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Ghandruk Trek

Price starts

US$ 650

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duration

Trip Duration

3 Days
group-size

Group Sizes

2-16 People
destination

Destination

Nepal
max-alt

Max. Altitude

1,940m
acitvities

Activities

  • Trekking
  • Sightseeing
difficulty

Difficulty

Easy
meals

Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
accommodation

Accommodation

  • Hotel

Trip Highlights

  • Experience one of the best trekking routes in Nepal.
  • Enjoy the views of the majestic mountains like Annapurna (8,091 m.), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m.), Manaslu (8,163 m.), and Lamjung Himal (6,983 m.) up close.
  • Walk through the lush green forest, rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and the gushing Himalayan River.
  • Explore the Gurung cultures, traditions, rituals, values, and lifestyles.
  • Immerse yourself in the village or rural lifestyle of Nepal.
  • Live in the centuries-old houses in Ghandruk.
  • Make memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Overview of Ghandruk Trek

Ghandruk is a beautiful village located in the Annapurna region of Kaski Gandaki province. It is a Gurung village rich in cultures and traditions with stunning views of Annapurna South (7,219 m.), Annapurna III (7,555 m.), Huinchuli (6,441 m.), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m.), Gangapurna (7,455 m.) and many more. The Ghandruk Trek leads you to a beautiful village where you can feel the peaks towering over you and experience the richness of Nepalese warm hospitality, culture and traditions.

Therefore, the Ghandruk village at an elevation of 2,012 m. not only has the backdrop of the magnificent mountains but also has a stunning landscape, cultures, traditions, and people with golden.

The houses in Ghandruk villages are 200 years old, showcasing the traditional architecture of Nepal. The walls of the houses are built up of mud and stones, and the roofs are built with hay. All of the houses look mostly similar, and those houses are homestays, hotels, Gurung museums, and the economic sources of the locals.

The Ghandruk trek from Pokhara is a very short trek of just 3 days that leads to this amazing destination. It is one of the most visited destinations of Nepal, with well-marked and easy trails. This trek provides views of the varied landscape of Nepal and its cultural richness, along with an experience that will last a lifetime.

The trails of the Ghandruk trek go through lush green and colorful rhododendron forests. The landscape looks amazing, with the snow-capped mountains on top, lush green hills with colorful blossoms in the distance, and beautiful villages residing peacefully.

There are also views of rice fields, castes grazing, and people living their village lives. The Ghandruk Trek passes through many villages like Landruk (1,565 m.), Dhamphus (1,650 m.), etc., where you can witness the rice Gurung cultures and traditions. This trek is not just about reaching the destination but also about experiencing the combination of cultural and natural assets.

Therefore, the Ghandruk Trek is a journey that not only takes travelers close to nature but is also a journey through which they can learn more about the culture, traditions, and rituals of Nepal.

Itinerary of Ghandruk Trek

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What's included?

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What's not included?

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  • Airport pickup and drop by private Vehicle
  • Standard hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara (as per itineraries)
  • All transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara (Starting to end points)
  • Option 1: Tourist bus or private vehicle transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back.
  • Option 2: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
  • Private vehicle from Pokhara to Nayapul (starting trek point of the) and back.
  • Full AP plan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • One complimentary spa session
  • Professional English-speaking Trekking Guide and Porter (Government Authorised Trekking license Holder)
  • Annapurna conservations area entry permits and Tim’s card.
  • All government taxes, VAT and office service charges
  • First Aid kit and emergency oxygen
  • High quality sleeping bags and down jacket
  • All necessary trekking gears during the trek
  • Farewell dinner before departure in Nepali cultural Restaurant in Kathmandu
  • Certificate of Achievement from Zen Explore upon the successful completion of the trek
  • International Airfare and Nepal entry visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory must cover emergency evacuation, medical expenses and high-altitude trekking
  • Person expenses like alcoholic beverages, snacks etc.
  • Tips for Guide and Porter
  • Extra accommodation costs in case of flight delays and other reasons
  • Emergency evacuation during the trek
3 Days
Price Starts from

650 US$

Ghandruk Trek Altitude Chart

Trip Information - Good to Know

Best Time

The Ghandruk Trek can be done throughout the year, but this beautiful village in the Annapurna region has two major seasons; it depends on your preference which one you choose.

The month starting from March to May, which is the spring season, is one of the best times to visit the glamorous village of Ghandruk. During this period, the temperature will be mild, and the enchanting view of blooming rhododendrons can be seen (especially in April).

This season is mostly chosen by travelers, as the skies will be clear and the trekkers will witness an excellent view of the mountain range. The trail is beautiful and easy to accomplish at any time of the year, except during the monsoon season.

Another peak time for a visit to Ghandruk village is the period from September to November, which is the autumn season. This is the season after the monsoon and has cool and stable weather.

Travelers love to visit the place at this time as the skies are clear and the place offers a panoramic view of the majestic mountain range, which includes Mt. Annapurna (8,901 m), Mt. Machapuchare (6,993 m), Mt. Gangapura (7,455 m), and Mt. Hiuchuli (6,441 m). Another thing about this season is that the major festivals of the Hindu religion, Dashain and Tihar, occur at this time.

The Ghandruk trek can able to be done from June to August, the monsoon season. The trails are even more peaceful in this season, as there will be fewer trekkers. The views will also be clearer due to the rainfall and no clouds blocking the mountains.

Trekkers may have to encounter slippery trails here and there during this season due to heavy rainfall. You may also have to deal with leeches during the monsoon, but with the proper rain covers, waterproof bags, shoes with good grips, and sanitizers, you can complete this trek.

You can also go on the Ghandruk trek in the winter. You may even get a chance to witness snowfall in Nepal during the winters November to February. You must layer yourself with warm clothes and fleece so that you can keep yourself warm.

Elevation and distance

The elevation of the Ghandruk trek is not very high. It is located 2,012 m above sea level. This is also the highest elevation of the entire trek.

The total distance that will be covered in the Ghandruk trek from Pokhara is approximately 94 to 100 km, the trekking distance is 34 to 40 km, and the driving distance is 60 km.

Difficulty and altitude sickness

The Ghandruk trek is not considered a difficult trek as it is a village-to-village trek in well-marked areas with well-maintained trails. The highest elevation is also just 2,012 m above sea level, making it not a difficult trek.

This is the perfect trek for someone who can’t walk for a long duration continuously for multiple days. This trek can be done easily solo or with family, kids, and elderly people.

There is very little to no chance of getting altitude sickness during the Ghandruk Trek. It is recommended that you keep your body and mind healthy before and during the day with a proper diet and adequate hydration, and you can complete this trek successfully.

Maximum and minimum walks per day

The Ghandruk trek is not very long, so it doesn’t require strenuous hours of trekking. The maximum number of hours you will have to walk during this trek is 6 to 7 hours on the second day where you will be trekking from Ghandruk to Pothana.

The minimum number of hours you will be working during this trek is on the third day when trekking from Pothana to Phedi. It will be just 3 to 4 hours of trekking and then driving back to Pokhara. Therefore, the Ghandruk trek doesn’t include any long hours of trekking.

Accommodation

As the entire trek will be done in and near a human settlement area, there are many standard tourist lodges, hotels, and tea houses that provide comfortable night stays during the trek. Don’t get fooled by the name of the tea houses, as they have all the amenities of a full-fledged hotel, including cozy rooms, clean western-style toilets, and bathrooms.

The tea houses and hotels will have rooms on both a sharing basis and as single rooms, but the price varies accordingly. There are also rooms with attached bathrooms and rooms where you will have to share a common bathroom, and again, the price varies according to your choices.

We will be staying two nights in the tea houses during our Ghandruk Trek on a twin-sharing basis. Both of these tea houses will be comfortable and cozy, making your trek perfect and easy.

Foods and drinks

Most of the basic international cuisines like Indian, Chinese, and western cuisines are found throughout the Ghandruk trek. There are also various options in Nepali cuisines to enjoy. And the best part is that most of the foods are grown locally and organically in the village itself, without the use of any harmful chemicals.

The breakfast options are very wide with varietues of items like bre ad, omelets, oats, bread or toast, etc. There is a wide range of food options for lunch and dinner too. You can have sandwiches, pasta, noodles, etc. But the best would be to go for the traditional Nepali food Dal Bhat which consists of rice, lentils, curry, meat, pickles, etc.

Not just the foods, but there are many options for drinks as well, including both hot and cold drinks. You can go with some fizzy drinks like Fanta,Coke,Sprite, Dewetc. in the cold drinks.

The coffee,tea,milk, and warm water are the best hit beverages when it comes to drinking when on a Ghandruktrek.

The daily meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking days are provided in this Ghandruk trek package. You can choose any dishes of your choice from the available menu for the meals.

Can a beginner join a Ghandruk trip?

Yes, a beginner can also join a Ghandruk trek. It is one of the popular destinations from which we can see beautiful views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. Some of the reasons why a beginner can join are described below:

  1. The Ghandruk trek duration is between 3 and 4 days, which is a short duration. It is also good for beginners so that they can learn about terrain and enjoy beautiful scenes.
  2. The Ghandruk trek went uphill and downhill, but it can be done by someone with an average level of fitness.
  3. You can find traditional Gurung culture here in Ghandruk. You can engage in the local culture and try out different cuisines.
  4. You can find comfortable tea houses and lodges that offer basic amenities. It is also a village-to-village trek. The trials are good and well-maintained.
  5. You can find breathtaking views like the Annapurna Range, terrace fields and beautiful forests. It can be counted as a reward for going on this Ghandruk trek.
  6. It is easily accessible from Pokhara, also known as a major tourist hub in Nepal. Transportation services can be easily found from or to pokhara, making this trek easily accessible.

Along with this, beginners should also take care of other things like:

  1. A beginner should engage in physical activities in order to build good stamina so that they can carry their bags while trekking.
  2. You should pack comfortable clothes and essential things like warm clothes, trekking shoes, rain gear, headlamps etc. You should also take power banks to charge your mobile devices.
  3. You should keep yourself hydrated and slowly acclimatize to the altitude; don’t hassle.

Preparation and fitness

The Ghandruk Trek is a moderate-difficulty trek. You should do some regular exercise, like walking, hiking, or jogging, so that it will increase your stamina. You should do some leg exercises, which can be good for preparing yourself before the trek.

  1. You should go for short hikes so that your body can adapt accordingly. You can also know your limits and how much stamina you have. Also, gradually increase the trek duration and destination so that you can learn more about your body and treks.
  2. permits are needed for the Ghandruk trek; they are Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) first and then Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
  3. While going on this Ghandruk trek, you should pack all the essentials, which include clothes according to the season, comfortable boots, a sleeping bag, a first aid kit, a power bank, a water bottle, a hat, a flashlight, etc.
  4. One of the important things is that you must have travel insurance before heading on any treks or vacations. It will be very beneficial to cover up any difficult situation, like a trip cancellation due to an issue, and many more.
  5. Be mentally prepared, too—not just physically fit and prepared. You never know what kind of challenges may encounter you on the trek, so you have to be positive.
  6. You should drink enough water and remain well-hydrated throughout the trek. You may also carry some snacks like dried fruits and nuts that can provide extra energy. Avoid junk food and eat healthy meals.

Gadget charging and Internet

There are many hotels, lodges and tea houses throughout the trekking route. You can charge your electronic devices over there. They will charge a small amount, according to your device, per hour for charging.

While trekking, do not use your device casually; save your battery life and use it only if needed. Take a power bank along with you so that it can be used as a backup. Also, you can take some extra batteries if any electronic devices use replaceable batteries.

You will find wifi and internet services in most of the lodges and tea houses. They will also charge some amount for using WiFi. The WiFi speed can be a little slow as compared to urban or city areas.

Most of the time, you can find network coverage, so you can buy yourself a sim card, i.e., an Ncell or Nepal Telecom sim card. You can opt for data packages from sim and use them for trekking.

Permits required

You might be wondering if you require some permits for your next visit to Ghandruk. We are here to make you aware of some of the major ones. They are explained below:

  1. TIMS Card—TIMS stands for Trekking Information Management System Card—is one of the most essential permits required for all trekkers in Nepal, which helps trekkers in any case of emergencies. Nepal Tourism Board gives the TIMS card to the traveller on their application. There are two types of TIMS cards, which are:
  • Green TIMS card: This is for individual trekkers (for foreigners) and costs approximately USD 20.
  • Blue TIMS Card: This card is for those who are traveling in groups and costs around USD 10.
  1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is another required permit while you are trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area. This permit can also be obtained from the authorized trekking agency or directly from the Nepal Tourism Board. The permits are essential to carry as they are checked at various checkpoints while on the trail. The fees for the card differ accordingto your nationality.
  • SAARC nations: NPR 200
  • Other nations: NPR 300

Transportation

The transportation will be used only twice in the entire Ghandruk Trek from Pokhara. You will drive from Pokhara to Nayapul at the start of the trek, and you will drive back to Pokhara from Phedi at the end of the trek.

You will be using a private vehicle, according to your group size. Depending on the group of pax going for the trek, you can either take a jeep or a bus.

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance for a traveler is highly recommended while traveling or trekking to any destination in Nepal, as it can help travelers in many ways. Travel insurance covers medical emergencies that may occur during the trip and also provides financial protection.

The insurance also helps travelers with trip cancellations, delays, evacuations, and other unforeseen events that may take place. Not only this, but the travel insurance also provides coverage if your gear and other trekking equipment are stolen.

What to expect from this trip

  1. You can expect to walk around towering mountains throughout the trek, i.e., Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. Also, you can find lush forests filled with rhododendrons and terraced lands used for farming.
  2. You can expect a different culture in a city. You can find Gurung culture with its rich warm hospitality, costumes, and culture. You can also try Nepali local cuisine or Thakali Khana during the trek.
  3. You can experience crossing the suspension bridge with beautiful river flows and witness a beautiful waterfall during the trek.
  4. There are many lodges, hotels and tea houses that provide all the basic facilities for the nightstay.You can also get internet facilities for a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Reviews

650
3 Days
Price Starts from

650 US$

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