Ghandruk Village | Besisahar

Ghandruk is a major model village in the Kaski District of Nepal, situated at an altitude of 1,940 meters (6,365 feet). It is the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal and serves as a primary hub for the Annapurna-base-camp_besisahar" class="underline">Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Poon Hill treks.

Visual Characteristics

The village is defined by its traditional dry-stone masonry houses with slate roofs and neatly paved stone alleyways. It is perched on a steep hillside, offering one of the most iconic, close-up views of Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993m). The surrounding landscape features tiered agricultural terraces and dense rhododendron forests.

Location & Access Logistics

Access: * Road: A 3–4 hour drive from Pokhara to the Ghandruk bus park via Nayapul.

Trek: A 1-hour walk from the road head or a 5–6 hour trek from Nayapul for those avoiding vehicles.

Permits: Requires the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS card.

Connectivity: Stable 4G (Ncell/NTC) and widespread Wi-Fi in lodges.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Ghandruk is the cultural heartland of the Gurung (Tamu) people, an ethnic group famous for their service as Gorkha soldiers in the British and Indian armies. The village is a centerpiece of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), serving as a successful model for eco-tourism and community-based conservation.

Key Highlights & Activities

Old Gurung Museum: A traditional stone house displaying historical artifacts, tools, and clothing that detail the Gurung way of life.

Traditional Dress Experience: Visitors can rent and wear traditional Gurung attire for photographs against the mountain backdrop.

Honey Hunting: Occasionally, traditional cliffside honey hunting can be observed in the surrounding hills (seasonal).

Gurung Culture: Evening cultural programs featuring "Rodhi" (traditional singing and dancing) are common in many lodges.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Lodging: Highly developed; ranges from basic teahouses to upscale boutique lodges like Himalayan Lodge.

Dining: Known for high-quality Dal Bhat and local specialties like "Kodo ko Raksi" (millet wine).

Public Services: Features a health post, a secondary school, and ACAP's regional headquarters.

Best Time to Visit

March–April: Peak rhododendron bloom and moderate temperatures.

October–November: Exceptional mountain clarity post-monsoon.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Sunny days and cold nights; fewer crowds and unobstructed views.

Facts & Legends

A technical feature of Ghandruk is its sophisticated community-managed water and waste system, which has made it a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Nepal. Local legend says the village was founded by three brothers who migrated from the north, and the village’s layout was specifically designed to be defensive, with narrow alleys that could be easily guarded.

Nearby Landmarks

Chhomrong – 10km North (Next major stop for ABC)

Landruk – 4km East (Visible across the Modi Khola valley)

Tadapani – 7km West (Route toward Ghorepani)

Modi Khola River – Flows at the base of the village valley