A short tour to Ghandruk- A Gurung Village

I made a short trip to Ghandruk last October. It is a very famous Gurung village which has its popularity all across the world.  Amazing scenery, Beautiful environment and Great hospitality are the main attractions of this small village.

With an easy availability of public transportation, everybody can reach Ghandruk within 3 hours from Pokhara.  We can drive/hire vehicle or catch the public transport to get there.

I started my trip catching a Jeep (public vehicle) from Hari-Chowk, Bagar.  Followed by Yamdi, Hemja, Phedi, Nagdanda, Kande, Lumle; we reached Nayapool.  From Nayapool, the road was earthen; not pitched and it took almost an hour to cross that road.  After then, we were finally in Ghandruk.  The jeep charged 450Nrs each for the journey from Hari-chowk to Ghandruk.

I saw number of trekkers who opt to trek instead of travelling via jeep from the Nayapool as you come across various waterfalls, paddy field, rice field, sceneries of Himalayan ranges in the route to Ghandruk.

I was hoping to see the beautiful Himalayan ranges on arrival to Ghandruk as I caught the first jeep to Ghandruk but unfortunately, the Himalayan range was not visible due to cloud; however, I was hoping to see a proper view in the early morning as I was staying there for one night.  It is not that hard to find accommodation as there are more than 25 hotels and majority of homes offer home stay. But still, it would be better to have an early booking during the peak season.

I checked into Hotel Kalash and had an amazing authentic Nepali dish.  Then I started climbing hills to upper Ghandruk.  I booked a room at Ghandruk Guest House from where I could see beautiful himalayan range from the hotel premises.

After finding hotel, I went to see old Ghandruk village.  It was a beautiful village still preserved so well.  I also visited nearby museum, where we could find information about Gurung cultures, traditions, old equipments and also for those who are interested could hire Gurung dress and take photographs. I also got a photo of myself in Gurung dress. It was an amazing feeling to get to know about their culture.

I always prefer to have local dishes, while I travel around hills.  The staffs at Ghandruk Guest House were very helpful and offered the delicious meal.  Every single dish was tasty, different and authentic.  I was very grateful with their hospitality. The food was amazing, hospitality was great and the room/toilet/bathroom was clean. 

I wake up early morning at 5:00 am. I was worried whether the Himalaya can be seen properly or not. Luckily, I got to see an amazing view of whole Himalayan range which included Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Hiunchuli and Mt. Machhapuchhre.

I sat almost 45 minutes enjoying sun rays on the mountains.  The mountain looks even more beautiful when the rays fall on it.  With the amazing mountain range, I had my breakfast in the garden.  Slowly, the cloud started covering the himalaya.  After then, I planned to get off the hills.  I enjoyed a lot that morning. 

Luckily, I found a bus going to Pokhara. They charged Rs 300 from Ghanduk.  Overally, it was a wonderful short tour but I could not have enough of Ghandruk.  Will definitely visit again for more.

From my short trip to Ghandruk, I can say that if you are planning your trip up to Ghandruk then you can get there by yourself without any guide, as it has a very good access to public transportation.  But, if you are planning to get there by hiking then it’s better to hire a guide.  In case of foreigner’s, they need to have permit; which they can get easily from Nayapool check post or from Lakeside counter.

I hope this helps you to get an insight about Ghandruk.  Still, if there is any confusion left, please let me know.