Did you know CNN travel listed Ghandruk among the 13 picturesque towns in Asia?
At the foothills of Annapurna and a few hours-hike away from Pokhara lies a beautiful mountain village, Ghandruk.
Ghandruk village is primarily popular for two reasons: offering an authentic experience and commanding stunning views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Gangapurna, including Fishtail and Himchuli.
A few years back, this Himalayan village was only accessible on foot. But now, you can hire a jeep/bus from Pokhara (3-4 hours drive) to Ghandruk village. Ghandruk serves as a starting point for the world-famous-classic Annapurna Circuit Trek and the short-easy Poon Hill Trek.
Largely inhabited by Gurung people, Ghandruk offers a traditional atmosphere and cultural insight. There are two Gurung Museum (Gurung Old Museum and the new one) that preserves the antique culture and reflects the Gurung people’s lifestyle.
It cost Rs.75 per person to enter the museum. Inside the museum are daily-use-stuff of Gurung people, from metalwork to woodwork and basketry. The museum exhibits the Gurung-way of weaving, grinding maize, and churning butter, and more. Note: don’t expect fancy stuff there: all local displays.
Slate roofed houses in the northern part are the true-charm of Ghandruk village. Sadly, Ghandruk village has seen some major changes in recent years. There are commercial building (restaurants, guesthouses) that has literally dimmed the true beauty and the rustic charm of Ghandruk. In that sense, visitors can choose from traditional lodges and modern concrete buildings.
And we recommend you to go for traditional lodges that bestow authentic experience as we talked about earlier. Besides, would you go all the way to Ghandruk to sleep and eat in a concrete building like city areas?
Also, you can try Gurung cultural dress and get some beautiful pictures. Dresses are available at the Gurung Old Museum (and Aashish Ama Hotel); you will have to pay Rs.100 per person.
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