Ghandruk Trek takes you to a charming village located in the Kaski District of Nepal, a popular destination among tourists for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be enveloped in a sense of familiarity and comfort, making you feel right at home in this idyllic Nepalese village.
Nepal is a country known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions, and Ghandruk is a shining example of this. The locals live by the adage “Atithi Devo Bhava,” which means that guests are like Gods, and they take this to heart by treating visitors with the utmost respect and kindness.
Ghandruk is home to the Gurung community, known for its colorful and cheerful nature. When you visit Ghandruk, you’ll be treated to an array of traditional dances, such as Sorathi, Ghado, and Ghatu, which are sure to delight and enthrall you. One of the highlights of the Gurung community is the “Rodhi,” a local club where young people gather to sing Dohori and dance to local songs.
The locals of Ghandruk are renowned for their friendly and hospitable nature, and you’ll feel their warmth and affection from the moment you arrive. This village is the perfect destination for families, seniors, and children, as the trek to this place is considered one of the easiest and shortest in Nepal.
When in Ghandruk, you can explore some of the local cuisines such as Dhido, Chhyang, and Tongba (Local Alcohol), Gundruk (dried spinach), Vatmas(soybean), etc. As mentioned earlier, Ghandruk is rich in culture and the locals are enthusiastic about preserving their culture so that the next generation can witness its charm and beauty of it. You will also get to see the protective nature of locals regarding their culture and traditions. This can be clearer from the instance of the Old Gurung Museum of Ghandruk where visitors are allowed to wear the cultural dress and jewels of the community such as Bhangro, Kachhad, Bhoto, Istakot, Kamlo, Black Bhadgaule Topi for men and Lungi, Patuki, Cholo, Ghalek for women.
This trek through Nepal is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique insight into the country’s fascinating culture. Along the way, you’ll also be treated to breathtaking views of nature that you won’t find anywhere else. The trek offers stunning vistas of mountains like Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Himchuli. Throughout the journey, you’ll encounter a variety of landscapes, from high hills to low hills, rivers, and both fragile and concrete compositions.
If you embark on this trek during March or April, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the spectacular rhododendron forests, which are sure to soothe any physical or emotional fatigue you may be experiencing. Additionally, the villages along the trekking route cultivate green vegetables that are available to guests. Due to an increase in tourism, the once-dry slopes of the village have transformed into lush and verdant landscapes. This trek will undoubtedly create memories that will last a lifetime.
Major Highlights of the Ghandruk Trek
- Spectacular view of Rhododendron Forests
- Picturesque cultivated Lands
- Exposure to Nepalese local cuisines
- Breathtaking view of the enormous Himalayas
- Budget Friendly Trek
- Easy and short route
- No difficulties due to altitude sickness
- Chance to witness fascinating Ghandruke Culture
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m
Upon reaching Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be received by one of our representatives who will drive you to the hotel for your accommodation where you can get fresh and rest for a while. If you want you can also explore the streets of Kathmandu as the nightlife of this city is quite fascinating. You can also taste some of the popular food items in Kathmandu such as Momo, Thukpa, Laughing, Bara, etc. After having dinner, you will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
You will start your day with a delicious breakfast. On this day, you will explore some of the popular places in Kathmandu in terms of culture and history. You will meet our tour guide who will take you sightseeing.
You will first visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the places of Nepal which has historic importance. After that, you will visit Swayambhunath Stupa which is the oldest Stupa in the country with several shrines and monasteries on its premises. You will be fascinated to see the architecture of this crowning glory of the city.
After visiting these two places, you will be taken for lunch by our tourist guide. The next stop on your journey should be Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley, Patan Durbar Square is home to some of the most spectacular traditional art and architecture in Nepal. One of the most fascinating parts of Patan Durbar Square is the Patan Museum. This museum houses a vast collection of traditional art and artifacts from the region, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the rich history and culture of Nepal. The museum is housed in a stunningly renovated palace, and its exhibits include ancient sculptures, paintings, and other works of art. While in Patan, you can also try some Newari cuisines such as Chhoila, Kachela, Bara, Sukuti, and so on. At the end of the day, you’ll visit Boudhanath Stupa which is also considered a gateway to heaven that serves as a horizon between the earth and the sky. If you are a true believer in “Karma”, this place is for you because it is said that visiting stupas has karmic benefits.
After the long tiring day, you will be driven back to the hotel where you will have dinner to re-energize your body. You will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara ( 822m)
On the third day, the actual journey begins. You will have some hot breakfast at the hotel and then proceed towards Pokhara. The journey will take around 7-8 hours. You will stop mid-way for lunch where you can treat yourself to samosa, chowmein, noodles, etc. This journey of traveling 204 km is the most interesting one as you will come across those areas that are peaceful, green, and eye-pleasing. You will feel as though the mountains are getting closer and closer. Not only that, you will get to experience the rural side of Nepal as you go through scenic villages, hills, mountains, flora, and fauna. After the journey of 7-8 hours, you will reach Pokhara. You will be taken to the hotel at the lakeside where you can take your time to rest and freshen up. After that, you can step out of the hotel to walk by the lakeside to enjoy the excellent night view of Phewa Lake. Then you will get back to the hotel and have dinner. After that one of our representatives will brief you about the journey starting the next day. You will be told about the essentials to take along, the dos and don’ts of the trek, and so on.
Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Phedi (1130m) and trek towards Tolka (1700m)
Start your day with a heavy breakfast and be ready for the trek you are going to embark upon. You will be driven to Phedi, from where the trek starts. The drive will take around 45-50 minutes. Upon reaching Phedi, you will trek toward Tolka (1700m). It will take 5-6 hours to reach Tolka from Phedi. Tolka is a Gurung village that allows you to observe the sights of locals farming, doing their household jobs, cattle grazing, and so on. You will also get to see breathtaking views of the gigantic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After the tiring journey, you will spend the night in Tolka where you will taste the local cuisines as well.
Day 5: Trek to Ghandruk (1940m)
You will start your day with the local breakfast at Tolka along with the beautiful view of sunrise. Then, you will proceed towards Ghandruk which is also a 5-6 hours walk from Tolka. On the way, you will see Modi Khola, a river that runs from the Annapurna Sanctuary, an area that lies to the North of Pokhara where you can enjoy the views of the mighty peaks of Annapurna. After the journey of 5-6 hours, you will reach Ghandruk which is the second largest Gurung settlement of Nepal where you will get to see terraced fields, mountains closer to you, and cultures such as Rodhi and Sorathi. You will visit the Old Gurung Museum where you can try on Gurung dresses and get your pictures clicked. You will visit Buddhist Monasteries and after having the local dinner, you will spend the night at the hotel.
Day 6: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul (1070m)
After having breakfast on the sixth day, you will trek toward Nayapul. This journey will take around 5 hours. Nayapul is a small village by the river and Pokhara Baglung Highway. From Nayapul, you will take a ride of around 1 hour to get back to Pokhara. You will have had a tiring journey, so you can take a rest at the hotel or also enjoy the nightlife of Pokhara if interested. You will get back to the hotel, have some dinner, and spend the night there.
Day 7: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu
After having breakfast at the hotel, you ought to get ready to proceed toward Kathmandu. The journey will be 7-8 hours of drive. After reaching Kathmandu, you can do some souvenir shopping for family and friends. At night, you will be offered a farewell dinner. You will spend the night at the hotel.
Day 8: Final Departure
On the eighth day, you will bid farewell to Nepal. One of our representatives will drive you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative will make sure that you are taken to the airport to the best of your comfort.
We hope your trip was enjoyable and wish you a safe return.
Some FAQs About Ghandruk Trek
- Which time is the best to go for Ghandruk Trek?
Ghandruk trek can be done during any time of the year as it is an easy trail. However, if you accomplish this trek during March and April, you will get to see the beauty of spectacular rhododendron forests. Also, the month of June-July is not that preferred for the trek because trekkers will lose the opportunity to witness the breathtaking views due to rainfall.
- Can Ghandruk Trek be accomplished by someone who has never been to trekking before?
Ghandruk Trek, located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, is a beginner-friendly trek that can be accomplished by individuals with basic fitness levels. The trail is well-maintained and not very steep, making it an ideal option for those who are new to trekking or have limited experience.
- What are the necessary items to be carried for the trek?
When embarking on a trek like Ghandruk, it’s important to pack wisely to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Along with the essentials like a backpack and a first-aid kit, carrying extra pairs of trekking pants and t-shirts can come in handy in case of unexpected weather changes or if your clothes get dirty or wet. Carrying a refillable water bottle can help you stay hydrated throughout the trek while carrying a few chocolate bars can provide you with instant energy and warmth.
Sunglasses are necessary to protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays at high altitudes, while a comfortable pair of shoes is essential for a long and tiring trek. A jacket is important to keep you warm during chilly nights, as the temperature drops significantly in the mountains. While a trekking stick is optional, it can provide added support while walking on the rocky trails.
It’s important to carry the items that you need in your daily life, such as toiletries, medication, and personal hygiene products. Carrying cash is essential as there might not be ATMs or card payment options available in remote areas. It’s also a good idea to carry a map, a compass, and a flashlight to help you navigate through the trail in case you get lost or it gets dark. Overall, packing smartly and carrying the right gear can make your trekking experience safer and more enjoyable.
Source: Above the Himalaya