Every time, travelers ask us for the best short trek in Nepal, two names always jump out – Poonhill and Ghandruk.
Both of these treks are located in the Annapurna region of Nepal and offer local hospitality and Himalayan scenery, but have different experiences.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek climbs through rhododendron forests and stone steps to a viewpoint at Poon Hill (3,210 m) – the ultimate sunrise spot in Nepal, where golden light pours over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre.
On the other hand, the Ghandruk Trek stays in close proximity to the villages.
The Ghandruk trek is more gradual, filled with Gurung culture and charm and has a habit of occupying prime real estate, with stunning views of Annapurna South right from your teahouse.
In summary, when thinking about the Ghandruk Trek vs Poonhill trek, it just depends on what you are looking for – sunrise heights or village life.
With Nepal Base Camp Treks (NBCT), you can have both.
Our Ghorepani Poonhill Trek – 6 Days trip combines Poonhill and Ghandruk in one single trek and gives you the big views, local culture and the entire short trek experience in one trip.
Traveler’s Tip – Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk Trek is the perfect choice for first-time trekkers and families, and is short, scenic and filled with local flavour.
Comparative Outline of Trek Routes and Itineraries
The Ghorepani Poonhill and Ghandruk Trek both start near Pokhara, which is the adventure capital of Nepal and traverse the trails within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The two routes dovetail nicely.
This is the reason that many travelers (and Nepal Base Camp Treks) combine the treks for the seamless Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk Trek.
The primary difference is in the direction and length: Poonhill has more altitude and climbing, while Ghandruk is shorter and more cultural.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Route Summary
Route: Pokhara → Nayapul → Ulleri → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani → Ghandruk → Pokhara
Length: 5-6 days
Highest Altitude: 3,210 m (Poon Hill)
Type of Trek: Circular route
Difficulty: Moderate
This route is all about the journey up.
From Nayapul, trekkers ascend the legendary stone steps of Ulleri, wind their way through dense rhododendron forest and arrive at a colorful mountain village of Ghorepani high in the Annapurna foothills.
As you wake early in the morning and climb to the Poon Hill Viewpoint, you will be rewarded with a majestic golden sunrise over Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
This will be among the most photographed experiences you encounter in Nepal.
After descending through Tadapani, the trail opens up.
As you come down, you will also soon arrive in Ghandruk, where you will experience great cultural warmth and comfort before heading towards Pokhara.
Ghandruk Trek Route Summary
Route: Pokhara → Nayapul → Ghandruk → Tadapani → back to Pokhara
Length: 3–4 days
Max Elevation: 2012 m
Type of Trek: Short loop or out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
The Ghandruk Trek takes you through a gentler path through terraced hills, Gurung villages and peaceful forest trails.
On the second day, you’ll reach Ghandruk, where you will stay in traditional homestays, check the Gurung Museum and learn more about the history of the area.
This route is great for travelers who want a short trek in Nepal experience with minimal altitude, cultural encounters and ample time for enjoyment.
Traveler Tip: Ghandruk is a common choice for first-time trekkers to get a taste of Nepal’s mountain life and then come back later to trek for a longer journey like Annapurna Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit.
How the Routes Connect in the Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk Trek
The best part?
You don’t have to choose one trail.
The Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk Trek seamlessly takes the best of both routes in a loop, starting and ending near Pokhara.
You will:
- Start the fun at Nayapul
- Climb up to Ulleri and Ghorepani
- Experience the sunrise from Poon Hill
- Then descend through Tadapani to Ghandruk
- Then drive back to Pokhara
This is the classic 6-day itinerary offered by Nepal Base Camp Treks — it is perfect!
Altitude, Difficulty and Weather Considerations
When comparing these routes, understanding the altitude, difficulty and weather will better prepare you for the experience most suited to your enjoyment.
Both treks are located in the Annapurna region, differing in altitude, steepness and weather.
Altitude and Safety
The altitude of the Poonhill trek is 3,210 meters, which is high enough for fresh mountain air and sunrise views but low enough to mitigate significant altitude concerns.
After the altitude ascent, you may feel tired, but you will acclimatize rapidly with rest at tea-houses or by drinking tea.
The Ghandruk trek goes up to 1,940 meters, which is also high enough for fresh and thin air to breathe.
Ghandruk also has one of the safest short treks in Nepal, providing little to no risk of altitude sickness.
While doing the Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk trek, our trip guides ask that everyone walk at their own pace to allow them to acclimatize.
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Difficulty vs Ghandruk Trek Difficulty
The Poonhill trek difficulty is considered a moderate level.
The trek features long uphill portions, including the 3,000+ steps of Ulleri and a daily walking time of 5 – 7 hours.
The trek itself is not technically difficult, but it does require a high effort level.
The Ghandruk Trek, on the other hand, is easy and is perfect for beginner trekkers or families.
The trek is shorter and easier. It takes 3 – 4 hours, with smoother and gentler terrain through terraced farms and lovely villages.
| Trek | Difficulty Level | Daily Walking Hours | Terrain |
| Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek | Moderate | 5 – 7 hours | Stone Steps, Forest Trails |
| Ghandruk Trek | Easy | 3 – 4 hours | Daily Gentle Villager Paths |
Pro Tip: With average fitness levels, anyone can expect to do both treks with confidence, in fact, both treks with average fitness. Having poles to trek downhill may be useful on the long way down from Tadapani to Ghandruk.
Weather on both treks
Poonhill will be cooler due to its higher altitude.
Around 6:00 am, mornings will be clear and perfect for sunrise, but there may be a light mist in the afternoon.
If you trek in winter, it may snow to higher viewpoints.
Ghandruk will be warmer and milder in all four seasons.
Before or after hikes, you can sit outside your tea house with tea and enjoy views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
| Season | What to Expect |
| Spring (March – May) | Warm days, a blooming rhododendron season and fantastic mountain views. |
| Autumn (September – November) | Clear skies and calm weather, the best times to trek in Nepal |
| Winter (December – February) | Cold mornings, although you may see light snow in higher elevations. |
| Monsoon (June – August) | Green hills and often quiet trails, but cloudy skies |
Cultural and Scenic Highlights of the Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk Trek
The Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk trek is regarded as one of the best treks in Nepal, because it consists of both magnificent Himalayan views as well as Gurung culture.
Here are the most noteworthy highlights that create this trekking route:
1. Sunrise View from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
The most famous part of the trek is the early morning trek to the Poon Hill viewpoint.
At the top, you will be greeted with that golden first light illuminating Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and Nilgiri.
This panoramic, 360° view is one of the best sunrise scenes in all of Nepal treks, great for photography and just pure mountain bliss.
Tip: Depart from Ghorepani, arguably the most beautiful village of the trek, by 5 a.m. to reach the viewpoint before sunrise for the most unforgettable light!
2. Walking Through Rhododendron Forests
For the section between Ulleri and Ghorepani, the trek passes through dense rhododendron forests, the signature beauty of the poon hill trekking.
In the springtime (March – May), the forest erupts into blossoming flowers of red, pink and white.
This area is also situated in the Annapurna Conservation Area, one of Nepal’s richest biodiversity zones.
3. Cultural Encounters in Ghandruk Village
The Ghandruk trek takes you to the beautiful Gurung village in Nepal.
The community of Ghandruk is located at 1,940 meters, with up-close views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre after a short walk up to a teahouse.
In Ghandruk, you have the option to visit the Gurung Museum, eat traditional meals and interact with the locals to learn about their mountain lives and hospitality.
4. The Perfect Marriage of Culture with Nature
The Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk trek strikes an ideal balance between cultural familiarity and natural challenge.
One day, you are hiking stone steps in a misty pine forest and the next, you are walking through a remote village that greets you with smiling children.
The rhythm of forest to village, sunrise to sunset at Ghandruk, gives the holistic Himalayan trekking experience without demanding extreme fitness levels or elevation issues.
5. Nice Trails and Hotel Tea Houses
For the duration of your trek, you will be walking on accurate contour lines of a sloping hill, so you can get ever-changing views of the Annapurna region.
Each stop will have a pleasant tea house and comforting, warm meals, but it will also have views that, no matter how many mountains you encounter, will simply be captivating.
You will experience simple pleasures, but stay connected to nature, which makes the Ghorepani Poonhill trek simply unforgettable for those of you traveling for the first time.
Cost, Accommodation and Meals of Ghorepani Poonhill vs. Ghandruk Trekking
When you think about trekking in Nepal, the first question is usually – which trekking route costs more, the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek or the Ghandruk Trek?
Both routes are short, scenic, newbie-friendly and located in the Annapurna region, but they vary slightly in costs and accommodation values.
Let’s check them out specifically.
Average cost difference
Both itineraries are mid-range treks, but you will pay a little more for the Ghorepani Poonhill trek due to increased days, altitude and timing logistics for the sunrise hike.
| Trek | Duration | Average Cost |
| Ghorepani Poonhill Trek | 5-6 days | 450 – 600 |
| Ghandruk Trek | 3-4 days | 300- 400 |
Typically, each package comprises the following:
Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card
Transport: Private or public vehicle transport from Pokhara to Nayapul and back
Lodging: Tea houses (with great mountain views and cozy beds)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
Professional guide and porter
Aid kit and emergency evacuation support
Airport pickup and drop-off at Kathmandu International Airport
For a full breakdown of the total expenses for each trek, please check out our Poonhill trek cost breakdown and inclusions.
Why does Poonhill cost more?
- Longer walking route and an extra night at Ghorepani
- Mornings require a guide for your trek (upward) to Poon Hill viewpoint, an early trek ascent.
- Being a high-altitude trek, we need to account for additional logistics and higher heating costs (Poon Hill Trek 3,210 m altitude).
Why is the Ghandruk trek cheaper?
- Lower altitude (1,940 m.) = No risk of altitude challenges if you have acclimatized and easier access
- Begins and ends close to Pokhara.
- It is the shorter trail = which has shorter nights and fewer meals.
Accommodation and Food
Both routes in Ghorepani Poonhill and Ghandruk have tea houses that are completely geared up.
You will stay in a twin-sharing bedroom with covered bedding, common bathrooms and a dining area that is also a shared common area where visitors to the area can mingle with other travelers.
Here’s an idea of what to expect:
In Ghorepani, the lodges will provide great views of the Annapurna area, especially Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre.
In Ghandruk, the lodges will be in traditional Gurung village homes and a very warm experience.
Most tea houses are run by the local family and fall under the Annapurna Conservation Area, meaning your stay is a benefit to the local people.
Meals:
Breakfast- Porridge, eggs, pancakes, tea or coffee
Lunch and dinner- Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, curry and vegetables), Noodles, soups and momo (dumplings)
You can order fresh fruit and tea at some extra cost
Before and after the trek, most travelers will take lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, where Nepali and international-style restaurants are located around the international airport and the Lakeside Pokhara area, which are easy to find.
Fun fact: Many trekkers will say Dal Bhat is the best thing they have eaten in a restaurant, even after a long, early morning hike to Poon Hill during the poon hill trek!
Permits and a Guide Requirements
As you prepare for your Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk trek, please make sure you have two things ready to go – permits and a licensed guide.
Both trekking routes are within the Annapurna Conservation Area and permits and regulations are stricter than they have been before.
Permits
You will need two permits:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): For NPR 3000 (USD 25) to support the conservation and local communities.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS): For NPR 2000 (USD 16) for registration of your trek to support safety tracking.
Both permits are needed for the poon hill trek and the Ghandruk trek.
If you book through Nepal Base Camp treks, the main guide will arrange those permits for you, which you will have checked at Birethanti, Ghorepani and Ghandruk.
Guides
As of 2025, solo trekking is not allowed in Nepal for foreigners.
A mandatory licensed guide is required for all trekking in Nepal, including the Ghorepani Poonhill trek and Ghandruk trek.
Guides will take care of permits, provide a first aid kit and help with altitude sickness, therefore making your trek smoother and safer.
Find Out More: Do we need a guide for the Poonhill trek
What to pack for the Ghorepani Poonhill and Ghandruk Treks
Packing well can help ensure your trek in Nepal is simpler and comfortable.
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek and Ghandruk Trek are short, but due to changing weather and elevation, you will want to ensure you take the right things with you.
You’ll find a full guide on what you can be sure to take with you in our article on the Poonhill trek packing list.
Clothes and gear
The weather may change fast in the Annapurna region, especially on your early morning hike to Poon Hill.
So it is a good idea to pack light, but in layers:
- 2–3 Quick-dry shirts, plus a warm fleece
- A waterproof jacket and pants
- Thermal innerwear for those cold early mornings
- Comfortable trekking boots, plus warm socks
- Sun hat, gloves and a pair of sunglasses
- A daypack (25-30L) for your essentials
Pro Tip: It is colder before the sun rises! Wait until you are finished and dressed in layers before you make your trek for the first views from Poon Hill.
Health and safety items
Although the altitude is mild (but requires some preparation), it is still a good idea to have things ready for your safety.
- A small aid kit with band-aids, Diamox and blister care items
- Water purification tablets
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- A small power bank for charging in remote tea houses
If you trek with Nepal Base Camp Treks, your guide will prepare for signs of altitude sickness for you and others.
Which Trek Should You Pick?
Both trips are short, beautiful and beginner-appropriate – but each trek offers a very different experience.
If you are weighing the Ghandruk trek vs Poonhill trek, here is what to know before you choose.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Ghandruk Trek | Poonhill Trek |
| Duration | 3-4 days | 5-6 days |
| Altitude | 1,940 m | Up to 3,210 m (Poon Hill) |
| Difficulty | easy, great for beginners | Moderate, with more uphill climb |
| Highlights: | Traditional Gurung village, culture and short scenic walk | Sunrise view from Poon Hill, rhododendron forest, panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri |
| Best For | Families, culture seekers and short-trip travelers. | Adventure seekers, photographers, fitness trekkers |
| Cost Range | USD 300 – 400 | USD 450 – 600 |
| Experience | Feels more cultural and relaxed | Feels like a true Himalayan trek |
Our Recommendation
If you have the time, do the Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk trek, which superlatively combines both hikes.
You will have the best of both worlds:
- The sunrise hike up to Poon Hill with stunning panoramic views.
- And the cultural charm of Ghandruk village in the Annapurna region.
With the Nepal Base Camp Trek, you could even customize your route, extend to Annapurna Base Camp or relax for an extra day.
Conclusion: Ghandruk trek vs Poonhill trek
Both treks, Ghorepani Poonhill and Ghandruk, are short, stunning and rewarding trekking destinations to visit in Nepal.
If you want panoramic views of the Himalayas and that infamous sunrise at Poon Hill, you should take the Ghorepani Poonhill trek.
If you would like a calmer hike through a traditional Gurung village, with less of a climb, then the Ghandruk trek is for you.
For most trekkers, the best option combines both – the Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk trek.
On one trek, you experience the mountain views, culture and adventure with a short trek in the Annapurna region.
Nepal Base Camp Treks, with all logistics of the guides and permits arranged, can run effortlessly so that you can enjoy the trail, people and scenery.
Are you ready to book your next Nepal base camp trek?
Start planning your trip with us and see why these treks are loved in Nepal!
