Ghandruk Trekking - 9 Days
9 Days
Kathmandu
Hotel/Lodge/Tea House
Spring and Autumn
30% Cancellation Charge (Personal Reason)
Guided Trek
Covered
2230 m
BLD During Trek
Private/Public Vehicle
5 – 6 hrs Trek
Available
Available
- A group of skilled professionals
- Partial Payment Option Available
- We assure you the best prices Booking
- Without any complications
Ghandruk Moderate Trekking by The Great Adventure Treks is one of the most beautiful ways to get a feel of trekking in the Annapurna region. Lying in the lower elevations of the Annapurna region, it gives you glimpses into the culture of this region and some wonderful views of the mountains. This trek starts after an exploration of two of the most popular valleys in Nepal- Pokhara, and Kathmandu.
From here, you will trek two awesome villages in the Annapurna region- Ghandruk and Landruk. These Guring villages give you a glimpse into the Gurung culture of this region. Not only are these villages great places to stay due to the amazing hospitality of the people but these are also splendidly set up against the backdrop of amazing mountain views. Another such place in this trek is Thulo Kharka.
After an exploration of these villages, you will trek back to Kande before taking a pleasant drive to Pokhara and finally to Kathmandu. During this trek, you will get wonderful views of the surrounding mountains like Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri range, and Lamjung range. The trekking trail leads you towards dense rhododendrons and magnolia forests passing through rain forest and gorge between the massive green hill.
Picturesque scenery, paddy fields to the high mid-hills alpine area, constant views of towering mountains, lush forest of rhododendrons, and traditional villages make Ghandruk Moderate Trekking by The Great Adventure Treks one of the most pleasant in the Annapurna region.
Ghandruk Moderate Trek Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour in Kathmandu
- Explore the wonderful city of Pokhara.
- Trek to picturesque villages like Ghandruk, Landruk, and Thulo Kharka.
- Learn Gurung culture along the way.
- An easy and short trip in the Annapurna region.
- Delightful views of the mountains range like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung.
Difficulties of the Ghandruk Trek
The Ghandruk Trek is considered a relatively easy trek compared to other Himalayan adventures, but like any trek, it comes with its own challenges. Understanding these difficulties can help you prepare adequately for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Steep Ascents and Descents: Although the trek is short, some sections involve steep climbs and descents, particularly on the way to Ghandruk and while trekking from Landruk to Australian Camp. These can be physically demanding, especially for those who are not accustomed to uphill and downhill walking.
- Altitude Variations: While the trek does not involve extreme altitudes, the highest point at Australian Camp (2,230 m/7,314 ft) can still pose a mild challenge for individuals sensitive to altitude changes. Staying hydrated and maintaining a steady pace can help mitigate symptoms like mild headaches or fatigue.
- Weather Conditions: The weather in the Annapurna region can be unpredictable, especially during off-seasons. Rain or fog can make trails slippery, while cold temperatures in the evenings require adequate preparation with warm clothing.
- Trail Conditions: The trek involves walking on uneven trails, stone steps, and narrow paths. Those unfamiliar with trekking may find this challenging, particularly during or after rainfall when trails can become muddy and slippery.
- Physical Stamina: The trek requires walking 4–6 hours daily, which can be tiring for beginners or those with limited physical fitness. Training with regular hikes or cardio exercises before the trek can help build the required stamina.
- Limited Connectivity: Some parts of the trek have limited or no internet and mobile network coverage. This lack of connectivity may feel inconvenient for some, though it adds to the serene and undisturbed experience.
- Basic Accommodation and Facilities: While tea houses along the route provide comfortable lodging, the amenities are basic. Adjusting to shared bathrooms, limited hot water, and simple meals might require some flexibility.
Tips for Overcoming Challenges
- Prepare physically with regular cardio, strength training, and hiking.
- Pack appropriately, including trekking poles for support on uneven terrain.
- Follow your guide’s advice, especially regarding pacing and hydration.
- Carry rain gear and warm clothing to handle variable weather conditions.
- Stay adaptable to the simplicity of rural Himalayan life.
By being prepared for these challenges, the Ghandruk Trek becomes a manageable and incredibly rewarding experience for trekkers of all levels.
Best Season for the Ghandruk Trek The Ghandruk
Trek is an accessible and enjoyable trek year-round, but the best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer the most favorable weather, stunning scenery, and comfortable trekking conditions.
a. Spring (March to May)
- Weather: The temperatures are moderate, making it comfortable for trekking. Days are warm, while nights are cool but not freezing.
- Scenery: The landscape is vibrant, with blooming rhododendrons and lush greenery enhancing the beauty of the trails. Clear skies allow for unobstructed views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges.
- Highlights: Ideal for photography and nature lovers due to the colorful flora and panoramic mountain vistas.
b. Autumn (September to November)
- Weather: This season offers stable and dry weather, with crisp air and pleasant daytime temperatures. Nights are slightly colder but manageable with proper clothing.
- Scenery: The skies are crystal clear, providing breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the surrounding valleys. Post-monsoon greenery adds to the charm of the trek.
- Highlights: The festive atmosphere of Dashain and Tihar, Nepal’s major festivals, often coincides with this period, giving trekkers a cultural experience.
c. Winter (December to February)
- Weather: The trek is still doable during winter, but temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night. Days are generally sunny and clear.
- Scenery: Snow-dusted trails and mountains create a magical atmosphere, though some trekkers might find the cold challenging.
- Considerations: Carry warm clothing and be prepared for colder conditions, especially at higher altitudes like Australian Camp.
d. Monsoon/Summer (June to August)
- Weather: The trails can be wet and slippery due to heavy rainfall, and leeches are common in forested areas.
- Scenery: The rain enhances the greenery, and waterfalls are at their peak, offering a unique perspective of the landscape. However, mountain views may be obscured by clouds.
- Considerations: Suitable for those seeking solitude, as there are fewer trekkers during this season. Proper rain gear is essential.
Recommendation
For the best experience, plan your Ghandruk Trek during spring or autumn to enjoy the perfect blend of pleasant weather, clear views, and vibrant landscapes.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and drive to Hotel (1,365 m / 4477 ft), Hotel Accommodation
Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, Hotel Accommodation
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (828 m /2690 ft) 6 – 7 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul (1070 m / 3312 ft) and trek to Ghandruk (1940 m /6396 ft) 4-5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Day 05: Trek to Landruk (1565 m / 5133 ft ) 3-4 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Day 06: Trek to Thulo – Kharka / Australian Camp (2230 m /7314 ft ) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Day 07: Trek to Kande & drive to Pokhara, 1 hr walk and 1 hr drive, Hotel Accommodation.
Day 08: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a comfortable tourist bus. 7 – 8 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.
Day 09: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.
On availability of your time and interest after your trek, please feel free to choose our DAY TOURS, NEPAL TOURS , Jungle Safaris or other options from our website. Here are some trip extensions that might interest you.
Ghandruk Trekking Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and drive to Hotel (1,365 m / 4477 ft), Hotel Accommodation.
Your flight will land at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal. Our representatives from The Great Adventure Treks will have a sign board and will meet you outside the airport terminal. These representatives will then help you to transfer to your hotel, give you all the relevant information about the hotel you will be staying, Ghandruk Moderate Trek, and other information.
Day 2: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, Hotel Accommodation.
A half day sightseeing tour of the capital city of Kathmandu awaits you today. Kathmandu is a modern city that still proudly boasts of the heritage of its ancient culture. Modern buildings punctuated by classical architecture of the medieval temples are found in plenty in this city.
Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest as well as the most revered Hindu temples in the world. It lies next to the river Bagmati and is draped by Shlesmantak forest. Over a million Hindu devotees come and pay their respects to Lord Shiva in this temple on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. It’s various stone carvings as well as beautiful inscriptions are a sight to behold.
Boudhanath Stupa:
Boudhanath, constructed in the 5th century C.E, is a holy Buddhist site in Kathmandu. Along with Swayambhunath, it is another Buddhist World Heritage Site in 1979 A.D. You can find Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and people of all faiths across Boudhanath. Visitors rotate the prayer wheels that are abundant in the temple. People make several rounds of this monastery while they are here.
Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares:
Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square are magnificent places in Kathmandu, Serving as the residential palaces of the kings of Kathmandu and Patan respectively in the past, these are great emblems of the wonderful architectural styles of Newari artists and craftsmen of the years gone by. Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square and Hanuman Dhoka complex in Kathmandu Durbar Square are the most visited places in these squares. You can also visit the museums located in these Durbar Squares.
Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (828 m /2690 ft) 6 – 7 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.
Next day, you will set out to Pokhara on a bus after having a breakfast in your hotel. The route of the bus takes you along the beautiful, scenic hills along with sights of Trisuli and Marsyangdi River. It is also possible for you to catch views of Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak during this bus ride. After a bus ride of 6-7 hours from Kathmandu, you will reach Pokhara.
Day 4: Drive to Nayapul (1070 m / 3312 ft) and trek to Ghandruk (1940 m /6396 ft) 4-5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
After breakfast in Pokhara, you will head out to Nayapul (new bridge) to start your trek. The drive to Nayapul is 2 hours long. The trail passes through some busy areas. You will encounter various kinds of people- locals, national and international trekkers. You might also cross paths with mule and donkey trains. The trail leads you to Birethanti village. The route from Birethanti heads north following the Modi River. As you trek for a while through several farm villages and waterfalls, you will reach Kimche. You will walk uphill along stone steps all the way to Ghandruk village.
The trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk is 4-5 hours long. Ghandruk is a large village in the mid-hills of Annapurna region. Most of the people in this village are Gurungs. Gurungs are an ethnic hill tribe of Tibetan Buddhism sect. Unlike the Tibetan Buddhists of high altitude areas, Gurungs serve as gallant soldiers in Nepal, Indian and British Army.
Day 5: Trek to Landruk (1565 m / 5133 ft ) 3-4 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
After breakfast in the morning, you will trek to Landruk (1640 meters). Today’s 5-6 hour trek gives you wonderful views of various waterfalls and mountains like Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail, and other mountains. You will also visit the Annapurna conservation office and museum along the way. Your trek takes you through a steep downhill till you reach Modi Khola. From there, you will climb up steeply about an hour more before you reach Landruk. You will spend your night in this beautiful village of Landruk.
Day 6: Trek to Thulo – Kharka / Australian Camp (2230 m /7314 ft ) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
The trail from Landrung takes you through villages and terraced fields along windy roads. After trekking for two hours, the trail leads you to a small pass at Deurali ridge 2,150m.
From Deurali, you will trek downhill through forests of ACAP with a magnificent view of the Annapurna and Mt.Manaslu range. These mountains will be by your side all the way to the small village of Pothana.
This village lies in the midst of the woods overlooking magnificent view of snow-capped mountain range, valleys and Phewa lake in Pokhara. 50 minutes of good walk from Pothana through the cool shades of forests brings you at Thulo Kharka, which is also known as Australian Camp (2230 meters). Overall, the trek to Australian Camp from Landrung is 5-6 hours long. Australian Camp is a wonderful spot with large meadows overlooking magnificent views of the Himalayan range of mountains from Annapurna to Manaslu.
Day 7: Trek to Kande & drive to Pokhara, 1 hr walk and 1 hr drive, Hotel Accommodation.
After enjoying some fabulous views of the Himalayas from Australian Camp, you will head out to Kande. Today’s trek is the shortest of your journey. It only takes 1 hour to get to Kande(1770 meters) from the Australian Camp. You will trek through an easy downhill will lead to the village of Kande. It lies by the Baglung-Pokhara highway. An hour’s drive from Kande will lead you to your hotel located near Phewa Lake.
Day 8: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a comfortable tourist bus. 7 – 8 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.
On this day, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The route of the bus takes you along the beautiful, scenic hills along with sights of Trisuli and Marsyangdi River. It is also possible for you to catch views of Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak during this bus ride. After a ride of 6-7 hours from Pokhara, you will reach Kathmandu.
Day 9: Transfer to Airport for International departure.
The representatives from The Great Adventure Treks will transfer you to the international airport for your flight back home. They will drop you at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. You need to ensure that you have your confirmed air ticket with you along with other necessary travel documents. If you are looking for another travel with us, don’t hesitate to write to us.
Cost Includes
- Pick up from the airport and transfer to hotel
- Accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3-star level hotel.
- Kathmandu sightseeing by car.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus.
- Accommodation in Pokhara (3 star level hotel )
- Professional trekking guide with government license.
- A porter who will carry your baggage (2 guest 1 porter: 25 kg max )
- Pokhara to Nayapul by car.
- All Accommodation during Trekking(Tea House)
- Food during Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit ( ACAP )
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management system) card.
- Necessary Equipment( sleeping bag and Down Jacket)
- Food, salary Transport, clothing for Guide and Porter
- Insurance for Guide and Porter
- First aid kit from The Great Adventure Treks and Expedition
- Emergency Rescue Help ( covered by your travel insurance)
- Kande to Pokhara by car.
- Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
- Government tax and service charge.
- All program as per Itinerary
- Airport drop.
- Airport departure to your sweet home
Cost Excludes
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Any kinds of Drinks( soft and Hard Drinks)
- Visa, international flight ticket
- Kathmandu monuments fees
- Personal Nature expenses
- Tips for Staffs
- Rescue and Evacuation cost
- Any other special accommodation.
Booking
Reviews
Good experience in Buthan tour
I joined the tour of Buthan for 3 nights. Although the price is high because I am in a solo trip, the quality is good! Buthan is the cleanest country in the world! You don’t need to worry about anything just be happy and excited to join the tour! I just went for 3nights-tour, but I did visit Paro, Thimpu, Punakha ! Although not every sighting sites that would visit, the important sites would not miss! This is my second time join the tour in this travel agency, and I was satiated with it every time ! They will handle everything well.
Amazing treking and very helpful s ta f f.
We finished 20 days ACt trekking it was amaging . The great adventure treks and expedition is really great. The owner is amazing ，He can speak Chinese very perfectly ， He is very kind and polite . First I want to thanks him for amaging this trekking. The guide and potter they are very kind helpful. In 20 days they care us like family member. I will definetly come here next time to finish EBC. I am really excited for that.
Amazing trips in Nepal 🤩
It was our first time in Nepal, and we spent 7 wonderful days visiting Kathmandu and Pokhara. Sudam was an excellent guide — professional, friendly, and very thoughtful. He introduced us to local restaurants and unique spots, making the trip more authentic. Thanks to him, we enjoyed not only the amazing scenery but also the local lifestyle. Unforgettable memories! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
it was fantastic trip in Nepal, we enjoyed ,thanks for all
Çok güzeldi. Yapabileceğimiz her şeyi yaptık. Bize çok yardımcı oldular. Kesinlikle öneririm.
Very nice 😍😍😍 The tour guide is very nice and considerate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the height of Ghandruk village?
Ghandruk Village is situated at an altitude of 1,940 meters (6,396 feet) above sea level. It is one of the most picturesque and popular trekking destinations in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
How difficult is the Ghandruk Trek?
The Ghandruk Trek is a relatively easy trek, suitable for beginners and families. It involves short trekking hours each day and well-maintained trails, making it ideal for those with moderate fitness levels.
Why Ghandruk village is so special?
Ghandruk village is special for several reasons, making it a favorite among trekkers and travelers visiting Nepal:
- Stunning Himalayan Views : Ghandruk offers breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The close proximity to these mountains makes the scenery truly captivating.
- Rich Gurung Culture : The village is predominantly inhabited by the Gurung community, known for their unique traditions, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture. Visitors can learn about their lifestyle, traditional attire, and practices.
- Gateway to Annapurna Treks : Ghandruk is a key stop on the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks. It also serves as an accessible destination for shorter treks, making it ideal for beginners or those with limited time.
- Eco-Tourism and Clean Environment : Ghandruk is known for its well-maintained environment, clean pathways, and eco-tourism initiatives. The village has embraced sustainable tourism practices, preserving its natural beauty.
- Traditional Architecture : The stone-paved streets and traditional houses with slate roofs add to Ghandruk's charm, giving it a timeless, rustic feel.
- Cultural Museum : The Ghandruk Museum showcases artifacts, tools, and traditional items of the Gurung community, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s history and culture.
- Accessibility : Ghandruk is relatively easy to reach, with well-marked trails and options for both trekking and driving part of the way, making it suitable for travelers of varying fitness levels.
- Peaceful Atmosphere : The serene and tranquil environment of Ghandruk makes it an ideal spot to relax, meditate, or simply soak in the beauty of the Annapurna region.
These unique features make Ghandruk a must-visit destination for those exploring Nepal's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Which is the shortest trek from Pokhara?
Ghandruk Trek is the shortest and easiest trek from Pokhara. It offers a beautiful journey through charming villages, terraced fields, and stunning mountain views, making it an ideal trek for beginners and those with limited time. The trek can be completed in just a few days.