Kaski, Gandaki · Nepal
Ghandruk Loop
A short, low-altitude teahouse loop through Gurung villages below the Annapurna South face.
Ghandruk Loop is an easy–moderate trek in Kaski, Gandaki, Nepal, reaching 1,940 m. The best time to go is February to April and October to December. Plan 4 to 5 days on the ground from Pokhara and about ₹2,800 per person per day.
What to do in Ghandruk Loop
The one thing not to miss
Ghandruk
A large Gurung village of stone lanes, facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
- 2The village museumA small house museum of Gurung life.
- 3Jhinu Danda hot springsBy the river, a short detour.
- 4LandrukThe village across the valley, linked by a long descent and climb.
A sample plan: 3 days
Day 1
Pokhara to Kimche by road, then walk up to Ghandruk
A short climb.
Day 2
Ghandruk to Landruk
Down to the river and up the other side; hot springs at Jhinu on the way.
Day 3
Landruk to Dhampus or the roadhead, and Pokhara
An easy last day.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
The best three-to-five day trek in Nepal for a family — villages, views and no altitude risk.
Why not
Popular with domestic Nepali groups on weekends; can be busy.
Before you go
- Permits
- ACAP permit. Check current guide rules.
- Guide
- Check current rules.
- Safety
- Thousands of stone steps — trekking poles help enormously.
- Phone & internet
- Wi-Fi in most Ghandruk teahouses.
Permits, food and festivals in Nepal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: Tourist Police, Pokhara, Pokhara.
All emergency contacts for Nepal →What to pack for Ghandruk Loop
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
11 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 30 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
11 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
- Duffel bag, 60–80 litres What porters carry on teahouse treks; your day pack stays with you.
Health and sun
8 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
Documents and money
5 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesIndians need a passport or voter ID to enter Nepal; other nationals need a passport and visa.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsACAP permit. Check current guide rules.
- Indian ₹100 notes, or Nepali rupees₹100 notes are the safest Indian currency to carry in Nepal; larger notes are not always accepted. Change money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trail.
- Passport-size photos for trekking permitsNeeded for park and trekking permits. Carry four.
Phone and power
3 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereWi-Fi in most Ghandruk teahouses.
- Universal travel adapter Nepal's sockets differ from India's in many lodges.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Nepal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Pokhara.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- No. Take a 4×4 or a local taxi. Beyond Nayapul the track is rough; local jeeps are the usual choice.
By road
From
Pokhara
- Distance
- about 55 km
- Drive time
- 2.5–3 hours
- Pokhara
- Nayapul
- Birethanti
- Kimche
From Kimche it is a short climb to Ghandruk.
Live directions from Pokhara
Buses and shared taxis. Tourist buses and flights link Kathmandu and Pokhara daily. From India, the Sunauli border is the usual way in. Local buses and jeeps run to Kimche.
Pickups & drivers
From Pokhara. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Ghandruk Loop yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Ghandruk Loop: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Ghandruk Loop?
The best months for Ghandruk Loop are February to April and October to December. January, May and September are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in January.
How difficult is Ghandruk Loop?
Ghandruk Loop is rated easy–moderate. The trek is about 30 km in total, starting at 1,070 m and reaching 1,940 m.
How many days do you need for Ghandruk Loop?
Plan 4 to 5 days on the ground, counted from Pokhara. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Ghandruk Loop cost?
Expect about ₹2,800 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹14,000 for 5 days, before the cost of getting to Pokhara.
How do you reach Ghandruk Loop?
By road: from Pokhara it is about 55 km, 2.5–3 hours (Pokhara → Nayapul → Birethanti → Kimche). Tourist buses and flights link Kathmandu and Pokhara daily. From India, the Sunauli border is the usual way in. Local buses and jeeps run to Kimche. The nearest gateway is Pokhara.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Ghandruk Loop?
Permits: ACAP permit. Check current guide rules. Guide: Check current rules.
Is Ghandruk Loop suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is great; with seniors it is good. It is moderately busy in season. Thousands of stone steps — trekking poles help enormously.
What should you pack for Ghandruk Loop?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Ghandruk Loop?
Wi-Fi in most Ghandruk teahouses.
Who should not go to Ghandruk Loop?
Ghandruk Loop suits most travellers, including children and senior citizens. The one drawback to know about: Popular with domestic Nepali groups on weekends; can be busy.
Close to Ghandruk Loop
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Ghorepani Poon Hillabout 12 km
- Mardi Himalabout 13 km
- Annapurna Base Campabout 18 km
- Pokharaabout 24 km
More in Pokhara & Annapurna
- Annapurna Base Camp4,130 mcompare
- Annapurna Circuit5,416 mcompare
- Ghorepani Poon Hill3,210 mcompare
- Mardi Himal4,500 mcompare
- Nar Phu Valley5,320 mcompare
- Pokhara1,600 mcompare