Ghandruk: A Famous Nepali Village for Gurung Culture & Treks

The Ghandruk Village is a traditional Gurung Village in Nepal. It is situated in the Kaski Gandaki Province, in the Annapurna region. The village offers one of the best views of Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), the Himchuli range, and Gangapurna.

The region is popular among visitors for its traditional Gurung Culture. The people of the village conduct various cultural programs and dances to reflect their culture. You can enjoy the friendliness of the Gurung community and stay in one of the homestays. Ghandruk Village Trek is a perfect blend of adventures of trekking and exploration of culture.

Where is Ghandruk Village Located?

Ghandruk Village is a small Gurung village in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. Its altitude is approximately 2,012 meters (6,601 feet) above sea level. Like the Tamang Heritage Trail in the Langtang region, it is a cultural trip in the Annapurna region.

How to Reach Ghandruk Village?

You can reach Ghandruk Village by driving to the village or combined driving and trekking from Naya Pul.

From Kathmandu

You can take the private or public vehicle to Naya Pul or Pokhara (about an 8-hour drive), then proceed to Ghandruk. You can also reach Pokhara via a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes around 25-30 minutes.

From Pokhara

• You can take a public or private vehicle to Naya Pul, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Then, hike for 4-5 hours’ to Ghandruk.
• Or, you can take a private jeep directly to Ghandruk, which takes around 3-4 hours.

Ghandruk from India

In general, there is no direct flight or vehicle to Ghandruk. Usually, if you want to go to Ghandruk from India, you need to first fly to Kathmandu. Then, you can either drive to Pokhara or fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu. From Pokhara, you can option for a trek to the Ghandruk Village or take a private jeep.

Accommodation in Ghandruk

You won’t find a 5-star hotel or restaurant in Ghandruk Village, Nepal. The accommodation in Ghandruk is some basic cottages, homestays, and eco-lodges. However, a few concrete modern guesthouses provide facilities like an attached bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, etc.

Ghandruk Village Homestay

Staying in the homestay is an immersive and unique opportunity to live in one of the locals’ houses, share, share personal experiences, and experience authentic Gurung culture. The homestay in Ghandruk Village offers the following:

• Traditional meals are offered by the host family.
• Traditional music and dance performance.
• A social and interactive way of life.

Ghandruk Village Eco Lodge

The eco-lodges in Ghandruk offer an eco-friendly accommodation that promotes sustainable tourism. The eco-lodge offers:

• Clean and well-equipped rooms.
• Solar-powered electricity facility.
• Employment opportunities for locals.
• Promotion of local products.

Gurung Cottage Ghandruk

The Gurung Cottage Ghandruk is the best place to see the view of Fishtail Mountain and a few other mountains in Annapurna Massif. It is also known for the preservation and promotion of local Gurung culture. The Cottage offers comfortable, clean and warm rooms with attached bathrooms. You can savour all sorts of traditional foods here.

Additionally, the Gurung Cottage organizes cultural dances where you can wear a Gurung dress provided by the Cottage, enjoy yourself, and take photos and videos.

Sakura German Bakery

Sakura German Bakery Ghandruk is another famous hotel for bakeries. It is popular among tourists for its delicious bakery items and variety of snack options.

Other Top 11 Hotels in Ghandruk Village

1. Hotel Milan
2. Hotel Grand View
3. Hotel Trekkers Inn
4. Hotel Panorama
5. Hotel Mountain View
6. Hotel Hungry Eye
7. Ashish Aama guest house
8. Blue Poppy Hotel Ghandruk
9. Hotel Old Village Inn
10. Breeze Guest House Ghandruk
11. Cloud 9 Ghandruk

Best Time to Visit Ghandruk Village

The best time to visit Ghandruk Village is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. In these seasons, the weather is pleasing and clear with mild temperatures. These seasons provide an excellent view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Spring is the best season to see blooming rhododendrons. Likewise, autumn is the ideal time for trekking.

However, the summer monsoon (June-August) brings heavy rainfall, which makes the trekking trail muddy and slippery. Similarly, Winter (December-February) can be quite cold and sometimes snowfall might make the trek challenging.  Despite these challenges, winter offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains if you’re well prepared for the difficulties.

Ghandruk in Each Month

Spring Season

March:
March brings the spring season to Ghandruk. The warmer temperature and blooming rhododendrons make the environment pleasing, making it one of the best time to visit Ghandruk Village.

April:
April is another best month to visit Ghandruk. The climate is calming, and the temperature is mild. This month offers the best view of the full-bloomed rhododendron, and you can witness the magnificence of the Annapurna massif.

May:
May is the last month for trekking or travelling in Ghandruk during the spring season. Warm weather condition with a clear view welcomes a huge number of visitors.

Summer/Monsoon Season

June:
The monsoon summer season starts in June with heavy rain. The month brings challenges such as slippery roads and difficulty in navigation. However, this month is best for those seeking tranquillity and seeing dense rhododendron forests.

July:
Monsoon rain makes it difficult to travel in July. You can see a trail covered with puddles. In contrast, quieter Ghandruk presents itself with a different vibe. You can just relax and spend cozy time with the locals.

August:
You can still experience monsoon rain in August. Moreover, vibrant subtropical vegetation and gentle breeze offer a unique adventure to the visitors.

Autumn Season

September:
September marks the beginning of autumn, another prime season for travelling. It also brings festivals with it. The weather and the sky are perfect, giving you a great view of mountain vistas.

October:
It is another peak trekking season. The climatic conditions are perfect, and you can enjoy the best panoramic view of the Himalayas, making it the best time to visit Ghandruk Village.

November:
The temperature is somewhat cold but still considerable for trekking to Ghandruk Village, Nepal. The clear visibility of the mountains and relaxed weather conditions make this month one of the best time to go to Ghandruk Village.

Winter Season

December:
Winter starts with cold temperatures and a few snowfalls in Ghandruk. Since the trekking route is covered in snow, it becomes challenging. However, a smaller number of tourists and the sight of mountains covered in snow offer a quiet atmosphere.

January:
Ghandruk is cold in January, with occasional snowfall. The winter landscape terrain provides a peaceful environment for those seeking wilderness and viewing snowy mountains.

February:
In this month, the weather is still cold and random snowfall. Losar falls this month, the main festival for the Gurung community. So, the Ghandruk presents itself with a different festive vibe.

Ghandruk Village Temperature

The Ghandruk Village, located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, experiences a range of temperatures depending on the season.

Spring (March-May):
Temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F-68°F). The weather is mild and pleasant.

Summer (June-August):
Temperatures usually range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F-77°F). However, this is also the monsoon season, so you can expect increased humidity and rainfall.

Autumn (September-November):
Temperatures generally range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F-68°F), with clear skies and comfortable weather.

Winter (December-February):
Temperatures can drop to 0°C to 10°C (32°F-50°F), with the potential frost or snow, especially at higher altitudes.

Note: The temperature can vary based on altitude and specific weather patterns, so it’s always good to check current conditions before travelling.

Ghandruk Elevation

Ghandruk Village is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,940 meters (6,365 feet) above sea level. This altitude offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges and serves as a starting point for several treks that lie within the Annapurna region.

Mountains View from Ghandruk

• Annapurna South (7,219 meter/23,684 feet)
• Himchuli (6,441 meter/21,129 feet)
• Machhapuchhre/Fishtail (6,993 meter/22/943 feet)

Ghandruk Village Cost per person

Accommodation:
Accommodation in Ghandruk is generally a traditional homestay or eco-lodge. It costs around $10-30 per night, depending on the facilities and quality of the accommodation.

Food:
The food during the trek and in Ghandruk generally costs around $3-$7 per meal.

Transportation:
The cost of reaching Pokhara via local bus is around $10. A private vehicle from Pokhara to Ghandruk costs around $25-$35 per person, or from Pokhara to Naya Pul costs around $10-$20. Private vehicles are generally shared by 5 to 7 people. However, the flight costs around $100-$150.

Guide and Porter:
The guide and porters cost you $25-$30 and $20-$25 per day, respectively.

Permit:
You must obtain an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs NRS 1,500 for SAARC nations and NRS 3000 for foreign nations.

Miscellaneous:
Extra expenses for snacks, bottled water, liquors, tips for guides and porters, etc. might cost an additional $200-$300.

Ghandruk Village Permit

To traverse through the Ghandruk Village in Nepal, you need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) permit, as the village lies within the conservation area.

Ghandruk Village Nepal Distance

Ghandruk to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC): approximately 50 km

Ghorepani to Ghandruk: approximately 15-18 km

Ghandruk to Poon Hill: approximately 15-18 km

From Ghandruk to Pokhara: approximately 50-55 km

Ghandruk Village to Kathmandu: approximately 250 km

Side Trips from Ghandruk

Trek to Landruk

The trek to Landruk from Ghandruk is easy and short, taking about 4 hours. Landruk is a beautiful village on the banks of the Modi Khola River. It provides beautiful views of terraced paddy fields used for farming and typical Gurung settlements. It can be a perfect place for a day’s hike to view the local culture and enjoy the serene environment.

Trek to Tadapani

The Tadapani trek is a 3-4 hour trek from Ghandruk. Tadapani is famous for its fantastic panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. The village encompasses numerous rhododendron trees, so the environment is quite serene and perfect for watching the scenic beauty. It is also a peaceful location to explore snow-capped peaks.

Trek to Jhinu Danda

The Jhinu Danda trek is approximately 4 hours from Ghandruk. It goes through the pristine Modi Khola River, reaching the hot springs, where you can bathe and relax after a tiring trek. Trekking to Jhinu Danda also offers an attractive view of the mountains surrounding the hills and river valleys.

Trek to ABC/Chomrong

Although it is rare to trek from Ghandruk straight to Annapurna Base Camp, you can trek to Chomrong in about 5 hours if you are planning for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Chomrong serves as the gateway to the treks in the Annapurna region and buying gear for the trek. From there, you can explore the Base Camp and get awe-inspired by the view of the Annapurna massif.

Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is a short 5 days trek. It takes 3 days, on average 5-6 hours, to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp and 2 days to return. This trek offers stunning views of the Mardi Himal, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre peaks. It passes through diverse landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude terrain.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Himalayas Trek

The trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill from Ghandruk typically takes around 8 to 9 hours. Poon Hill View Point is popular for a good sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal as well. The trek passes through beautiful villages and lush rhododendron forests, finally offering a wonderful viewpoint.

Khopra Danda Trekking

The Khopra Danda Trek is a 5-day trek, similar to the Mardi Himal Trek, that takes you to the Khopra Ridge View Point. It offers a perfect view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, and this area also has a lesser number of people as compared to other usual trekking areas. This trek takes the trekker through traditional Bhotia (people of southern Tibet) villages and diverse landscapes.

Trek to Australian Camp Via Dhampus

The Australian Camp is an excellent viewpoint, providing a stunning view of the Annapurna range. The trek takes 3 days to reach the Australian Base and 2 days to return to Ghandruk Village. It offers incredible scenery of the mountains, appreciating the local culture in beautiful villages like Dhampus.

Education in Ghandruk

The education in Ghandruk provides primary to secondary levels of schooling to the children. Few governmental and non-governmental supported schools are run in the village. However, the education facilities are not up to the mark. So, several efforts have been made for the improvement of the infrastructure and teaching aids in Ghandruk Village.

Moreover, students move to bigger cities such as Pokhara and Kathmandu to pursue better and higher studies. The village has been working continuously towards improving education facilities and making them easily accessible for all the children in Ghandruk.

Ghandruk Villege Dress Culture

In Ghandruk, the Gurung dress reflects the traditional values of the Gurung community and their culture. Gurung dress women include ‘Gunyo Cholo’, a wrap-around skirt paired with a blouse and a shawl put over their shoulders. This attire is complemented by some traditional jewellery like ‘Dhungi’ on the ear, ‘Naugedi’, ‘Jantar’, ‘Potey’ on the neck, ‘Sirbandi’ on the head, ‘Xadke Tihari’, etc.

Likewise, Gurung dress men wear a ‘Bhoto Kachhad’, a long shirt worn over trousers; a ‘Patuka’, a wrap-around cloth worn around the waist; a ‘Topi’, a traditional hat, and a ‘Bhangra’, a type of vest worn over the Bhoto Kachhad.

Ghandruk Meaning in Nepali

The word ‘Ghandruk’ stands for ‘a small village of the Gurung community’ in Nepali. The word resembles the ethnic heritage and cultural importance of the Gurung community and its people.

Ghandruk Jeep Station

You can reach Ghandruk from Hari Chowk in Pokhara via the Pokhara-Baglung Highway. The private shared jeep from the jeep station, Hari Chowk, goes through a black-topped road and some off-road. It takes around 1.5 hours to 2 hours to reach Ghandruk.

Birethanti to Ghandruk Trek

The trekking route from Birethanti to Ghandruk is a popular trekking route for trekkers heading towards the Annapurna region. On the way to the Ghandruk, Birethanti waterfall is one aspect of the trek that makes it popular. Instead of an easy drive to the village, the trek allows visitors to soak themselves in the arms of nature, increasing the excitement of the journey.

FAQ

Does it snow in Ghandruk?

Particularly during winter, from December to February, you can see snowfall in Ghandruk. Although trekking becomes difficult due to snowfall, it adds to the beauty of Ghandruk.

Is Ghandruk Worth Visiting?

Yes, Ghandruk is worth visiting. Its unique blend of cultural and natural significance makes It one of the best destinations for many tourists throughout the year. Traditional Gurung hospitality and easy accessibility with various side trekking options make the village worth visiting with friends or family.

What is the population of Ghandruk Village?

The total population of Ghandruk Village Nepal, according to the 2011 census, was 5,529, with 986 households.