The Ghorepani Ghandruk trek is one of the most exciting and popular adventures. It is popular among domestic as well as foreign visitors. The Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek is a fascinating journey that takes you through the delightful villages of Ghandruk in northern-central Nepal’s Dhaulagiri Zone. This trek offers access to Nepal’s classic Annapurna panoramic view without going too high in altitude. It is an ideal choice for families, and first-time and all-age group visitors eager to experience the magnificent Himalayan views.
Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek is perfect for those visiting for a short vacation. It is one of the easiest treks in Nepal. The Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek has beautiful landscapes and a lot of wonders. Ghandruk and Ghorepani villages are the highlights of the trek. You can experience the local lifestyle and the perfect mixture of traditional culture with a little modernization.
Some of the best things you can do in the Ghorepani Ghandruk trek are as follows:
Enjoy panoramic views
The Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna Massif, the majestic Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri Massif, Nilgiri peaks, and other ranges of the Annapurna Himalayas. As you hike through the trails, you’ll observe the attractive sight of 33 different varieties of rhododendrons in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), especially during the spring season.
Explore traditional villages
The Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek will take you through lush rhododendron forests, expansive paddy fields, and scenic terrace slopes, enchanting you with stunning natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of local Gurung and Magar villages. Ghorepani and Ghandruk are the two separate villages’ Development Committee. Each village is famous for its specialty. Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages, provide cozy lodges and teahouses run by local families.
The traditional Gurung architecture includes houses made in a unique style using stone, mud, wood, and slate. The ethnic communities of villages are friendly, warm, and hospitable.
Enjoy food and Culture
The lodges offer more than just accommodation. They provide a gateway to the unique culture and lifestyle of the region, enriching your trekking experience. You can interact with the locals, savor traditional meals, and witness the cultural customs that represent the Gurung and Magar ethnic communities. A hearty meal consists of Rice, lentil soup and curry. Hence, this trek is suitable for families with kids too.
Poon Hill Sunrise
The experience of Sunrise from Poon Hill (3210m) is indeed the major attraction of the trip. The breathtaking sunrise view from Poon Hill will mesmerize you with the natural beauty. The feeling of being at the top enchanted by the natural beauty when the rays of sunlight fall on the snow-capped mountain peaks, and the Himalayas glow into a scintillating view.
Old Gurung Museum
Old Gurung Museum is one of the places to visit while in Ghandruk. The museum is an old house with various craft works and ancient artifacts used by Gurungs in their daily life some 200 years ago. They have displayed woven baskets called dalo, doko, used to put corn and millet during harvesting, wooden utensils, metal tools and utensils used on various occasions. The museum represents the Gurung culture and tradition. You can request to try on a traditional Gurung Dress as well.
Itinerary
Pokhara, Nayapul to Tikhedhunga (1,491m)
You begin Ghorepani Ghandruk trek from Nayapul, Pokhara. You can walk through the terraced farmlands with various seasonal crops and vegetables and reach Birethanti. Moving ahead, you can see a small natural spring before you reach Sudami Village and then reach Hile Village. You can enjoy the wonderful landscapes, mountain and ethnic villages of Annapurna region while you continue up to Tikhedhunga.
Some trekkers may trek further up to Ulleri Village for the night station. Ulleri is a large village inhabited by Magar ethnic communities. Most of the males of this community join the British and Indian Army. So, it is also called the Village of the Brave Gurkhas.
Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,800m)
From Tikhedhunga you trek toward Ulleri village following the 3,000 stone staircases. Then, following the uphill trail, you reach Banthati where you can take a break. After that, the trail runs through some cultivated lands and next through the lush oak and rhododendron forests. You will reach Ghorepani, going across Nangethati by enjoying the rhododendron in spring and the icy trail in winter.
Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3,200m)
Early in the morning, you start the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek to have the best sunrise view of the snowy peaks of the Annapurna (8.091 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) Massifs. This trek is also known as Annapurna Sunrise View Trek as you can have breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas.
Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Annapurna South (7119 m), Fishtail (6993 m), Nilgiri South, Singa chuli, Annapurna I (8091 m) and many more peaks unleash their incredible beauty in the early sunrise
Poon Hill to Ghandruk(1940m) via Tadapani (2,040m)
The trail from Poon Hill to Tadapani is uphill and downhill going through the dense oak and rhododendron forests.
It is a comparatively easy and short trekking. The well-defined trail to Ghandruk, has a few interesting things to see. Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung Villages of Gandaki region. Also from this village, most of the males serve in the British and Indian Army. These warriors by birth are recognized and revered with the title ‘the Brave Gurkhas’ who prefer death to surrender!
You can visit the Gurung Museum which has preserved all the traditional tools and commodities used by this ethnic community. There you can have firsthand knowledge about the Gurung costumes, customs, and their history of long back. Similarly, there is the office of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Enjoy the typical Gurung cuisines for your lifelong memory!
Ghandruk to Nayapul to Pokhara
The journey back from Ghandruk to Nayapul passes through the cultivated farmlands. You walk past Syauli Bazaar to arrive at Nayapul. From there, you drive in a private jeep or a local bus to reach the lake city of Pokhara.
My Recommendation on Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek
The Ghorepani Ghorepani trek is one of the shortest and easy treks as compared to other treks in Nepal. I suggest you take an experienced guide for the journey. You can get more information about the trek through a good trekking agency. Try contacting Nepal Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd for further information.
Conclusion
The Ghorepani Ghandruk trek is one of the popular treks in Nepal. It is perfect for all age groups, beginners, and families with children. The trek goes through the lower foothills of the Annapurna Himalayan range. You will not have the risk of altitude sickness but can enjoy the views of the snow-capped mountain peaks. You can see the beautiful sunrise from Poon Hill and experience the culture and traditions of inviting Gurung villages.