Ghandruk Trek





Highlights of Ghandruk Trek
- This is the best short and easy trekking holiday.
- It is the perfect route for short-time trekkers and families with children.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Fishtail, Mount Manaslu ranges, and Lamjung Himal.
- Trekking through rice fields, terraces, rhododendron forests, the Mountian River, and beautiful villages
- Explore Nepal’s Gurung community’s traditional lifestyle and culture during the hiking.
- We can walk through the nice terraced paddy and wheat fields.
- Enjoy the view of Nepali-style stone roof houses in rows.
- Enjoy the early sunrise view over the Himalayas from the Ghandruk trek.
- Visit Ghandruk village, the best Gurkha village in Nepal
Trip Extension
Suppose you have more time in Nepal after this trip. In that case, we can help you to extend your trip by running different treks in Nepal, tours in Bhutan and Tibet, Jungle safari tours at Chitwan, Bardia, and other National parks, Nepal luxury hotel booking, Rafting, Ultra-light flights, or any other travel-related services. You can get more information here.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
General
The distance between Ghorepani and Ghandruk is 15 to 17 km. And, it takes you 6 to 7 hours to trek from one point to another. You will pass through scenic Rhododendron forests, villages, and stone stairs during this journey. Further, you will be able to explore Gurung culture during the trek.
The elevation of Ghandruk village is 1,940 meters (6,365 feet) above sea level. You’ll get the most beautiful views of Hiuchuli, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre when here. It is not very high as to cause altitude sickness. But, it is high enough to give you the most breathtaking views and an overall amazing trekking experience.
There are many peaks that are visible from Ghandruk, including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Dhaulagiri. You can get a brilliant view of sunrise and sunset from the destination amid the majestic peaks. The snowy tops of these mountains are instant attractions when you’re in Ghandruk.
Yes, both cellular networks in Nepal, namely Ncell and NTC, are available along with a good internet connection on the trail. While certain points in your travels may not have a good network connection, you can get both a solid cellular network connection and internet by the time you reach your accommodation spot.
Preparation & Fitness
Yes, the Ghandruk trek is suitable for beginners. In fact, unlike most other Annapurna region treks, you won’t have to stress too much about having to spend excessive days on the trails. Also, families and beginners often go on this trek because it does not take a trekker to extreme altitudes.
The distance between Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani is around 12 km. The uphill trails will take you from 5 to 6 hours to complete. To reach Tikhedhunga, trekkers will also cross the stone steps of Ulleri, which makes for an interesting adventure in itself.
The Ghandruk trek can be considered easy to moderate, depending on your experience as a trekker. You can be assured that the trek is easy to complete, as even children and beginner-level trekkers often go on this journey without difficulty.
Permits
You will mandatorily need two permits to trek in Ghandruk, including the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). Both permits are useful in the conservation area to ensure the safety of the trekkers and to conserve the region.
Yes, both a TIMS card and an ACAP permit are necessary for the Ghandruk trek. You will need these permits regardless of where you are trekking when you’re within the proximity of the Annapurna Conservation Area. These permits are checked strictly at the entry point.
Insurance and Visa
While it is not a compulsion for you to have travel insurance for the Ghandruk trek, it would still be great if you get one before your trek. Travel insurance often covers any possible risk and gives you peace of mind when you travel.
You need a tourist visa for trekking in Nepal. For 15 days, you’ll have to pay USD 30, for 30 days the price is USD 50, and for 90 days the cost is going to be USD 125.
Guides & Support Staff
As of 2025, you need to take a licensed guide and a porter on the Ghandruk trek. However, the trek’s ease does not quite require either, given you are not carrying too much load. Taking both is going to ensure safety and comfort from beginning to end if you’re looking for a convenient trek.
Trekking solo to Ghandruk may not seem like the riskiest idea because of how easy it is to complete the journey. However, it is banned for solo trekkers to take on just about any trekking journey, including the Ghandruk trek, without a licensed guide.
Accommodation and Facilities
Ghandruk has accommodation facilities such as teahouses and lodges with basic to luxurious facilities. Furthermore, Ghandruk is not too far from urban areas, making it easy to enjoy comfortable, clean, and adequately facilitated accommodation services.
Yes, there is basic medical or clinic access in Ghandruk. A medical post takes care of all the trekkers who visit the village due to either minor injuries or some health conditions that need serious and urgent medication and/ or treatment. It would, however, be best for trekkers to carry a first aid box with painkillers, prescribed medicines, etc., on their own.
Food and Drinks
You can enjoy Nepalese traditional cuisine, especially daal bhaat with meat and vegetable curries at each teahouse or food stop in your trails. Other food items you can enjoy are momo, chowmein, thukpa, bread, soup, instant noodles, biscuits, pasta, pizza, etc. For drinks, you can also enjoy hot tea, coffee, juice, etc.
Weather & Seasons
The best time to go on the Ghandruk trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). These are the seasons when the rhododendrons bloom beautifully while the sky remains clear. You can also get the best view of the surrounding mountains like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
Health & Safety
No, you don’t necessarily have to worry about altitude sickness on the Ghandruk trek. The trek does not take you to a very high altitude location as do most other Annapurna region treks. Therefore, even beginners don’t have to be overly concerned about altitude sickness in this journey. But, staying careful throughout will be of good help.
You need to follow health and safety tips that will keep you secure throughout the journey. Some tips include drinking safe water by using water purification tablets each time you fill your bottle up, carrying enough medications along the journey after getting treated by a physician, getting vaccinated, and doing a proper research on remote trekking.
Packing & Gear
You need to pack comfy layers, a warm jacket, good trekking shoes, rain gear, a water bottle, snacks, basic medications, your permits, and cash for your Ghandruk trek. This trek does not require fancy trekking gears.
Booking & Payment
You can easily book the Ghandruk trek by getting in touch with the Above The Himalayas team. Either you can prefer to visit our location in Thamel, or you can directly call us or send us an email.
The payment method is quite flexible at Above The Himalayas. Hence, you can simply use any payment method that you find convenient.
Transportation & Flight
Yes, you can easily drive or take a jeep to Ghandruk directly from Pokhara. You will have to begin your journey from Pokhara to Nayapul and head towards Kimche to finally reach Ghandruk. The journey won’t take you more than 3 to 4 hours.
Book with Confidence
- Flexible bookings and easy trip date changes
- Personalized service and customized group sizes
- Safe travels with owner-operated services and highly experienced guides
- Best price guarantee for the most value for your money
- Secure & easy online booking
Your Trek Leader
Enjoy Himalayan scenery with the help of Nepal’s best guides with Government license holders and got training in first-aid, our Trip Leaders, know where you’ll find the best photos, most fascinating wildlife, and the best stream crossings.
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