3-Day Ghandruk Loop Trek from Pokhara: Annapurna Views

Watch the Annapurna massif light up at dawn from a mountain ridge.

The 3-day Ghandruk Loop is a trek from Pokhara into the Annapurna region, staying in village lodges and walking through Gurung settlements, paddy fields and forest. An English-speaking guide, porter support, all meals, permits and transport from Pokhara are included. The trek has easy trails with no difficult climbs, making it suitable for anyone new to trekking or short on time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek from Pokhara to Ghandruk

• Meet at hotel in Pokhara
• Drive to Nayapul
• Trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk
• Visit Gurung museum in Ghandruk
• View Annapurna mountain range
• Overnight at lodge in Ghandruk

Day 2 — Trek from Ghandruk to Pothana

• Enjoy sunrise over mountains
• Breakfast in Ghandruk
• Trek descending to Modi Khola
• Climb to Landruk village
• Pass through paddy fields to Deurali
• Trek to Pothana
• Overnight at lodge in Pothana

Day 3 — Return trek from Pothana to Pokhara

• Morning at Pothana ridge viewpoint
• Trek to Phedi
• Drive from Phedi to Pokhara
• Drop off at hotel in Pokhara

The Experience

You start from your Pokhara hotel and drive to Nayapul, where the trek begins with a steady climb toward Ghandruk. The trail ascends through mountain terrain, and as you gain elevation, the Annapurna range—Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hinuchuli and Machhapuchhre—comes into view. Ghandruk itself is a traditional Gurung village at 1,540 meters, and you'll have time to visit the old Gurung museum before settling into your lodge for the night.

On day two, you leave early to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas, then trek toward Pothana. The route descends to Modi Khola, passes through Landruk village and paddy fields, crosses a ridge point at Deurali, and climbs to Pothana at 2,870 meters. This stretch takes 5 to 6 hours. Pothana sits on a ridge with unobstructed views of the Annapurna massif and Fishtail mountain, and you'll spend the night there.

The final day is a 3-hour trek down to Phedi, where your vehicle is waiting to drive you back to Pokhara. The descent passes through lush green forest and offers continued views of the Himalayas. Your guide and porters handle the logistics—they carry gear, prepare meals at each stop, and manage the permits and paperwork. All three nights are in guest house lodges, and breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided throughout.

What’s included

• An English-speaking trekking guide and porters (one per two trekkers) with their meals, lodging and insurance covered.
• all breakfasts, lunches and dinners during the trek.
• three nights in guest house lodges.
• ACAP Trek permit and TIMS card fees.
• private vehicle transport from Pokhara to Nayapul and from Phedi back to your hotel.
• all government taxes and service charges.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Breakfree Adventures Pvt. Ltd.

Is this one for you?Book this trek if you have a few days free in Pokhara and want to walk into the mountains without arranging guides, permits, meals or transport yourself—the easy trails and short duration make it ideal for a first trek or a quick mountain break.

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Top questions

How difficult is the Ghandruk Loop trek for someone who has never trekked before?

The Ghandruk Loop has easy trekking trails with no difficult ascents or descents, making it suitable for all fitness levels. The longest day is 5 to 6 hours of walking, and the terrain is manageable for beginners.

What mountains can I see from Ghandruk?

From Ghandruk, you can see Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hinuchuli and Machhapuchhre (also called Mount Fishtail). The views are most dramatic at sunrise and from Pothana on day two.

What is included in the trek price?

The trek includes an English-speaking guide and porters (one porter for every two trekkers), all meals during the trek, lodge accommodation for three nights, the ACAP Trek permit and TIMS card fees, transport from Pokhara to Nayapul and from Phedi back to Pokhara, and all government taxes and service charges.

Do I need to bring my own food or water on the trek?

No. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided at the lodges and on the trail. You should bring a water bottle to refill at lodges; bottled water and other drinks are available for purchase but not included.

What is Ghandruk village like?

Ghandruk is a traditional Gurung village in the Annapurna region, inhabited by the Gurung community. The village has an old Gurung museum that you'll visit on day one, and it sits at 1,540 meters with views of the surrounding mountains.

What do I need to bring for the TIMS card and permit?

Bring two passport-size photos for the TIMS card and permit application. The guide will handle the permit process, and the fees are included in the trek price.