The trail leaves Ghorepani from the upper village and climbs gently for about an hour to a grassy viewpoint locally called Gurung Hill, then follows the ridge to the Deurali pass at 3,090 m. The total climb is only about 220 m, which makes it a good second morning for guests who skipped the Poon Hill sunrise or want a quieter version of the same views. On the Ghorepani–Tadapani trek day this section is simply the first two hours.
Rhododendron arboreum, Nepal's national flower, dominates the forest here. Lower trees flower first, usually from early March, and the bloom climbs the hillside through April. Colour ranges from deep red near Ghorepani to pink and almost white higher up, where Rhododendron campanulatum and barbatum mix in. Moss, ferns and hanging lichen give the forest a damp, green feel even when the flowers are gone. Listen for laughing thrushes and look for the bright red male scarlet minivet.
From the pass the trail drops steeply through more forest towards Banthanti and Tadapani. If you are not continuing, we turn back here and are in Ghorepani for a late lunch. Patches of old snow can linger on shaded sections until March, and the stone steps get slippery after rain, so trekking poles help. Cloud usually builds from about 11 am in spring, so we start by 7:30 am to keep the mountain views.
Good for
- Photographers
- Couples
- Families
- Seniors
Questions travellers ask
When is rhododendron season at Ghorepani?
Peak bloom at Ghorepani usually runs from mid-March to mid-April. Lower trees near Nangethanti flower first, and the colour moves uphill, so the Deurali pass at 3,090 m often still has flowers in late April. Timing shifts by a week or two each year depending on winter snow and spring rain.
Is the Deurali pass walk difficult?
It is moderate. The climb from Ghorepani is only about 220 m, spread over roughly two hours, with stone steps and some muddy stretches. Anyone who managed the walk up to Ghorepani will cope. The descent on the far side towards Tadapani is steeper and harder on the knees.
Can I do this walk instead of Poon Hill?
Yes. The ridge to Deurali gives similar views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre with far fewer people, though without the full 360-degree sweep of Poon Hill. Some guests do Poon Hill for sunrise and walk this section later the same morning on the way to Tadapani.
