Ghandruk: Trekking, Weather, Hotels & More

  • Tue-Jun-2019

Ghandruk: Trekking, Weather, Hotels & More

Mountain and trekking, these two terms almost go simultaneously in Nepal. Trekking is the most aspired and loved activity in Nepal; thanks to all the towering peaks, the craze is quite unparallel. Walking along the Himalayan foothills with the backdrop of mesmerizing mountains is something you can’t experience every day. Same like the impressive array of mountains, the quaint villages is another best part of trekking. As you land on Nepal, the whole crowd and clouds of smog might give a different picture; however, Nepal is all about villages sitting in the lap of lush green hills with dancing paddy fields.

Ghandruk is one of such typical villages in Nepal, where its beauty and charm has bestowed it to be one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in Nepal. Located at 1,940 meters, Ghandruk is popularly known for the awe-inspiring view it offers and quaint settlement of Gurung ethnicity.

Ghandruk Village Trek

Ghandruk Trekking has found its way to become one of the most popular in recent time. Located in the vicinity of Pokhara, Ghandruk falls on the much-used trail to Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Sanctuary

Although a short one, Ghandruk trek is a rewarding journey with some of the most spectacular view. In its east lies beautiful terraces dropping dramatically into a deep gorge carved by glacier-fed Modi River and just above the dancing fields are the forested hills soaring high above. Likewise in the west, the hills roll up and over, through a high forest, to the famous destination of Ghorepani and Poon Hill.

Keeping aside all the incredible scenery Ghandruk Trek has to offer; there is this spectacular array of mountains, so captivating, so much of natural beauty; Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre and several big and small peaks beyond.

More about Ghandruk Trek

Ghandruk Weather

The altitude of Ghandruk is 1,940 meters, so the temperature is not so extreme; its climate is classified as warm and temperate one. 

In June, you can witness the highest temperature of the year that averages around 18-degree Celsius. Similarly, the lowest temperatures can be observed in January with an average of around 7 degree Celsius. Also, the variation in the precipitation between the driest and wettest months is 729 mm.

The average temperature in Ghandruk is 14.2 degree Celsius, and the average rainfall is 2747 mm. July witnesses the most rain in the year, while November the least. The average temperature in Ghadruk varies by 11.8 degree Celsius.

Ghandruk People

The inhabitants of Ghandruk and their exhibition of traditional lifestyle and culture is one of the best parts of Ghandruk trek. The village will allow you the rare glimpse of rural life, and you will find much older settlements that are around 200 years old with traditional houses. 

These people are friendly and warm-hearted, who will greet you with a warm smile and a Namaste. They keep their house very neat and shipshape, and every neighborhood and stone-paved alleys appear fresh and clean. Traditional dress is still their wear, and women can be seen wearing traditional ornaments. Also, the poinsettias and marigold blooming in the foreyard are just too beautiful. It is really amazing how people of this region has maintained such a simple yet blissful lifestyle in this remote zone. 

Best Month for Ghandruk Trek

Ghandruk trek is fairly easy, with no threat of altitude sickness. You can embark on this trek any time of year and complete it successfully. However, the best time would be from mid-September to May, and the worst would be from June to July because of monsoon.

The trek is also perfect for family and solo trekkers.

Ghandruk Hotels

Ghandruk feels like a maze of stone alleyways up and down crisscrossing each other. The village mainly has lodges and inns and many solidly built houses. Although Ghandruk is a small village, there are over 20 lodges and inns enough for your services. The hotels are rather cheap, and price ranges form NRs 400-1000 or above, depending on the service-level obviosuly.

The food is quite great, and there are all sorts of the room; double with shared bathroom to double with attached bathroom and triple room.

Different Trekking Routes of Ghandruk Trek

There is a different route to accomplish the Ghandruk trek. As the trek is relatively short, there is a different route to catch. Ascending to Ghandruk follows the same itinerary of Pokhara-Nayapul-Ghandruk, whereas for making your way down, there are many routes. Depending on the number of days you have, you can lengthen the trek from the typical three days.

Kimche to Ghandruk to Landruk Trek

Nayapul is the typical point for starting the Ghandruk Trek. From about half an hour of a steady walk along the river bank of Modi Khola, we arrive at Birethanti.

Now, form Birethanti the path divides. Taking west form Birethanti, we hike towards Bhurungdi river and to Tikhedunga, which ultimately leads us to Ghorepani.

But we will follow right from Birethanti all along the Modi Khola, from where we scale towards Ghandruk.

We will encounter a village named Kimchi, which offers a number of inns and eateries with European and Chinese dishes, including Dal Bhat. There is barely any hotels after Kimchi till we arrive at Ghandruk, so have a good bite of food in Kimchi. 

After arriving and exploring Gandruk, we descend the steep trail towards Modi Khola and scale to Landruk.

Now form Landruk, taking a little steep we reach Tolka and comes Deurali. Walking past the scenic view of mountains and hills we arrive at Dhampus and to Phedi, from where we take a ride to Pokhara.

Ghandruk Poon Hill Trek

Poon Hill is another popular short trek in Nepal and while embarking in Ghandruk trek, you can connect, these two awesome treks. 

From Ghandruk, the route follows towards Tadapani and to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a popular village in Annapurna mountains at 2,760 meters known for an excellent view of Himalayan panorama and cultural exhibition. It takes just around an hour to reach Poon Hill from Ghorepani.

Located at 3,210 meters, Poon Hill is an awesome vantage point for viewing sunrise/sunset and the breathtaking panorama of mountains; Annapurna I-IV, Annapurna South, Lamjung Himal, Bahari Shikhar, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Tukche, Dhaulagiri ranges, Manaslu ranges, and others.

We will now descend towards Tikhedunga form Poon Hill. Then comes Nayapul and finally Pokhara.

Things to pack your bag with in Ghandruk Trek

Ghandruk Trek is a short and sweet trek that takes place in the trails of the most popular trekking region in Nepal, Annapurna region. So, you don’t have to stress yourself with a long list of things to carry. Also, there are enough tea houses/hotels for food and accommodation. So, to help you out with your list, here are some items that you must remember to carry. And along with these items, do not forget to carry TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit.

-Fleece Jacket

-A pair of lightweight wind and waterproof pants

-Torchlight or flashlight

-Cap or hat for shade

-Sunblock cream, Sunscreen, and lip balm to keep the sunburn away

-First-aid kid for basic health issues

-Sunglasses

-Hiking pole for support

-T-shirts

-2-3 pair of socks

-Comfortable trekking shoes

-Sandals/slippers for nighttime

-Toiletries

-Water bottle for a refill on the way

-Water purifying tablets

-A pair of gloves

-Extra underwears

-Sleeping bags

-Power bank and charger

-Cameras


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