I recently had the opportunity to visit Ghandruk Village, a charming Gurung village located in the Kaski District on the Annapurna Trekking Trail. I was blown away by the picturesque beauty of this village and the authentic Nepalese mountain village experience it offered.
As I arrived, I was welcomed by the pretty stone and mud cottages painted in white lime that filled the village. The village lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, and I was thrilled to explore its rich cultural heritage and traditions that have been preserved for centuries.
One thing that surprised me was the fact that Ghandruk was connected by road, which made life easier for the villagers and tourists alike. The construction of the road has also shortened treks to popular destinations like Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Sanctuary, and the Gurung Heritage Trail. This road access has opened up opportunities for tourists who can’t trek or hike to explore this amazing Himalayan village.
As I walked around the village, I was mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapucchre, or Fishtail Peak, and Gangapurna. I felt like I was transported to another world and felt at peace with nature.
I had heard that Ghandruk was one of the oldest villages in the Annapurna Region, and it was true. Most of the houses in the old village were as old as the village itself. It was like traveling back in time and experiencing the old Nepalese village lifestyle. I got to experience the authentic Gurung culture and interact with villagers who had been living there for generations.
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the two museums in Ghandruk: the Old Gurung Museum and the Ghandruk Cultural Museum. The exhibits at the museums included artifacts like jewelry, household items, utensils, traditional clothes, and a tableau of the daily life of the Gurung community in Ghandruk. I also got to try on traditional Gurung costumes and take pictures.
I enjoyed taking a stroll around the village and interacting with the locals, who had been living there for several generations. It was interesting to learn that there was a tradition for Gurung men from Ghandruk village to join either the British Gurkha force or the Indian army. I even came across retired local army men who had been decorated by the military for their valor.
I decided to hike to Jhinu Danda, which was famous for its hot springs. It was just a couple of hours’ walk from Ghandruk, and I was able to enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot spring. On the way, I got to cross the longest suspension bridge on the Annapurna Trail, which was an experience in itself.
I visited Ghandruk during the autumn season and was lucky to take part in the annual festivals of Dashain and Tihar with the locals. It was an enriching experience to be a part of the festivities and witness the vibrant culture of the village.
There were a lot of accommodation options in Ghandruk, ranging from modern concrete guesthouses with all the modern amenities to traditional Gurung homestays. I chose to stay in a traditional Gurung homestay and was able to enjoy local food like dal bhat, momos, and thukpa.
My visit to Ghandruk was an unforgettable experience. The beauty of the village, its rich cultural heritage, and the warmth of the locals made me fall in love with this place. I would highly recommend visiting Ghandruk to anyone who wants to experience authentic Nepalese mountain village life and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
photo credit: KimKim
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