Ghandruk- Trekker's paradise and natural treasure trove

Ghandruk is a mountain village set in Modi Khola Valley at around 2012m above sea level located in Kaski district, North West of Pokhara. It is a massive village covering an area of hundreds of square miles stretching as far eastward as Modi gorge and as far to the west as Ghorepani, defined to the north by the Annapurna mountains range and to the south by Mohoriya village. It is the largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. The village was a major recruitment centre for British army until the mid 20th century. It is the hub of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which promotes varied ecological projects. This tiny village lies in the north-west of the beautiful city of Pokhara.

Ghandruk has long been one of the most famous and preferred trekking destinations for tourist visiting the country. The village offers an excellent view of two scared mountain, Annapurna South (7219m), and the Machhapuchhre (fishtail 6993m). The village not only offers mountains views but also a wonderful insight into the culture,lifestyle and religion of the inhabitants of the village, that is, Gurungs.

A trek to Ghandruk takes you across lush green hills, snow capped mountains to ridges, passes, jungles, fauna and flora and exquisite communities. It is truly a trekker's paradise. Walking through jungles, crossing the rugged terrains and being so close to Mother Nature, Ghandruk provides a good preface into trekking, at the same time, it also provides wonderful close up views of some of the tallest mountains in Nepal. The best part of the Ghandruk trek is, it is relatively an easy trek whilst providing some breathtaking views of Mother Nature at its very best.

A wander around the Ghandruk village will reveal shops, tea house, local people transporting goods from one village to next, small farm houses and their families, donkeys, mules, chickens and beautiful terraced hills. There is also a Gurung Museum where you get to know more about the local people and their culture.

Sightseeing
Old Gurung Museum: Visitors to the village never miss to visit the Old Gurung Museum there. The museum has unique collection of various things, which were used in early times by the ancestors of gurung people.
Chhomrung: Chhomrung is another beautiful village located near Ghandruk. The village lies at a day's journey from Ghandruk. A much smaller village but very well organized and beautiful, most tourists visiting Ghandruk makes sure to visit this village. Though this small village has many things to offer, Jhinu hot spring is the main attraction of this village.

Ghorepani: One of the easiest treks to get through, Ghorepani is one of the most beautiful place for first time trekkers craving for natural bliss. The trek to Ghorepani starts from Modi River, which is just about one hour's drive from Pokhara. You will be awed by the spectacular trail that boasts of dense rhododendron forests, chirping of birds and friendly smiles from locals as you pass them by. Poonhill, one of the highlight of Ghorepani, will offer you a picturesque view of the major snow clad peaks of Annapurna range. The breathtaking view of the sun's first rays hitting the peaks of the Himalayas will leave you awe struck. If you feel like you are getting too tied in the rat race of life, Poonhill is definitely a place to be in. It will cleanse you and make you realize how important nature it is to stay connected to nature.

How to get there
From Pokhara city one could hire a taxi or hop into a local bus and ride till Nayapul which is popular start point for several treks. From there, it takes approximately four to five hour to reach Ghandruk. The trek is easy except for the steep climb one has to undertake one-and-half-hour before reaching Gandruk. The trek is easy and not confusing. It is not mandatory to have a guide, for the chances of getting lost is minimum and on top of that you will come across plenty of fellow trekkers, porters, and guides, and the locals are always more than happy to help you if you are confused with the trail.

If one is not ready to trek, one could get into bus from Nayapul to Syaulibazaar. From Syaulibazzar, there is no other option but a half hour trek to reach Ghandruk. The bus from Syaulibazzar operates only during late autumn or winter when there is no rain. But it is always best to trek to this beautiful village for the scenery, the mountains, forest, flora and faunas are simply awesome. Hence, the four to five hours trek will surely be worth it.

Himalayan Peaks: Annapurna South, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre
Accommodation facilities: There are plenty of local lodges and hotels.
Accessibility: Trek and by bus or car depending on weather.
Communication: Telephone, Wireless internet
Predominant language/culture: Gurung
Tourist attraction centers: Chhomrung, Poonhill

source: Lama, Tsering Ngodup, The Himalayan Times,21 March 2013