Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail – Explore the new trekking route in Annapurna

Nepal is a jewel of cultural heritage and traditions. The Gurung Heritage trekking trail is one such trail that will take you to a different and authentic world of Gurung culture, lifestyle, and history. There is much more to this trek than just an adventure. As your journey begins, you will explore both natural aspects and artificial traditions. The entire trek will remain in your heart for a lifetime, as the authenticity and beauty of the trek are unmatchable.

You can go to any place in the world and not have an experience as unique as this one. Moreover, visitors will also see a universe distinct from the others, where women play a significant role in preserving the culture while reforming their traditions over time while still keeping the authentic essence of their culture intact. The mountains and the green landscapes add to the beauty of the Gurung heritage trekking trail.

Read until the end of this article to learn more about the Gurung heritage trekking trail!

Why Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail?

Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The popularity has only been increasing with an increase in social media users. While on the surface level, a trekker may find the trek to be a simple one with typical elements of a long hike, there is more to this trail than you may know.

Gurung Heritage trekking trail is an easier option for those seeking trails that are both easy to complete and that give the most adventurous value to the visitors but also one that will keep your pockets adequately loaded throughout the journey.

Many concerns of beginners are also solved, as anyone with a decent physique and a willingness to walk a certain distance can complete this moderately complex trek. You don’t need expertise in walking miles and being physically shredded to qualify as a trekker on this trail.

To make it clear to our readers and fellow trekkers, we have listed some reasons why you can opt for the Gurung heritage trekking trail if you are looking for a weekend getaway:

 Adventurous activities

Gurung heritage trekking trail is famous for trekking and cliff climbing. There are plenty of cliffs that are designed for visitors to climb. It is suggested that you seek help from an expert before you attempt the latter, as the activity is quite dangerous and should not be done without guidance. If you have been trained in adventurous and risky activities, you will likely enjoy exploring all the adrenaline-triggering challenges there.

Similarly, treks on the Gurung heritage trekking trail are popular. The name suggests that the end destination is made for treks: every year, trekkers from around the world visit here for trekking and adventurous activities.

 Honey hunting

Hunting for honey is a tradition among a few Nepali indigenous communities. It is also popular in the Gurung heritage trekking trail. Hunting for honey by climbing cliffs may seem risky, but for many living in the Gurung villages, it is a way of life and a pathway to bread and butter. The cliff climbing activities are seasonal. It may be impossible for visitors to indulge in them. However, they can enjoy the entire process when professionals perform it.

Honey extraction is just as interesting a procedure, which you may enjoy. Honey hunting is part of a culture you may find highly fascinating while visiting the Gurung heritage trekking trail.

 Gurung lifestyle

The Gurung community has a unique way of life in the hills. While people from the same community have been much influenced by modernization or urbanization, having shifted to urban cities in Kathmandu and Pokhara over the years, the people in villages of Gurung heritage trekking trails are still adamant about forgetting their ancient culture and lifestyle.

Gurung culture is reflected in the inhabitants’ houses, the clothes they wear, the language they speak, and the food they eat. There are specific patterns in beliefs that are long forgotten by those in the urban areas, contrasting with how things are for the people living in

Since the locals are amiable and welcoming of visitors, you will have an opportunity to interact personally with all of them. If you are lucky, they might invite you over, and you can experience their way of life for a day or two.

 Vibrant festivals

Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail also lets you cherish the most vibrant and exciting festivals. Spring and fall, the bear season for preseasons, have several enjoyable celebrations. There are colors everywhere, including people’s clothes, trail decorations, and cultural performances like dances and songs.

Some prominent festivals are Dashain, Tihar, Lhosar, Maghe Sankranti, and Buddha Jayanti. The hilly region of Nepal influences all the celebrations. Though celebrated by the entire nation, the essence of the festivals varies from other places in the Gurung villages of The Gurung heritage trekking trail.

The people in Gurung villages also make special treats and prepare cuisines on certain occasions. Most of the dishes have never been had before anywhere else.

 Natural beauty

There aren’t many places as beautiful naturally as the Gurung heritage trekking trail. The landscapes you can enjoy while on the journey and the stunning views of the mountains around are exceptional. Even if you have been on several treks before, you will never have seen as much diversity in nature as you will on this trek.

Since the trekking trail is closest to the Annapurna region, you can look at many mountains in the chain during your trek. Another mountain that you can see is Machhapuchhre. The colors of the greenery and the blue sky against the white snowy peaks are mesmerizing. This also allows photography enthusiasts to take pictures that can be used for decorations for generations or at least as a beautiful memoir.

 Gurung architecture

This is the least spoken about, but Gurung architecture is a factor you will appreciate wholeheartedly on the Gurung heritage trekking trail. The excellence in the hands of the Gurung craftsman is reflected in the ancient houses that still have an essential place in the modern village. Architectural excellence is also seen in simplistic yet culturally enthralling interior and exterior designs, and the home stays there.

In fact, as a visitor, you will be staying in one such house where you can analyze the intricate architectural elements of the Gurung community. The colors of the houses are usually bright and colorful, otherwise white. Though made in traditional ways with traditional and popular old materials, you will realize the solidity of the architecture regardless.

 Trekking experience

The exceptional trekking experience is another factor that keeps trekkers coming to the Gurung heritage trekking trail. The trail’s off-beat pathways add to its beauty. This trek has no simplistic pathways, and you will get more than one aspect to cherish besides nature. Anyone who wants to feel a sense of adventure but doesn’t want to risk it with excessive difficulty can choose the Gurung heritage trekking trail as an ideal one for their weekend or trekking vacation plans.

 Sustainable tourism

Going anywhere in and around the Annapurna conservation area means going on a sustainable trek. The authorities put in as much effort as possible to preserve and conserve the nature and culture of the trekking regions. Every visitor must respect this and make sure to contribute their fair bit. Sustainable tourism directly promotes the beauty of the region.

Therefore, you are less than likely to see an area with excessive garbage or water resources that humans have disturbed in any way. Given that all kinds of visitors are in the region, the authorities will take strict action against them if they are spotted damaging the trekking trails.

Likewise, sustainability efforts are not only limited to nature but also go towards preserving the Gurung culture. The people living there are keen on protecting their traditional ways and carrying on their lives as they were several decades ago, and happily so. This has enabled them to promote tourism while embracing modern ways and adequately sticking to the older ones.

 Trekkers interaction

Friendly interactions with fellow trekkers are standard on the Gurung heritage trekking trail. The inhabitants of the villages and trekkers are looking for friendships and ways of permanent connections. Trekking is a great way to interact and network with people who have both like and distinct mindsets and beliefs from you.

During your trek, you will learn a lot from different individuals. You will return home with many more memories and knowledge than when you started your journey. Interactions and building connections will make your trek even better.

 Personal reward

In the modern world, everyone is trying to escape monotony while being bound to it without a way out. When you go on the Gurung Heritage trekking trail, you will reward yourself with experience, adventure, and an opportunity to freshen up your mind and soul. Trekking is genuinely soul food, and it enriches one’s life experience as well.

Walking for a few days in nature and living beside your own house makes you physically sound. Every experience you have during the trek will be exceptional and mark a place in your heart and memories. Rewarding oneself comes in many forms during your Gurung heritage trekking trail.

From devouring cuisines and experiencing cultures throughout the Gurung community to accomplishing a rather arduous journey, you will have it all by the end.

Evolution of Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail

The Gurung heritage trekking trail was not as popular until some decades ago. Like every other rural region in Nepal, this trekking trail did not reach the sights and minds of visitors until tourism activities were boosted in the country. Especially in the 1970s, trekking activities started in the hills in and around the Annapurna region. This also led to the popularity of Gurung village treks near and in Pokhara, including the Gurung heritage trekking trail.

As of the modern age, the internet has done its magic, and people worldwide are being pulled towards the enchanting trails. The mid-20th century marks a time that boomed tourism activities to the Gurung heritage trekking trail. Not only foreigners but also Nepalese people started growing keen on taking recreational moves away from city life’s daily hustles and bustles. Many tourists visiting Pokhara also get a taste of trekking through the trails of the trekking destination.

Furthermore, for many trekkers, the location feasibility and low budget requirements have played vital roles in increasing popularity in recent years. Not everyone has access to base camps of famous mountains, but it is not half as harsh to access a location like the Gurung heritage trekking trail.

Social media has significantly impacted the increase in tourism on the Gurung heritage trekking trail in recent years. Several videos of the location are posted almost every other season, and the content reaches many more audiences who look forward to making their journeys there.

How do you prepare for the Gurung Heritage trekking trail?

Before you begin your journey to the Gurung heritage trekking trail, you must prepare well. Preparation does not only include physical and resource prep but also mental readiness. Though a relatively easy trek, there are many things to remember before and during the trek. The following are some of the ways you can prepare yourself for the Gurung heritage trekking trail:

 Choose the best time.

There is always the best time to trek to the Gurung heritage trekking trail, even though you can go on the journey all year round. Selecting the best time does not mean you will be limited to a specific timeframe to make the trek happen. There are two most favorable seasons, including fall and spring.

You will get the most out of the trekking trail in both seasons. The pathways are smoother and without any hurdles, and the temperature is moderate, making it easy for trekkers to walk. The air is clean and fresh, there are no clouds, and you will be able to take a better look at the view around. It will always be easier for you to make choices of clothes and shoes to wear, as you don’t have to carry too little or too much, either.

The spring season in Nepal starts from March to May, and the fall season begins from September to November. The airfares and expenses may be slightly higher during the peak seasons than in other ones. But to get maximum advantage of the region while also keeping yourself as comfortable as possible throughout your journey, choosing the two best seasons can be a wise option, especially if you are a beginner.

 Carry adequate and necessary gear/supplies.

Many trekkers make the mistake of choosing the wrong supplies and gear or carrying too much or too little. The Gurung heritage trekking trail journey is not technical and can be completed without taking too much equipment.

The following equipment and gear are all that you may need besides some necessary permits, insurance, and tickets:

• Trekking down jackets
• Thermal tops and bottoms (as per seasonal demand)
• Light cotton tops and bottoms (as per seasonal demand)
• Beanies, sunhats, etc.
• Gloves (single and double layered)
• Socks (made for trekking and worn before)
• Trekking shoes (broken down and comfortable)
• Headlights
• Miscellaneous (books, camera, journals, charger, power bank, etc.)
• Extra cash
• Snacks
• Water bottles and water-purifying tablets
• Sanitary products for women
• First aid kit with necessary medications
• Trekking poles
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer (plus any other personal care items as preferred)

 Tips to follow on the Gurung Heritage trekking trail

Preparation also requires following specific tips to keep you safe and comfortable throughout your trek. The following are some essential tips to remember before and during your time at the Gurung heritage trekking trail:

• Seek a health consultant before beginning your journey. Though not a challenging trek, you must remain sure of not having been suffering from undiagnosed health conditions. It is just as necessary to consult a reliable physician about what medications best suit you, depending on your health condition.
• Ascend as slowly as you can. Rushing to your destination may lead to severe health issues. Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail is all about climbing upwards, and you cannot do that until you slow down your pace and take frequent rests.
• Keep your body hydrated. Drink adequate water, but do not overdrink it. Carrying and using a purifying tablet will ensure you remain hydrated and healthy.
• Diet is a fair concern for all trekkers. Eat only what your body demands. Eating more or less than required may cause nausea on your trek.
• Using a weather forecast system will be very helpful. You can quickly consult with your trekking guide about whether you can proceed on a particular day, especially if you are on the trek during the monsoon.
• Selecting gear that will be useful and relevant to your journey is mandatory. You cannot use old and unreliable products and equipment. You can consult with professionals and fellow experienced trekkers about getting the best gear in Nepal. Kathmandu offers the best and cheapest options for trekking equipment.
• Alert yourself of any possible medical dangers. If you feel nausea, vomiting, and headaches in extremes, then you should stop the journey at all.
• Be respectful of the Gurung culture and be as ethical as can be.
• Make sure to be just as respectful with nature and wildlife. Teasing animals, bothering species, and littering must be strictly avoided, even when no one is watching. Upon being caught, you may face serious charges from the authorities.

Amenities in Gurung heritage trekking trail

Food and accommodation can be concerns for all trekkers. Before starting the journey, you must get a brief introduction about all the facilities you can expect. Although you will be trekking to a rural region in Nepal, there won’t be a lack of basic amenities there since the Gurung heritage trekking trail is one of the most famous trails in Nepal.

 Accommodation

The places to stay are going to be decent and comfortable. During your Gurung heritage trekking trail journey, you will not find extravagant hotels like those in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The tea houses or small hotels here have proper bedroom facilities with electricity and water.

You won’t face an issue finding toilets, as all the tea houses have their own toilets and bathroom facilities. Visitors must use traditional buckets and jugs for baths, as the tea houses usually don’t have shower facilities. Further, you can order warm water for a shower as a special request for a small exchange.

The tea houses will have a space for visitors to sit and enjoy nature. Many tea houses also have a WiFi connection. Otherwise, you can opt for data to use the internet, as the villages also have good enough network connections. There aren’t many charging ports in a single teahouse, so visitors may have to bring their power to keep their phones charged throughout their trek.

 Food and drinks

The food and drinks in the Gurung heritage trekking trail will be majorly traditional. But for those looking to enjoy other cuisines, you can get a good amount of Western food like pasta, pizza, varieties of bread, chips, biscuits, etc., in your hotel or teahouse.

Other than that, trekkers will mainly relish dal bhat tarkari and achar, meat curry, and several different foods enjoyed by locals there. All lunch, dinner, and breakfast will be served in the teahouses. You can carry snacks and extra energy drinks on your own.

Gurung heritage trekking trail itinerary

The Gurung heritage trekking trail is going to take you from 12 to 13 days to complete. Though long, you will not face any considerable dangers during your trek. The trail’s highest point will be 4910 meters above sea level. Therefore, you will be coming to beautiful mountains and getting as close to them as possible, although you will be in the hills.

The following is a detailed itinerary of the location:

 Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu

The first day of your trip will start in Kathmandu, the capital city, and Tribhuvan International Airport’s location. A representative from the trekking agency will pick you up. Then, you’ll be guided to a hotel there. If you are feeling jet-lagged, you can rest in your hotel and prepare for the next day or take advantage of being in the city and go sightseeing and shopping.

 Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing

You can spend the whole day in Kathmandu on the second day. If you have roamed the city on the first day, you can do better touring around the city in parts you have not visited. There are plenty of souvenir shops, eateries, temples, museums, and aesthetic locations in Kathmandu.

If you want to go from one place to another inside the city area, you can get a bus or a microbus ticket and get going. For more comfort, you can book a taxi and explore the city. You will spend the night at the same hotel again. Trekkers can take the second night as one to make mental preparations for the trek.

 Day 3: Kathmandu to Khude to Ghale Gaon

Your Gurung heritage trekking trail journey starts the next day when you move from Kathmandu to Khude and then to Ghale Gaon. You will have breakfast at the earliest hour and go to Khude from Kathmandu by road. The road trip is going to be one full of experience and beauty as well.

The scenery of the surroundings is alluring and will take your breath away. Seeing the roads transition from a busting one to a silent and serene one will be no less than a journey in itself, apart from the actual trek.

Once you reach Khude, you will proceed towards Ghale gaon. The village will give you the essence of Gurung traditions and mark the start of your Gurung heritage trekking trail. The trek will be more straightforward as the town is at a relatively low altitude.

You can find delicious and unique food from Gurung culture and many architectural and cultural elements that will sway your heart in the best possible way. Your tour will end at night with an overnight stay at a hotel or a guesthouse here.

 Dayale Gaon exploration

Since Ghale Gaon is the central location from which your trek starts, you will explore the village on the fourth day. Trekkers will walk around the town without moving to any other place. The location is highly enthralling and has many aspects that keep visitors occupied in the best possible way.

The aesthetic factor of the village is incredible. Though very close to the urban part of the region, visitors are likely to be amazed by how the town is not yet affected by urbanization or modernity. Inhabitants in Ghale Gaon live in traditional ways with much h, with each other and wand with them.

Tourism is one of the significant sources of income for the people in this place. Besides the culture and people, you will spend a day in peace with a waterfall, terraced lands, and a view of the mountains from afar. Since the location is not very crowded, there won’t even be as much noise from the visitors. The day will be relaxed and not stressful, though it requires walking on foot. You will spend the night at the same teahouse or hotel.

 Day 5: Ghale Gaon to Ghanpokhara

The day will start with breakfast at Ghale Gaon, and you will finally proceed towards Ghanpokhara, a famous town and a significant part of the Gurung heritage trekking trail. Trekkers will taste the beautiful Ghale Gaon as they bid goodbye to the village moving towards Ghanpokhara.

On the way, you will come through and be able to discover many honey-hunting places. These locations have been famous for hunting honey, and the livelihood of honey hunters will be just as knowledge-giving for you. Once you complete your discovery sessions, you will finally reach the town amidst natural beauty.

Ghanpokhara has as many unique features as the location you visited before. Moreover, you will find just as much serenity here, but you should be prepared for the changing altitude. It would help if you rested when you reach a guesthouse in Ghanpokhara. You will spend a night in the town.

 Day 6: Ghanpokhara to Bhujung

You will spend until lunchtime in Ghanpokhara. The place is going to be one that you cherish. While breakfast is in the town, you will have it at Bhujung, the next trekking stop.

Like before, your journey to Bhujung will also give you a fantastic opportunity to explore nature. Besides that, you can enjoy a hearty meal at the latter location. You will again be able to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Gurung people. Visitors can take as much time as they want to explore Bhujung so that they will spend the night here. Though there won’t be a lot of time in hand, you can roam around the time and find much about it in a shorter period.

 Day 7: Bhujung to Pasgaon

By the seventh day, you will travel higher from Bhujung to Pasgaon. Your journey will also include nature and cultural beauty. There will be plenty of waterfalls on the way from Bhujung to Pasgaon. Additionally, you will see the most transparent view of Mount Manaslu from here.

Passion also has the most efficient hydroelectric facilities in Nepal. You can visit the hydropower location there. It serves as the powerhouse of electricity in several regions of the country. The night will, again, be spent at a guesthouse or a teahouse in Pasgaon. The village will undoubtedly be an important highlight of your Gurung heritage trekking trail.

 Day 8: Pasgaon to Nagidhar to Pakhrikot

From Pasgaon, you will move towards the lowest region of the Annapurna region. The hike will take a few hours but won’t take long, as you will arrive at Nagidhar by lunchtime. The place is the perfect place to spend time for refreshments and relaxation after a rather tiring hike. After a much-needed rest in Nagidhar, trekkers will then head to Pakhrikot.

The hike will take no more than 3 hours and can be completed without many challenges. On your way and after reaching Pakhrikot, you can contact families of the Gurung community and learn more about them and their history. Interactions with the locals will improve your journey with authenticity and knowledge.

 Day 9: Pakhrikot to Pokhara

Your last day of hiking will be at Pakhrikot. Unlike many other hikes and trekking journeys, the Gurung heritage trekking trail does not take visitors back and forth to the exact location. Once you descend to Pakhrikot and find impressive aspects, you can head directly towards Pokhara.

Pokhara is Nepal’s tourism hub and has many elements to offer, such as commercialized town specialties and beauty. Trekkers can get the best view of more than one mountain in Pokhara. You can also boat at the famous Fewa Lake and visit Begnas Lake, which is very close to the former one.

The city’s nightlife is just as much of a highlight if you are anything like a party animal. Along with this, your journey to Pokhara will include waterfalls, greenery, and many urbanized factors. You will spend the night at a hotel there, which will be as comfortable as your stay in a hotel in Kathmandu.

 Day 10: Pokhara to Kathmandu

On the 10th day, you will finally return to Kathmandu as your trip draws closer. Depending on your budget and goals, you can extend the trip. Travelers can choose between a flight or a ride to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The time taken depends on the mode of transportation you select.

Kathmandu and Pokhara are both fascinating cities, and the road from one famous town to another will be no less than an exploration for you. After reaching the capital city, you will rest and spend the night there.

 Day 11: Leisure day for exploration

Finally, on the 11th day, you can visit different places in Kathmandu. Since your trek will have been completed by this time, you will have a better opportunity to freshen up your mind with something different from the Gurung heritage trekking trail, hence the best of both worlds.

Kathmandu is just as rich in culture and history, so you will enjoy your time there. After returning to your hotel, you can prepare to depart the next day.

 Day 12: Departure

After spending beautiful days in Nepal, you will finally be ready to return home. This day can be spent networking with fellow travelers who have been with you throughout the journey while bidding goodbye to everyone with you on your Gurung heritage trekking trail.

You will be dropped off at the airport from your hotel by a representative of the trekking agency.

Conclusion

The Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail will keep your heart even after you return home. The locals’ Gurung culture and hospitality are reasons why many tourists and Nepalese trekkers have always returned to the trek.

The trek may last up to two weeks, but your days will be comfortable and easy. Regardless of your expertise in trekking, the Gurung Heritage trekking trail will be the best option for getting away from your hectic daily schedules. Since Pokhara is very close to Kathmandu, you won’t have difficulty reaching it from your home country. This trek is perfect for simple vacation plans!