Ghandruk Trekking: A Beautiful Short Trekking From Pokhara

16 +

Age

Nepal

Country

Dec-Mar

Dates

5 Days

Duration

Trekking

Activities

Ghandruk Trekking is a popular short trail in the Annapurna region. The trek takes you to the naturally embodied village of Ghandruk in western Nepal, which is a beautiful village with old Gurung settlements. A highlight is the old Gurung museum, offering interesting information of the tribe’s history and way of living. From here you can enjoy a great view of Annapurna south, Gangapurna, Annapurna -III, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. The Ghandruk trek is ideal for all kind of trekkers as it offers an easy trekking trail with no difficult climbing or ascents to high altitude. Further, this trek entices you with rich Gurung culture and tradition of people living in this exotic place.

Overall, this short trek provides a good introduction into trekking whilst also providing some wonderful close up views of both the sacred mountain Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South. However, our destination is the beautiful and ornate village of Ghandruk, home to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. Therefore, you have a chance to visit the project to discover first hand how the conservation work is being carried out. A refreshing three days allowing an insight into mountain life. Maximum altitude 2600 mtrs.

Itinerary Outline:

01 Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m)- around 7 hours drive

02 Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Ghandruk (1940m) – 4 to 5 hrs walk

03 Trek Ghandruk to Pothana (1900m) – 5 to 6 hrs walk

04 Trek Pothana to Phedi (approx. 2 hrs walk) and Drive to Pokhara

05 Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu

Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m)

Early morning, after breakfast, board a bus and drive to Pokhara. It’s a drive of about 6-8 hours through lush green forest, on a meandering road through the hills and gracefully flowing riverside’s. You will also come across lively markets and clusters of villages on the way. Lunch will be taken in one of the road side restaurants. Upon reaching in Pokhara, you will be received and driven to the hotel. Check into hotel.

Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Ghandruk (1940 m)

We leave Pokhara early in the morning and drive to Nayapul for about two hours. From Nayapul, we start walking uphill and having fantastic views of the Annapurnas and Manaslu. From Birethanti, we turn right after crossing the Modi river and aim to reach Ghandruk in about 4-5 hours steep hill trail. Enjoy the amazing views of Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) and Annapurna South from this pretty village.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Trek Ghandruk to Pothana (1900m)

Good morning! Day 2 is waiting for you with a number of ascents and descents. We descend down to ModiKhola and the trail again climbs to Landruk village. We walk through paddy fields followed by an uphill climb to Pothana Village, where we stay overnight.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Trek Pothana to Phedi, drive to Pokhara

Most part of the trail to Pokhara from Pothana is one the ridge of a hill. We will walk into the forest from where the shining views of Himalayas can be observed. We decent down to Phedi through the village of Dhaupus and Drive to Pokhara for about 30 mins.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Walking time: 2 hours walk

Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu

It takes about 6-7 hours to drive back to Kathmandu passing beautiful mountains and rivers along the way. In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on a great adventure.

Ghandruk is situated in northwest direction of Pokhara Valley and an exceptional place to visit. More than 2000 ethnic Gurung tribes have their settlement here. The beautiful gorge of Modi River flows North to South between the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges. Ghandruk is a beautiful village in the lap of Himchuli, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. There are two old Gurung museums in Ghandruk. The main attraction centre is the Gurung museum which shows the local tradition, culture and different equipments used by Gurung community.

Spectacular Flora and Fauna

Ghandruk is home for large species of birds, mammals as well as different trees and flowers. The Rhododendron forest between Ghorepani and Ghandruk is one of the largest Rhododendron forests of the world. The view of the forest in spring season when flowers bloom is spectacular and breathtaking.

The forest in Ghandruk is of mixed type. There are different types of trees like rhododendron, pine, bamboo, walnut, etc. Forest is dense providing the shelter for large amount of birds and mammals like eagles, Danfe, munal, wild chicken, Kaliz, deer,leopard, monkeys, jackal, titra, black bear, etc. Moreover, Thar, Jharal, Kasturi, blue sheep, fox, etc. are also found in alpine region of Ghandruk.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area Project was established in the year 1986. It is the largest Conservation Area Project in context of Nepal. It covers the total area of 7,629 Sq. Km. It is home of 102 species of mammals, 1,226 species of flowering plants, 39 reptiles, 474 reptiles and 22 species of amphibians. There are different features which makes this region a unique place in this world. The World’s deepest Kali- Gandaki George with 3 miles length and 1.5 miles width lies in this Annapurna region. This region consists of world’s largest Rhodendron forest in the Ghorepani region. World’s highest altitude fresh water lake –Tilicho Lake also lies in this Annapurna Region.