30/03/2025
P**n Hill Trekking from Five Different Routes
The P**n Hill trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. This trek is famous for its accessibility, moderate difficulty, and stunning sunrise views from P**n Hill (3,210m). While the classic route is well-known, there are multiple ways to reach P**n Hill, each providing unique experiences. Below are five different routes to reach P**n Hill, highlighting their features, challenges, and attractions.
https://www.encountersnepal.com/p**n-hill-trekking.html
1. The Classic Route: Nayapul – Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani – P**n Hill
Overview:
This is the most common and straightforward route to P**n Hill, starting from Nayapul (1,070m). The trail passes through beautiful villages, rhododendron forests, and terraced farmlands, leading to Ghorepani before the final early-morning hike to P**n Hill for the sunrise.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5 hours) and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m) – 4-5 hours
Day 2: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m) – 6-7 hours
Day 3: Early morning hike to P**n Hill (3,210m) for sunrise, return to Ghorepani, and trek to Tadapani (2,630m) – 6-7 hours
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m) – 4-5 hours
Day 5: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara – 5-6 hours
Highlights:
Spectacular sunrise view over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre
Passing through lush rhododendron forests
Experiencing Gurung and Magar culture
Well-marked trails with plenty of teahouses
Challenges:
Steep stone steps from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri (3,000 steps)
Can be crowded during peak seasons (spring and autumn)
2. The Alternative Route: Nayapul – Ghandruk – Tadapani – Ghorepani – P**n Hill
Overview:
This route follows a counterclockwise circuit, starting from Nayapul but going through Ghandruk before reaching Ghorepani. It provides a more gradual ascent and allows trekkers to explore the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk (1,940m) – 5-6 hours
Day 2: Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani (2,630m) – 4-5 hours
Day 3: Trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani (2,860m) – 5-6 hours
Day 4: Early morning hike to P**n Hill, return to Ghorepani, and trek to Ulleri (2,050m) – 5-6 hours
Day 5: Trek from Ulleri to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara – 5-6 hours
Highlights:
Visiting Ghandruk, a culturally rich Gurung village with stunning Annapurna views
Fewer crowds compared to the classic route
Diverse landscapes, from terraced fields to dense forests
Challenges:
Longer initial trek compared to the classic route
Some steep ascents and descents
3. The Hidden Trail: Hile – Banthanti – Ghorepani – P**n Hill
Overview:
This lesser-known route starts from Hile instead of Nayapul, offering a quieter and more peaceful trek. The trail joins the classic route at Banthanti before reaching Ghorepani.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Hile (1,430m) and trek to Banthanti (2,250m) – 5-6 hours
Day 2: Trek from Banthanti to Ghorepani (2,860m) – 5-6 hours
Day 3: Early morning hike to P**n Hill, return to Ghorepani, and trek to Tadapani – 6-7 hours
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk – 4-5 hours
Day 5: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara – 5-6 hours
Highlights:
Fewer trekkers, making for a more peaceful journey
Beautiful waterfalls and streams along the way
A mix of dense forests and open ridges
Challenges:
Fewer teahouses along the initial stretch
Some steep climbs before reaching Ghorepani
4. The Extended Route: Dhampus – Landruk – Tadapani – Ghorepani – P**n Hill
Overview:
This route is ideal for those who want a slightly longer trek with more variety in landscapes. It starts from Phedi near Pokhara and passes through Dhampus and Landruk before joining the standard P**n Hill trail.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Phedi and trek to Dhampus (1,650m) – 3-4 hours
Day 2: Trek from Dhampus to Landruk (1,565m) – 5-6 hours
Day 3: Trek from Landruk to Tadapani – 5-6 hours
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani – 5-6 hours
Day 5: Early morning hike to P**n Hill, return to Ghorepani, and trek to Ulleri – 6-7 hours
Day 6: Trek from Ulleri to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara – 5-6 hours
Highlights:
Diverse trekking experience with terraced fields, forests, and villages
Stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
Fewer trekkers on the Dhampus-Landruk section
Challenges:
Longer duration than the standard trek
Some steep ascents, particularly before Tadapani
5. The Adventurous Route: Mohare Danda – Ghorepani – P**n Hill
Overview:
This is a unique alternative route that includes Mohare Danda (3,300m), a less-visited viewpoint offering spectacular mountain panoramas. It is an eco-friendly trail promoting sustainable tourism.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Galeshwor and trek to Bans Kharka (1,526m) – 4-5 hours
Day 2: Trek from Bans Kharka to Nangi (2,320m) – 6-7 hours
Day 3: Trek from Nangi to Mohare Danda (3,300m) – 6-7 hours
Day 4: Trek from Mohare Danda to Ghorepani – 5-6 hours
Day 5: Early morning hike to P**n Hill, return to Ghorepani, and trek to Nayapul – 6-7 hours
Highlights:
Less crowded and more peaceful than the main trail
Stunning sunrise and sunset views from Mohare Danda
Opportunity to experience community-based tourism in Nangi
Challenges:
Limited teahouse accommodations, requiring prior planning
Slightly longer and more challenging than the classic route
https://www.encountersnepal.com/p**n-hill-trekking.html
Conclusion
P**n Hill is an incredible trekking destination with multiple approaches, each offering a unique experience. Whether you take the classic route, explore the cultural richness of Ghandruk, seek solitude on the hidden trail from Hile, opt for the extended Dhampus-Landruk path, or add adventure with Mohare Danda, you are guaranteed an unforgettable trekking experience. Choose your route based on your time, fitness level, and preference for crowds or solitude, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna region.
