I always dreamed of walking through colorful mountain villages, hearing the crunch of dry leaves under my boots, and watching the sun paint the Himalayas gold. That dream finally came true when I did the Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek a short yet magical trail in Nepal that starts from Nayapul and loops through Ghorepani and Ghandruk before returning.
The journey started from Nayapul, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara. Right from the first step, I felt the excitement kicking in. The trail took me along the side of a river, crossing small bridges and passing through the warm smiles of local tea shop owners. As I climbed higher towards Tikhedhunga and Ulleri, I met the famous stone steps hundreds of them! My legs complained a bit, but my heart was happy. I knew that beyond those steps, the real magic was waiting.
Reaching Ghorepani felt like stepping into a peaceful little world surrounded by rhododendron forests. The air was cooler here, and the mountains started peeking through the clouds. Early the next morning, I hiked up to Poon Hill, the highlight of this trek. Standing there, watching the sun rise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, with colors changing every minute — I just stood still, lost in that golden silence.
After soaking in the mountain glow, the trail led me down through dense forests filled with the chirping of birds and soft petals falling like rain. It felt like walking through a dream. I passed through Tadapani, where the views of Machapuchare (the Fishtail Mountain) followed me like an old friend.
Then came Ghandruk a charming Gurung village with stone-paved streets and traditional houses. I spent time here chatting with locals, sipping hot tea, and visiting the Gurung Museum to learn about their old traditions. The people here still carry the warmth of the mountains in their hearts, and it made me feel right at home.
Finally, I made my way back down to Nayapul, completing the loop. The trek lasted just about 5 to 6 days, but the memories feel like they will last forever. It wasn’t just about the mountains; it was about the little details the taste of dal bhat after a long day, the sound of bamboo leaves rustling, and the way the sky turned purple at dusk.
If you are looking for a short trek that’s rich in views, culture, and quiet moments, the Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek is the dream you didn’t know you needed.
