The Ghandruk Trek is a perfect introduction to the Annapurna foothills, offering easy hiking just a short distance from Pokhara. This scenic journey takes you through charming Gurung villages like Ghandruk and Landruk, where you can immerse yourself in rich local culture and visit community museums. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Annapurna peaks. The return route via Pothana bathes you in sunlight along beautiful, serene trails.
Ghandruk Trek - 3 Days
Duration
3 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Maximum Altitude
2200 Meters
Group Size
Min 2 Person
Activities
Trekking
Starts
Pokhara
Ends
Pokhara
Best Time
Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov
Ghandruk Trek Overview
Ghandruk Trek: Walk into one of the most popular destinations in the foothills of the Annapurna region. Ghandruk, the beautiful village of the Gurung people, is located in western Nepal and is inhabited by the Gurung, Brahmin, and Magar communities. A spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas in the Annapurna region can be spotted from Ghandruk, including Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. There’s also an old Gurung museum in the village. The trek is ideal for anyone who is looking for shorter hikes around Pokhara with easy trekking trails and no difficult ascents/descents.
The trek begins with a private vehicle drive from Pokhara to Phedi and a walk toward Tolka, hiking up to Dhampus. Explore the beautiful village of Dhampus, which offers very scenic mountain views. The village is spectacular, with views of mountains like Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and others. The next day, the journey continues with the hike to Ghandruk, a very beautiful Gurung village and one of the highlights of this trip. We explore the village, covering its local museums and a monastery. We stay in a cozy and welcoming lodge tonight. There is nothing the following day but to enjoy breakfast with an amazing view of Annapurna, then driving back to Pokhara and transferring to your hotel.
An extended itinerary covering Annapurna Foothills without Altitude Gain (Cost USD 345)
Day 1: Drive to Nayapul and begin trekking to Ghandruk.
Day 2: Trek to Jhinu Danda (hot spring) via Chhomrong
Day 3: Trek to Tolka (via Landruk).
Day 4: Trek to Australian Camp (via Pitam Deurali and Pothana).
Day 5: Trek to Phedi and drive back to Pokhara.
Main features of the Ghandruk Trek:
- Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
- Ideal choice for seniors and families.
- Informative, friendly, and professional local trekking guide
- Perfect trip for all ages and fitness levels
In short, the Ghandruk Trek is a great combination of experiencing the local culture and village lifestyle, as well as walking through terraced farmlands with a stunning mountain panorama.
Other Treks around Ghandruk
Ghandruk serves as a central hub for several stunning short-to-moderate treks in the Annapurna region, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna Range, including Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (aka Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. Top alternatives include the iconic Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (4 to 5 days) that provides excellent mountain views from Poon Hill, which sits at an elevation of 3200 meters above sea level.
The deep-valley Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek (5 to 7 days) for a more adventure and a high-altitude experience, and the quieter Khopra Ridge (Danda) trek is off the beaten track.
Mardi Himal Trek is another popular trek for a great nature experience and panoramic views, and trekking up to its base camp (4500 m) through the yak pasture is a truly amazing experience. Heading down to the cultural villages of Sidding, Kalimati, and Lwang while making it back to Pokhara is also a great experience.
What should you bring for the Ghandruk Trek?
- Backpack (preferably 35L to 40L as per your preference).
- Proper hiking shoes, sandals/flipflops, 1/2 pair of socks, a travel towel
- Some warm clothes (if trekking in winter).
- Hiking pants/shorts, 2 selected T-shirts, windcheater, sun hat/glasses.
- Headlamp or torch (optional; most of the places have electricity).
- Rain gear and mosquito repellent if trekking in the warm/rainy season.
- Toiletries, trekking poles. Camera, mobile phone, and their chargers.
- Water bottles. Bottled water is available.
- Books/e-books, playing cards, or chess are optional.
- Some snacks (nuts/dry fruits, etc.) are optional
- Basic medicines (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen, Bandages, Antifungal ointments, etc)
- Some extra money (NPR) for beverages and other personal expenses.
Itinerary
Expand allThis is our standard itinerary. It can be customized or slightly changed if required considering your pace and trekking habit that cause a change of day-to-day plan.
Route Map
Altitude Chart
Still Confuse?
Download brochure or customize your trip.
Cost Details
Includes
- Pick up from your accommodation in Pokhara by private vehicle.
- Public sharing jeep transfer to Pokhara after the trek.
- 2 nights trekking lodge accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis.
- Meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners) during the trek.
- An experienced local Ghandrukuk hiking guide.
- Guide fee and all his/her expenses for meals and accommodation.
- An assistant guide if the number of trekkers is 8 or above.
- All necessary trekking permits for the Ghandruk trek.
- All government taxes and service charges.
Excludes
- Transfers, accommodation, and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Guided sightseeing and monument site entry fees in cities.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, hot shower, etc.)
- Any kind of drinks (tea/coffee, hot chocolate, boiled water, bottle water, cola, beer, etc.)
- Porter and horse ride (Please let us know in advance if you need porter)
- Tipping your guide
Add-ons & Options
At Wilderness Excursions, we have 12 years of excellent operations and decades of expertise in leading treks in Nepal. To further enhance your Ghandruk Trek, we’re delighted to introduce exclusive add-ons for an even more exceptional adventure.
- Porter Service at USD 90: Travel lighter, explore further. Let our porters care for your gear (up to 23 kg, shared between two), which helps you easily conquer the Ghandruk Trek.
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Private Jeep Service, USD 60: Upgrade your land transportation to a private Jeep for comfortable travel to Pokhara from Ghandruk. Cost can be shared by the number of participants
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Kathmandu to Pokhara Tourist Bus Ticket: USD 15. Allow us to manage your tourist bus seat bookings for seamless land travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, saving you valuable time. A normal tourist bus ticket will cost USD 15 per person each way
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Pokhara - Kathmandu flight: USD 115. Return flight to Kathmandu after Ghandruk, which costs USD 115 / adult/flight.
Dates & Availability
Select Departure Dates
Oct 2026
Nov 2026
Dec 2026
Check our published date! If it doesn’t match, we are happy to customize your tour perfectly to suit your interests and needs, creating a unique travel experience for you
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