Ghale Gaun Trekking
Ghale gaun is an exotic pristine village endowed with scenic grandeur. The local habitants are Gurungs and the legendary mid-hill people of western Nepal. They are famous for their unique culture and life styles.
Ghale gaun is located in Lamjung district. It is nearly 205 km west of Kathmandu valley and 125km north east of beautiful city Pokhara. It is indeed a picturesque hill town of Nepal. Ghale Gaun Perched atop a ridge at an altitude of 2016 meters from the sea level, Glalegaun is probably the only place which commands a superb breathtaking view of majestic western Himalayas including Machhapuchhare(6693m) Annapurna(8091m), Annapurna II (7939m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal, Bouddha Himal((6974m), Himalchuli(6747m) and many more smaller peaks.
Taking advantage of such a unique location, Ghalegaun- a picturesque hamlet of about 95 Gorung style houses, has recently been marketed as a new destination for Village tourism. Accordingly quite a number of houses have been prepared for domestic and international visitors with comfortable basic amenities.
Besides the scenic extravaganza of the peaks, the warm and sincere hospitality of the Gurung people is also bound to overwhelm the visitors. Here food items such as grain, vegetable, meat, milk, eggs, are all locally produced and are indeed for any chemical fertilizers. In addition, the life-style of the village truly reflects an exotic living ethnic tradition handed down since ages. The social life is replete with interesting rituals of life cycle; birth wedding, death etc., religious events and a lively cultural tradition of dance and music and it is well augmented by interesting locally produced exotic handicrafts and utensils.
Activities around Ghalegaun include bird watching at Talangyo Lake and visits to the Utter Kanya Temple, Pempro Fall, Batase Cave and the Khudi hydroelectric dam site.
Cultural Attractions
Ghalegaun -Ghanpokhara are model villages for experiencing the typical culture and lifestyle of the Gurung people. Traditional customs are still followed during births, deaths, marriages and at other important times in their daily lives. Age-old cultural dances like the Jhyaure, Serka, Dohori, Ghantu, Ghyabring, Krishna Charitra and Jhakri are performed on various occasions accompanied by different musical instruments with the dancers in traditional dress.
Visitors to Ghalegaun-Ghanpokhara are welcomed with offering of garlands and tika while music and dances are performed and traditional farewell songs are sung when guests depart. Nepali New Year and Buddha Jayanti are celebrated with traditional dance called Ghatu.
Handicrafts
The people in this village keep goats and sheep and use the wool of the animal to make wooden products. They prepare many things such as clothes and bag from the nettle fiber. They also make scarf, towels and shawl from the wool of angora rabbits. Ironsmiths make different iron products. Craftsmen produce a whole range of different products from bamboo.
Honey HuntingHoney Hunting
Honey hunting which is the collection of honey from the nests of wild bees built on steep cliffs is an age-old tradition. Local honey hunters show their exceptional skills by hanging themselves form cliffs as high as 300 meters using bamboo ladders and hemp ropes, while harvesting the honeycombs. Everyone is thrilled to watch honey hunters at work.
Getting There
Ghalegaun and Ghanpkhara lie 205 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu and 125 kilometers northeast of Pokhara. The nearest roadhead is at Khudi in Lamjung; Khudi can be reached by daily bus services from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The hotels in Khudi provide safe stay with hygienic food; pleasant rooms, clean restrooms and some even have natural swimming pools nearby. Ghalegaun is a four-hour walk from Khudi through another Gurung settlement Bhalam Chour. The way from Bhalam Chour to Ghalegaun through the thick forest provides opportunities to see many species of animals, birds, insects and butterflies. Ghanpokhara is also a three- hour walk from Khudi but it can be also be reached from Beshisahar crossing Kapur Gaon without reaching Khudi.
Organized tourist groups are welcomed into Ghalegaun and Ghanpokhara with traditional dances. Handicraft exhibition and other entertainment programs are also performed for visitors. Tourists can participate in traditional musical program of Rodhi every evening. Trekking to and staying at Ghalegaun and Ghanpokhara is an exciting and enjoyable experience for both international and domestic visitors. Special discount facilities are offered to groups of students, forest users, women and community members.
Lodging and fooding
Comfortable rooms with clean restrooms are available at selected Gurung houses. Although there is no electricity in the village, lamps and water heating system facilities are available through solar power. There are a few Pahuna Ghar (Guest House) belonging to the Aama Samuha (Mother’s Community) that also provide accommodation. More than 100 tourists can be accomodated both in Ghalegaon and Ghanpokhara seperately. Good camping sites are also available at both Ghalegaun and Ghanpokhara.
Organic local foods like cereals, vegetables, milk products, eggs and meat prepared in traditional way is served to visitors. Basic menu includes plain rice, vegetable curry, vegetable fried rice, chicken curry, dal-bhat, egg curry, dhendo soup, chapatti, garlic soup, bread, vegetable mixed soup and momo.
Highlight sights of Ghale Gaun Trekking
Magnificent view of Mt. Annapurna, Fish Tail, Ghale-Gurung culture, homestay
Facts of Ghale Gaun Trekking:
| Trekking Region | Annapurna |
| Trekking Destinatin: | Ghale Gaun Trekking |
| Trekking Starts in: | Besisahar |
| Trekking Ends in: | Begnas Lake |
| Trip Duration: | 11 Days |
| Activities: | Trekking & Walking, Cultural Tours & Sightseeing, |
| Culture | Gurung, Ghale etc. |
| Attraction: | Close Mountain View, local Villages |
| Transportation: | By tourist bus / private vehicle. |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Resort & tea house /camping |
| Trekking grade: | easy |
| Max. Altitude: | 2200m |
| Best season in Nepal: | September to December & Feb to May. |
| Mode of Trekking: | Tea house / camping / home stays |
| Himalayan sights | Annapurna and fishtail, Dhaulagiri etc. |
| Group Size: | Min 02 PAX, Max 12 PAX |
Map of Ghale Gaun Trekking:
Itinerary for Ghale Gaun Trekking
| Days | Day to Day Activities |
|---|---|
| 01 | Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel meet guide and porters preparation trekking equipment and evening welcome dinner. |
| 02 | Kathmandu drive by Bus to trailhead Besisahar (760m) – Khudi (790m) it takes about 5 hours then overnight stay at tented camp or lodge. |
| 03 | Khudi trek to Ghalegaun 1800m. it takes about 4 hours then overnight stay at tented camp or local house. |
| 04 | Ghalegaun trek to Ghana Pokhara about 1 hour then explore whole day around village |
| 05 | Ghanapokhara trek to Baglungpani (1595) it takes about 4 hours then overnight stay at tented camp or local lodge. |
| 06 | Baglungpani trek to laxmi Bazaar (1300m) it takes about 5 hours then overnight at tented camp or local lodge. |
| 07 | Laxmi Bazaar trek to Begnas Lake & drive back to Pokhara it takes about 5 hours then stay at hotel near by Fewa Lake. |
| 08 | Rest in Pokhara and Sightseeing |
| 09 | Drive or fly back to Kathmandu |
| 10 | Sightseeing in ancient city of Bhaktapur. Farewell dinner in the evening. |
| 11 | Fly back to home or connecting onward journey. |
Note:
Unforeseen Cost such as Flight Cancellation or Delayed, Sick in Trekking, and Helicopter rescue in Trekking, Cost due to bad weather etc which is out of our control
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The safety and security of clients is a matter of great importance for us. All of our trips are led by qualified professional and government license holder guides and they have received adequate training from the government of Nepal. We always carry first aid kits in our trip. Out duty is to work hard for you safety and comfort, no matter where we go. Therefore, we work very honestly to provide you with Himalayan experience following willingness your. Please feel free to put forward your queries for making your trip significant and memorable.
Ghale Gaun Trekking Service Includes
- Pick & Drop to Airport / Hotel in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing with Tour guide
- 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with tea or coffee) during the trek
- Accommodation of Lodges, Guesthouses in Twin Sharing Bases during the trek
- Trekking Guides and Porters
- Facility of Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all trekking staff.
- Group medical supplies (First Aid medical kit will be available)
- All ground transportation
Ghale Gaun Trekking Service Excludes
- Any Meals in Kathmandu & other area
- Airfare domestic / international flights
- Nepal entry visa fee, Visa issuance is easy at the arrival of Tribhuwan International Airport.
- Airport tax required for the Domestic / International flights All alcoholic, mineral water, laundry, phone , internets.
- Personal Trekking Equipment, medical and travel insurance
- Entrance fees for sightseeing/Monument Any kind of personal expenses / Helicopter rescue
- National Park Entrance Fee.
Client Testimonials
Namadste!
While doing trek in the khumbu region, we will witness the different views of mountains such as Kwangde, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, the "horse saddle" of Kanteiga and of course the summit of Everest itself. We take a short rest for a while and it allows us little time for acclimatization. Here, you prepare yourself to explore the ascent of kalapatthar which is an altitude of 5545m. While climbing down from Lobuche, you will see some glacial moraine until the peak comes into view. Finally, you will be witnessing the north face of Mt. Everest . We return through a different route through Panboche to Lukla. We catch a flight for Kathmandu from Lukla.
micke, USA
