Ghandruk

Ghandruk spreads over a hillside above the Modi Khola, its flagstone lanes winding between Gurung houses. Many families have sent sons to the British and Indian Gurkha regiments, and the village is proud of its traditions; the small Gurung museum shows tools, dress and household items.

It was a pioneer of community-managed tourism under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. Now reachable by jeep, it is still best appreciated on foot as part of a short trek from Nayapul or linked with Poon Hill and ABC.

What to see and do

Visit the Gurung Museum and the old monastery, wander the flagstone lanes, and watch the sunrise on Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre from the village's upper viewpoints. Try Gurung dishes such as dhindo, gundruk and local millet bread, and ask about cultural programmes with traditional dress and dances.

Good to know

Ghandruk has many lodges with mountain views. It is a stop on the ABC and Poon Hill loop. ACAP permits are checked on the way. Jeeps from Pokhara make it a possible overnight trip even for non-trekkers.