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It is one of the shortest treks in the Annapurna region
The main aim of this trek is to visit one of the most beautiful Gurung villages Ghandruk. It is located on an elevation of (1090m) and you can witness the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Fish Tail.
Dhampus to Ghandruk Village trekking is one of the best of the Annapurna treks which starts from Nayapul and ends at Phedi. It is one of the shortest treks in the Annapurna region. The main aim of this trek is to visit one of the most beautiful Gurung villages Ghandruk. It is located at an elevation of (2012m) and you can witness the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail).
It is a huge Gurung village where you can visit the old and new Gurung museum which shows the real culture of the Gurung Community. Gurung is one of the ethnic groups of Nepal and they have their distinct language and customs. They are known as Gorkhali because most of the British armies are from their community.
This trek goes along the tiny villages of Syauli Bazar, Landruk, Tolkha, Pothana, and Dhampus. You can behold the excellent view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail, Annapurna III, Lamjung Himal, and the entire Pokhara Valley. The unique culture of Gurung and Magar, different sorts of flora and fauna, and the green view of the rural areas of Nepal and Pokhara Valley are the main attractions of this trek. The best season is from August to May.
Drive to Nayapul (1070m) which takes one and a half hours and trek to Ghandruk through the beautiful countryside with a panoramic view of Mt. Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Gangapurna. The way gently climbs up from Syauli Bazar and finally arrives at Ghandruk which takes around 6/7 hours.
Ghandruk is a huge Gurung village from where the trail descends to Kyumi Bridge and a short climb to Landruk. It is one of the most beautiful villages. From here, we continue to Tolka with the beautiful scenery of the green countryside. We spent a night there.
On the next day, we started the trek after breakfast. The way goes through dense forest and finally arrives at Deurali. From the trail continue through the green jungle to Pothana and arrive at the Australian camp at last. Australian Camp is a beautiful village best known for its sunrise, sunset, and view of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and beautiful green hills. We stayed there for a night.
Then catch the transportation drive to Pokhara and transfer to a hotel (Breakfast will be served at Tea House Lodge restaurant). All the way follows a gradual descent to the final point Phedi. You will pass many cultural hamlets and their hill-terraced traditional Farmland. At the ending place, you will be picked up by transport and driven to Pokhara for lunch and rest overnight at a hotel.
Bonus Highlight: Wildlife Spotting
Chance to see langur monkeys, Himalayan birds, and butterflies along the trail.
Starting Point: Phedi or Dhampus (1–2 hrs drive from Pokhara).
Ending Point: Ghandruk (return via Nayapul or loop back to Pokhara).
Day 1: Pokhara → Phedi (drive) → Trek to Dhampus (1.5–2 hrs).
Day 2: Dhampus → Pothana → Landruk (5–6 hrs).
Day 3: Landruk → Ghandruk (3–4 hrs).
Day 4: Ghandruk → Nayapul (4–5 hrs) → Drive to Pokhara.
Start: Phedi (1-hour drive from Pokhara).
Day 1: Phedi → Dhampus (1.5–2 hrs trek).
Day 2: Dhampus → Australian Camp → Pothana → Landruk (5–6 hrs).
Day 3: Landruk → Ghandruk (3–4 hrs).
End: Ghandruk → Nayapul (4–5 hrs) → Drive to Pokhara.
Kande (Via Australian Camp – Popular Route)
Start: Kande (1.5-hour drive from Pokhara).
Day 1: Kande → Australian Camp (1–1.5 hrs steep climb).
Day 2: Australian Camp → Pothana → Landruk (4–5 hrs).
Day 3: Landruk → Ghandruk (3–4 hrs).
End: Ghandruk → Nayapul → Pokhara.
Australian Camp Direct (Short & Scenic)
Start: Drive to Australian Camp (private jeep from Pokhara).
Day 1: Explore Australian Camp (sunset/sunrise views).
Day 2: Australian Camp → Landruk (4–5 hrs).
Day 3: Landruk → Ghandruk (3–4 hrs).
End: Return via Nayapul or extend to Tadapani.
Nayapul (Classic Annapurna Route)
Start: Nayapul (2-hour drive from Pokhara).
Day 1: Nayapul → Birethanti → Ghandruk (5–6 hrs).
Day 2: Ghandruk → Landruk → Tolka (optional).
Day 3: Tolka → Australian Camp → Kande (loop back).
Key Variations & Highlights
Which Route to Choose?
Phedi → Dhampus → Ghandruk | 3–4 days | Easy-Moderate | First-timers |
Kande → Australian Camp → Ghandruk | 3 days | Moderate | Scenic views |
Australian Camp Direct → Ghandruk | 2–3 days | Easy | Short & sweet |
Nayapul → Ghandruk Loop | 4–5 days | Moderate | Extended trek |
Risk: Low (Ghandruk is only 2,010m).
Precautions:
Himalayan Front Hotel
Attached Bathroom: Yes (hot water included).
Perks: Stunning Annapurna views, clean rooms, cozy dining area.
Australian Camp Guest House
Attached Bathroom: Some rooms (confirm when booking).
Perks: Friendly hosts, great sunrise views.
Dhampus Peak Lodge
Attached Bathroom: Yes (24-hour solar hot water).
Perks: Spacious rooms, mountain-facing balconies.
Gurung Cottage
Attached Bathroom: Yes (hot shower).
Perks: Authentic Gurung hospitality, rooftop terrace.
Sunset Lodge
Attached Bathroom: Yes (electric-heated water).
Perks: Quiet location, great food.
Himalaya Lodge
Attached Bathroom: Yes (reliable hot water).
Perks: Best views of Annapurna South, cozy fireplace lounge.
Ghandruk Guest House
Attached Bathroom: Yes (solar-heated water).
Perks: Central location, clean and modern.
Type: Eco-luxury resort with private villas.
Features:
Best For: Honeymooners or travelers seeking luxury before/after the trek.
Location: Ghandruk village.
Type: Boutique family-run lodge with upgraded facilities.
Features:
Best For: Trekkers wanting comfort in Ghandruk.
Location: Australian Camp.
Type: Mid-range luxury with premium services.
Features:
Best For: Sunrise photographers and comfort seekers.
Location: Landruk village (between Dhampus & Ghandruk).
Type: High-end lodge chain.
Features:
Best For: Peaceful luxury in a traditional village.
Feature | Budget Teahouse | Mid-Range Lodge | Luxury Lodges |
Price/Night | Below USD 10 | USD 20-40 | USD 100–400+ |
Bathroom | Shared (cold water) | Private (hot water) | Private (hot shower) |
Room Quality | Basic wooden beds | Clean, comfy beds | Heated, premium linens |
Food | Breakfast: Porridge, toast, eggs, Tibetan bread, tea/coffee.
Lunch/Dinner: Dal Bhat (lentil soup + rice), noodles, pasta, momos, soups. |
As per your choice, Eg: Pasta, pizza, better coffee |
As per your choice, Eg: Gourmet / International |
Designed for travelers who prefer shorter walking days (2–4 hours/day), comfortable stays, and scenic drives to minimize exertion while maximizing Himalayan views and cultural experiences.
Theme: “Slow-Paced Comfort in the Annapurna Foothills”
Day 1: Pokhara → Drive to Australian Camp (Sunset Magic)
Morning: Private jeep transfer from Pokhara to Kande (1.5 hrs).
Trek: Gentle 1-hour uphill walk to Australian Camp (2,050m).
Stay: Himalayan Front Hotel (private bathroom, mountain-view balcony).
Highlight: Sunset over Annapurna South with champagne!
Day 2: Australian Camp → Landruk (Easy Descent)
Trek: 2–3 hours downhill via Pothana and Deurali to Landruk (1,560m).
Stay: Ker & Downey Lodge Landruk (luxury rooms, hot showers, garden seating).
Highlight: Gurung cultural dinner with local dance (optional).
Day 3: Landruk → Ghandruk (Short Riverside Walk)
Trek: 2.5 hours along the Modi Khola River to Ghandruk (2,010m).
Stay: Himalaya Lodge (deluxe room with fireplace, attached bathroom).
Highlight: Visit the Gurung Museum and relax with a hot stone massage.
Day 4: Ghandruk Exploration (Zero Trekking Day)
Morning: Sunrise yoga session with Annapurna views.
Activity: Guided village tour (traditional homes, weaving demo).
Stay: Second night at Himalaya Lodge.
Day 5: Ghandruk → Nayapul → Pokhara (Jeep Option)
Option 1 (Trek + Drive): 2-hour gentle walk to Kimche → Private jeep to Pokhara (1.5 hrs).
Option 2 (No Trek): Direct jeep from Ghandruk to Pokhara (3 hrs, bumpy but scenic).
Heli-Trek Combo:
Day 1: Pokhara → Heli to Ghandruk (15 mins). Stay 2 nights, explore village.
Day 3: Heli return or jeep to Pokhara.
Pokhara-Based Day Trips:
Drive to Australian Camp for lunch/sunset → Return same day.
Q: Is a guide necessary?
A: Not mandatory, but helpful for navigation/culture.
Q: Can solo trekkers join groups?
A: Yes, teahouses are social; or join organized tours.
Q: Phone network?
A: Ncell/NTC work sporadically; WiFi is paid.
Q: Is it safe for beginners?
A: Yes, but fitness helps for stone steps/long walks.
Q: Wildlife sightings?
A: Possible: monkeys, birds, occasional langurs.
Q: Can I start from Pokhara directly?
A: No, you need to drive to Phedi/Kande/Nayapul (1–2 hrs).
Q: Is Australian Camp worth adding?
A: Yes! Best mountain views and cozy lodges.
Q: Which route has fewer stairs?
A: Kande → Australian Camp has fewer steps than Phedi → Dhampus.
Q: Can I end at Kimche instead of Nayapul?
A: Yes, Kimche has jeeps to Pokhara (saves trekking time).
Q: Is a guide needed for these routes?
A: Not mandatory, but helpful for navigation in loop trails.
Q: Are there hotels with attached bathrooms and hot showers on this trek?
A: Yes! Mid-range and luxury lodges like Himalayan Front Hotel (Australian Camp), Himalaya Lodge (Ghandruk), and Ker & Downey Lodges (Landruk) offer private bathrooms, 24/7 hot water, and comfortable beds. Budget teahouses may charge extra for hot showers.
Q: Can I book accommodations in advance?
A: Yes, especially in peak season (Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr). Luxury lodges require advance reservations. Your guide/agency can arrange this.
Q: Are there electric blankets or heaters in rooms?
A: Most luxury lodges provide heaters or extra blankets. Budget teahouses rely on thick quilts—ask for a “deluxe room” for better comfort.
Q: What’s the best way to reach the trek start point from Pokhara?
A: Private jeep (most comfortable) to Phedi (1 hr) or Kande (1.5 hrs) or Nayapul (2 hrs)
Q: Can I skip trekking entirely and use vehicles?
A: Partially! You can:
Drive to Australian Camp (via Kande, then 1-hr walk).
Jeep from Ghandruk to Kimche/Nayapul (bumpy but saves walking).
Q: Are roads safe for seniors?
A: Roads are rough but manageable in a 4WD jeep. Avoid monsoon (June–Aug) due to landslides.
Q: What cultural activities can I do in Ghandruk?
A: Visit the Gurung Museum (traditional costumes, weapons).
Attend a local dance performance (arranged by lodges).
Try Gurung cuisine: dal bhat, gundruk (fermented greens), and raksi (local alcohol).
Q: Can I participate in a homestay?
A: Yes! Gurung Cottage (Ghandruk) and Landruk homestays offer authentic experiences. Book ahead.
Q: Are villages wheelchair-friendly?
A: No—trails have stone steps and uneven paths. Seniors with mobility issues should opt for jeep/heli access.
Q: Are there yoga retreats or sessions along the trek?
A: Yes!
Q: Can I meditate in the mountains?
A: Absolutely! Silent spots:
Q: Is altitude sickness a risk?
A: Minimal (max altitude: 2,010m). Seniors should still:
Q: What if I get tired during the trek?
A: Options:
Q: Are there pharmacies or doctors on the trail?
A: Basic clinics in Ghandruk/Landruk. Carry medications, knee braces, and a first-aid kit.
Q: Can I get vegetarian/vegan food?
A: Yes! Teahouses serve:
Q: Is bottled water available?
A: Yes ($1–$3/bottle), but reduce plastic use by:
Q: Packing Tips for Seniors?
A: Must-Haves: Trekking poles, knee sleeves, slip-proof shoes, and a small daypack.
Q: When is the least crowded time?
A: December–February (cold but clear) or September (post-monsoon greenery). Avoid monsoon (June–Aug).
Q: How cold does it get at night?
A: 5–10°C (41–50°F) in autumn/spring. Luxury lodges provide heaters/extra blankets.
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