Planning a trip to Ghandruk? This guide covers everything you need to know, from transportation and permits to accommodation, food, and local tips.
Ghandruk Village : Location, Altitude & Quick Facts
Ghandruk lies in the Kaski District of Gandaki Province. It is approximately 57 km northwest of Pokhara and located inside the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). It stands at an elevation of about 1,940 (6,365 ft) to 2,012 m (6,601 ft) above sea level.
The risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is very low as the elevation is way below 2500 m. So, you can get the mountain experience without worrying about altitude sickness and acclimatization.
The trail is well marked, locals are friendly and welcoming, good network coverage and plenty of tea houses and lodges. Due to these reasons, Ghandruk is very safe for solo travelers.
That being said, the main difficulty of the trail lies in the steep stone staircases. The climb can be tiring, especially with a heavy backpack. In Pokhara, many guesthouses offer free or low cost luggage storage, so you can take only what's needed for your time in Ghandruk.
Ghandruk is one of the gateway villages to Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It connect routes to several other trekking trails like Poon Hill, Chomrong, Tadapani and Annapurna Circuit. If you are doing either of the trek then Ghandruk serves as a solid starting point.
What Is Ghandruk Famous For?
Watching the sun illuminate the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna from Simon Guesthouse.
Ghandruk is famous for two main reasons:
Mountain views :
On a clear day, you can see Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m) and Machhapuchre (6,993 m) directly from the village. No extra hiking is needed just to get the spectacular mountain views.
When booking the accommodation choose mountain facing ones if available. Even if you don't, you can just walk around the village to get the view easily.
Keep in mind, mountain views aren't always guaranteed. Especially at the monsoon season ( June - September) the clouds can cover the mountains for entire day. If you are planning Ghandruk at that time period, stay at least two days at Ghandruk, so you have better chance for mountain views.
Traditional Gurung Culture :
Despite the growth of tourism, the heritage of Gurung people are well preserved through its traditional architecture, culture, and the way of life.
You can see traditional two-storey houses with slate roofs, drying corn hanging beneath the eaves and stone paved lanes which reflect the village's culture.
If you want more cultural immersion, you can try living in a locally owned home stay rather than guesthouse. Be sure to visit the Gurung Museum, chat with the locals, and try authentic Gurung Foods. We’ll cover all the details on these activities in the upcoming 'Things to Do' section.
Best Time to Visit Ghandruk
Autumn views of the traditional village of Ghandruk.
Ghandruk is accessible throughout the year. However, spring and autumn is considered the best time because of clear skies and predictable logistics.
Seasons, Weather & Crowds
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Scenery | Cost | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Mild, gradually warmer; occasional late showers | Moderate; rising | Rhododendron blooms, green landscapes | Moderate | Good (roads open) |
| Monsoon (Jun–Aug) | Hot, very wet (heavy rains Jun–Jul) | Very low | Lush green, waterfalls; often misty | Low | Poor (landslides, closed roads) |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Best: clear, cool (low rain Oct–Nov) | Very High | Stunning panoramic views | High (peak season) | Excellent (dry roads) |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold, dry; clear days, frosty nights | Low | Crisp snowy mountain vistas | Low | Good (minor fog possible) |
If you are travelling in Spring, try to extend your trek to Poon Hill. The trail from Ghandruk to Ghorepani passes through dense rhododendron forest. You can see red, pink and white rhododendrons. The trail looks the most beautiful around that time. You don't want to miss it.
How to Get to Ghandruk from Pokhara & Kathmandu
Welcome gate at the entrance to Ghandruk village.
Pokhara to Ghandruk: Jeep, Bus & Travel Time
It takes around 2.5-5 hours drive to reach Ghandruk from Pokhara. The travel time depends mostly on the road condition and mode of transport. You can reach there by public bus or private/shared jeep.
Jeep is the fastest and reliable option to reach to Ghandruk. You can take the jeep from Harichowk, Pokhara. It costs around NPR 6,000 - 10,000, for a full private jeep and around NPR 650 - 1000 per person for a shared jeep. The cost varies based on season and demand.
| Destination | Jeep Price From Pokhara Counter | Jeep Price From Pokhara Lakeside |
|---|---|---|
| Ghandruk | NPR 6,000 | NPR 7,000 |
| Banthanti | NPR 8,000 | NPR 8,000 |
| Nayapool | NPR 4,000 | NPR 4,500 |
| Tikhedhunga | NPR 5,500 | NPR 6,000 |
| Jhinu Danda | NPR 7,000 | NPR 7,500 |
The fare given above is from the board of jeep fare displayed at Harichowk, Pokhara during my recent visit at 2026. Jeep price change over time, so you can take it as a reference.
Public bus is the cheapest option to reach Ghandruk. You can take the bus either from Baglung bus park or Harichowk, Pokhara. It costs around NPR 450 - 500 per person. The only downside is that it takes more time to reach Ghandruk by bus than the jeep.
If you want to trek instead of direct drive to the Ghandruk. Look for our Ghandruk Trek page to get the full route, cost, and itinerary.
The bus and jeep don't go to Ghandruk village directly, they usually stop at Ghandruk Bus park or Kimche. After that you have to walk for 30-45 minutes to reach the Ghandruk village.
Current Road Condition: The road is fully paved up to Nayapul, after that its mixed of offroad and paved. Past Siwai, it's mostly offroad.
Kathmandu to Ghandruk Distance & Route
There isn't a direct bus from Kathmandu to Ghandruk. So, standard routes go via Kathmandu to Pokhara then Ghandruk. You can either take a flight from Kathmandu which takes around 25 minutes or Tourist Bus which takes around 6-9 hours to reach Pokhara.
The fare of domestic flight costs around NPR 5,500 to 17,000 per person. Nepali and Indian citizens needs to pay lesser than other countries.
Tourist Bus costs NPR 1,000 - 2,500. The bus usually leaves around 7:00 am. The main departure point is usually Sorhakhutte, near Thamel. You have to get there by 6:30 am for check in and loading luggage.
If you use flight, then you can reach Ghandruk in one day from Kathmandu. Just take the earliest flight to Pokhara, hire a jeep from Pokhara to Kimche, then 1-2 hours of hike to Ghandruk. On a good road condition and weather, you can reach Ghandruk at around mid day.
Permits & Entry Costs for Ghandruk
Sample ACAP entry permit for the Annapurna region.
ACAP Permit : What You Need & Where to Get Them
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP) is mandatory for Ghandruk as it lies inside ACA territory. TIMS card is no longer mandatory as only ACAP is checked at checkpoints.
ACAP costs NPR 100 for Nepali citizens, NPR 1,000 for SAARC, NPR 3,000 for Foreigners and no cost for children below 10 years.
Get your ACAP from Nepal Tourism Board Office from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Getting it directly from Birethanti checkpoint, will cost you more than the usual rate.
Documents required for ACAP permit
- Two passport size photos
- Original passport + photocopy
- Permit fee in Nepalese rupees
Things to Do in Ghandruk
The Old Gurung Museum in Ghandruk
Sunrise & Annapurna Mountain Views
When travelling to Ghandruk plan a overnight stay as early morning mountains views are the best. Wake up at around 5:00 am, to catch the sunrise. Embrace how the mountain changes color to golden orange as the sunrise hits the mountains.
Gurung Museum Visit & Traditional Gurung Dress Rental
If you are interested in Gurung culture, then definitely visit Old Gurung Museum. The entry fee for the museum is NPR 100. The museum is built on the traditional gurung cottage.
You can observe many traditional artifacts that reflect the Gurung community's way of life. Some of them include the Dhiki (traditional rice pounding tool), Theki (wooden butter churning vessel), Wooden alcohol storage container, Medhali (bow and arrow), Doko (wooden bamboo basket), and Gagri (water vessel). Many of the artifacts are labelled in English for foreign visitors.
Renting Traditional Gurung Dress for photos and videos is common in Ghandruk. It costs around NPR 300 - 400 per hour. You get full attire and ornaments used by Gurung people.
Traditional Local Food in Ghandruk
There are lots of local foods you can try in Ghandruk like Dal Bhat, Dhindo, Gundruk, Sel Roti, Thukpa, Aloo Tama, Gurung Bread, and other seasonal vegetables.
You must try Gurung Bread with tarkari (vegetable curry) for breakfast and dal bhat for lunch. Highly recommended!
Many guesthouses like Simon Guest House offers local chicken for around NPR 3500. You will get two dish : chicken gravy and chicken jhol(chicken broth).
If you are planning with family or friends, they also offer chicken BBQ for NPR 800 per kg. You can gather in fire around BBQ, listen to music and enjoy the night. Please note that music and loud noise are not allowed after 10:00 pm.
Visit Meshrom Baraha Temple
It takes around 45 minutes - 1 hour hike to reach the temple from the old Ghandruk village. The temple is dedicated to Varaha (Boar), third incarnation of Lord Vishnu an important diety in Hinduism.
The temple provides peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings. So, if you got time definitely a must go place for people visiting Ghandruk.
Where to Stay in Ghandruk
Ghandruk provides lots of options for accommodation. From basic teahouses to more comfortable lodges. Homestay is also available and one of the best way to get a glimpse about how the people live their life in the villages of Nepal.
You usually don't need to book in advance. You can just pick one after you reach the village. But, if you are going in peak season advance booking is recommended otherwise you may have to comprise on the facility.
In Ghandruk, accommodation usually costs less if you choose to eat at the same place you are staying. The package costs around NPR 1000-2500 per day where you can get room, breakfast and dinner(usually of choice from menu).
You can expect clean and comfortable rooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, and cozy dining areas as the basic facility.
