Gandaki Province, Nepal
Ghandruk Travel Guide
A stone-built Gurung village high in the Annapurna foothills of Kaski, famous for its grandstand views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre and as a gateway to the Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp treks.
Ghandruk is a stone-built Gurung village clinging to the southern slopes of the Annapurna massif in Kaski district, prized for its slate-roofed houses, flagstone lanes and a grandstand panorama of Annapurna South and the unmistakable spire of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Sitting around 1,940 metres, it is one of the largest and most photogenic Gurung settlements in Nepal — a tidy amphitheatre of terraced fields and old homesteads with the high Himalaya filling the skyline.
The village is the cultural heart of the region. Wander the stepped streets of old Gurung stone houses, then learn the story behind them at the small Gurung Museum and our guide to Ghandruk's Gurung culture, which gather the dress, tools and Gurkha history of this hill community. Climb to the upper village for the classic Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre viewpoint, and stitch the highlights together with our pick of the top things to do in Ghandruk.
Ghandruk is also a celebrated trailhead and trekking hub. It is a key stop on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and a much-loved gateway to Annapurna Base Camp and the wider Annapurna routes, with the Kimche trailhead and the ridge of Komrong Danda linking it onward to Tadapani and Chhomrong. Even without a long trek, you can drive up from Pokhara and stay a night to soak in the mountains and Gurung hospitality.
To plan your visit, see how to get to Ghandruk, where to stay in Ghandruk and the best time to visit Ghandruk. For broader context, dip into the best places to visit in Nepal and Nepal's most beautiful villages. Below are our picks for what to see and do.
Where to stay in Ghandruk
Sights & attractions in Ghandruk
Trekking & treks in Ghandruk
What to do in Ghandruk
Getting around in Ghandruk
Plan your trip in Ghandruk
Frequently asked questions
Is Ghandruk worth visiting?+
Yes — Ghandruk is one of the most scenic and accessible Gurung villages in the Annapurna region, with stone-paved lanes, traditional slate-roofed houses and a head-on view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. It rewards both day visitors and trekkers passing through.
How do you get to Ghandruk?+
Most travellers reach Ghandruk from Pokhara — a roughly two to three hour drive by jeep or bus to the Kimche trailhead, then a short walk up, or a longer rough road that climbs almost to the village. Many arrive on foot as part of a trek.
How high is Ghandruk?+
Ghandruk sits at about 1,940 metres (6,360 feet) in the Annapurna foothills of Kaski district. The altitude is comfortable for most visitors, though the surrounding trekking routes climb much higher into the mountains.
What treks start or pass through Ghandruk?+
Ghandruk is a key village on the Ghorepani–Poon Hill loop and a popular gateway to Annapurna Base Camp. Shorter routes link it to Komrong Danda, Tadapani and Chhomrong, making it a hub of the lower Annapurna trail network.
Can you visit Ghandruk without trekking?+
Yes — you can reach Ghandruk by jeep from Pokhara and stay overnight in the village without doing a multi-day trek. It is one of the easiest places to experience Gurung mountain culture and big Annapurna views with minimal walking.