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.

Ghalegaun to Poon Hill Trek

The foot of Lamjung Himal, Ghale Gaun (village) is situated, is an exotic pristine village endowed with an unparalleled scenic grandeur and a home to world famous Gurkha soldiers- the Gurungs. Repository of a unique ethnic culture Ghale village is a true microcosm of stunning natural beauty mixed with an unspoiled ethnic lifestyle. Ghanapokhara is a beautiful village heading towards development with a concept of eco-tourism. It lies at north of Lamjung district in the close proximity of Ghale village at the top of Dashthar Danda at an altitude of 2100 m. Ghale village and Ghanpokhara are chief brave Gurung settlements; they nestle amidst mountains, rivers, streams, waterfalls and green forests. These places command a super breathtaking view of majestic western Himalayas including Machhapuchhare(6693m) Annapurna (8091m), Annapurna II (7939m) Annapurna IV (7525m), LamjungHimal, BouddhaHimal(6974m), Himalchuli (6747m) and some other peaks.

Ghale village- is a wonderful experience in itself as it goes crossing over the Marsyandi, Khudi and Midim rivers; passing through rhododendrons blossoming along the way amidst the chirping of birds and wild insects. The route of trekking passes through dense jungle and villages and impressive waterfalls. Nearby Talyngo Lake and Lami Lake add new dimension to these attractions. Activities around this village including bird watching at Talangyo Lake, and visitors to the Utter Kanya temple, Pempro fall, Batase cave and the Khudi hydroelectric dam site.

The Poon Hill trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area offers spectacular mountain views all along the trail, with close-ups of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. This stretch is mostly inhabited by the Gurung people who will welcome you warmly to their homestays. Although the Annapurna Area is the most popular trekking region in Nepal most of the lower altitude trails don’t see very many tourists (yet) and you will find yourself having the beautiful forests and trails all to your self in many sections.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu – Besisahar (6 hr bus ride) or Pokhara – Besisahar (4 hrs bus ride). Take jeep service to Ghalegaun (2080 m) 2 hrs

Day 2 Ghalegaun (2080 m) – Pasgaun (1650 m) 6 hrs

Day 3 Pasgaun (1650 m) – Bhachok (1315 m) 5 hrs

Day 4 Bhachok (1315 m) – Yangjakot (1450 m) 6 hrs

Day 5 Yangjakot (1450 m) – Sikles (1950 m) 6-7 hrs

Day 6 Sikles (1950 m) – Ghalekharka (1675 m) 6-7 hrs

Day 7 Ghalekharka (1675 m) – Lwang (1440 m) 6 hrs

Day 8 Lwang (1440 m) – Ghandruk (1960 m) 6 hrs

Day 9 Ghandruk (1960 m) – Ghorepani (2800 m) 7-8 hrs

Day 10 Ghorepani (2800 m) – Tikot (2280 m) via sunrise viewing at Poon Hill (3210 m) 5 hrs

Day 11 Tikot (2280 m) – Beni (850 m) 4 hrs trek and bus to Pokhara (4 hrs)

Day 12 Flight or bus to Kathmandu