# The Gurung People: Culture, Villages and Traditions

_Published 8 June 2026_

Trek in the hills around Pokhara and you'll soon be welcomed into a Gurung village, with stone houses, terraced fields and some of the warmest hospitality in Nepal.

**Quick answer:** the Gurung (who call themselves **Tamu**) live mainly in the hills of central Nepal, around the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. They are known for their **Gurkha** military tradition, villages such as **Ghandruk** and **Ghale Gaun**, the **Tamu Lhosar** new year, and community homestays.

## Villages to visit

- [Ghandruk](/places/ghandruk): a classic Gurung village with views of Annapurna South.
- **Ghale Gaun** and **Sikles**: quieter villages with homestays.
- [Barpak](/places/barpak) in Gorkha.

## Traditions

- **Gurkha heritage:** many Gurung men serve in the British and Indian armies; see [who are the Gurkhas](/blog/who-are-the-gurkhas).
- **Tamu Lhosar:** the new year festival around late December; see [Losar](/blog/losar-festival-nepal).
- **Cultural dances** often performed for visitors in homestay villages.

## Visiting respectfully

Stay in community homestays, ask before taking photos and try local food. See our [Ghandruk trek](/ghandruk-trek), [Ghandruk guide](/blog/ghandruk-village-guide) and [village homestays](/accommodation/village-homestays-in-nepal).

## Frequently asked questions
### Who are the Gurung?
An ethnic group of the central hills of Nepal, also called Tamu.

### Where do Gurung people live?
Mainly around the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.

### What is Tamu Lhosar?
The Gurung new year festival.

### Can I stay in a Gurung village?
Yes, in community homestays.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/gurung-culture-guide