Ghandruk

About this place

Ghandruk is a traditional Gurung village on a mountainside north-west of Pokhara and one of the loveliest stops on the Annapurna routes. Its stone houses step down the slope before huge snow peaks, drawing walkers and families who want mountain views and a glimpse of village life without going very high. The village lies at 2,012 m, most of its people are Gurung, and it is a stop on several routes including the way to Annapurna Base Camp. It has the Gurung Cultural Museum, the Meshram Baraha temple and a school of the same name. The museum gives you an idea of local Gurung culture. You walk along narrow stone paths between houses with slate roofs, with terraced fields and woodpiles in front of you. Above the valley rise Annapurna South at 7,219 m, Machapuchare at 6,993 m, Hiunchuli at 6,411 m and Gangapurna at 7,455 m. The light is finest at dawn, when smoke may rise from the kitchens into the cold morning air. It is about 25 km in a straight line from Pokhara, and Wikipedia gives about 32 km. Visitors reach it by jeep for part of the way and then on foot, or as part of a longer trek. There are many family guesthouses. Treat residents with respect and ask before photographing people and children. March to May and October to November are the best times.