Himalaya Lodge belongs to the small group of lodges that Ker & Downey Nepal runs in the Annapurna foothills, each a half-day walk from the next. It sits on the slope above Ghandruk, the large Gurung village that sent generations of men into the Gurkha regiments, so the view from the terrace takes in the stone houses and terraced fields below and the snow peaks of the Modi Khola head behind. At roughly 2,000 m the nights are cool but not severe, and altitude is not a concern for most guests.
Rooms have private bathrooms with hot water, which is the main step up from the teahouses in the village. Meals are served at the lodge and the walk to the Gurung museum and the old lanes of the village takes ten minutes. We use Himalaya Lodge on our Annapurna luxury lodge trek, usually for two nights so that guests get a full free day in Ghandruk. Operation and room availability can change from season to season, so we confirm the booking with the lodge before we confirm yours.
Why we book it
- Private bathrooms with hot water at about 2,000 m
- Terrace view over Ghandruk to Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre
- Ten minutes' walk from the Gurung museum and old village lanes
Best for
- Couples
- Families
- Seniors
- First-timers
Questions travellers ask
Can you drive to Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk?
Partly. A jeep road now runs from Nayapul and Kimche to the lower edge of Ghandruk, about 3 hours from Pokhara. From the road head it is a short uphill walk through the village to the lodge, and porters carry the luggage. On our lodge trek most guests arrive on foot from Landruk instead, which is the more rewarding way in.
Is Himalaya Lodge suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, it is one of the easier places in the Annapurna region for a mixed-age group. The altitude of about 2,000 m rarely causes problems, the rooms are warmer and better equipped than village teahouses, and the walks around Ghandruk can be as short as an hour. The approach paths include stone steps, so anyone with knee trouble should take walking poles and go slowly.
How many nights should we stay at Himalaya Lodge?
We suggest two nights. One night gives you a sunset and a sunrise, but the second night allows a slow morning on the terrace, a visit to the Gurung museum and a short hike above the village without the pressure of the next stage. If cloud hides the peaks on day one, the extra morning also doubles your chance of a clear view.
