Ghandruk

Ghandruk
घान्द्रुक
Traditionial Gurung Village
A view of Annapurna range includes Annapaurna South (far left), Himchuli (Heuchuli), Gangapurna and Macchapucchre (Fishtail, dog or tiger) on far right from Ghandruk
A view of Annapurna range includes Annapaurna South (far left), Himchuli (Heuchuli), Gangapurna and Macchapucchre (Fishtail, dog or tiger) on far right from Ghandruk
Nickname: 
Konda
Ghandruk is located in Gandaki Province
Ghandruk
Ghandruk
Location in Nepal
Ghandruk is located in Nepal
Ghandruk
Ghandruk
Ghandruk (Nepal)
Coordinates: 28°22′37″N 83°48′25″E / 28.377°N 83.807°E / 28.377; 83.807
Country   Nepal
ProvinceGandaki Province
MunicipalityAnnapurna R. Municipality
Elevation
2,012 m (6,601 ft)
Population
 (2021)
 • Total
5,316
Time zoneUTC+5:45 (NST)

Ghandruk (Nepali: घान्द्रुक pronounced [ɡʱandɾuk]) is a picturesque traditional village nestled in the Annapurna Rural Municipality, Kaski District of the Gandaki Province of Nepal. Situated 32 km north-west to Pokhara, this traditional Gurung settlement sits at an elevation of 2,012 meters (6,601 ft) and serves as a key stop on several iconic trekking routes, including the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks.[1]

The peaks of Mt Annapurna South (7,219 m), Mt Machapuchare (6,993 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m) and Mt Hiunchuli (6,411 m) can be seen from the village, and it is also the gateway to the Poon hill. Gurung communities comprise the major inhabitants of the village. The village is home to Shree Meshrom Baraha Secondary School, a government school which provides education to children aged 5–18. Local attractions include the Gurung Cultural Museum and Meshram Baraha temple.[2]

Accessibility

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Despite its remote charm, Ghandruk is surprisingly well connected. A rough road now reaches the village, allowing jeeps and buses to bring in supplies and visitors alike. Yet the soul of Ghandruk remains untouched by modernity. Children still walk to school along stone paths, prayer flags flutter from rooftops, and elders gather in communal courtyards to share stories and tea.

In winter, the village transforms into a quiet wonderland, with snow dusting the rooftops and crisp air sharpening the mountain views. During festivals, it bursts into color and song, as locals celebrate with music, dance, and rituals that blend animist beliefs with Buddhist and Hindu traditions.[3]

Administrative Changes

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Before 2015 Ghandruk used to be a separate VDC, now this village lies in Annapurna Rural Municipality. At the time of the 2021 Nepal census, it had a population of 5,316 residents in 1,228 individual households.[4]

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References

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  1. ^ "THE BEST Ghandruk Bed and Breakfasts of 2020 (with Prices) - TripAdvisor". www.tripadvisor.com. Retrieved 2020-01-18.
  2. ^ "Ghandruk: A Famous Nepali Village for Gurung Culture & Treks". Retrieved 5 September 2025.
  3. ^ "Ghandruk, Nepal Village Guide". Retrieved 5 September 2025.
  4. ^ "2021 Census of Nepal". Retrieved 5 September 2025.
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  • Media related to Ghandruk (category) at Wikimedia Commons
  • UN map of the municipalities of Kaski District