Annapurna Ghandruk Trek

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Trip Overview


The Annapurna Ghandruk Trek is a mesmerizing journey that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes and charming villages of the Annapurna region in Nepal. Spanning across approximately 40 kilometers, this trek offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and moderate physical challenges. Starting from Nayapul, the trail gradually ascends through terraced fields, lush forests, and picturesque villages. The route provides spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). Along the way, trekkers will encounter diverse flora and fauna, adding to the allure of the journey. One of the highlights of the Annapurna Ghandruk Trek is the village of Ghandruk itself. Nestled on a hillside, Ghandruk is a traditional Gurung village that offers a unique cultural experience. The friendly locals, traditional houses, and traditional dances provide a glimpse into the rich Gurung heritage. Additionally, trekkers can visit the Gurung Museum to learn more about the local culture and traditions. Throughout the trek, you will stay in comfortable teahouses, which offer warm hospitality and local cuisine. The evenings are spent around the fireplace, sharing stories with fellow trekkers and enjoying the peaceful mountain ambiance. The Annapurna Ghandruk Trek is suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers, as it involves moderate walking and does not require technical climbing skills. However, a good level of physical fitness and acclimatization to the altitude is essential. Overall, the Annapurna Ghandruk Trek is a remarkable adventure that combines awe-inspiring natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a sense of achievement. It provides an opportunity to experience the Himalayas up close, connect with the local community, and create lasting memories.

Trip Highlights


  • One of the short and scenic treks of the Annapurna region that lies close to the Pokhara city
  • A short and scenic flight to Pokhara Valley
  • Walk through the scenic lower trail of Annapurna Conservation Area
  • Hike through the dense woods of rhododendron forests
  • Beautiful terraces with rice field and farmhouse.
  • Witness diverse flora and fauna
  • Passes through several Gurung villages such as Pothana, Dhampus, Deurali, Phedi, etc
  • A scenic trail including cascading waterfalls, water streams, rice fields, and beautiful terraces
  • Trek to the pristine, culturally rich village of Ghandruk
  • Enjoy an enchanting sunrise view over the mountains of the Annapurna range from Dhampus.
  • Explore Old Gurung Museum and learn about Gurung people’s lifestyle, history, and culture
  • Dress up in Gurung attire and take a picture
  • Take an excursion tour of the new Ghandruk Cultural Museum
  • Ghandruk village offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m), etc.
  • Tour around Ghandruk village, home to the Gurung community, including brave Gurkha soldiers
  • Enjoy the warm hospitality of local Gurung people
  • Immerse yourself in the rich, authentic Gurung culture and tradition
  • Enjoy the nightlife at Pokhara city or walk around Phewa Lake
  • A perfect blend of trek and cultural tour in the lap of Nepal’s Himalayas

Itinerary


Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

You will be arriving at the Tribhuwan international Airport in Kathmandu. You will be welcomed by our airport representative at the arrival gate. Next you will be transferred to your destined hotel safely. You will spend your time in rest and relaxation; if you have time you can have a stroll down the adjoining areas and pick up some souvenirs as well.

 

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft
  • Place: Kathmandu

Day 02: Explore and Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley

The next day you will be spending your entire day by going around various places of cultural and historical importance. You will be visiting UNESCO listed heritage sites that are and architectural delight and spiritual as well.. You will be visiting the historical sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and the sites of religious importance such as the swayambhunath temple, bouddha temple, and the Pashupatinath temple. Once done with it we retire back to our hotel.

 

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft
  • Place: Kathmandu

Day 03: Flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu and Trek to Pothana OR Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Ghandruk

After grabbing a quick breakfast, we will be driving to the airport for catching a flight to Pokahara. This scenic flight crosses magnificent landscapes and hills and reaches Pokahara. From here we drive up to Phedi, and start trekking towards pothana. The trail is marked by ascends through dense forests with abundant rhododendrons, magnolia, oak, sndalwood and pine trees. Completing a crossover we reach the village of Dhampus. It is filled with steep ascends of stone paved paths that crosses forests of orchids that culminates at pothana. This significant village of Pothana is known for its teahouses, interesting shops and excellent mountain views of delight. We rest here and prepare for the next day.

 

  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude: 1,860 m
  • Place: Pothana

OR

Our trekking guide will pick you up at the hotel and escort you to the bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:00 am. This is 7 hrs scenic drives through mountain terrain. On the way, the bus stops for half an hour for lunch. Then drive continues till you reach Pokhara. You will take a 1-hour drive to Nayapul. Nayapul is the trekking starting point of Annapurna Base Camp. You begin your trekking with following the trail drops down to Birethanti village by crossing the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi River. Then, the trail winds along the Modi River and the trail is flat up till Syauli Bazaar. Leaving the river bank, you then hike on a winding path till Kimche. From Kimche, the trail further ascends towards Ghandruk, after crossing Chane.

Overnight at a mountain lodge.

Day 04: Trek from Pothana to Ghandruk OR Day 04: Trek from Ghandruk to Pothana (2000m) (5-6hrs)

The following day we leave pothana and reach out for the Gurung village of Ghandruk. We will follow the trail the trek with ascents untill it reaches Deurali, from where splendid views of The early part of the trek is a gradual ascent for almost an hour until you get to Deurali, which passes through lush forests with splendid Manaslu, and Mardi Himal can be seen. We admire the beauty of this place and then make way towards Tolkha inhabited by the ethnic Gurung communities. Keeping a steady pace we reach a similar village of Landruk which is beautiful. We continue to descend up to the Modi Khola, cross the iron bridge and reach the village of Ghandruk. Here we spend some time by visiting shops and the Gurung museum and marvel at the traditional house made of stone slabs, and try to get closer to their traditional lifestyle and habits.

 

  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude: 1,940 m
  • Place: Ghandruk

OR

In the early morning, enjoys breakfast with grand mountain views of the Annapurna range and Macchapuchhare and Mardi Himal. Take some time to wander around the village and visit the old and new Gurung museums. These are tiny exhibition houses made of stone slabs where you can learn about the history and local way of Gurung life. After a pleasant stay at lovely Ghandruk village, you leave for Pothana.

Start your hike by crossing an iron bridge, and slow downhill, take it towards the bank of the Modi Khola River. The trek gradually ascends through other lovely ethnic Gurung villages of Landruk and Tolka. En route, stop at the ridge to witness the magical view of the Annapurna ranges. Continue your walk-through lush forests until you arrive at Deurali village. Finally, short ascent will take you to the Pothana. Although the town is small, you’ll find a range of teahouses and shops. You can enjoy the magnificent mountain views.

Overnight stay in Pothana.

Day 05: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu OR Day 05: Trek from Pothana to Phedi and Drive to Pokhara

This is the final day of our trekking Journey in Ghandruk. We start early and trek past numerous well marked picturesque villages dotted with rice fields and reach upto Nayapul. Here we will board a vehicle awaiting us and drive back to Pokahara to catch a flight back to Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft
  • Place: Kathmandu

OR

Last day of the trek, grab some hot breakfast with astonishing mountain views. Leaving behind the small village of Pothana, the trail descends along a stone paved path through a forested area and reaches another charming settlement of Dhampus. This is another authentic Gurung village in the Annapurna region. You can take a brief stop to admire the beauty of the Annapurna range and Lamjung Himal.

Afterward, continue your walk through the forest of rhododendron, magnolia, oak, and pine till Phedi, where a jeep will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara. 30 minutes of the scenic drive will take you to Pokhara. You can refresh and enjoy your evening at the lakeside of beautiful Phewa Lake.

Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 06: Final Departure OR Day 06: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (6-7hrs)

Today you will say goodbye to Nepal, and take back memories of an epic trekking adventure with you forever. Our airport representative will escort you to the airport safely to catch a flight back home.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft
  • Place: Kathmandu

OR

Early morning you’ll have some delicious breakfast enjoying the enchanting view of Machhapuchhre. Later, you’ll reach Kathmandu after a 6 to 7 hours drive in the evening. The rest of the evening you can enjoy yourself at leisure. You can do some souvenir shopping or explore the streets of the capital.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 07: Final Departure

Finally, you’ll say farewell to the Himalayan country of Nepal! A representative from Friendship World Trek will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. It’s good to be at least 3 hours before departure. In addition, if you want to extend your vacation and explore more of Nepal, you have many trekking options and tour packages. Just let us know we’ll set your itinerary based on your preference, interests, and time duration.

Price Includes


  • Transportation to, and from the Tribhuvan International Airport.
  • Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  • All transportation charges for the trek.
  • Local guest house accommodations in the mountain areas.
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
  • Pokhara to Phedi and Nayapul to Pokhara by private vehicle.
  • 02 guest=01 porters with insurance, Salary, Food, accommodation and equipment(Luggage per porter carries about 20kg).
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters.
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters.
  • Hygienic  meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.).
  • First Aid Kit.
  • Trekking Maps.
  • Service charge and government taxes.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company).
  • Friendship World Trek Achievement Certificate given after Cpmpleting this Trek
  • Souvenir as Friendship World Trek T-shirt and Cap
  • Farewell Dinner at the end of trek

Price Excludes


  • Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation
  • All the International airfare from and to Kathmandu
  • All meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Your Nepal Visa fees
  • Personal trekking equipment’s
  • Your Personal expenses such as ( laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc).
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver
  • In case of extra night accommodation, lunch and dinner in the city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of the itinerary.
  • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather conditions, or any event out of our control.
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