Ghandruk Trek

10 Days
Guest: 2+

Overview

Ghandruk village is Nepal’s second largest Gurung settlement, famous for its colorful bazaar, cultural museum and local charm. The journey begins north of Pokhara and makes a gradual ascent along the Modhi Kola river to Ghorepani. An early wake up at Ghorepani and a short hike to the famous Poon hill before sunrise is a major highlight of this trip. The view from Poon hill is said to be one of the best on the Annapurna circuit. As the sun peeks over the horizon, illuminating a maze of peaks from Annapurna to Dhaulagiri, the epic scene will leave you speechless. Though this trip won’t take you far from the comforts of civilization, it’s a great option for those who desire a shorter trek with a genuine taste of Nepali culture and spectacular mountain views.

Trip Note:

While the stamina needed for a longer journey through the Annapurnas is not a requirement on this shorter trek, there are still challenges in store for the average hiker. Climbing the 3000 steps to Ulleri will definitely prove to be arduous, though there will be many places to stop and catch your breath along the way. Autumn (Sep – Nov) and Spring (Mar – May) are the best seasons to trek in the Annapurnas, with warm sunny days and crisp cold nights. Winter (Dec – Feb) can offer great visibility during the days, but may be too cold for some and there is a chance some routes may be impassible due to snow. We don’t recommend doing this trek during the summer monsoon (Jun – Jul), as the chances of missing out on the amazing view from Poon Hill due to rain would surely be a shame.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu.

You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Outdoor Expeditions and transported to your hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparations.

Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions. We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa. In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 823m/2700ft: 6 hours drive

We’ll depart Kathmandu this morning by private van or bus for Pokhara. The scenic drive will take us through scenic countryside to the famous lakeside city where we can relax for the evening and savor the spectacular mountain views over Fewa Lake.

Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedunga 1570m/5150ft: 1 hour drive and 3 hours walking

An hour’s drive from Pokhara will take us to Nayapul, the starting point of our trek. From here it’s a steep climb to Tikhedunga, following the east bank of the Modhi Khola through a scenic landscape of terraced fields, farmhouses, and lush hillsides punctuated by cascading waterfalls.

Day 5: Trek from Tikhendunga to Ghorepani 2840m/9317ft: 5 hours walk

A challenge awaits today in climbing the more than 3000 stone steps to the Magar village of Ulleri. Annapurna South and Himalchuli peer over the tree lined hilltops as we ascend. The lush forest and village scenery are spectacular as we arrive in Ghorepani, a large town perched on a hillside flush with rhododendrons.

Day 6: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill 3210m/10531ft and trek to Tadapani 2660m/8727ft: 5 hours walk

An hour’s climb in the early morning to Poon Hill rewards us with a breathtaking panorama of peaks including Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Tarke Kang. After an unforgettable sunrise, we descend steeply through the forest, following a stream and passed several waterfalls to Tadapani.

Day 7: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk 1940m/6364ft: 2 – 3 hours walk

An easy descent from Tadapani will bring us to Ghandruk, Nepal’s second largest Gurung settlement. You’ll want to explore the maze of narrow alley ways between the tidy houses of this picturesque village, nestled among terraced fields under a skyline dominated by Machhapuchare and Annapurna South. Explore the Gurung Traditional Museum and peruse the handicrafts in Eco Trekking Center.

Day 8: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul 1010m/3313ft and drive to Pokhara: 2 hours walk and 1 hour drive

Descending across terraced hillsides to Syauli Bazaar, we stop to enjoy our last great mountain views before completing the final stretch to Nayapul along the Modhi Khola. Board our private van at Nayapul for the short drive to Pokhara.

Day 9: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hour drive

After breakfast, we’ll board our bus bound for Kathmandu, arriving in the evening in time to relax in Thamel and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 10: Depart Kathmandu

Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Outdoor Expeditions. Farewell and Namaste.

Package Includes:

Airport pickup and drop off in private vehicle
Hotel with included breakfast in Kathmandu
Private transportation and government licensed guide while sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
Government licensed, experienced trekking guide and porters during trekking
Insurance for trekking crew (guides and porters)
All required equipment for trekking crew, kitchen tent, dining tent, and toilet tent
Accommodations in hotels, tea-houses, or camps during trekking
Three daily meals while trekking
All required conservation fees and trekking permits (TIMS)

Package Excludes:

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
Entrance fees for attractions (UNESCO world heritage sites, museums, etc.) during sightseeing in Kathmandu
Personal insurance or cost of air rescue in the event of emergency
Air ticket to and from Nepal from your point of origin
Visa fee for entry into Nepal
Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, hygiene items, staff tips, etc.)