Pokhara, 15 Jul: When nature, culture, and hospitality come together in one place, visitors are bound to experience a sense of extraordinary joy. Ghandruk, located in Annapurna Rural Municipality of Kaski, is truly such a confluence of nature, culture, and warm hospitality. The village’s rich traditional culture and the breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges visible from here continue to captivate and attract tourists.
Located about 60 kilometers from the tourism capital Pokhara and nestled at the foot of the Annapurna Himalayas, Ghandruk is not just a tourist village—it is also a living museum of the Gurung community. The stone-roofed houses, clean and well-kept alleys, smiling faces, and the ever-smiling mountains all contribute to the vibrant charm of Ghandruk.
Chhabi Thapa, a teacher visiting from Kathmandu, shared how deeply impressed he was by the stunning Himalayan views and the warm hospitality of the Gurung people. “Even though the monsoon season isn’t considered ideal for travel, we still made it to Ghandruk—and the experience has been truly special. The mountains veiled in clouds and the heartfelt warmth of the locals completely won us over,” he said.
Anuja Nyaupane from Besisahar, who visited Ghandruk with her husband, shared how the peaceful environment and stunning mountain views instantly relieved the fatigue of the journey. “I had heard a lot about Ghandruk, but being here exceeded all my expectations. The beauty and hospitality of this place will remain in my memory forever,” she said.
Navaraj Adhikari, former chairperson of the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Gandaki, who arrived in Ghandruk as part of a tourism promotion program, described the village as a guardian of the living culture and traditions of the Gurung community. “Ghandruk is a cultural treasure of the Gurung people. The architecture of the houses here is truly unique—traditional stone-built homes with slate roofs give the village a distinct identity. Walking through the clean and neatly paved stone alleys offers a special kind of feeling,” he said.
Former chairperson of the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Gandaki, Navaraj Adhikari, shared that the Gurung Museum established in the village showcases the traditional lifestyle of the Gurung community. The museum presents a living exhibition of their utensils, tools, weapons, and traditional attire. “What we aim to promote is this very authenticity and warmth, which keeps drawing tourists back time and again,” he said.
Most of the homestays in Ghandruk are operated by women, which has significantly contributed to women’s economic empowerment, Adhikari added.
Harimaya Gurung, who runs the Ashish Homestay in Ghandruk, explained how tourism has brought economic self-reliance to locals like her. “Ghandruk is our life and identity. We serve our guests in a familial setting, which is why they return again and again,” she said. “My journey started from the kitchen and hearth, and today it has become a story of tourism and self-reliance. We women, who grew up gazing at the mountains, now stand on our own feet and welcome the world.”
Today, tourism has become the main source of income for many locals. Bibhimaya Gurung, a hotel operator, shared, “Guests who come to our homestays enjoy the local lifestyle, culture, and natural beauty. We try to provide the best hospitality possible. Visitors especially enjoy our scenic beauty and traditional cuisine.”
However, she expressed concern about the declining interest among younger generations in running homestays and hotels, fearing that Ghandruk’s unique identity and charm may be lost. “The younger generation doesn’t want to struggle in the village—they dream of going abroad. I worry that this longing might cause the distinct cultural heritage of Ghandruk to disappear,” she said.
Bishnu KC, Chairperson of the Annapurna Rural Municipality, emphasized that since Ghandruk is a popular tourist village, their local government has focused on tourism-centric development programs. She stated that Ghandruk has evolved into a travel destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Chairperson KC announced that a budget of NPR 2 million has been allocated in the fiscal year 2082/83 for tourism development. According to her, most of the hotels and homestays in the village offer not only professional services but also a warm, family-like atmosphere. Tourists particularly enjoy local delicacies such as millet porridge (dhindo), gundruk pickle, nettle soup (sisnu), and village-raised chicken meat.
In addition to the breathtaking mountain ranges, tea gardens, and the sacred Meshrambarah site, the old Gurung Museum in the village is another highlight for visitors. The museum offers insights into the traditional lifestyle, materials, and attire of the Gurung people. In the evenings, women’s groups perform traditional Gurung dances like Ghantu and Sorathi, allowing tourists to engage deeply with the Gurung cultural heritage.
Ghandruk offers not just natural beauty but also a vibrant local lifestyle, rich culture, organic farming, traditional food, unique local shops, and inspiring stories of women’s empowerment. The blossoming rhododendrons during the spring months of Falgun and Chaitra (February–April) add even more charm to this picturesque village.
