🌼 Introduction
Welcome to postcards from my Ghandruk trip: a serene spring escape in the Himalayas. This peaceful mountain village captured my heart with its stunning views, warm hospitality, and tranquil atmosphere. In this post, I’ll share stories and photos from my journey through the beautiful Annapurna region during the springtime.
“Like my Mustang/Muktinath trip, Ghandruk offers unique cultural and natural beauty for travelers seeking a Himalayan adventure.”
Ghandruk is a charming stop on the Annapurna trekking circuit near Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most popular travel hubs. For official travel information, you can visit the Nepal Tourism Board. Like my Mustang trip, Ghandruk offers stunning views and rich culture. This area falls under the protection of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), ensuring its natural beauty remains preserved for future generations.
🌧️ Change of Plans: Rain and a Route Reversed
Our initial plan was to hike up from Nayapul to Ghandruk, spend the night in the village, and return to Pokhara by van the next day. But that morning, a steady rain began falling — enough to make the trail slippery and obscure the views.
So we reversed the itinerary: we took a van directly up to Ghandruk, deciding to enjoy the hike on our way back instead.
Flexibility, we quickly learned, is the first rule of mountain travel.
🚶 Postcard 1: Arrival in Ghandruk (A Walk into the Clouds)
The van dropped us off about 30 minutes before the village, at the end of the motorable road. From there, we walked — along a peaceful path through terraced hills and pine-scented air, surrounded by early spring blooms.
By the time we reached Ghandruk, the Himalayan peaks were entirely hidden behind clouds. But the village itself was enchanting — stone alleys, flowering gardens, mist-covered rooftops, and soft prayer flags dancing in the breeze.
We avoided the typical viral stay at Gurung Cottage, which has become famous on TikTok, and instead chose a quieter and more personal place: Hotel Rock and Mud.
🏡 Postcard 2: Hotel Rock and Mud (A Hidden Gem at the Edge of the Village)
Tucked at one end of Ghandruk, Hotel Rock and Mud felt like our own mountain retreat. The lodge was decorated with vibrant flowers blooming along balconies, fences, and pathways. It had the charm of something curated with care, not just built for photos.
We were lucky to get a room with a direct view toward the mountains — even though they were still tucked behind clouds that evening.
But what made the stay truly memorable was the serenity: the absence of noise, the chirping of birds, the occasional goat or chicken wandering nearby, and the rustle of trees in the cool mountain air. It felt like we had stepped into a quiet mountain world of our own.
That night, we slept with the window slightly open — listening to crickets, birds, and mountain wind, hoping that the skies would clear by morning.
🌄 Postcard 3: A Ghandruk Morning (Mountains Revealed)
I was so excited to be there — and maybe even a little unconsciously nervous about missing the sunrise — that I actually woke up at 4 AM. The sky was still dark, the village silent except for the occasional sound of birds stirring. I lay there quietly, listening, watching the faint light start to touch the outlines of the windows.
When the first hints of dawn broke, I rushed to the rooftop — hopeful and grateful.
And there they were — Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare — glowing gold under the spring sunrise. The clouds had lifted, and the snowy peaks stood tall, catching the very first light of the day like they had been waiting just for us.
I can’t even explain the amount of happiness I felt in that moment. It was pure. I had hoped, waited, even reversed the trip for this — and everything aligned. Seeing Annapurna South shine like that made every step, every change of plan, and every early wake-up so worth it.
We spent the morning slowly, sipping tea, taking in the view, and breathing it all in. It was one of those rare travel moments when time slows down, and you realize: you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
🏘️ A Slow Morning in the Village
After breakfast and checkout, we took our time roaming around the village — not ready to leave just yet. The sun had fully risen by then, and Ghandruk looked radiant: stone paths glowing in the light, flowers blooming in every courtyard, and the white Himalayan peaks standing tall in the distance.
We wandered past traditional houses, admired the terraced fields, and followed small trails between rooftops and gardens. We also stepped inside the local monastery, a peaceful spot tucked into the hillside. The moment inside was quiet and grounding — with prayer flags fluttering all around, framing a perfect view of the mountains.
As we walked, we passed donkeys trotting casually through the lanes, carrying supplies like they’ve done for centuries. The pace of the village, the gentle clinking of their bells, and the smell of pine in the air made it feel like time had slowed to something sacred.
Before we began our descent, we found one last open spot to sit and enjoy the view — soaking in the sun, the silence, and the sight of the Himalayas we had hoped so deeply to see.
🥾 The Walk Back: Ghandruk to Dangsing
Eventually, it was time to say goodbye. With our bags on and hearts full, we began walking down from Ghandruk to Dangsing, retracing part of the trail we had planned to ascend before the rain changed our route.
The path was peaceful, shaded by tall trees and lined with stone steps that twisted gently through the hillside. Birds chirped around us, and the distant sound of a waterfall echoed somewhere below.
On the way down, we passed locals going about their day — some carrying baskets of firewood, others walking with children or tending to animals. Everyone we passed greeted us with warm smiles, a nod, or a cheerful “Namaste.” There was something genuinely uplifting about their energy — like they carried a kind of quiet joy we could feel just by passing by. We stopped by a shop to buy a bottle of Coca Cola, the old shopkeeper was the most beautiful soul we met in the village.
The kindness in their eyes, the unspoken friendliness, and the calm way of life along that trail made the walk as memorable as the mountains themselves.
After about two hours of walking, we reached Dangsing, where our van was waiting to take us back to Pokhara. Looking back up toward Ghandruk, nestled against the mountains, we felt both grateful and nostalgic already.
🍛 A Warm Meal and Chilly River in Dangsing
Before heading back to Pokhara, our hungry legs and growling stomachs led us to a small, local restaurant right where the trail ended. We were welcomed in by a kind-hearted grandma who instantly made us feel at home. Her smile was soft and genuine, and her hospitality was unforgettable — she treated us like family.
The food was simple, warm, and delicious — just what we needed after the long walk. We ate slowly, grateful for every bite, surrounded by the peaceful stillness of the hills.
Just a short walk below the restaurant flowed the Modi River, cold and clear, rushing straight from the snow-capped mountains. I couldn’t resist. I wandered down to the bank and dipped my feet into the icy Himalayan water — and the feeling was incredible. After the sweat and dust of the trail, it was the perfect reward. That moment — cold water, quiet surroundings, full belly — felt like the final, unexpected gift of the trip.
📌 Travel Tips for Ghandruk
Best Season: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (Sept–Nov)
Getting There: Van from Pokhara to Ghandruk or Nayapul
Hidden Gem Stay: Hotel Rock and Mud (peaceful, floral, quiet location)
Must-Do: Wake up for sunrise over Annapurna
Wildlife: Expect to hear birds, see goats, and maybe spot monkeys on the trail
💭 What This Trip Taught Me
Travel doesn’t always go according to plan — and that’s exactly what made this trip so meaningful.
From reversing our route due to unexpected rain, to waking up at 4 AM hoping for a glimpse of the mountains, every little twist added something special. Ghandruk reminded me to slow down, trust the flow, and appreciate quiet beauty — in clouds, in birdsong, in kind smiles from strangers.
The people we met along the way, especially those smiling faces on the walk back, left a lasting impression. Their calmness, warmth, and simplicity made me feel welcome, even without a shared language. Sometimes, the most powerful moments don’t come from dramatic views — they come from small interactions, and the way a place makes you feel.
This trip was more than a quick escape — it was a postcard to my future self: a reminder that joy often lives in stillness, nature, and kindness.