The Ghandruk Trekking adventure begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Phedi. This is followed by a hike to Ghandruk, passing through the picturesque village of Dhampus. In Ghandruk, you’ll visit a charming Gurung village and explore the local museum. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Gangapurna.
The following day, you’ll follow the same path to Pothana, spend the night there, then return to Pokhara and get a ride to your accommodation. The trip combines viewing the local customs and culture with stunning mountain views. Day 1: Ghandruk to Pokhara (1540m) 5 hours Drive to Nayapul after meeting at your accommodation. Starting in Nayapul and ascending to Ghandruk, the trek begins. See the magnificent Annapurna range, Manaslu, and other mountains while traveling.
You’ll visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. From Ghandruk, you may see a variety of mountains, including Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna II, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail. Lodge overnight stay. The next day, you can enjoy the dawn over the mountains as the sun’s first rays touch the Himalayas early in the morning. Afterward, hike to Pothana after breakfast. It would be best to descend to Modi Khola before ascending to the Ghandruk settlement.
Pothana, perched on a ridge, provides magnificent views of the Annapurna range, Fishtail, and other peaks. The journey to Phedi then starts. See some beautiful Himalayan vistas and luscious green trees while traveling. Your car will be waiting for you when you arrive in Phedi, take you to Pokhara, and drop you off at your accommodation.
Highlights
Spend a day away from the city’s noise and bustle.
ideal option for families and elders.
knowledgeable, amiable, and experienced local trekking guide
Great for people of all ages and abilities
Trek Difficulty for Ghandruk
The trek to Ghandruk is best suited for beginners. This trek won’t present you with multiple challenges as other treks. You will be hiking in the hills and reach an altitude of around 2000 meters. There are several ascents and descents while you hike up to the village. It would be best if you were physically fit for this trek. Weather is another challenging factor in this trek. The weather in the hills can’t be predicted. It can rain in no time, making it challenging to trek.
Moreover, you will be hiking in the remote parts of Nepal. It would be best to compromise on your food and accommodation as you won’t have the luxury of staying in a star hotel or home. This might disturb your health, and you may fall sick. However, this short trek, which can be completed in 3 or 4 days, offers the best views of the Annapurna region with the most minor difficulties.
January
-2°C to 8°C
February
0°C to 8°C
March
3°C to 12°C
April
6°C to 15°C
May
9°C to 18°C
June
12°C to 20°C
July
13°C to 20°C
August
13°C to 20°C
September
12°C to 18°C
October
8°C to 16°C
November
3°C to 13°C
December
-1°C to 9°C
Temperature Overview of Ghandruk Village
The temperature in the Ghandruk Village varies with the seasons. So, the temperature variations in this region in all four seasons are described below.
Winter (December to February):
Winter is the coldest season in Ghandruk. The temperatures range from -1°C to 9°C in December, -2°C to 8°C in January, and 0°C to 8°C in February. You might experience light snowfall during the winter months.
Spring (March to May):
This region warms up during spring. In March, temperatures range from 3°C to 12°C. April sees temperatures between 6°C and 15°C. By May, they rise from 9°C to 18°C. It offers the ideal conditions for trekking during the Spring season.
Summer (June to August):
Summer is the warmest period in this region. In June, temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C. July is even warmer, with temperatures from 13°C to 20°C. In August, temperatures remain warm, ranging from 13°C to 20°C. This region receives heavy rainfall during the summer months, making it challenging to trek.
Autumn (September to November):
This region offers perfect temperatures. In September, temperatures range from 12°C to 18°C. October sees a drop to 8°C to 16°C. November continues to cool, with temperatures from 3°C to 13°C. This is the best time for trekking and enjoying mountain views.
3 Days Ghandruk Trekking Day-to-day-Itinerary
Day 1
Drive to Kande - Trek to Tolka
Day 1 Facts
Trekking Time Average
20 km./01 hour drive to Kande - 14km./05 hours walk
Accommodation
Hotel Namaste or Similar category
Altitude
(1790m./5907ft.)
Included meals
Lunch, Dinner
Have your meal while admiring the scenery. The trail is pleasant until you reach the lovely settlement of Landruk, after which it descends to Modi Khola at Kyumi before ascending to Ghandruk. Both the Gurung Museum and the ACAP visitor center are located in Ghandruk. From Ghandruk, you may see a variety of mountains, including Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna II, Hinuchuli, and Fishtail. Lodge overnight stay.
Day 2
Trek to Ghandruk
Day 2 Facts
Trekking Time Average
14km. Walk to Ghandruk ( Avg. 05 hrs.)
Accommodation
Annapurna Guest House or Similar category
Altitude
(1940m./6402ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy the dawn over the mountains as the sun’s first rays touch the Himalayas early in the morning. Afterward, hike to Pothana after breakfast. You must first descend to Modi Khola before ascending to the Ghandruk settlement. The trial travels across rice fields before arriving in Deurali. Continuing the trek will bring you to Pothana. Night at the Lodge
Day 3
Drive to Pokhara
Day 3 Facts
Trekking Time Average
60km. drive to Pokhara ( Avg. 02:30 hrs.)
Altitude
(850m./2805ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast
Have a morning meal while admiring the scenery. Today, we depart from Ghandruk. The trail descends to the Ghandruk welcome gate, at which point we turn right toward Siwai and board a public jeep to travel to Pokhara.
Included
All meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ) during the trekking.
Lodge accommodation ( twin share basis) Â during the trekking.
One experienced, well trained, fluent English speaking, friendly, specialized in Ghorepani trekking route and government authorized trekking guide and required porters (one porter for two persons).
Guide and porters food, accommodation, salary, insurance and transportation .
Overland transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary.
ACAP( Annapurna conservation area project) and necessary permits .
A Trekking map, duffle bag, Oxygen saturation check up everyday, water purification, company t-shirt, first aid medical and trekking completion certificate etc.
Assistance for emergency rescue evacuation.
Government tax and service charge.
Public Liability Insurance.
No Included
Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara .
Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, laundry, phone bill etc.
Personal Travel insurance.
Tips for guide and porters.( Highly suggested ).
Join our group departures
Available dates.
Our scheduled group tours offer fixed departure dates, providing an excellent opportunity for travelers to join our small group trips.
Every journey we create is uniquely tailored to you. Share your interests and passions, and our travel experts will design an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences crafted just for you.
You can trek to Ghandruk any time of the year. It is a short 2- 3 day trek that doesn’t reach a higher altitude. You will be hiking just around 2000 meters. This popular trek is ideal for spending a short vacation. Despite being feasible to trek all year long, Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to hike to the beautiful village of Ghandruk. During these seasons, you can witness the best views of the Annapurna region and its mountain ranges.
The trekking trails turn colorful as Nepal’s national flower, the Rhododendron, blooms during Spring. The skies get clear, allowing you to witness the panoramic views of the Himalayas. It is one of the peak times for trekking in Nepal. The temperature is moderate, and the weather is stable during spring. Likewise, autumn offers conditions similar to spring. The weather is stable, and the temperature is suitable for trekking in the hills. During Autumn, the clear views of the Himalayas add beauty to this scenic trek. Moreover, Autumn is the festive season in Nepal. You can experience different festivals when you trek towards Ghandruk.
Despite being an off-season, the beautiful village of Ghandruk attracts numerous visitors during Summer and Winter. It is a relatively easy trek as compared to other treks. The trails might be slippery, or they may receive snowfall, making it challenging during the winter. Likewise, the summer rain can hinder your hike, making the paths slippery. However, this trek is short and accessible for everyone and can also be trekked during the off-season.
Food and Accommodation
Ghandruk is one of the most popular short-distance trekking distances in Nepal. You can also reach the charming village of Ghandruk by road. Due to its road accessibility, you will have multiple options for food and accommodation when you trek in this region. In the context of accommodation, your stay will be at a Guest House or a Tea house. These tea houses and guest houses will provide you with a decent room compared to other treks. You may have basic amenities in your room. You will have the option of a hot shower, an attached bathroom, and internet access, but you will be charged an extra few dollars for it. Daal Bhaat will be your staple meal during this trek.
It is a high-calorie food that gives you enough carbs and protein for this trek. You will be provided with three meals per day. Your breakfast options include items like Bread Jam, Toast, Cereals, Pancakes, Boiled eggs, Tibetan Bread, Tea, Coffee, etc. You will have similar options for Lunch and Dinner. Some standard options for lunch and dinner are Daal Bhaat, Dhindo, Pizza, Pasta, Macaroni, Noodles, Thukpa, etc.
Local Gurung culture and tradition in Ghandruk
The Ghandruk village is the home to the Gurung community. Gurung people are the natives of the Annapurna region. While you trek toward the Ghandruk village, you will pass through different paddy fields, suspension bridges, and picturesque villages before you reach Ghandruk. You can experience the local people’s warm hospitality and innocent nature. These Gurung people hold a long history of culture and tradition, which can be reflected in their daily lifestyle. They have their language, customs, and history.
When you trek to Ghandruk, you can see the Gurung people wearing their traditional “Gurung Dress.”. The Gurung males wear traditional garb, which consists of a robe that ends at the knee and a waistcoat. The Gurung women wear accessories like Beaded necklaces and earrings. You can easily spot the difference in their clothing. You can also witness the traditional Gurung dances like Ghatu and Sorathi. Ghatu is performed during the festive season, whereas Sorathi is performed during the harvest time.
Additionally, there is a Gurung Museum in Ghandruk Village. During your visit to the museum, you can collect information about its history, culture, and way of life. Buddhism is the most followed religion by the Gurung community. The Buddhist Stupa, Prayer flags, and monasteries decorate the entire village. Ghandruk Monastery is a popular worshipping place for Buddhist Pilgrims. These people also celebrate festivals like Dashain and Tihar. You can see the traditional style of buildings while you visit the charming village. Tourism is the main occupation of local people, as most locals run guest houses or homestays. However, agriculture comes second in the context of occupation as local crops, like rice, millet, maize, potatoes, etc., are grown to serve authentic local food to visitors.
Frequently
Asked Questions
How long is Ghandruk from Pokhara?
The distance from Pokhara to Ghandruk is around 55 Kilometers. The trip from Pokhara to Ghandruk takes 4 hours. It is a mixture of black-topped roads and off-roads. The roadway from Nayapul to Ghandruk is entirely off-road, around 20 km.
Is Ghandruk worth visiting?
Yes, It’s a gorgeous spot to visit close to Pokhara, with outstanding hospitality, stunning views of the dazzling Himalayas, and a unique culture. You can witness the best views of mountains like Machhapuchre, Annapurna, and Hiunchuli. You can climb from Nayapul, Kaski, or Pokhara to the Gurung Village in six to seven hours. It also offers the shirt trek in the Annapurna region.
Why is Ghandruk famous?
Ghandruk offers a magnificent sunrise, sunset and a grand view of the Annapurna peak. The Ghandruk trip is well-known for its attractive Gurung culture, charming settlement, unique geography, and breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna (7219 m), Machhapuchhare (6993 m), and Himchuli mountains (6411 m). Moreover, it is a hill station near Pokhara.
Can I experience snowfall in Ghandruk?
The chances of experiencing snowfall in Ghandruk are rare. The beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk is at an elevation of 2000 meters, which is relatively low for consistent snowfall. However, you may experience light snowfall during the Winter months. If you’re looking for a snowfall, you can go on an Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Does it snow in Ghandruk in December?
On average, there is a 4% chance of rain or snow in Ghandruk in December. On a typical day, we receive 0.66 in (16.7 mm) precipitation from rain or snow. Some could refer to it as flurries to convey how much that is.
Can we go to Ghandruk by car?
Definitely!! Private transportation is available from Pokhara to Ghandruk. The best option is to charter a Scorpio or Bolero vehicle. Don’t forget to purchase TIMS CARD and ACAP Permits from the Nepal Tourism Board or a local agency as well.
What is the major religion of the local people in Ghandruk?
The primary religion of the local people in Ghandruk, a village in the Annapurna region of Nepal, is Hinduism. The Gurung community, which primarily resides there, also practices Tibetan Buddhism. These two religions coexist harmoniously, shaping the cultural and spiritual life of the village.
What animals are found in Ghandruk?
In this alpine region of Ghandruk, you may see animals such the Himalayan Thar, Kasturi deer, Jharal and snow leopard, blue sheep, wild fox, Danfe, Monal, and golden eagle. Along the road leading to Annapurna, a herd of Himalayan Thar, blue sheep, and Jharal can be observed grazing in the autumn.
How far is Ghandruk to ABC?
The distance from Ghandruk to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is approximately 37 kilometers. This trek typically takes 3-4 days, passing through picturesque villages, lush forests, and stunning mountain scenery, making it a popular route for trekkers in the Annapurna region.
What is the longest trail in Ghandruk?
The longest trail in Ghandruk is the Mardi Himal Trek Segment 1, stretching from Kande to Australian Camp and Forest Camp. This trail is approximately 13.5 km long, offering trekkers a scenic and adventurous route through the beautiful landscapes of the Annapurna region.
Do I need a permit to Trek Ghandruk?
Yes, you will need two permits for the short trek in the Annapurna region. Trekkers Information Management System(TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) are the two permits you will need to trek in this region. You can get it from the Nepal Tourism Board office or any trekking agency in Nepal.
How much does a Ghandruk cost?
Generally, the trek to Ghandruk cost around $200 – $500. However, it depends on your tour packages, itinerary, and expenditure. It is considered one of the shortest and budget-friendly treks in Nepal. Also, you can get a cheaper package traveling in groups.
Which peaks are visible from Ghandruk?
From Ghandruk, you can see several prominent peaks, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). These majestic mountains offer stunning views, making Ghandruk a popular destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts in the Annapurna region.
We thank our guests for trekking with us, reviewing our services, and making us eligible for the prestigious awards. We also sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment and continuous support of our company. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, the awards and achievements we have received wouldn’t be possible.
My friend and I were lucky to find Tej online before visiting Nepal. We knew we wanted to do a trek, but we weren’t sure exactly which trek. Tej sent us a bunch of itineraries for different treks and we chose the Manaslu circuit. When we arrived our guide, Kumar, was waiting for us at the airport and Tej was able to get us all our permits for the trek done in less than 2 hours which was great. The manaslu trek was absolutely amazing! We were super happy with our whole trip and we were lucky to be able to make the pass even though we saw dozens of other people who had to turn back because of the weather. We are already looking forward to going back next year at the same time to trek Everest and we will definitely use Tej again!
“Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home.
The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter.
For the home-stay:
1) Meals available upon request
2) Family get together and chats
3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels
4) Free WIFI
5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel
6) Safe environment
7) Mountainous forest behind home
8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries
9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get to town
Goal was achieved 4130 meter and 0 degree celsius, Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was 6 months of preparation. It was challenging target for us. We had dense forest, mountain, and completely wilderness above the treeline, it was windy and terrain . There is a huge support team. Without them it would not be possible. We can do it , we just have to give time and practice. Mr. Gurung Ji, you with your entire 7 of team were wonderful. They were always ready to help us.
Thanks Mr. Gurung ji for all the support, and guidance that made the trip successful. While all of us focused on Mountain, big thing but there were so many beautiful things along the way, stream, flowers, flora, so many birds I took pictures. So, in summary, phenomenal, success and our confidence there. We know, we can do more and higher in next what bigger thing.
8 days non trek city tour and 21days trek to EBC and chola pass
We love nepal and made 3 time visit to this beutiful country and rich culture. This time last year we came with 6 pax and visited Kathmandu , Pohkara and chitwan with a stay of 2 night in each place. We flew to Pohkara and got the van to chitwan and flew to Kathmandu. Tej arranged all transports overland and flights for us. We did not asked for a local guide but it was all smooth and no problem. We are happy with the service provided by Tej and he made all efforts to make us happy. His company performed professional with the very reasonable pricing. We encountered some small problem with the van transporting us back from nagarkot to kathmandu airport. This van was quite small and it came to pick up quite late that we almost missed the flight to pohkara. We told Tej about this and he must take care of this outsourced van company. Anyway the van in pohkara and to chitwan was excellent , big and comfy. So he has corrected the mistake.
Part 2 was our trek to EBC and chola pass for 21 nights. Tej arranged for flight and guide plus porter. For this trekking it was only me and my wife travelling together. We are about 50 years and used the service of 2 porters cause we bought a lot of dry food plus chocolate. We are difficult persons in terms of foreign food. Our guide Ammer and 2 porters are fabulous. They took care of us very well like we are part of their family.
Overall we strongly recommend this company. They are good and not high expensive tag. We will use their service again in June to trek in Langtang. Rocky
We had a fantastic experience on the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks. Tej, the manager, was helpful, professional and efficient in dealing with our requirements and amendments, the arrangements worked smoothly and the information provided to us was excellent. Our guide Kul was brilliant. He was friendly, knowledgable and experienced and took changes in our itinerary in his stride. Our trekking experience was much better with his help in everything from planning the stages of the route to organising our food and accommodation. Just one warning: he is an ace card player and will probably beat you hands down!
A wonderful & interesting trek overall. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances ( heavy snow fall & Lie ping with a bad cold) we were unable to cross the Ganja la pass. However, our guide Simbir offered us as alternative trek which took us on a difference journey of Nepal. We had the opportunity to visit & stay in many local villages and meet Tamang, Gurung people experience, their lifestyle and culture. We visited our guide’s home town of Chalishgaun and timed it right to join in with Diwali celebrations!
Attempting Everest base camp trekking for me & my group was taking it to the next level. Before this, our limits were Kedarnath, MadMaheshwar & Tunganath with max distances of 18-19 kms spread over 2-3 days. Moreover, these tracks are such that people doesn’t necessarily have to trek. They have the option of ponies. EBC involves a lot for people like us (acclimatization to altitude, strength etc.), but above all, you need someone to provide logistical support, moral support that it can be done. This is where Nepal Alternative Treks does a great job. They organized it very well, guides and porters provided were very reliable and cost is reasonable when you compare to others. They can customize your travel plan according to your need.
A few weeks ago we went on a trip to Nepal, accompanied by a couple of friends who were on their second trip with Nepal Alternative Trek. Our first goal was to trek to the village of Chalish in Ruby Valley. We decided to go with the services of Nepal Alternative Trek to take us up there. We went there partly by jeep, partly walking through the cultivated terraces, meeting the inhabitants of the different communities who worked there.
I must say that the service that Tej offered us was perfect on all lines. First of all, before our departure, months before, Tej always answered our many questions (luggage, temperature, route to be revised, etc.) Always within 24 hours, he answered with a lot of patience.
All the equipment we thought we would need was available at his office.
Our guide Ammar led us to destination with confidence and professionalism. He knew all the trails, and especially all the shortcuts to avoid us having to go up or down too much along our road. He has managed all the difficulties we have encountered: due to personal reasons, we had to change and our itinerary, and our calendar, and he made everything possible. The whole team adapted to our changes. Our guide contacted Tej who orchestrated the changes without us even having to deal with anything.
The porters were attentive and were always in front of our needs.
Our journey continued towards Bandipur with the driver who made us know the various interesting points, from sunrise to sunset, making detours to take us to the most famous places. Then a 2 days stay in Chitwan, and return to Kathmandu again where the driver carried us without calculating from one place to another – God knows that traffic in Kathmandu, Bakhtapur and Patan can be complicated.
Thanks to Tej, and the whole Nepal Alternative Trek team. We will remember forever that amazing experience.
Many thanks to Tej – well organized, Dhan + hal worked Hard, we could not have done it without there Help, they were always there when needed, worked extra to help us when we were sick. Always kind and cheerful
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