This is an ideal trip for those who do not wish to gain much height and still would like to experience Adventure in the Himalayas and feel the hospitality of Nepal’s rural communities.
Max. Elevation : 1950m | Grade : |
Best season : Sep-Dec&Feb-Jun | Type of trek : Tea house/Lodging |
Duration : 09 Days | Starting point : Pokhara |
Ending point : Kathmandu | Highlights : Culture/Nature |
For those restricted with time for a longer trek, the Ghandruk trek can just prove to be an ideal trip into the Nepalese mid hills. Situated at 1950 meters above the sea level, Ghandruk is a small village of Gurung people and lies some 300 km north west of Pokhara city. The village has a population of roughly 9,000 people living in 1200 individual households. With easy trekking trails and a number of excellent accommodation facilities, Ghandruk provides good alternative to other longer Annapurna treks with dramatic views of the Himalayas including Mt. Annapurna and Machapuchare.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (1300m/4264ft) and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: After breakfast we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley’s cultural, historical, religious and world heritage sites. During the course, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also observe the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath Stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith which also is the largest of its kind in the world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird’s eye view of whole of Kathmandu valley. Following this we then proceed for a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site. The whole area of Kathmandu Durbar Square is dotted with numerous fascinating Nepalese architect dating back many centuries. The site is also the home of Nepal’s living Goddess – Kumari, where we will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique Nepali tradition. In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure with live Nepalese culture shows.
Day 03: Fly (35min) to Pokhara (915m) and rest of the day is at leisure: After an early breakfast you will be transferred from the hotel to Kathmandu domestic airport for the flight to Pokhara where, on a clear day there are superb views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Mt. Fishtail and the five peaks of Annapurnas from the flight. As we stay overnight in Pokhara today, there will be plenty of time for us to explore this charming city. Situated some 200 km west of Kathmandu Pokhara is a rare combination of long arrays of snowclad peaks, crystal clear lakes, and turbulent rivers, with deep gorges and picturesque villages inhabited by simple and friendly people. Its peaceful lakeside location and proximity to the Annapurna mountain range makes it an ideal place for the visitors to organize their travel plan around the region. Three out of the ten highest mountains in the world can be viewed very closely from here. With colorful boats sailing through the lake water, smiling villagers and an air of peace and relaxation, compared to the chaos of Kathmandu, Pokhara also provides a relief to its visitors.
Day 04: Pokhara - Tikhedhunga (1577m):
After an early breakfast, we drive to Nayapul (1050m) from where we actually set our foot on the trail via Birethanti (1065m) till we reach Tirkhedhunga for an overnight. From Nayapul it is about 5 hours walk to Tirkhedhunga.
Day 05: Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani (2855m.)
Today we could ascend down gently passing through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti, Magar villages. On the way, one could see majestic view of Machhapuchhre (6997m.), Huinchuli (6441m.), and Annapurna South (7219m.). Overnight at Ghorepani.
Day 06: Ghorepani to Punhill (3180m.) and then to Tadapani (2675m.)
Today we trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill and then to Tadapani . We cover the distance within five and half hours of normal trek. Early morning, we start our trip to Punhill (3180m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and numerous other snowcapped mountain peaks. Having breakfast at Ghorepani, we then trek to Tadapani through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En route, one can observe waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, birds and green valleys. Overnight at Tadapani.
Day 07: Tadapani - Ghandruk (1950m.)
Comparatively, today is the easiest trek of all days. One has to trek through the forests of Rhododendron and oak One could hear soothing chirp of birds on the way. This trek also offers best alternative for birds lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum. From this village you could observe good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. In the evening, typical Gurung Cultural program will be organized on request.
Day 08: Ghandruk - Pothana (1990m.)
The first part of our trek is quite steep up to Kimbu (Bee hive in Gurung language). Kimbu is situated at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. One has to ascend following the stone staircase to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for nearly two hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From here, one can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now the rest of the trail descends gently down to Dhampus passing through Pothana village (1900m.). Overnight at Pothana.
Day 09: Pothana - Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) - Pokhara
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi which takes about four hours. The trail descends gradually for at least an hour and follows gravel road for two hours and then descend to Phedi passing through Dhampus village. Upon arrival at Dhampus Phedi, we take a vehicle to reach Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 10: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. After a normal drive of seven hours, we reach Kathmandu. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 11: Final departure
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