Ghandruk Trek
The Ghandruk trek is an easy 3-day short trek from Pokhara to Ghandruk (1,940 m), one of the largest and most beautiful Gurung villages in Nepal, with close-up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. Drive to Kimche and walk up to the village, explore its stone lanes and the Gurung Museum, then cross the Modi Khola to Landruk and finish through forest at Dhampus and Phedi.
Graded easy, it is perfect for families, first-time trekkers and anyone with a few spare days in Pokhara. ACAP permit, guide, lodges or homestays, meals on the trek and transport from Pokhara are included.
Trip highlights
- Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940 m) and its museum
- Views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre
- Crossing the Modi Khola to Landruk
- Forest walk to Dhampus
- Easy, family-friendly short trek
Short itinerary
View detailed itineraryGhandruk Trek overview
Quick answer: the Ghandruk trek takes 3 days from Pokhara, reaches 1,940 m at Ghandruk and costs from US$210 per person. It is graded easy, with 3–6 hours of walking a day.
Ghandruk is a slate-roofed Gurung village spread across a sunny hillside above the Modi Khola, facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Many families here have served as Gurkha soldiers, and the village is proud of its traditions. This short loop gives you a night in Ghandruk, a walk across the valley to Landruk, and a final night or lunch stop with mountain views before returning to Pokhara. Read our Ghandruk village guide for more.
Ghandruk trek at a glance
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days from Pokhara (2 nights on the trek) |
| Maximum altitude | Ghandruk, 1,940 m |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start and finish | Kimche (about 2 hours by road from Pokhara); Phedi (30 minutes from Pokhara) |
| Permit | Annapurna Conservation Area permit |
| Best time | October–April |
| Cost | From US$210 per person |
Why choose this trek?
- Ghandruk, a living Gurung village with a museum and homestays.
- Close-up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.
- Short and easy, ideal for families and beginners.
- Varied loop through Ghandruk, Landruk and Dhampus.
- Starts and ends in Pokhara.
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel in Pokhara and drop-off after the trek
- Private transport Pokhara – Kimche and Phedi – Pokhara
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit
- Teahouse or homestay accommodation during the trek (2 nights)
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- Accommodation and meals in Pokhara
- Transport between Kathmandu and Pokhara (can be added)
- Porter (can be added)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your guide
Useful info
Fitness
You need to be able to walk for 4–6 hours a day on stone steps and forest trails. No previous trekking experience is required.
Weather
October to April has the clearest views, with cool mornings and evenings that are frosty in December and January. Spring brings rhododendron flowers. The monsoon (June–September) is green and quiet but cloudy, with leeches on the trail.
Permit
Ghandruk, Landruk and Dhampus are inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP permit is included.
Luggage
Leave your main luggage at your hotel in Pokhara and carry a small daypack. A porter can be added.
Travel insurance
Please travel with insurance that covers trekking up to 3,000 m and medical treatment.
Packing list
- Comfortable walking shoes or light boots
- Warm fleece or down jacket for mornings and evenings
- Waterproof jacket
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Small daypack (20–30 litres)
- Head torch
- Refillable water bottle
- Camera and power bank
- Leech socks (monsoon)
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
- Tadapani and Poon Hill extension (2–3 extra days).
- Homestay night with a Gurung family.
- Porter for families with children.
Frequently asked questions
3 days from Pokhara, with 2 nights on the trek.
Easy, with 1–6 hours of walking a day.
From US$210 per person, including transport from Pokhara, permit, guide, lodges and meals on the trek.
About 1,940 m.
Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Gangapurna.
Yes. It is a great family trek; we can add a porter.
Yes, the ACAP permit, which is included.
Yes, Ghandruk has community homestays with Gurung families.
October–April.
Yes, to Tadapani and Poon Hill, or up towards Annapurna Base Camp.