Trip Hightlights
Explore the Ghalegaon to observe the culture, tradition and their living style
Visit the Largest gurung village Bhujung (1625m) to observe different tribe
Glimpse of super Mountain View, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna ranges, Mt. Manaslu ranges, LamjungHimal and many more mountains
Explore the Ghanpokhara village, known as capital of Gurung culture
Excellent landscape, low land vegetation, farm lands and diverse flora and fauna
Best combination of Manaslu and Annapurna mountain range
Friendly Gurung people and their hospitality and many more

Gurung heritage trail trek offers Gurung culture and glimpse into traditional hill country life, where little known ethnic people other than Gurungs are found. The trekkers has a opportunely to spend overnight at homestay with Gurung family in typical old house and unique lifestyle

Gurung Heritage Trail is newly explored trekking routes in the lower part of Annapurna region. This trek, you will have a great opportunity to Gurung lifestyle and culture. This trek is popular for short period to explore wonderful Gurung Culture, natural scenery with the fantastic and superb views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna ranges, Mt. Manaslu ranges, Lamjung Himal and many more mountains.

You will also explore the densely populated Gurung villages, terraced filled in the hillside, gigantic forests along the route, the natural beauty, flora and fauna so as the varieties of lifestyles, culture and traditions of different ethnic groups living in the Himalayan range and hill belt. The unique blending of beautiful landscapes is in between two beautiful rivers Marshyandi River in the east and Madi River in the south and west. Within the boundary of two beautiful rivers, the area comprises other small river valleys like Khudi river valley, Midim river valley and Rudi river valley which have a number of side tributaries. In every village visited has a mother’s group (Ama Samuha). The mothers are active, enthusiastic and dedicated in the developmental of the villages, hospitality, environmental protection, cultural programs, income-generating programs and conflict management in the family and society.

This trekking begins from Pokhara, the second largest touristic destination of Nepal, where one can reach by direct flight or by bus from Kathmandu. The trek begins from Bijayapur and head to Kalikasthan continue to Ghumti Bazar, Mijuri Dada, Pakharikot, Bagar, Pas Gaun, Bhujung, Ghale Gaun and Besisahar. In the trail, we explore the places, the jungles, the scenes of the Rocky Mountains along the Annapurna massif and Manaslu with its natural diversities of the gigantic forest.

Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur (Approx 1 hr drive) and trek to Kalikasthan (1,370m/4,496ft) – 4 to 5 hrs walk.
Today, after breakfast we drive to Bijayapur Khola to begin our trek. Initially we start our walk for about an hour through flat paddy fields and cross the river. The path is wide and the terrain is easy. After crossing the river the trail starts to ascend to Kalikasthan. Lunch will be served midway through the climb. After arriving at Kalikasthan, we rest for some time then explore the surrounding areas. We spend overnight at Kalikasthan.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & overnight at Home stay)

Day 02: Kalikasthan to Ghumti Bazar (6,30m/2,066ft) 4 hours
After breakfast, we will start our day drive up to to Ghumti Bazar by local vehicle which is approx 30 mins drive (road are muddy with lot of dust and not pitched through tropical forest) Reaching at Ghumti Bazar , you will walk in a gradual walk with the superb views of Annapurna ranges, Manaslu ranges, Begnas Lake and many more landscapes. Then after, you will walk on the ridge of the hill with the superb views of mountains and landscapes and descend to Ghumti Bazar. On the way to Ghumti Bazar, you will explore different ethnic and communities group on the trail.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & overnight at Home stay)

Day 03: Ghumti Bazar to Pakhrikot (1,305m/4,280ft) 4 hours
After breakfast, you will cross the Swing Bridge over Madi River and head to Gahate of 30 minutes’ walk. Now, you need to climb up through the Tropical forest till Mijuri Dada of about 2 hours walking with zigzag trails. In the jungle, you can see different species of birds and other reptiles. From the Mijuri dada, the trail is gradual steep but not so difficult. From the top of Mijuri dada, you can see the superb view of Mt. Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Himalchuli and Boudha Himal. Overnight at Pakhrikot. Enjoy the sunset in the evening.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & overnight at Home stay)

Day 03: Pakhrikot to Rudi Khola (Bagicha) (780m/2,558ft) 4 hours
Today, we will have little bit difficult day for the walking with descending and ascending. From Pakhrikot, the trails descend down till Pakhrikot Khola cross the swing bridge which takes about 30 minutes from the Pakhrikot through the terraced cultivated lands. From Pakhrikot Khola, one needs to climb up till Singdi Dada of 1 hour through the terraced cultivated lands, patches of forest and river valley. About 15 minutes gradual walk, we descend down till Rudi Khola of 1 hour. With gradual walk, we will stop at Bagicha for the tonight of about 15 minutes. You will no more mountain view today.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & overnight at Home stay)

Day 04: Rudi Khola to Pasgaun (1,636m/5,366ft) 4 hours

Today is also the hard day for you. After the breakfast, we head to Pasgaun along the straight and leveled steep trail. In about 4 hours, you will be in Pasgaun a beautiful village of Lamjung District. This village has retained its traditional feel, evident in its architecture (e.g. slant-roofed houses), culture, and food. The visitor can observe the unique mount up of stones of various size and shape forming different metaphors. This area can be developed as stone park/garden. Enjoy sunset in the evening.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & overnight at Home stay)

Day 05: Pasgaun to Bhujung (1,960m/6,428ft) 5 hours

After breakfast, we will head to Khumeru Danda (2,200m/7,216ft) of about 2 hours along the dense sub-tropical forest. From the Khumeru Dada, you can view the massif views of Mt. Manaslu, Ngagi Chuli, Himal Chuli, Boudha Himal and Bhujung Village. From the top, you need to descend down till Midim River of 2 hours walking. You can enjoy seeing the mini hydro power at the Midim Khola. From the Midim Khola, we need to climb up of about 30 minutes. Bhujung contains the largest Gurung population in the area, with over 400 households that pride themselves on their rich cultural heritage. They have even generated their own electricity supply and are considered pioneers in conservation and development in the area.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & overnight at Home stay)

Day 06: Bhujung to Ghalegaun (2,095m/6,871ft) 4 hours
After breakfast, we will hike to Ghalegaun as we ascend up of gradual steep of 30 minutes. After this trail, we will have an opportunity to see super views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and top of Machhapurchre. On the way to Ghale gaun, you will also see hills of 13 districts with Midim Khola view along with the good views of Mt. Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Himalchuli, Boudha Himal, Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal . Arrive Ghalegaun, we will stay overnight and the evening we will also enjoy sunset view from there.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & overnight at Home stay)

Day 07: Ghalegaun to Baglungpani (1,250m/4,100ft) 4 hrs
Early in the morning, we will have opportunity to enjoy sunrise. After the breakfast, we descend down to Baglunpani; which provides best opportunity to see the best scene of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Manaslu Himal range from the lower elevation.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & overnight at Home stay)

Day 08: Baglungpani to Besisahar (816m/2,676ft) 3hrs
We descend down to Besisahar with the massive views of Lamjung Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Himalchuli and Boudha Himal. Overnight at Besisahar and ready for drive back to Kathmandu
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & overnight at local lodge )

Note: Accommodation & meals during Gurung Heritage Trail

There are several homestays over Gurung heritage trail where you can get basic accommodation. Room will provide you a room with 2 beds, blanket, mattress, and pillow. Meals during this trip, you can get delicious local food made out of locally harvested products. You may also try to their local drink.

Sirubari is without doubt one of the most attractive villages in Nepal. The village is neat and clean, very colorful and warm, while the people are friendly, well educated and are enthusiastic about tourism. Sirubari is a compact farming community village. The unique attraction of Sirubari is the fact that it is the model for a growing new trend in tourism in Nepal – a trend that takes the visitor “”.within.”Experiences stemming from observations from “without” have always attracted visitors to Nepal. For the adventurous, Nepal has been synonymous with trekking, mountaineering expeditions, jungle safaris, and river rafting. For those seeking spirituality there are the temples and monasteries. But the real attraction for the visitors has always has been the people and the culture.

Sirubari, a village in Syangja district southwest of Pokhara, is a short drive from Pokhara followed by a comfortable walk. The village is on a south-facing slope at 1,700 m above sea level. The climate is ideal at all times of the year with no snow ever falling in the village itself. However, the ideal time to visit is between September and June. The houses are mostly built from local materials and are well constructed and comfortable. The overwhelming impression of the village is one of order and cleanliness but with a warm and welcoming feel to it. Foot trails through the village are all stone paved.

The villagers’ love for flowers is shown in an all-year round riot of colors. Being on the southern slopes of the ridge the village enjoys long sunny days and is ideal for agriculture. In may 2001, Sirubari in conunction with the Nepal Tourism Board was awarded the PATA Gold Award in recognition of its efforts to preserve the culture and heritage of Nepali rural life.

You must understand that Nepal’s beauty is not limited just to the glorious Himalayas and the world famous temples. There’s also the age-old cultures maintained by the traditional people, living off the clutches of modernism. Their cultures and way of life can only be expressed through personal interactions. Sirubari Village Homestay Trekking program falls in the category of this new tourism scheme, which aims to give the tourists a close insight to the typical Nepali life.

Highlights of Sirubari Village Homestay Tour
(1.) Great opportunity to stay at a typical Gurung house, and become a part of your host family.
(2.)Experience Nepali local life at Sirubari village with Gurung people.
(3.)Enjoy the host family’s daily cuisines, and witness their life activities.
(4.) Picturesque views of the Himalaya.

Best Experience  of Sirubari Village Home-stay Tour

Stunning  view of mountain

Just because you are not trekking it doesn’t mean that you won’t see the mountains. An easy one-hour walk above the village is the viewpoint at Thumro. At 2300 meters this is the highest point of Pokhara and the views on a clear day are spectacular. Spread before you are rolling foothills dotted with isolated farming communities and crowned by an array of snow peaks that will leave you breathless. From Manaslu in the east through Machhapuchare and the Annapurnas and around to Dhaulagiri the Himalaya giants all line up for your camera to capture.

Village Life

During your stay you will be able to feel what it is like to live the life of a Nepali villager. Walk with your family while they go about their daily chores, tending animals, tilling the fields, going to school with the children, or just sitting in the sun talking to neighbors. Feel free to wander, safely, by yourself and look at all of the developments that the community have supported and funded, the primary health center with its doctor, the agricultural service center. The veterinary hospital. The plant nursery and forest plantation. The list goes on. And, at the end of your stay, you will be overwhelmed by the farewell that your new family will give you. If you never come this way again the village and its people will remain in your heart forever.

Best season to visit Sirubari Village Hom Stay tour

The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to December and March to May but Sirubari Village Tour can be done throughout the year. It is the village in Syngja district, 36 km far from Pokhara.

Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Arjunchaupari & hike to Sirubari Village
Day 02: Explore Sirubari Village
Day 03: A Short hike to Dahare Hill for Panaromic View of the Himalayas
Day 04: Hike to Karkinetta and drive Pokhara

Suggested Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Arjunchaupari & hike to Sirubari Village

From Pokhara, you will then catch a drive to Arjunchaupari and then begin a light trek to Sirubari village, which takes only about 4 hours. Anyone, be it a young person or an old one, can find themselves fit enough to ascent up to this beautiful Gurung settlement.

Upon arrival at the Sirubari village, the community representative will assign you to a home. For your information, the local houses at this Sirubari village are all engineered with local raw materials, but decent enough for a comfortable stay. Spend the day knowing your host family and enjoying the cultural programs held in the evening.

Day 02:  Explore Sirubari Village

The second day at Sirubari Village will leave you to explore the local area and surrounding villages. You can also accompany your host family as they go on to tilt their farms, tend to the animals and such daily life chores. Look forward to cultural programs in the evening.

Day 03: A Short hike to  Dahare Hill for Panaromic View of the Himalayas

On the third day of your homestay at Sirubari village, you will take a short climb to Dahare Hill, considered as the highest point of Pokhara. From this viewpoint, you can shoot grand pictures of the Himalayas, from the Mt. Manaslu in the east to the Dhaulagiri range with Mt Macchapucchare and Annapurna range in between

Day 04: Hike to Karkinetta and drive Pokhara

Farewell at village Gompa. Depart for Pokhara via Karkinetta, Seti Dobhan and Naudanda. Lunch en route.  Overnight stay in Pokhara

OverviewAstam village is famous for the view of sunset and sunrise on the Annapurna range. From this village you see the 360 degree panoramic view of the Annapurna range. You can observe mountains like Annapurna South (7273m.), Machhapuchhre (7059m.), Annapurna I (8090m.) and Annapurna IV (7525m.). It is the perfect destination for hike where you find the home stay service. Astam village provides the visitors with a traditional Nepali village experience providing home comfort with an ecological base.

Best time to visit Astam Village

Mid of September to mid of December is considered the best time to trek in Nepal. Autumn is considered the best season to trek in Nepal. You can experience better visibility of tantalizing mountains, green hills and excellent weather. Weather is generally clear with mild to warm days and cold nights.

High lights of Astam Village
Easy and short trek to suitable for all ages
Astam village is famous for the view of sunset and sunrise on the Annapurna range.
Ideal vantage point to view both a sunrise & sunset within the majestic Himalayan range

Full day hiking to Astam Village
At 8am, our guide will meet your hotel in Pokhara.  You will be driven by a private vehicle to Hemja (Milan Chowk) from Pokhara, following the scenic winding highway the offers views of Pokhara valley and the Himalayan ranges.

Than we starts our hiking toward Astam Village through Himalayan villages along with landscape view in one side and forests in another.

Will take about 2 hours to reach top of Astam Village, from here, you will enjoy Annapurna Mountain ranges view. We spend couple of hours in the Village by experiencing local life style with local peoples. After that, our hike starts descending down to the highway, where our driver will drive you back to your hotel in Lakeside area of Pokhara.

Astam Village- 02 Days

Day 01 Drive from Pokhara to Hemja (Milan Chowk) and hike to Astam Village
At 10am, you will meet your guide in your hotel lobby in Pokhara. We drive with private vehicle to Hemja (Milan Chowk) from Pokhara, following the scenic winding highway the offers views of Pokhara valley and the Himalayan ranges.Then, we starts our hiking toward Astam Village through Himalayan villages along with landscape view in one side and forests in another. Will take about 2 hours to reach Top of Astam Village, from here, you will enjoy Annapurna Mountain ranges view. Spend memorable time in the Village by with local peoples to know their lifestyle. You will enjoy sunset view over Annapurna Mountain ranges. Your overnight will be at one of the best Eco Village Resort called Annapurna Eco-Village Resort where you will have a new experience of stay with locals in mountain village of Nepal.

Day 02 Hike from Astam Village and drive to Pokhara
Next morning, will again enjoy Sunrise view over Annapurna Mountain Ranges. After that, our hike starts descending down to the highway, where our driver will drive you back to your hotel in Lakeside area of Pokhara.

Your accommodation at Astam Village will be Annapurna Eco-Village Resort

The Annapurna Eco-village is a family run mountain resort providing a traditional Nepali cultural experience with the comfort of modern day western style amenities. At the village you can enjoys 360 degree panoramic views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges, Pokhara Valley and the surrounding countryside.

The Eco-village is located at an altitude of 1600m, some 20km north-west of Pokhara on a beautiful ridge at the base of the Annapurna on top of the Astam village. From Pokhara it is easily reached by road in about 90 minutes. You can also get there on foot via several trekking trails.

Discover the wonders of the Gurung people on this 4-day tour of Ghale Gaun. There, you will interact with athe local people including eating traditional Nepali meals and participating in a welcome ceremony by the mother group. In between spending time in Ghale Gaun, you will aalso spend one night in Bhujung, a neighboring village. Come the end of your tour, return to Kathmandu with memories of this unique cultural experience.

 Ghalegaun, the beautiful Gurung village

Ghalegaun is a beautiful village situated at an altitude of 1,970m in the northwest of Khundi, the main entrance point to the Annapurna trekking route. This Gurung village of about 105 houses consist only about twenty five houses of Chhetri and Biswakarma. Ghalegaun is rich in natural and cultural beauty. The Gurung community in the village with their own language and culture and the splendid views of the Himalayas and mountains belonging to thirteen different districts make this village irresitable to the explorers of nature and culture.

The people here mainly follow two religions, Hinduism and Buddism, hence, the festivals are guided by them. The main festival in Ghalegaun is Lhosar, as the majority of the population belongs to the Gurung community. It falls on the Nepali month of Poush (December-January). Also, Dashain and Tihar are celebrated here during the Chandi Purnima (full moon) in May. One of the major attractions is the Ghatu dance which is performed for four days with great zeal. They also go to the Dudh Kunda or Dudh Pokhari (Milk Pond) to take a ritual bath and worship the local deities during the Janai Purnima in the month of August.

The dense forests of pine trees, willow trees and bushy plants gives the village a green look and the jungles of rhododendron, chestnut, raspberry, nettle, hemp and many other plants makes the place look colorful and splendid. The presence of birds like partridges, nightingales, owls, doves, crows, eagles, kites, vultures and barbets makes it exciting for the bird lovers. Also, the presence of various species of wildlife makes the place dangerous yet interesting.

The village people are simple hardworking hill farmers who are happy with their typical village life and are very warm and welcoming. They rear domestic livestock like sheep, goats, cows, buffaloes, chickens, pigeons and ducks. Ghalegaun is a pristine village rich with unspoiled natural and cultural assets. This Gurung village provides the majestic views of the snow-capped Himalayas in the Annapurna Himalayan range and also the mountains accommodating lush green forests.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Ghale Gaun via Besishar
Day 2: Ghale Guan to Bhujung
Day 3: Bhujung to Ghalegaun
Day 4: Ghalegaun to Kathmandu

Day 1: Kathmandu to Ghale Gaun via Besishar
Our Guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 7:00 am and you will be driven to to Ghale Gaun ( approx 7 hrs drive in a private vehcile). During the drive, observe the spectacular views of village life and high snow capped mountains. The natural beauty will astound you and leave you speechless. Upon your arrival, attend a welcome program, organized by the mother group of Ghale Guan. Overnight: Ghale Guan Homestay

Day 2: Ghale Guan to Bhujung
In the early morning, enjoy a 5 minute walk to the local tower for an incredible view of the sunrise and mountains such as the Manasulu range, Annapurna, and Iamjumg Himal. Head back to the house afterwards and enjoy a prepared breakfast. Once you are full, you will begin a sightseeing tour of the village with your guide. Break for lunch, then begin a 2 hour hike to another Gurung village named Bhujung, known for wild bee hunting. Along the way, you will see the historical Uttarkanya Temple and the tea garden. Explore the area upon your arrival before concluding your night with dinner. Overnight: Bhujung Homestay

Day 3: Bhujung to Ghalegaun

After breakfast, partake in more sightseeing of the village. Once that is done, have lunch and begin your hike back to Ghale Guan. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure before witnessing a cultural show at either the youth club or the mother’s group. Overnight: Ghale Guan Homestay

Day 4: Ghalegaun to Kathmandu
Have breakfast, then attend your farewell ceremony organized by the mother group before your drive back to Kathmandu. Enjoy lunch on the way at Besisahar before you are returned to your Kathmandu accommodations.