Do You Want to Explore the Charm of Ghandruk? Here’s How You Can Take Your Journey from Kathmandu

Ghandruk, a picturesque Nepalese village nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, had long captured my attention through Instagram reels. The experience of getting dressed in traditional Gurung costumes, the enchanting close-up views of the Himalayas, and the promise of tranquility made it a must-visit destination on my Nepal itinerary.

For many trekkers in the Annapurna region, Ghandruk marks the final stop on their descent from popular trails like the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) or the Poonhill trek. However, for those not embarking on a trek or facing unexpected changes in plans, like my own unfortunate knee injury just days before my trek, this guide is here to help you reach this serene village from Kathmandu. 

✈️ 🚌 🚗 Kathmandu to Pokhara:

First things first, let's talk about getting to Pokhara, a popular tourist destination in Nepal. A quick Google search will reveal that flying is the fastest option, taking approximately 30 minutes. Multiple airlines operate frequent flights throughout the day. 

You can also opt for the classic road trip, taking a bus that typically takes ~ 7-8 hours. Spoiler alert: my bus adventure turned into a ~10-hour odyssey due to some road construction. There are multiple tourist bus options you can select from, ranging from standard to luxurious (VIP tourist bus, anyone?). You can secure your seat through your hotel in Kathmandu or online. Many tour agencies operate buses daily from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the morning and at night. The morning buses leave the tourist bus station in Kathmandu at 7 AM. I arrived a bit early around 6 AM, checked a few buses, and hopped on board to a one that I thought would provide a comfy ride with sofa seats, legroom, charging points, and AC. Worth noting: the cost difference between buses is minimal, maxing out at $5. My pro-tip? Go for a VIP sofa bus for that extra comfort on the long ride. Personally, I didn’t encounter any issues on this journey, and I didn’t find it uncomfortable or unsafe as a solo female traveler.

On my way back from Pokhara to Kathmandu, I opted for a flight as I wanted to reduce travel time and experience the country and culture more. If your budget allows, you can opt for this at least one way, as you would fly above the Himalayas, and the Pokhara airport is charming, providing a view of the Annapurna range—absolutely beautiful. Flying above the Himalayas is an experience you won’t forget. Quick side note: exercise caution and do your homework, as the high altitude makes this flight a bit on the risky side.

If you are with a group, a private vehicle would be the ideal option. For adventurous backpacking souls on a tight budget, hitchhiking is a viable option along this well-traveled route.

🛻 🚌 Phokara to Ghandruk:

Alright, let's delve into the specifics of reaching Ghandruk from Pokhara. The most economical option is the local daily buses that operate between Pokhara and Ghandruk. However, be warned that the road from Nayapul to Ghandruk can be challenging, with bumpy, narrow, and steep stretches. Based on what I noticed, I wouldn't recommend this option. 

For a more comfortable journey, consider hiring a jeep. Group travelers can easily arrange this through hotels, travel agencies (they’re practically on every corner in Pokhara Lakeside), or directly at the Baglung bus station in Pokhara. If you're flying solo and want to share a jeep, it's as simple as approaching fellow travelers at the Baglung bus station or the Ghandruk vehicle station on your return. And here’s the inside scoop – Ghandruk is like a local holiday spot. Families and couples head there all the time. So, scoring a shared ride with some locals? Piece of cake.

I took a slightly different approach to reach Ghandruk, and if you love to include a little hike in your journey, then this is for you! Anyway, I had a chat with a guide in advance since I initially planned to do the Poon Hill trek before my knee decided to act up. The guide pitched an interesting idea – we'd hop into a taxi to Nayapul, trek uphill from Nayapul to Ghandruk (we went a bit past Nayapul in the taxi, and from there, it was a 3-hour uphill trek to Ghandruk), and then take a shared jeep from Ghandruk back to Pokhara.

This plan seemed perfect to spare my knee, add a bit of hiking adventure, and not go over budget. I won't lie; the trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk was a tad intense. We kicked off the hike at noon, so it was mostly sunny. Luckily, December brought a chill to the air, though it was sunny, and the high humidity spared me from breaking into a sweat. My guide was kind enough to carry my bag, leaving me to carry just myself - haha. On a side note, guides usually don't shoulder your bags, and you'd need to hire a separate porter for that. Personally, I'm quite proud that as a solo female traveler, I tackled even a short trek in the mighty Himalayas, just with a guide, and with an injured knee. Throughout the trek, I didn't feel unsafe at all.

And the views were amazing! I cannot express the happiness of getting closer and closer to the snow-capped mountains with every step! 🤍 🏔️

Important:

All foreign nationals need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit to visit Ghandruk, even if you are not planning to trek. Permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or the Nepal Tourism Board Service Centre in Pokhara. As of December 2023, the fee for SAARC nationals (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) is 1000 NPR, while for other nationals, it is higher. Passport copies and passport-size photos are required for permit issuance.

Ghandruk promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas. It's a must-add to your Nepal adventure checklist! I would definitely visit again with a loved one, staying for a couple of nights to relax and soak in the calm views and vibes.

Happy Travels! - 🖤 Dinuka