How difficult is the Ghandruk Village Trek?

It is an easy-to-moderate trek suitable for beginners, families and children. There are no high passes and no altitude risk, with the highest point at Ghandruk being just 2,012 m. You walk gentle stone-paved trails for only 3 to 5 hours per day, so a basic level of fitness is all you need.

Do I need permits for this trek, and are they included?

Yes. You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP, NPR 3,000 for foreigners) and a TIMS card (approx. NPR 2,000). This is not a restricted area, so no special restricted-area permit is required. We arrange both permits for you and they are included in the package price.

Where does the trek start and finish?

The trek begins and ends in Pokhara. On Day 1 you drive about 1.5 hours to the trailhead at Nayapul or Kimche to begin walking, and on the final day you drive back to Pokhara from the roadhead at Phedi. Everything is within easy reach of the city.

What kind of accommodation and food can I expect?

You stay in clean, friendly, family-run tea houses (lodges) in Ghandruk and Landruk. Rooms are simple with shared bathrooms, and meals are freshly cooked local and international dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, eggs and pancakes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek are included.

What is the best time of year to do the Ghandruk trek?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the clearest mountain views and the most comfortable weather. Spring adds blooming rhododendrons. Because of the low altitude the trek is also enjoyable in winter, while the monsoon (June to August) brings rain and cloud that can hide the peaks.

Is this trek suitable for children and first-time trekkers?

Absolutely. The short daily walking distances, low altitude, comfortable tea houses and easy access from Pokhara make Ghandruk one of the best introductory treks in Nepal. It is a favourite choice for families and anyone trying Himalayan trekking for the first time.

TrekModerate

Ghandruk Village Trek — 3 Days

3 days2,012 mFrom Pokhara (drive to Nayapul/Kimche)Best: Oct–May

Photo by ASHOK KAPALI on Pexels

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Fixed departures

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Ghandruk Village Trek — 3 Days

Nov2

Nov 2 → Nov 4

0 going12 left

$359

$279

Nov16

Nov 16 → Nov 18

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$359

Dec14

Dec 14 → Dec 16

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$359

Prefer your own dates? Book a private trek.

Duration

3 days

From

$359/person

Max Altitude

2,012 m

Difficulty

Moderate

Starts

Pokhara (drive to Nayapul/Kimche)

Group Size

2–10 People

Stay

Tea House / Camp

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season

Oct–May

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Trip Highlights

Trek to Ghandruk (2,012 m), the largest and most beautiful Gurung village in the Annapurna region

Up-close sunrise views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)

Easy, beginner- and family-friendly trail with no high passes or altitude risk

Explore stone-paved streets, slate-roofed houses and the traditional Gurung museum

Walk through forest, terraced fields and across suspension bridges over the Modi Khola

Scenic loop returning via the charming village of Landruk

Quick, easy access from Pokhara — perfect for a short Himalayan escape

Warm, authentic Gurung hospitality in family-run tea houses

A short, easy 3-day cultural trek from Pokhara to Ghandruk, the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region, with classic Annapurna South and Fishtail views.

Day-by-Day Itinerary(3 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 2,012 m · Day 1

After breakfast you leave Pokhara on a scenic 1.5-hour drive (about 40 km) to the trailhead at Nayapul, or continue a little further to Kimche to shorten the climb. From here a well-made trail follows the Modi Khola valley, crossing suspension bridges and passing through Syauli Bazaar before climbing stone steps through forest and terraced fields to Ghandruk (2,012 m). Spend the afternoon exploring the largest Gurung village in the region, visiting the traditional Gurung museum and enjoying your first close-up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.

2,012 m4–5 hrs~9 km trekLunch & DinnerTea House

Wake early for a spectacular sunrise as the first light strikes Annapurna South and the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre. After breakfast and a final wander through Ghandruk’s paved lanes, descend through forest and farmland to the Modi Khola river, then climb gently up the opposite hillside to the charming Gurung village of Landruk (1,565 m). The afternoon is yours to relax and soak in uninterrupted mountain views across the valley.

2,012 m4–5 hrs~8 km trekBreakfast, Lunch & DinnerTea House

The Ghandruk Village Trek is one of the most rewarding short treks in Nepal, perfect for beginners, families and travellers with only a few days to spare in Pokhara. In just three days you climb gentle stone-paved trails to Ghandruk (2,012 m), the large and beautiful Gurung village that sits on a hillside directly facing some of the most famous peaks in the Annapurna range.

From the village you wake to a panorama of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the unmistakable fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre, all rising close enough to fill the sky. Ghandruk itself is a living cultural museum: slate-roofed stone houses, terraced fields, narrow paved lanes and a traditional Gurung museum that tells the story of this proud community and its famous Gurkha soldiers.

A perfect short Himalayan escape

This is an easy-to-moderate trek with no high passes and no altitude risk, so it suits first-time trekkers and children. You drive from Pokhara to the trailhead at Nayapul or Kimche, walk a few comfortable hours each day, and stay in warm, family-run tea houses with simple home-cooked meals. It is the ideal taste of Annapurna for anyone who cannot commit to a longer expedition.

Culture, mountains and easy access

Because the whole loop begins and ends within easy driving distance of Pokhara, the Ghandruk Village Trek packs an enormous amount of scenery and authentic mountain culture into a tight three-day window. Sunrise over the Annapurnas, the warmth of Gurung hospitality and gentle forest trails make it one of the best value short treks in the country.

What's Included

Included

All ground transport: Pokhara–Nayapul/Kimche and Phedi–Pokhara by private vehicle
2 nights tea house / lodge accommodation on the trek
All meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers) including their wages, meals, insurance and equipment
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System)
Guide and porter insurance, food and accommodation
All government taxes and service charges

Not Included

International airfare and Nepal entry visa
Accommodation and meals in Pokhara before and after the trek
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
Personal trekking gear and equipment
Drinks, snacks, bottled water, hot showers and Wi-Fi at tea houses
Tips for guide and porter
Personal expenses and anything not listed under Included

Pickup

Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?

This trip begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside trekking town. Most international flights land in Kathmandu, about 200 km away (25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus), so you can either make your own way to Pokhara or let us collect you in Kathmandu.

Pickup in Pokhara

Trip starts here

Already in Pokhara? We collect you from your hotel at no charge.

Pokhara hotel pickupFrom any hotel in Pokhara, Lakeside included.Included
Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Pickup in Kathmandu

Landing in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.

Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Includes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
Kathmandu hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote

Hotel in the city

No hotel, I will book my own$0
Pokhara: tourist standard guest houseWe quote
Pokhara: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Pokhara: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Pokhara: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote

Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.

Best Time to Go

Spring (Mar–May)

Rhododendrons in bloom across the hillsides, warm days and clear morning views of the Annapurnas — one of the two prime seasons for this trek.

Low: 5°C High: 20°C None at this elevation; occasional afternoon haze.

Summer / Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Lush green terraces but frequent rain, leeches and cloud that often hides the mountains. Trekkable but views are unreliable.

Low: 13°C High: 24°C None; expect heavy rain and muddy trails.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

The clearest skies of the year with crisp air and stable weather — the best time for sunrise panoramas from Ghandruk.

Low: 4°C High: 18°C None at this elevation; excellent visibility.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cold but stable and quiet, with sharp, clear mountain views. The low altitude keeps Ghandruk comfortably trekkable through winter.

Low: -2°C High: 12°C Light frost possible; rare dusting of snow at Ghandruk.

Permits Required

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

NPR 3,000 (about US$23)

Required for all foreign trekkers entering the Annapurna region; SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000. Arranged by us and included in the package.

TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

NPR 2,000 (about US$15)

Issued through a registered agency for the safety and tracking of trekkers. This is not a restricted area, so no special permit is needed. Arranged by us and included in the package.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

What to Pack

Merino or synthetic base layers — two sets, one worn one drying

Fleece or light insulated mid-layer

Waterproof shell jacket

Trekking trousers (not jeans, not cotton)

Sun hat and sunglasses — UV is fierce above the treeline

A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Frequently Asked Questions

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all-inclusive · permits included

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