Nepal is a beautiful country stretched from flat lowlands to the mesmerizing Himalayan peaks through the rolling mountains in between. Thus, the country is a paradise for mountain trekking and adventure lovers.
This trekking program, ‘Ghandruk Trek’ takes you to the foothills of Annapurna, where some of the best trekking trails in Nepal lie, such as the Annapurna circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trekking.
During this trek, you will enjoy the pristine nature and magical view of the Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna, Machchapuchre, Gangapurna, Hiuchuli, and others. Not only nature and mountains but also the culture of Gurung, Magar, and other ethnic communities and rural lifestyle also enhance your trekking experiences in Annapurna and Ghandruk Trek.
At arrival arena you meet with our friendly representative who will be holding a placard to receive you and transfer you to your hotel. After you complete check-in formality, and taking short rest, we introduce you the market of Thamel – the buzzing tourist hub where you can eat your supper, change money, buy some stuffs from supermarket, or buy trekking gears if you still need any. You visit our office at Thamel to complete remaining formalities of trekking and meet your guide. Overnight stay at your hotel. Delay of any kind will postpone the events for next day according to feasibility.
Early morning you commence your journey with a drive to Pokhara. Pokhara – the beautiful lake city of Nepal nestled in the lap of the majestic Annapurna – is located 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. This is a quite long yet scenic and adventurous drive. As you drive out of the Kathmandu valley the road gradually descends to the Trishuli River valley on the other part. The Highway is narrow in breadth, and snake bend in shape thus make the drive thrilling and fun. After some 100 kms, you stop for couple of hours and make a off trip to Manakamana temple – the most famous Hindu goddess of wish-fulfilling located in the hillock of Manakamana. There is a cable car to climb up and down to the temple and the view is marvelous of the river bed, green hills, and terraced farming field with orange orchard. After scenic and adventurous drive, arrive at the hotel and rest the remaining evening. You can utilize your rest time exploring around the lakeside or shop around. Overnight in a hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, your east trek starts with approximately an hour drive to Kande. This short drive is fascinating in the valley of Seti River with beautiful farm both sides of the road in Hemja, and then drive uphill to Naudanda and Kande via snake-bend narrow road. From Naudanda and Kande you see beautiful panorama of Annapurna and Fishtail. From Kande walking begins in the forest where the trail leads through gentle up. Reach Australian camp and check-in to your room. From the yard or room enjoy the view of majestic mountains including Machhapuchhre (or fishtail 6,998m/22959ft), Hiuchuli (6,441 m/21131ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m/23684ft), Annapurna III (7,575 m/24852ft), Annapurna IV (7,535 m/24721ft), Annapurna II (7,937 m/26040ft). Overnight stay at a local Lodge.
You start the day with delicious breakfast at your lodge. The walk is in the forest at first and you reach to the villages after some hour walk. You reach Tolkha (1,840 m/6036ft), a beautiful village of Magar and Gurung ethnic community. To reach the next destination Landruk, a village inhabited by mostly Gurung and few Brahmins, the trail is gradual descending passing through terraces and few dotted settlements. From Landruk the trail to Ghandruk is steep downhill to the river Modi and then steep uphill again. Ghandruk is one of the most famous settlements of Gurung ethnic community who primarily serves in the Gurkha army. Since the view of the Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Machapuchchre (fishtail) is magnificent, it is easy accessible, close to the city like Pokhara, this is famous tourist destination. There are many lodges, Gurung museum and traditional houses made of stone slabs with narrow alley are attractions of the village with the close up view of the Himalayan peaks. Overnight stay at local Lodge.
Enjoy your delicious breakfast with view of the Annapurna South (7,229 m/23717ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/211431.ft), Annapurna III (7,575 m/24852ft), and Fishtail (6,997 m/22956ft). After breakfast you walk short to Ramche from where you drive back to Pokhara. Once you reach Pokhara, check in to Hotel. Rest for a short while. Later in the afternoon you go for half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara. Evening enjoy the time in Lakeside. Overnight at the hotel.
Today you explore Pokhara in brief and rest of the day to relax in luxury. Pokhara has minimum touring place. You first go for the boating in Fewa Lake – 5 Square Km lake is beautiful with a magnificent view of mountains both in distant and in water as reflection. Later visit Gupteshwor cave, and Devi’s Fall (Patalo Chango). Cave and the waterfall located opposite to each other. You can visit Tibetan Refugee settlement Camp adjacent to the cave after this. You can firsthand see how they weave carpet and know about their life in Nepal from information center. Return back to your Hotel, enjoy lunch and chill out rest of the time on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive back to Kathmandu. You are driving the same highway as you enter to Pokhara and the Mustang region. Alternatively you can talk with us if you want to fly one way back which is highly recommended. Arrive Kathmandu and Overnight in a hotel. Alternatively you can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which offers splendid view of the Himalayan peaks and as short as 25 minutes flight
This list outlines the required things to bring during the trekking tours. There are various selections and brands that you can choose as per your interest. All required trekking equipment can be bought or even hired easily at a reasonable price in Kathmandu.
General
Upper Body: Head, Ears and Eyes
Hand
Core Body
Lower Body: – and Feet
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous
Optional
All garments should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resistant plastic bags.