Trekking To Ghandruk: Routes, Highlights, And Essential Information

This year, why not go for a vacation in the lap of the Himalayas? A place that not only drips mesmerizing views and sceneries but is also filled with authentic culture and tradition of the Gurung and Magar communities.

Whether you are traveling solo, with a partner, or with friends and family, the Ghandruk trek is a perfect destination for relaxation and enjoyment. One of the best parts of the trek? You can accomplish it in as short as 3 to 4 days, and each and every traveler, whether beginner or experienced, can complete this journey easily.

So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure taking you to the famous village in Western Nepal, Ghandruk, located in the Annapurna region. Additionally, you can extend this journey as long as you want by combining it with some other treks of the region, such as the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.

Trekking To Ghandruk Village

The journey to the Ghandruk village is a way to stop, travel, and relax during your vacation. This is one of the shortest and easiest treks in the region that brings you close to the foothills of Mount Annapurna.

For any trekker looking to get close to the traditional values of the region and who wants to interact with the locals, this place drips with cultural values. If you are planning to take on this journey, 3 to 4 days is enough.

Itinerary To Ghandruk Village

Your actual Ghandruk trek starts from Nayapul. To reach there, you will initially have to go to Pokhara. You can either take a 6-hour-long scenic bus ride or a 35-minute flight. If you are not in any hurry, you can take a bus ride, as it will also be a part of the core memory. However, if you want a quick solution, a flight is the way to go.

After arriving in Pokhara, you will have to take a further bus ride to Nayapul. During this ride, you will pass through small villages like Naudanda and Lumle. With this short ride, you will start trekking alongside the trails of the river on a stone-paved path as you will reach Birethanti.

Only after 4 to 5 hours of hike, you will reach the Ghandruk Village (at an altitude of 2,012 meters). This trail will take you past the bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests.

Following it, you will start trekking towards the Pothana Village (at an altitude of 1,990 meters) by passing by Kyuri Khola (at an altitude of 2,010 meters). During this journey, you will hike through terraced fields, rivers, and rhododendron forests. At the end of this trip, you will reach another Gurung village, Landruk.

From this point onward, you will move towards the Dhampus Village (at an altitude of 1,750 meters) through a rhododendron forest and some narrow stone paths. As you arrive in this village, you will get a popular view of the Pokhara Valley. Soon after, you will move down to Phedi and take a 30-minute drive back to Pokhara.

Highlights Of The Ghandruk Village Trek

Stunning views of the massive Himalayas such as Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Machhapuchhre (6,993 meters), Annapurna II (7,555 meters), Gangapurna (7,455 meters), Hiuchuli (6,441 meters), and many more.
Trek past lush green forests, rhododendron-bloomed forests, terraced fields, waterfalls, rice fields, rivers, and local settlements.
Visit and explore villages such as Landruk, Ghandruk, Phedi, Dhampus, Naudanda, and Lumle.
Explore and relax at Pokhara, the city of Lakes.
Mesmerizing sunset and sunrise views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
Enjoy a relaxing hot spring at Jhinu Danda.
Visit the Gurung Museum.
Get a chance to witness the varied flora and fauna of the region, including rhododendrons, orchids, pheasants, langurs, and Himalayan black bears.

Details Of The Ghandruk Village Trek

Trekking Region: Annapurna
Trekking Distance:2 kilometers
Trekking Duration: 3 to 4 days
Trekking Time: 5 to 6 hours per day
Maximum Altitude: 2,012 meters at Ghandruk Village
Starting And Ending Point: Nayapul and Phedi
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Seasons: Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November)

Additional Factual Information On Ghandruk Village Trek

The Ghandruk Village is also known as the central hub for Gurung people. It is enriched with Gurung tradition and values.
You can combine other short treks of the region with the Ghandruk village trek.
The Ghandruk village is also home to famous Gurung museums. This museum consists of Gurung’s history and their local crafts. It will give you a detailed tour of their daily lifestyle.
The stone houses with slate roofs are the traditional Gurung architecture, made to adapt to the local climate.
The Ghandruk Village is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area, making it home to various species of flora and fauna.
This particular village also holds historical significance as it is the ancestral home of the legendary Gurkha soldiers.

An Overview Of The Ghandruk Village Trek

The Ghandruk Village trek is an affordable journey to the foothills of the Annapurna massifs. From start to finish, it is the tour that you can complete without making a hole in your pocket.

However, if you are traveling to this region, you must carry plenty of cash as the higher you go up, there is no ATM nor do the people accept cards. Hence, you must exchange your currency before embarking on this journey. You can do so in Kathmandu or Pokhara itself.

Likewise, if you are using an ATM, you should know that the maximum withdrawal amount is between 30,000 and 35,000 rupees at once, plus a processing fee of 500 rupees.

Documents to Carry

If you are trekking to the Ghandruk Village, you must carry your passport and passport-sized pictures to get a TIMS card. Trekkers Information Management System card is essential no matter where you are going to trek.

Additionally, you will also be required to get an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit from the Nepal Tourism Board, as the Ghandruk village is located inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. You can get this permit from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Furthermore, to stay on the safe side, you can also apply for insurance. This will cover all the medical expenses and emergency evacuation in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Not to mention, it also covers any other travel risks, such as delayed flights, stolen goods, and many more.

Food, Drinks, And Accommodation

During your Ghandruk trek, you will get to experience multiple traditional foods. It includes Daal, Bhaat, ra Tarkari (Lentils, Rice, and Curry). Moreover, this village is famous for its Gurung bread. Altogether, there are several options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian trekkers.

Moving on, you will also get multiple drinks to try, such as their local beverages. Unlike any other treks, this village has some great accommodation facilities with clean rooms and wonderful stay.

Seasons To Travel

The Ghandruk Village is a popular destination during the peak seasons; Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November). These months offer unobstructed views of the surrounding and the Himalayas with clear blue skies and mild temperatures, that is neither too hot nor too cold.

The average temperature of the village during the peak season is between 20 to 30 degree Celsius. Alongside the pleasant temperature, there are flowers blooming everywhere, and the environment is all lush green.

However, having said that, the season boosts of numerous travelers and trekkers in the region, making it crowded. At times, it may be hard to access this region’s facilities and accommodation plan; hence advance booking is necessary.

Moreover, the other seasons aka off seasons, Summer / Monsoon (June, July, and August) and Winter (December, January, and February), are also favorable for the journey. However, these months will make the trail a bit challenging due to the weather conditions.

During the Monsoon season, the trails get slippery due to continuous heavy rainfall. Furthermore, you will also find leeches and mosquitoes along the journey, making it quite irritable.

Moving on to the Winter season, you will experience snowfall and foggy weather, which may cause a hard drop in the temperature. During both seasons, your views will get blocked due to fog and clouds.

Packing List For Ghandruk Village Trek

A proper gear and equipment are the key to a comfortable and enjoyable journey. However, you do not need a big bag for this travel plan as long as you pack up essential items for the season you are traveling in.

Fleece jacket (for winter)
Down jacket
Wind and water-proof jackets
Hiking boots and sandals
2 to 3 pairs of hiking socks
Lightweight hiking shirts and trousers
Neck gaiter
Sunscreen
Gloves
Sunglasses
Refillable water bottles
Towel
Lip Guard
First aid kit (personal medication, if any)
Sleeping bags
Trekking poles
Power cables and adapters
Torchlight with extra batteries
Backpack
Sleeping bag
Camera

In A Nutshell

Trekking to the Ghandruk Village is a relaxing journey that will bring you closer to the Himalayas and Gurung culture. Wanting to get away from the bustling city and experience the closeness to nature? Looking for a family getaway or a quick vacation? Ghandruk Village Trek solves it all. Pack your bag, and get going!

Reference from: Trekking To Ghandruk: Routes, Highlights, And Essential Information