Ghandruk

Ghandruk

Ghandruk

·

Nestled at 2,012 m on the foothills of the Annapurnas, Ghandruk is Népal's iconic Gurung village and a highlight of the Sanctuary Trek.

The village of Ghandruk is located in Kaski district, in the Gandaki zone, northern Népal. It is a small village with just over a thousand families, renowned as a key stop on treks through the Annapurna massifs. The trails leading to and through it are celebrated for being relatively straightforward and accessible to all. Ghandruk boasts a natural setting and breathtaking landscapes.

A Stop at Ghandruk

Ghandruk can be reached from Pokhara via relatively easy trails, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the scenery. The hike to Ghandruk, dotted with forests and rhododendrons, guides you through magnificent mountains across terraced fields, leads you past lovely waterfalls, and takes you through charming villages of Landrul and Dhampus—all framed by views of the soaring snow-capped Annapurna peaks.

Highly enjoyable for trekking, especially with family, Ghandruk makes a perfect rest stop to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Arrive at the Gurung ethnic village of Ghandruk, and you'll be immediately welcomed by the broad smiles of locals and charmed by its traditional houses with whitewashed walls and stone-covered roofs perched on the heights. Arranged along the hillside, these homes seem to echo the plains and snow-capped summits of the Annapurnas looming in the distance. Stone-stepped pathways create the impression of leading you straight toward paradise beneath the snow-capped peaks that form the dramatic backdrop.

Once there, you can rest and unwind in one of the small teahouses facing the stunning mountain panorama, and treat yourself to a visit to the museum, which showcases the history and culture of Ghandruk.

Ghandruk and its unique charm make for a magnificent stop along your trekking journey.

What to See During the Trek?

Ghandruk trekking stands out for its waterfalls, the villages of Landruk and Dhampus, terraced rice fields, rhododendron forests, mountain panoramas, and especially the snow-capped Himalaya. At Ghandruk, you'll discover the Gurung ethnic community and highly diverse fauna and flora. It's not uncommon to encounter monkeys, musk deer, various bird species, and other wildlife along the trail during trekking. The hikes on Ghandruk's trails also offer spectacular views of the following mountains: Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna Range, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Manaslu, and Hiunchuli.

Best Times to Visit Ghandruk

For trekking to Ghandruk, the best seasons are generally spring and autumn—that is, mid-March through mid-May and mid-October—to enjoy optimal weather conditions.

Want to discover this destination?

Our local advisors design your tailor-made trip.