NEPAL TRAVELLER
Ghandruk is a small but very popular picturesque village located in Kaski district. It is situated at a distance of 32km north-west of Pokhara. The place serves as the gateway to the Poon Hill Trek and is also known as the home of the Gurungs, who are the major inhabitants of the village.
Nestled at an altitude of 2012 m above the sea level, it is beautifully set against the backdrop of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machapuchre, Mt. Gangapurna and Mt. Hiunchuli.
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The village is a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers and is also the hub of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which promotes many varied ecological projects.
Nature
Surrounded by beautiful forests, hills and mountains, Ghandruk is home to a large number of indigenous species of plants, trees and flowers as well as beautiful birds and animals.
The rhododendron forest between Ghandruk and Ghorepani is regarded as one of the largest rhododendron forests in the world. Similarly the beautiful gorge cut by the Modi River flows from the north to south between the huge Annapurna and Machhapuchre mountain ranges.
Highlights
Gateway or major point for many famous treks in the region such as the Poon Hill Trek, The Annapurna Base Camp trek and others.
It is a Gurung cultural treasure trove with traditional houses, the Gurung Museum and a place to witness Gurung people, their culture and lifestyle.
Bird watching by the Modi Gorge as it is known to attract hundreds of bird species.
Enjoy the world famous local cuisine or Thakali Khana.
Enjoy the warm campfire with trekkers along with traditional dances. The hotels, lodges and tea houses here are renowned for their warm hospitality and amazing food.
Direct flights to Pokhara from Kathmandu are available. After reaching Pokhara take a bus from Nayapol to Kimchi and then after an hour and half trek one can reach Ghandruk.
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Nowadays a road reaches almost to the village and you can enquire about hiring a jeep or smaller vehicle too.
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