Ghandruk



Ghandruk is a popular mountain village in the Annapurna region of Nepal, known for its traditional Gurung culture, stone houses, and stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain). It is a common stop on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek and the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Understand

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Ghandruk sits at an altitude of about 2,010 m, and is one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal. It serves both as a trekking hub and a cultural destination. Many houses are built of stone with slate roofs, and the village has narrow stepped lanes. Tourism is a major source of income alongside farming.

The village is also home to ex-servicemen of the British and Indian Gurkha regiments, and you can learn about their history in the local museums.

Get in

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Most visitors arrive on foot as part of a trek. However, it is possible to reach Ghandruk directly by jeep or bus from Pokhara in around 5–6 hours, depending on road conditions. Vehicles stop near the lower part of the village, from where you must walk uphill.

By foot

From Nayapul or Kimche, it is 3–4 hr of steady ascent. From Landruk, the trail descends to the Modi Khola river, crosses a suspension bridge, and climbs steeply to Ghandruk.

Get around

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Ghandruk is compact and best explored on foot. The steep stone steps connect the upper and lower parts of the village. Wear sturdy shoes.

See

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  • 1 Gurung Museum. Displays Gurung cultural items, traditional dress, and photographs. A good place to learn about the history of the Gurung people and Gurkha soldiers. Small entry fee.
  • Old Gurung Houses. Stone and slate-roofed houses typical of the region, many over a century old.
  • Annapurna Viewpoints. Several spots in the village offer panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare, especially at sunrise.

Do

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  • Short treks to nearby villages like Kimche, Landruk, or Chhomrong.
  • Learn traditional Gurung weaving or cooking from local homestays.
  • Attend cultural shows organised for visitors, featuring traditional Gurung music and dance.

Buy

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Small shops sell trekking snacks, bottled water, souvenirs, and locally made wool products.

Eat

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Teahouses and lodges serve typical trekking meals: dal bhat, momo dumplings, noodles, pancakes, and omelettes.

Drink

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Bottled water is widely available but expensive; consider using a water purification system. Local millet beer (tongba) may be available in homestays.

Sleep

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Accommodation is mostly in teahouses and guesthouses with basic facilities. Hot showers are usually available for a small fee.

  • Hotel Trekkers Inn. Clean rooms, attached bathrooms in some, hot showers, and a rooftop with mountain views.
  • Hotel Snowland. Popular teahouse with comfortable rooms and good dal bhat.
  • Super View Lodge. Basic but friendly lodge with some of the best views in Ghandruk.

Sinuwa:

Bamboo:

Dovan:

Himalaya:

Deurali:

Machhapuchhare Base Camp:

Annapurna Base Camp:

Go next

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  • Chhomrong – The gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary, about 5–6 hr on foot.
  • Ghorepani – Famous for the sunrise at Poon Hill, reachable in 6–7 hr via Tadapani.
  • Pokhara – Return by jeep or on foot via Kimche and Nayapul.