Landruk and Ghandruk Gurung villages, Annapurna foothills trek, and Phewa Lake boating in PokharaLandruk and Ghandruk Gurung villages, Annapurna foothills trek, and Phewa Lake boating in Pokhara

Dhampus - Ghandruk Annapurna Foothill Trek

  • Duration8 Days
  • Route Grade Exploratory Travel
  • Trip Style Mountain Village Trek
  • Starting City Kathmandu
  • Ending City Kathmandu
Price fromUS$425US$575
Dhampus - Ghandruk Annapurna Foothill Trek map

Trip Overview

This is a community trekking trip through the Gurung villages of the Annapurna foothills. The trip offers you a complete glimpse and taste of mountain village life along with the charm of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Trip Detail

Information
Detail

Trip Code

GN102N

Starting Point / End Point

Kathmandu Arrival to Kathmandu Departure

Accommodations

Arya Boutique Hotel or Hotel Mulberry (Kathmandu), Temple Bell Boutique Hotel or Hotel Barahi (Pokhara), and Mountain Lodge during the walking days at Dhampus, Landruk, and Ghandruk

Max Altitude

Approximately 1940 m (Ghandruk)

Duration

8 Days, 7 Nights

Country

Nepal

Trip Grade

Moderate, suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness and some walking experience

Activities

Heritage sightseeing, village walks, cultural experiences, boating

Best Season

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May)

Transportation

Private vehicle for transfers, Round trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 6 Dinners

Itinerary Overview

This 8 day, 7 night holiday takes you from Kathmandu to Pokhara and into the Gurung heartland of the Annapurna foothills, walking through Dhampus, Landruk, and Ghandruk. You will experience authentic Gurung culture in the Annapurna Conservation Area, then return to Pokhara for lakeside time before flying back to Kathmandu.

Here is a quick look at how your 8 day tour unfolds.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and enjoy free time to explore the city.

  • Day 2: Drive to Pokhara and explore the lakeside area.

  • Day 3: Drive to Phedi and hike to Dhampus.

  • Day 4: Walk from Dhampus to Landruk via Pothana.

  • Day 5: Walk from Landruk to the Gurung village of Ghandruk.

  • Day 6: Drive back to Pokhara & Pokhara Sightseeing.

  • Day 7: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu.

  • Day 8: Fly back home. .
     

Why You Will Love This Trip

  1. Walk Through Real Gurung Villages: Landruk and Ghandruk are two of the most authentic Gurung settlements in the Annapurna region, where you can see traditional stone houses, terraced farms, and daily village life up close.

  2. Visit Ghandruk, the Heart of Community Tourism: Ghandruk is home to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project office and a Gurung heritage museum, giving you insight into local culture and conservation efforts in the region.

  3. Enjoy Stunning Annapurna Views: From Dhampus and along the trail to Ghandruk, you will have open views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges without trekking to high altitude.

  4. A Balanced Mix of Culture and Nature: From temples and streets in Kathmandu to boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara to mountain trails in between, this trip gives you a proper mix of culture, nature, and adventure in just 8 days.

  5. Comfortable Mountain Lodge Stays: Rest each night at comfortable Mountain Lodge properties along the trail, offering comfortable rooms and home style meals after each day's walk.

  6. A Complete Short Himalayan Holiday: In just 8 days, you will experience Nepal's culture, village life, mountain scenery, and lakeside relaxation, making it an ideal holiday for travelers who want to go beyond a standard sightseeing tour.
     

Altitude & Activities

This is a moderate holiday with elevations ranging from 822 m in Pokhara to approximately 1,940 m in Ghandruk, the highest overnight stop on the trip. You will enjoy heritage sightseeing, village walks, and cultural experiences at a comfortable pace. The trip is suitable for travelers with a normal level of fitness and some prior walking experience.

Day
Location
Altitude
Activities
Travel Time

Day 1

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Airport transfer, welcome meeting, and free time

Airport transfer

Day 2

Pokhara

822 m

Drive to Pokhara and explore the lakeside area

200KM - 6 hours drive.

Day 3

Dhampus

1650 m

Drive to Phedi and hike to Dhampus

Approximately 1 hr drive, 3 to 4 hrs hike

Day 4

Landruk

1,565 m

Walk to Landruk via Pothana

5 to 6 hrs walk

Day 5

Ghandruk

Approximately 1,940 m

Walk to the Gurung village of Ghandruk

3 to 4 hrs walk

Day 6

Pokhara

822 m

Drive back to Pokhara and enjoy city sightseeing with Phewa Lake boating

Approximately 3 hrs drive, sightseeing

Day 7

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Approximately 6 to 8 hrs drive

Day 8

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Airport transfer for your departure flight

Airport transfer

Accommodation and Meals

You will spend 2 nights at Arya Boutique Hotel or Hotel Mulberry in Kathmandu (Days 1 and 7), 2 nights at Temple Bell Boutique Hotel or Hotel Barahi in Pokhara (Days 2 and 6), and 1 night each at Mountain Lodge in Dhampus, Landruk, and Ghandruk. The trip includes 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners, with your evening in Pokhara on Day 6 free to explore the city's lakeside restaurants and local cuisine.

Day
Location
Accommodation
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 1

Kathmandu

Arya Boutique Hotel or Hotel Mulberry

N/A

Not Included

Included (welcome dinner)

Day 2

Pokhara

Temple Bell Boutique Hotel or Hotel Barahi

Included

Not Included

Included

Day 3

Dhampus

Mountain Lodge 

Included

Included

Included

Day 4

Landruk

Mountain Lodge 

Included

Included

Included

Day 5

Ghandruk

Mountain Lodge 

Included

Included

Included

Day 6

Pokhara

Temple Bell Boutique Hotel or Hotel Barahi

Included

Not Included

Not Included (free to explore local cuisine)

Day 7

Kathmandu

Arya Boutique Hotel or Hotel Mulberry

Included

Not Included

Included

Day 8

Departure

N/A

Included

N/A

N/A

Cost Includes

Cost & Inclusions

This tour includes comfortable accommodation, private airport transfers, private vehicle transportation, guided sightseeing, trekking permits, and a well planned meal package with 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 6 dinners, including a traditional welcome dinner on your first evening in Kathmandu. The table below outlines everything included in your package, along with the items you will need to arrange separately.

Cost Includes
Cost Excludes

Private airport arrival and departure transfers

International airfare to and from Nepal

Private vehicle transportation for all transfers

Nepal entry visa fee

Experienced English speaking guide throughout the tour

Travel insurance

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

5 lunches (Days 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8)

All heritage site and sightseeing entrance fees

1 dinner (Day 6) so you can explore Pokhara's local restaurants

7 nights accommodation as outlined in the itinerary

Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, shopping, and phone calls

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 6 dinners

Tips for guides and drivers

Itinerary

Once you land in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you right outside the arrival terminal with our company name and logo board and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. You can spend the rest of the day at your own pace, exploring the lively streets around your hotel. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow travelers during a short trip briefing, followed by a traditional Nepali welcome dinner.

  • Route: Airport to Hotel, Thamel

  • Altitude: 1,324 m

  • Accommodation: Arya Boutique Hotel or Hotel Mulberry

  • Meals: Dinner

  • Highlights: Airport meet and greet, introductory meeting, Thamel exploration, welcome dinner

    After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway, passing rivers, hills, and traditional villages. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon and evening to explore the lakeside area around Phewa Lake at your own pace, followed by dinner together in the evening.

    • Route: Kathmandu to Pokhara by private vehicle

    • Altitude: 822 m

    • Accommodation: Temple Bell Boutique Hotel or Hotel Barahi

    • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    • Highlights: Scenic highway drive, Trishuli River views, Phewa Lake, Lakeside Pokhara

      After breakfast, drive for around 30 to 45 minutes to Phedi, the starting point of your trek. From here, hike through forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages to reach Dhampus, a beautiful Gurung settlement known for its panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges. The walk takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. You will spend the night at a mountain lodge here, with lunch and dinner included.

      • Route: Pokhara to Phedi by road, Phedi to Dhampus on foot

      • Altitude: 1,650 m

      • Accommodation: Mountain Lodge 

      • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      • Highlights: Scenic hillside trail, Gurung village of Dhampus, Annapurna mountain views

        After breakfast, continue your walk through forest trails to the village of Pothana, then descend through terraced farmland toward Landruk, a traditional Gurung village. The walk takes around 5 to 6 hours at a comfortable pace, with stops along the way to enjoy the views and village life.

        • Route: Dhampus to Pothana to Landruk on foot

        • Altitude: 1,565 m

        • Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

        • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        • Highlights: Pothana village, forest trails, Gurung village life in Landruk, mountain scenery

          After breakfast, walk down from Landruk, cross the Modi Khola valley, and climb up to Ghandruk, one of the most well known Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. The walk takes around 3 to 4 hours. Ghandruk is home to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project office and a Gurung heritage museum, offering insight into local culture and community led conservation.

          • Route: Landruk to Ghandruk on foot

          • Altitude: Approximately 1,940 m

          • Accommodation: Mountain lodge 

          • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

          • Highlights: Ghandruk village, Gurung heritage museum, Modi Khola valley, mountain views

            After breakfast, drive from Ghandruk back to Pokhara. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Pokhara, including Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Bindhyabasini Temple, and a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake. Spend the evening at leisure around Lakeside.

            • Route: Ghandruk to Pokhara by road, Pokhara sightseeing

            • Altitude: 822 m

            • Accommodation: Temple Bell Boutique Hotel or Hotel Barahi

            • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

            • Highlights: Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Phewa Lake boating

              After breakfast, leave Pokhara and enjoy a scenic drive back to Kathmandu through river valleys, rolling hills, and rural landscapes. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy your final evening exploring Thamel or shopping for souvenirs before your journey home.

              • Route:Pokhara to Kathmandu by private vehicle

              • Altitude: 822 m

              • Accommodation: Arya Boutique Hotel or Hotel Mulberry

              • Meals: Breakfast

              • Highlights: Scenic drive, countryside views, free time in Thamel

                After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time before we transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We hope you leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of its mountains, culture, and warm hospitality.

                • Route: Hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport

                • Altitude: 1,324 m

                • Meals: Breakfast

                • Highlights: Airport transfer, end of tour

                  Trip Information

                  Know Before You Book

                  • Visa Requirements: For this 8 day trip, you will need to apply for a 15 day Nepal visa, which comfortably covers your stay. All citizens of the world except Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Nepal, and most travelers can get a Visa on Arrival. The 15 day tourist visa fee is USD 30. You can apply and pay online in advance here: https://nepaliport-new.immigration.gov.np/. We recommend completing the online application ahead of time to save time at the airport.

                  • Passport Validity: Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with at least one blank page for your visa stamp.

                  • Fitness Level: This is a moderate itinerary with walking spread over three days. Some prior walking or hiking experience is recommended, along with a reasonable level of fitness.

                  • Travel Insurance: Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and flight delays is recommended.

                  • Currency & Payment Methods: We accept payments in major currencies such as USD, EUR, and GBP, though it is a good idea to carry some Nepali Rupees for smaller personal expenses.
                     

                  Accommodations, Meals & Transportation

                  • Typical Accommodation Used: Stay at Arya Boutique Hotel or Hotel Mulberry in Kathmandu, and Temple Bell Boutique Hotel or Hotel Barahi in Pokhara, with comfortable mountain lodge stays in Dhampus, Landruk, and Ghandruk during your walking days.

                  • Meals: The package includes 7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 6 Dinners as outlined in the itinerary. Dinner on Day 6 is left free so you can explore Pokhara's restaurants and local cuisines on your own.

                  • Guide Support: An experienced guide accompanies you throughout the tour, including the walking days between Dhampus, Landruk, and Ghandruk.

                  • Transportation: This package includes private airport transfers, private vehicle transfers between destinations, and round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

                  • Permits: Dhampus, Landruk, and Ghandruk fall within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so an Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit is required. This is arranged for you and included in your package cost.
                     

                  Seasonal & Weather Updates

                  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers the clearest skies and the best chance of enjoying panoramic views of the Annapurna range from Dhampus and along the trail to Ghandruk. It is one of the most popular seasons for this holiday.

                  • Spring (March to May): Rhododendron forests along the trail come alive with red, pink, and white blossoms. The weather is pleasant, and mountain views are usually excellent.

                  • Winter (December to February): Winter mornings can be cool, with occasional light frost at Dhampus, while daytime skies are often clear and good for mountain views. Warm clothing is recommended.

                  • Monsoon (June to August): Afternoon rain and cloud cover are common, which may reduce mountain visibility. However, the forests and terraced hillsides around Landruk and Ghandruk become lush and green.
                     

                  Health & Safety

                  • General Wellbeing: The highest overnight point of this tour is Ghandruk at approximately 1,940 m. This elevation is well below the altitude where acute mountain sickness (AMS) is normally a concern, making the trip suitable for most travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. The itinerary includes comfortable daily walks with gradual elevation changes, allowing you to enjoy the trek at a relaxed pace.

                  • Healthcare Facilities: Full hospital facilities are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Basic first aid support is available at the mountain lodges during the walking days.

                  Packing Checklist

                  • Essential Clothing: Comfortable layered clothing suitable for city sightseeing and walking, along with a light jacket for cooler evenings at Dhampus, Landruk and Ghandruk.

                  • Footwear: A comfortable pair of walking or trekking shoes suitable for forest and stone stepped trails.

                  • Trail Gear: A sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket for changing weather.

                  • Personal Items: A small daypack, reusable water bottle, personal toiletries, camera, and any personal medications you need.
                     

                  Important Notices

                  • Travel Advisories: Before you travel, we recommend checking the latest travel advice issued by your home country. Our team is happy to provide local updates before your trip.

                  • Flights & Weather: This itinerary is completed entirely by road transportation. Travel times may vary depending on weather conditions and traffic, particularly on the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway. If any delays occur, we will make suitable arrangements to ensure your journey remains safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.

                  • Responsible Travel: We encourage you to respect local customs, dress appropriately when visiting temples, and help protect the villages and natural surroundings you pass through.

                  Trip Preparations
                  • How much walking is involved between Dhampus, Landruk, and Ghandruk?

                    The trek is spread over three days. You will hike around 3 to 4 hours from Phedi to Dhampus, 5 to 6 hours from Dhampus to Landruk via Pothana, and 3 to 4 hours from Landruk to Ghandruk. These daily walks follow well-established trails through forests, terraced fields, and traditional Gurung villages.

                  • Ghandruk is one of Nepal's best known Gurung villages. During your visit, you can explore traditional stone houses, visit the Gurung Heritage Museum, learn about conservation at the ACAP office, and experience local village life.

                  • Unlike a standard Nepal sightseeing tour, this itinerary combines the cultural highlights of Kathmandu and Pokhara with a three day village trek through Dhampus, Pothana, Landruk, and Ghandruk. It offers an authentic experience of Gurung culture, scenic mountain trails, and close up views of the Annapurna range, making it a perfect blend of sightseeing and light trekking.

                  • Yes. Charging facilities are available at the Mountain Lodges in Dhampus, Landruk, and Ghandruk. 

                  • The Mountain lodges serve a mix of Nepali and international dishes, including dal bhat, noodles, soups, rice, pasta, eggs, vegetables, and seasonal local ingredients.

                  • Yes. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) required for this itinerary is included in the package cost.