best trek in Nepal!
