Ghandruk village

Ghandruk village is the most beautiful village in Annapurna conservation area. It is located at 2012 meter/6601.05 ft above sea level. The village is popular among Nepali and foreigners for homestay and mesmerizing view of Annapurna ranges. This article aims to give detailed information about Ghandruk so that it will be a source of knowledge before planning for Ghandruk trek or tour. 

Ghandruk is a traditional village in Annapurna rural municipality, Kaski district, Gandaki province, Nepal. It enroute Annapurna base camp trek and Ghorepani Poonhill trek. Gurung cultural museum, traditional local houses, Meshram Baraha temple and homestay reflecting Gurung culture are the major attractions of the village. Even though the village is at 2012 m high, we can have clear view of Annapurna south, Machhapuchhare, Gangapurna and Hiunchuli. The decorated houses with mountain view are picturesque where we can create a lifetime memory via photos and videos in Ghandruk.

How to reach Ghandruk?

Ghandruk is accessible from Pokhara. We can drive to Ghandruk from Pokhara or Nayapul. Along with driving we can trek to Ghandruk  from Nayapul. There are different trekking that passes through Ghandruk. 

Trekking routes passing through Ghandruk are:

1. Ghorepani poonhill trek

Ghandruk is the last stop of Ghorepani Poonhill trek. We can stay overnight in Ghandruk and drive back to Pokhara. To explore the village, museum and temples, we can extend the trekking duration and visit the village before leaving for Pokhara.

2. Short Annapurna base camp trek

Ghandruk is the first day resting site of short Annapurna base camp trek. The trekkers will start the trekking from Nayapul and hike to Ghandruk for accommodation. It takes around three hours to reach Ghandruk from Nayapul. 

Ghandruk village trek

The Ghandruk village trek is a short trek near Pokhara that directly leads to Ghandruk village within three days from Kathmandu. The one-day hiking to Ghandruk from Naypul is the shortest trek to enjoy the beauty of Annapurna region.

Ghandruk village trek itinerary

• Day 1: Drive to Nayapul from Pokhara and trek to Ghandruk
• Day 2: Explore museum, temples and in Ghandruk tea garden 
• Day 3: Enjoy the local food and drive back to Pokhara

How difficult is the trek to Ghandruk?

The Ghandruk trek is easy due to its short duration and distance. It is the best family trek and an amazing destination for short holiday planning. We can reach Ghandruk within three hours from Nayapul. Exploring the Annapurna Conservation Area and Himalayan beauty will make the trekking joyful. 

Things to do in Ghandruk

There are multiple activities we can do in Ghandruk. The most common activities are:

Trekking

Ghandruk enroute popular viewpoint like Poonhill, Tadapani and Annapurna base camp. Visitors interested in trekking can hike to Tadapani and explore the beautiful Annapurna landscape. Similarly, we can trek to Ghorepani and reach Poonhill for sunrise and mesmerizing beauty of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, and Annapurna range. 

Ghandruk is the junction that let to Annapurna base camp and Tadapani. Therefore, we can trek to nearby places from the village.

Cultural experience

Ghandruk is the Gurung village where we can explore the Gurung culture and tradition. Meeting the local family, tasting local food and sharing the kitchen is common in homestay. Gurung cultural dance in the evening helps to entertain with local people.

Ghandruk museum visit

Ghandruk museum is Gurung cultural museum where we can see the traditional and historical entities of Gurung community. Trekkers or visitors can wear Gurung cultural dress and take photographs or videos for a lifetime memory. 

Sunrise and sunset view

Ghandruk is very popular for sunrise and sunset views. The glow of sunlight on Machhapuchhare and Annapurna range is great to capture in photographs and videos.

Bird watching

We can explore diversified birds and other animals in Ghandruk and its nearby places. The diversity of Annapurna conservation area and trekking route to Ghandruk village gives good opportunity to explore and enjoy the variety of birds and their chirping. 

Jhinu danda hot spring trek

We can trek to Jhinu danda and have hot spring bath that helps to get relief from body pain. It takes around 6 hours to reach Jhinu danda from Ghandruk. We can also drive to Jhinu danda as an alternative to trekking. 

Best time to visit Ghandruk

The best time to visit Ghandruk is spring and autumn, but we can trek to Ghandruk throughout the year. Spring (March, April and May) is best to enjoy the view of blooming rhododendron. The pleasant weather, moderate temperature during spring and autumn is excellent timeframe to explore the beauty of Ghandruk.

Can we visit Ghandruk in winter?

Yes, we can visit Ghandruk in winter. Since Ghandruk is at low altitude i.e. 2012 m above sea level, we do not experience severe cold here. The tea houses also remain open, and we can enjoy the amazing scenery of Ghandruk in winter. 

Ghandruk accommodation

Ghandruk provides tea houses, lodges and homestays for night stays. We can enjoy local food, traditional dance and music in Ghandruk based on our demand. We can expect comfortable accommodation with good food in Ghandruk.

Why to visit Ghandruk village Nepal?

Ghandruk village Nepal is the best village that offers both trekking and driving from Pokhara. It is best choice to spend couple of days in peaceful environment within Annapurna conservation area. The cultural, historical and natural beauty of Ghandruk village worth it. 

Conclusion: Ghandruk village

Ghandruk is the attraction of Annapurna region that enroutes Ghorepani Poonhill trek and Annapurna base camp trek. The best hospitality of Gurung community, museum, temple and nearby trekking destination makes this village popular in Nepal for trekking and tour.