The Ghandruk loop is a walk of two to four days through Gurung villages at about 2,000 m, with close views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare. Annapurna Base Camp is a trek of 7 to 10 days that continues beyond Ghandruk into the mountains to 4,130 m. Choose Ghandruk if you have a long weekend or want an easy trek; choose base camp if you have a week.
Annapurna Base Camp and Ghandruk loop at a glance
- Days from Pokhara. Annapurna Base Camp: 7 to 10. Ghandruk loop: 2 to 4.
- Highest point. Annapurna Base Camp: 4,130 m. Ghandruk loop: Ghandruk about 1,940 m; up to about 2,600 m if Tadapani is included.
- Altitude risk. Annapurna Base Camp: moderate. Ghandruk loop: none.
- Walking per day. Annapurna Base Camp: 5 to 7 hours. Ghandruk loop: 3 to 5 hours.
- Lodges. Annapurna Base Camp: good. Ghandruk loop: very good; some reachable by jeep.
- Best for. Annapurna Base Camp: trekkers with a week. Ghandruk loop: families, beginners, short stays.
The Ghandruk loop
Ghandruk is a large stone-built Gurung village on a hillside facing Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare. The usual loop walks from Nayapul or Kimche to Ghandruk, on to Landruk or Tadapani, and back by Tolka, Pothana and Dhampus or Australian Camp. Trails are stone-paved and pass terraced fields, water mills and village museums. A road now reaches the edge of Ghandruk, so the trek can be shortened to a single night. See the Ghandruk trek guides.
Annapurna Base Camp
The base camp trek passes through or near Ghandruk on its second day and keeps going: Chhomrong, Bamboo, Deurali, Machapuchare Base Camp and the Sanctuary. What it adds is the transition from village to wilderness and the experience of standing among 7,000 and 8,000 m peaks at dawn. See the Annapurna Base Camp guides.
Effort
The Ghandruk loop is among the easiest treks in Nepal, though the stone steps still tire the legs. Base camp is a proper trek with long days and a cold night high up. Children of eight or nine and active grandparents manage Ghandruk comfortably; base camp needs more fitness and preparation.
Season
Ghandruk is a year-round trek. Winter is clear and mild by day, and it is one of the best choices for December and January. Base camp is best in October to November and March to May, with avalanche risk above Deurali after heavy snow.
Cost
A two or three day loop costs a fraction of the base camp trek, simply because it is shorter. The permit is the same Annapurna Conservation Area permit in both cases. If you are travelling as a family, the loop keeps the budget and the effort low while still giving everyone a real trek.
What you see from Ghandruk
From the upper part of the village Annapurna South and Hiunchuli fill the northern sky, with the pointed summit of Machapuchare to the right. Dawn is the best time, when the peaks turn pink and the valley is still in shadow. The village has two small museums of Gurung life and a monastery, and many families here have sons serving or retired from Gurkha regiments.
A middle option
If base camp is too long and the loop too short, add Poon Hill. The Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani and Ghandruk circuit takes four to five days, reaches 3,210 m and is the best all-round short trek in the region. See the Poon Hill guides.
Choose Annapurna Base Camp if
- You have at least seven days.
- You want to reach a base camp.
- You are reasonably fit.
- You want the Sanctuary at sunrise.
Choose Ghandruk loop if
- You have two to four days.
- You are with children or older relatives.
- You want village culture and mountain views without altitude.
- You are visiting in winter or want a gentle first walk.
Can you do both?
Ghandruk is on the way to base camp, so the longer trek includes it. If you start with the loop and want more, Poon Hill adds two days and base camp five.
Plan it
See treks from Pokhara, or ask us for a plan that fits your number of days.
Common questions
How many days is the Ghandruk trek?
Two to four, or one night if you use the road.
Can you see Annapurna from Ghandruk?
Yes. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare are in clear view from the village.
Is Ghandruk on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes, on the most common route.
Is a guide needed for Ghandruk?
A licensed guide is expected in the Annapurna region and makes a short trek easier to arrange.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
Planning to go? See our 15-day Annapurna Base Camp trek.
