The trail leaves the top of Ghandruk past the last houses and fields, crosses a small stream, then enters forest. For the next three hours you climb steadily on stone steps and earth paths under rhododendron, oak and maple, with a couple of small tea shops around Bhaisi Kharka on the way. Grey langur monkeys are common in the canopy, and in spring the trail is carpeted with fallen red rhododendron petals.
Tadapani (2,630 m) means 'far water' in Nepali, a reminder that the village once had to carry water from a long way off. Today it is a cluster of half a dozen lodges on a forested saddle. Its terraces face Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre at close range, and at sunrise the peaks glow above the dark forest. Many Poon Hill treks stay a night here between Ghorepani and Ghandruk.
As a day hike, leave Ghandruk by 7:30 am, reach Tadapani by about 11 am for tea and lunch, and descend by early afternoon. The forest stays muddy and leech-ridden in monsoon and can hold snow in January and February. Our guides carry a first aid kit and keep the pace easy, since the steady 690 m climb is harder than it looks on a map. Walking poles are useful for the descent.
Good for
- Photographers
- Groups
- Solo
- Couples
Questions travellers ask
How long is the walk from Ghandruk to Tadapani?
Allow 3–3.5 hours uphill from Ghandruk (1,940 m) to Tadapani (2,630 m), and 2–2.5 hours back down. The trail climbs about 690 m through forest, with a couple of tea stops. It is a moderate walk that most regular hikers manage without difficulty.
Is there accommodation at Tadapani?
Yes. Tadapani has a small cluster of teahouse lodges with basic twin rooms, shared toilets and dining halls facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. It is a common overnight stop between Ghorepani and Ghandruk. Rooms fill in October and April, so we book ahead.
Are there leeches on the Ghandruk to Tadapani trail?
In the monsoon months, June to September, yes, leeches are common in the damp forest. Wear long trousers tucked into socks, use leech socks or salt, and check your legs at rest stops. From October to May leeches are rare and the trail is much more pleasant.
