Trekking · Ghandruk
Kimche Trailhead for Ghandruk
The road-head below Ghandruk where the jeep drive ends and the short walk up to the village begins.
- Address
- Kimche, below Ghandruk, Kaski, Gandaki Province
Kimche is the main road-head and trailhead below Ghandruk — the point where the rough jeep road from Pokhara ends and the short, steady walk up to the Gurung village begins. For most visitors who are not arriving on a longer trek, Kimche is the practical gateway to Ghandruk: drive in, then climb the stone steps to the slate-roofed houses above.
What to expect
The road from Pokhara runs via Nayapul and the Modi Khola valley to a rough, climbing track that ends at Kimche. Here you will find a small cluster of teahouses and a knot of parked jeeps, and the start of the stone staircase that switchbacks up to Ghandruk. The walk takes roughly one to one and a half hours, gaining a few hundred metres through terraced fields and woodland with views opening as you climb. Porters and the occasional mule train can be arranged at the road-head if you would rather not carry packs.
In dry conditions a bumpy road continues beyond Kimche almost to the village, and some jeeps push on up. But the surface is rough and not always passable, so many travellers prefer to stop at Kimche and enjoy the short walk-in — a gentle introduction to the trails that thread the lower Annapurnas. For full logistics, see how to get to Ghandruk.
Good to know
- Permits: Carry your ACAP permit and TIMS card if trekking; checks happen on these trails.
- Time: Allow about 60–90 minutes uphill from Kimche to Ghandruk.
- Tip: Start the climb in the cooler morning hours, and confirm jeep return times if day-tripping.
- Onward: From Ghandruk the trail network spreads to Tadapani, Ghorepani and Chhomrong.
How it fits your visit
Kimche is the threshold to the Gurung stone village and the wider Annapurna trail network, which links onward via the ridge of Komrong Danda. For the bigger picture, read up on the Annapurna region treks, see the top things to do in Ghandruk, or start with the Ghandruk travel guide.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Kimche?+
Kimche is the road-head and trailhead below Ghandruk, where the rough jeep road from Pokhara via Nayapul ends and walkers continue uphill on foot to the village. It is the most common starting point for a short walk-in to Ghandruk.
How long is the walk from Kimche to Ghandruk?+
It is a steady uphill walk of roughly one to one and a half hours on stone steps and trail, climbing a few hundred metres. Most reasonably fit visitors manage it comfortably, and porters can be hired at the road-head.
Can you drive all the way to Ghandruk?+
A rough road climbs beyond Kimche almost to Ghandruk in dry conditions, but it is bumpy and not always passable. Many travellers drive to Kimche and walk the final stretch, which is the more reliable and scenic option.
Is Kimche the start of the Poon Hill or ABC trek?+
It is one of the common access points. From Ghandruk above Kimche you can join the Ghorepani–Poon Hill loop via Tadapani or head toward Chhomrong and Annapurna Base Camp, making Kimche a practical gateway to both.
