Tatopani to Ghorepani, Distance, Route Difficulty

The trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani marks the end of Day 12 of our 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek. Tatopani to Ghorepani during the Annapurna Circuit is challenging & takes us 17 km over 6 to 7 hours and involves climbing from 1,190m to 2,860m. In other words, the climb of 1,670 meters in one day is the greatest climb we will make on the entire journey. 

You made it to the top of Thorong La Pass, which stands at 5,416m. You soaked your feet in the hot springs of Tatopani. Most trekkers believe that the difficult part of their journey has come to an end.

It has not. Climbing from Tatopani to Ghorepani requires climbing 1,670 meters in one day. It means almost three times the height gained while crossing the Thorong La Pass. And much of it will be done on stone stairs.

Why do people love this day then? Since you begin among banana trees near the river Kali Gandaki and end up in a cold ridge with rhododendron forest. There aren’t many trekking days in Nepal which have such changes during the day.

In this guide, you will find out the actual distance and duration, the complete elevation gain and loss, the exact route from one village to another, and where you rest. 

Tatopani to Ghorepani Distance & Time

The trek is approximately 17 km long and takes 6 to 7 hours to complete for most people. Allocate additional time for lunch and rest stops. It will be a full day’s hike on the trail.

It is quite common to find varying measurements between 13 km to 17 km mentioned in various sources. Do not let this confuse you because it just depends on the path taken.

There is a jeep road running along this hillslope. Some trekkers hike along the jeep road, while others take the old stone track crossing the jeep road. GPS tracking devices and mapping estimates also differ. Our 17 km measurement follows the path taken by our guides.

Our schedule states a total of 6-7 hours’ walk. However, there are those who would take 8 hours or even more, which is absolutely okay. Some guides provide 8-10 hours’ climbing for this journey.

Your pace in the staircases determines much of that. Quick hikers get to Shikha after 4 hours. Others, slower ones, may reach it at noon time and finish their last climb in the late afternoon.

What we suggest? Depart from Tatopani early in the morning, around 7 a.m. You will have enough daylight and time for your lunch. And once you settle yourself with a warm drink in Ghorepani, each extra hour will seem justified.

Is Tatopani to Ghorepani a Difficult Day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes, this will be one of the most challenging days on the trip for your legs. It will not require any technical climbing skills. However, it is going to be a lengthy and sustained climb with almost no breaks.

While the Thorong La day will be tough due to the height, the cold and the early morning. However, the day 12 demands more of your legs, as you will have to walk almost thrice the distance you walked the previous day.

At this point, your body has already gone to sleep at 4,850m and passed 5,416m in altitude. As a result, 2,860m in Ghorepani is not difficult for your breathing system anymore and you are not likely to suffer from altitude sickness anymore.

But what about your legs? Day 11 is a drive day, and you are climbing starting from sitting in a bus all day long.

It takes us most of the way up stone staircases that have been constructed by the village folk over many years. These staircases are irregular in nature, some are high, and they go on for hours. Ever gone climbing for six hours without rest?

Good thing about staircases is that they are easy to manage. Once you find a good steady pace to move in, it’s all plain sailing thereafter. Our guides do the trick from the first step itself.

Tatopani to Ghorepani Elevation Profile

This table shows how the climb builds through the day. Times are approximate and assume a steady pace with short breaks.

Note the location of the activity. In the first 3 hours towards Ghara, you have already gained around 500 m. After that, Shikha gives you some rest, followed by the toughest climb from Shikha to Chitre.

The final leg of climbing from Chitre to Ghorepani gains 470 m in height. However, it is in the cool forest environment, which makes it easy compared to the open slope below. It’s good to be aware of this before starting.

Tatopani to Ghorepani Route Breakdown

Our travel schedule has us crossing the Kali Gandaki River and moving up through Shikha and Chitre. We also come through the small villages of Ghatre, Ghara, and Phalate on our journey. This is how the day goes.

Tatopani to Ghara: Crossing the Kali Gandaki and Hitting the Steps

You get going from Tatopani right after breakfast. After crossing the Kali Gandaki River towards its east bank, you start climbing. You have reached that point when the river is quite wide and noisy.

Once you complete the permit process, you spend around 20 minutes on the trail. Then come two bridges one after another and after that, climbing begins with stone steps.

After 2 hours from Tatopani, you get to Ghatre. In another 1 hour, you reach Ghara. There are many teahouses at Ghara, so you can take a tea break there.

Ghara to Shikha: Terraces and the Lunch Stop

From Ghara, the trail heads up the terraced fields. People farm millet, corn, and potatoes on narrow terraces that are cut into the mountainside. Children go to school using the same steps as you and do it twice as fast.

Shikha is at the end of the trail after an hour, located at 1,935 meters above sea level. This is the most developed village on this segment. Most teams make Shikha their lunch stop, and you can smell the fried potatoes and dal bhat even before you eat.

Eating well now will pay off later. Half of your walking is done, but the real work is coming up.

Shikha to Phalate and Chitre: The Long Push

The ascent from Shikha continues without much relief. Just between us, it is here that most trekkers get lost in thought. The ascent continues with the approach to the village of Phalate gradually passing by.

The altitude at Chitre is about 2,390 meters. Here you will feel the drop in temperature and the beautiful landscape opening out behind you. If you have some free time on a fine afternoon, do look back at the valley and the Dhaulagiri mountain range.

There are lodges at Chitre too. Hence, if your legs are tired, resting for a night at Chitre could be a good idea.

Chitre to Ghorepani: Through the Rhododendron Forest

The final stretch takes us into a dense jungle of rhododendron, magnolia and birch trees. Moss hangs from the branches, and the path becomes spongy underfoot. During spring, the rhododendrons will flower red and pink over your head.

After roughly 1.5 hours of climbing through the jungle, you emerge at a gate that marks the entrance into the Ghorepani-Poon Hill area. The final set of steps gets you to the village.

The meaning of Ghorepani is horse water. Previously, traders used to rest here to give water to their horses on the ancient trade route. Nowadays, you will rest here for a hot meal and early night before Poon Hill.

Are There Any Permits Required for the Tatopani to Ghorepani Hike?

Yes. You require the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for this entire area. The path from Tatopani to Ghorepani is within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Thus, they will be checking permits on this route.

ACAP is the only permit that we have for Annapurna Circuit trekking. It costs NPR 3,000 for the foreigners. This permit has been provided in our package so there is no need for you to arrange it separately.

A permit check is expected shortly after you move out from Tatopani. In addition, many other trekkers also experience a second permit check at Shikha. The process generally takes a few minutes.

Your guide has your permits and speaks on your behalf. Therefore, you can relax, drink water, and enjoy the scenery along the valley.

What Is Accommodation Like in Tatopani to Ghorepani Route?

We will stay in teahouses during this part of our trip. Teahouses are basic, family-owned accommodation facilities that have individual twin rooms and a common dining hall. Your accommodation is inclusive of all three meals per day.

Tatopani Hot Springs and Garden Lodges

The Tatopani hotels are close to both the river and hot springs. The hot springs rise out of the ground at around 40-45°C and make their way to huge stone ponds near the river. The hot springs after 11 days of trekking feel like a true reward in the evening.

Our trekker, Naomi Larsson of Sweden, summed it up perfectly in the title of her review – “Tatopani Hot Springs Were Exactly What My Legs Needed.”

Ghara, Shikha and Chitre Lodge

All three – Ghara, Shikha, and Chitre – have simple huts. But they do not figure into your tour according to our regular itinerary. However, they are important if you want to break up this hike over two days.

This will increase your stay by one day. It means that you will break one exhausting day into two easier days and still get some time for the villages.

Ghorepani: Teahouses Before Poon Hill

There are plenty of teahouses in Ghorepani since almost all trekkers in this region come here before Poon Hill. There are only two twin beds and mattresses with blankets. We offer sleeping bags and down jackets.

The nights are cool in this region, at 2,860 m. Most trekkers hang out at the dining room in front of the stove after dinner. Charging and Wi-Fi are extra.

For dinner, there is dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice or momos. Eat your dinner and try to sleep early since you will need to wake up at 4:30 am for Poon Hill sunrise.

Tips to Complete Tatopani to Ghorepani Route

Little things can make a big impact on a day like this. Our guides learn these lessons through the experiences of the trekkers each season:

• Don’t spend too much time soaking in the morning. The hot springs may feel good, but a prolonged soak will make your legs heavier. Rather have that experience when you arrive in the evening.
• Be up and ready by 7 am. After late morning, the lower part of the hill becomes hot, and early start will save you from the hot spots.
• Use trekking poles. It helps ease the pressure on the knee joints and keep a steady pace.
• Take at least 2 liters of water. Get them refilled at the tea houses of Ghara and Shikha using our purification tablets.
• Wear layered clothing. As you start at a warm area near the river, and finish at a cool and misty ridge, carry some fleece and rain jackets with you.
• Move slower than you like to. Fast walkers usually struggle later when they reach lunchtime.
• Have a proper lunch. The dal bhat in Shikha gives you the required energy to climb the last 900 meters.
• Bring some money with you. There are many extra expenses on this route for hot shower, charging and Wi-Fi access.

Simply do what is stated, and you will have a long but fairly easy day. The heavy weight will be carried by your guide and porter, so you just need a backpack.

Hari Gurung

I grew up in the mountains and started working as a porter at 17. For more than 12 years, I’ve worked as a trekking guide, exploring Nepal’s trails and sharing the mountains I know with trekkers from around the world.I grew up in the mountains and started working as a porter at 17. For more than 12 years, I’ve worked as a trekking guide, exploring Nepal’s trails and sharing the mountains I know with trekkers from around the world.