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Poon Hill and Ghandruk

Tadapani to Ghandruk trek: altitude, time and route

3 min readUpdated 23 Oct 2026By the Base Camp Hikes trek team

The Tadapani to Ghandruk section of the Poon Hill trek runs from about 2,630 m to about 1,940 m. Typical time is 3 to 4 hours, rated moderate. That is a net descent of roughly 690 m.

Quick facts

  • Start: Tadapani, about 2,630 m
  • End: Ghandruk, about 1,940 m
  • Change: a net descent of roughly 690 m
  • Typical time: 3 to 4 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

The route

A long forest descent followed by stone steps, with the Annapurna South and Machapuchare in view. Ghandruk is a large Gurung village with a museum and good lodges.

Altitude and health

This section stays below about 3,000 m, so altitude sickness is unlikely, though heat, humidity and fatigue still matter. Altitudes vary by a few tens of metres between maps and guidebooks.

Tips

Poles help with the steps. Ghandruk is a good place to rest, and its stone-paved lanes are pleasant.

Common questions

  • What is in Ghandruk? A Gurung museum, stone houses and views of the mountains.
  • Is there a road? Yes, jeeps reach Ghandruk.

Reverse direction

Walking Ghandruk to Tadapani is the same trail in reverse and means a net climb, so allow more time than the walk down and set a slower pace.

Nearby legs on this route

Plan it

Back to all route information or see the Poon Hill trek guides.

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