Ghandruk Trek - 7 days

Your trek begins upon arrival in Kathmandu, located at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters (4,264 feet). After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will complete immigration and baggage formalities before meeting your representative outside the arrival terminal. From here, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the city to recuperate after your flight and prepare for the trek ahead.

The drive from the airport offers your first glimpse of Kathmandu’s vibrant atmosphere, with its mix of traditional temples, busy streets, local markets, and cultural diversity. Once you check in at the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to rest and recuperate. If time allows, you may enjoy a short walk around the adjacent regions such as Thamel with its bustling trekking culture, stores and restaurants.

This day is mainly for rest, acclimatization, and preparation, allowing your body to adjust comfortably before starting the Ghandruk Trek in the coming days.

After breakfast in Kathmandu, your journey begins with a long but scenic drive towards the Annapurna region, passing through the beautiful landscapes of hills, rivers, terraced fields, and small settlements. The route along the Prithvi Highway winds down gently out of the Kathmandu Valley, with the scenery changing as you travel. You can take this time to observe rural Nepalese life, verdant valleys and fast flowing rivers, making the trip an interesting introduction to the trekking region.

You will travel via Pokhara, a major tourism hub, where the landscape becomes more open and relaxed. After a short break or transit in Pokhara, the drive continues towards Naudanda, a peaceful hill station located above the Pokhara Valley at an altitude of around 1,430 meters (4,691 feet). From here, on clear days you might start to see the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain ranges in the distance.

Upon reaching Naudanda, you will settle into a local lodge or guesthouse. The evening is free to relax and enjoy the calm surroundings, fresh mountain air, and beautiful sunset views over the hills and valleys. 

This stop is the start of your trekking experience, a quiet transition from traveling on the road to the natural Himalayan environment before the journey goes deeper into the Ghandruk region.

After an early breakfast in Naudanda, you begin a short and scenic drive to Nayapul, which takes around 30 minutes. The route steadily descends past lush green hills, little villages and river valleys giving you a closer glimpse at rural life in the Annapurna region. Your trekking experience begins at Nayapul, the official starting site for trekking. Here, you organize your kit and begin your hike towards Ghandruk.

The trail from Nayapul follows a beautiful route through terraced farmlands, traditional settlements, and suspension bridges over rivers and streams. As you go further into the country the scenery becomes more tranquil and natural, with vistas of hills and waterfalls. The walk slowly ascends via small villages where you may view the local Gurung culture and daily life.

After approximately 5–6 hours of trekking, you reach Ghandruk village, situated at an altitude of 1,940 meters (6,364 feet). This traditional village is one of the most beautiful highlights of the Annapurna region, known for its stone houses, cultural heritage, and stunning mountain backdrop. From Ghandruk, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) if the weather is clear.

Upon arrival you will check into a local teahouse/lodge. Free evening to relax, visit the village and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the Gurung community in the tranquil Himalayan settings.

After breakfast in the beautiful village of Ghandruk, the trek continues with a descent from the village through stone-paved trails and terraced farmlands. The morning begins with stunning views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges before you gradually leave Ghandruk behind and descend towards the Modi Khola valley. The trail is tranquil and scenic, traveling through forests, small streams and traditional villages which reflect the rural lifestyle of the Gurung and Magar populations.

After several hours of downhill walking, you reach Landruk, another charming village located on the hillside. Landruk is a peaceful place with traditional cottages and lovely views of the surrounding hills and valleys. This is a nice area for a brief stop and lunch break to appreciate the natural surroundings and the local village life.

From Landruk, the trail gradually ascends through forested paths and quiet countryside towards Tolke, a small and peaceful settlement located at around 1,700 meters (5,577 feet). The uphill section is moderate but rewarding, as the environment becomes quieter and more forested. Upon reaching Tolke, you will check into a local teahouse or lodge.

The evening in Tolke is calm and relaxing, with fresh mountain air and limited distractions. You can enjoy sunset views over the hills and reflect on the beautiful journey through Ghandruk and Landruk, experiencing the authentic lifestyle of the Annapurna region.

After breakfast in the quiet village of Tolke, the trek continues towards Dhampus, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the lower Annapurna region. The trail starts with an easy walk via forest paths, small communities and terraced fields so as to provide you a quiet and refreshing trekking experience. The route slowly opens up as you proceed, giving you wider views of hills and distant snow-capped peaks on clear days.

The path between Tolke and Dhampus is moderately easy, with a mix of gradual ascents and descents through natural landscapes and traditional farming areas. Along the way, you may pass local villagers, grazing animals, and small tea stops where you can rest and enjoy the surroundings. As you go nearer to Dhampus the environment gets more scenic with greater visibility of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

Upon reaching Dhampus, located at 1,650 meters (5,413 feet), you will check into a local teahouse or lodge. Dhampus is famous for its panoramic Himalayan views and peaceful village setting. The evening is free to relax and enjoy a stunning sunset over the mountains, making it one of the most memorable stops of the entire trek before heading back towards Pokhara in the following day.

After an early breakfast in Dhampus, you begin your final trekking section of the journey with a short and easy descent towards Phedi. The trail winds gently down over stone stairs, terraced fields and tiny local hamlets, allowing one last chance to soak in the tranquil rural scenery of the Annapurna foothills. On the route you still get great views of the surrounding hills and, on clear mornings, distant views of the Himalayas before the walk ends.

After approximately 2 hours of walking, you reach Phedi, where your trekking portion officially concludes. From here, a private vehicle will be waiting to begin the long drive back to Kathmandu. The drive is about 8 to 9 hours long and takes you via beautiful roadways that pass rivers, valleys, little villages along the way and busy towns. You can have lunch and brief breaks for stretching and refreshing along the way.

By late afternoon or evening, you arrive back in Kathmandu and are transferred to your hotel. This marks the completion of your Ghandruk Trek, leaving you with memorable experiences of mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and the natural beauty of the Annapurna region.

On your final day, you will be in Kathmandu, depending on your flight schedule. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time for last-minute packing, relaxing, or taking a short walk around nearby areas if time allows. Many travelers also use this opportunity to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, or local items as memories of their Nepal journey.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Our representative will assist you with luggage and check-in procedures to ensure a smooth and hassle-free departure experience. 

As you leave Nepal, you carry unforgettable memories of the Ghandruk Trek—beautiful Himalayan views, traditional Gurung villages, warm hospitality, and peaceful mountain landscapes.

This marks the end of your journey in Kathmandu, concluding a memorable trekking experience in the Annapurna region.