Jeep ≈ 3 h
A shared or private jeep runs from Pokhara along the Baglung highway to Nayapul, about 42 km and 1.5 hours, then climbs a dirt road via Syauli Bazaar and Kimche to the lower edge of Ghandruk. The upper section is steep, dusty in spring and slippery after rain. A private jeep costs roughly NPR 10,000–14,000 one way; local shared jeeps are far cheaper but run on no fixed timetable.
Jeep to Kimche + walk 2.5 h drive + 1–1.5 h walk
Many trekkers drive only as far as Kimche at 1,640 m and walk the last stretch on the old stone path, a climb of about 300 m that takes 1–1.5 hours. It avoids the roughest road section and gives a more gradual arrival, with the first views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre opening up as you reach the village.
Walk from Kande via Landruk 2 days
From Kande, 45 minutes from Pokhara, the trail climbs to Australian Camp, crosses the Bhichok Deurali ridge at 2,100 m and drops through Tolka to Landruk at 1,565 m in about 5 hours. Next day you descend to the Modi Khola and climb the far wall to Ghandruk in about 4 hours. This is the route of our 3-day family trek, run in the reverse direction.
Stops on the way
- Phedi
- Lumle
- Nayapul
- Birethanti
- Syauli Bazaar
- Kimche
Ask your driver to stop at Kimche if you want to walk in, because the final climb on foot is the best introduction to the village.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Ghandruk from Pokhara?
Ghandruk is about 55 km from Pokhara by road. The first 42 km to Nayapul are on the paved Baglung highway and take around 1.5 hours; the remaining climb on a dirt road via Kimche takes another 1.5 hours or so, depending on conditions. On foot from Nayapul the walk takes 5–6 hours, gaining roughly 900 m.
Can I do a day trip from Pokhara to Ghandruk?
It is possible but rushed. With 6 hours of driving there and back you get about 3 hours in the village, and the mountains are often clouded by midday. We recommend at least one night so that you see sunset and sunrise on Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. A 2-day or 3-day trip is the sweet spot for families.
Is the road to Ghandruk open in the monsoon?
Usually, but not always. Between June and September landslides and mud can close the dirt section above Nayapul for hours or days, and jeeps may stop at Kimche or lower. Allow a spare day if you travel in the monsoon and check current status before you travel. The trail from Nayapul remains walkable, though wet and leech-prone.
Is there an ACAP checkpoint on the way to Ghandruk?
Yes. Ghandruk lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP permit, which costs NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals including Indians. Permits are checked at Birethanti near Nayapul and at the ACAP office in Ghandruk. Arrange the permit in Pokhara before you travel; check current status before you travel.
