NepaYatraNepaYatra
Trekking
Gandaki Province1,940 m

Ghandruk

Gurung Heritage Village & Annapurna Trekking Hub

A large Gurung village at 1,940 metres with close-up Annapurna views, stone-paved lanes, traditional wooden inns, and the starting point for numerous short treks.

Ghandruk Nepal

Overview & Highlights

Ghandruk is the largest Gurung village in Nepal and a premier trekking hub in the lower Annapurna region. Sitting at 1,940 metres on a wide south-facing terrace, the village has close-up, dramatic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). The stone-paved village lanes connect traditional Gurung houses, many of which have been converted to comfortable lodges. The Open-Air Gurung Museum provides insight into the Gurung community's military tradition (the Gurkhas) and daily life. Ghandruk is the crossroads of multiple trekking routes: the short Ghandruk Loop (2–3 days from Pokhara), the Annapurna Base Camp approach (continuing north), and the Jomsom Trek (heading west).

How to Reach Ghandruk

Ghandruk is located in the Gandaki Province, approximately 55 km northwest of Pokhara. It is accessible by road from Pokhara to Kimche or Nayapul, followed by a scenic walk up traditional stone steps.

1

Pokhara to Nayapul / Kimche (Drive)

Take a private taxi or shared jeep from Pokhara Lakeside through Lumle to Nayapul (1.5 hrs, ~40 km) or continue along the rough road up to Kimche / Ghandruk Phedi (approx. 2.5–3 hours total, fare NPR 600–1,000 shared or NPR 4,000–6,000 private car).

2

Kimche to Ghandruk Village (Hike)

From Kimche, walk up the well-maintained stone stair trail to Ghandruk village (approx. 1 to 1.5 hours, elevation gain ~300 m). If walking from Nayapul via Birethanti, the full trek takes 4 to 5 hours.

3

Onward Trek Connections

From Ghandruk, trails connect north toward Chomrong and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), or west toward Tadapani and the Ghorepani–Poon Hill loop (3–4 hrs uphill through rhododendron forests).

Required Permits & Regulations:
  • •ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) — NPR 3,000 (approx. ₹1,875 INR)
  • •TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) — NPR 2,000
  • •Both permits are obtainable in Pokhara at the Nepal Tourism Board office.

Suggested Itineraries Featuring Ghandruk

12 Days Circuit

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A complete 12-day trekking experience through Nepal's most iconic trail — rhododendron forests, Gurung villages, glacial rivers, and the spectacular high-altitude Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 metres.

Practical Travel Guides

Trekking in Nepal: A Complete Beginner's Guide for Indian Trekkers →

First time trekking in Nepal? This guide covers everything: choosing the right route, required permits, what to pack, altitude sickness prevention, fitness preparation, and budget planning.

Related Destinations

More destinations in Gandaki or similar category.

Pokhara
Scenic

Gandaki

Pokhara

Nepal's adventure capital on the shores of Phewa Lake, with a dramatic backdrop of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges reflected in the still water.

827 m altitude

Bandipur
Heritage

Gandaki

Bandipur

A perfectly preserved hilltop bazaar town where time stands still — Newari architecture, mountain views, and a complete absence of motor vehicles on the main street.

1,030 m altitude

Sarangkot
Scenic

Gandaki

Sarangkot

The premier sunrise viewpoint above Pokhara, famous for Annapurna panoramas and as the launch point for Nepal's most popular paragliding flights.

1,600 m altitude

Local Advice

Need help from someone in Nepal?

Connect with a local travel advisor after you've built your trip. Free advice, no booking fees, and no pressure.

Or send us a message →