Ghale Gaun Trek – 8 Days

Best time

The Ghale Gaun Trek is an all-year-round trek and can be made in any month of the year. The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the trail is covered with blooming rhododendrons and multicolored flowers, and the weather is warm and sunny. In autumn, the sky is clear, the mountain views are stunning, and the air is fresh after the rains.

Winter (December to February) is peaceful with fewer trekkers. The weather is cold, but the views are still beautiful, especially with snow on the peaks. Monsoon (June to August) is the off-season due to heavy rain. Trails can be muddy and slippery, and leeches and landslides are possible. Views are often blocked by clouds.

Even with seasonal challenges, Ghale Gaun welcomes visitors throughout the year with its rich culture, warm hospitality, and scenic beauty.

Elevation and Distance

The Ghale Gaun Trek reaches its highest elevation at 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) at Ghale Gaun village, and the lowest point is Besisahar at 760 meters (2,493 feet). The total distance covered is approximately 16 kilometers, of which about 8 km are walked while ascending from Khudi to Ghale Gaun and another 8 km while descending to Khudi. The rest is covered by road.

While the trekking part is brief, it provides stunning cultural experiences and mountain vistas. The trek goes through verdant forests, Gurung settlements, and terraced fields. As much of the trekking takes place at lower altitudes, altitude sickness is less of an issue. The road trip takes one through approximately 400 km round trip from Kathmandu to Besisahar and return. This is an ideal trek for beginners or for those who desire a short and culturally rewarding Himalayan trek without venturing into high altitudes.

Difficulty, Altitude Sickness, Preparation & Fitness

The Ghale Gaun Trek is an easy to moderate trek, and it is ideal for beginners and families. The treks are not too steep or lengthy, and walking is at the lower altitudes most of the time. The maximum altitude is 2,100 meters, so altitude sickness is highly unlikely. You might feel a bit tired when you walk uphill, but it melts away with rest and hydration.

No specific training is required, but a minimum fitness level is preferable. One can prepare oneself by walking regularly, jogging lightly, or going up stairs a couple of weeks prior to the trek. Wear comfortable footwear, carry a light backpack, and bring a jacket, rain gear, and light clothes.

Even though it’s a short walking distance, it’s worthwhile being prepared with sun lotion, a water bottle, and some picnic snacks. Subject to having a proper attitude and preparation, everyone with normal health can take up this cultural and scenic walk.

Maximum and minimum walk per day

You will trek for 2 out of the 8-day trek on the Ghale Gaun Trek. The most walking is on Day 4, when you trek from Khudi to Ghale Gaun. This is about 4 to 5 hours of walking uphill. The least walking day is Day 6, when you trek downhill from Ghale Gaun to Khudi, approximately 2 to 3 hours, and then take a short drive to Besisahar.

On average, the walking time per day on the trek is around 3.5 to 4 hours. The trails are not steep or long, and it is a suitable trek for beginners and families. The trek is more scenic and cultural than physically demanding.

With only two days of trekking and average walking hours, it’s a simple and relaxing experience for those who wish to see the Gurung village life and mountain views.

Accommodation

There are 3 nights of hotel stay in tourist-standard accommodation in Kathmandu with standard rooms and modern facilities on the Ghale Gaun Trek. There are locally owned tea houses and homestays, twin-sharing, that offer accommodation on the trek route.

The room is traditional and warm, and there is a cozy and welcoming village-like environment. Clean blankets are offered in most rooms, and toilets are Western.

Though bathrooms are normally shared, there is the option to pay extra for bathrooms in attached rooms. If privacy is desired, a single supplement is also available. The homestays are locally owned in Gurung culture, and you may enjoy genuine hospitality while still remaining comfortable.

The peaceful surroundings, hot food, and basic clean accommodation allow for restful lodgings after trekking. Overall, lodging on the Ghale Gaun Trek is satisfying and culturally rewarding, with a good night’s rest each time.

Food and Drink

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on the Ghale Gaun Trek. Breakfast typically includes tea or coffee, eggs, toast, chapati, porridge, or pancakes. Lunch is typically a full meal of rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables, pickles, and sometimes noodles or fried rice. Dinner is made up of the same local productions, such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), vegetable curry, and sometimes chicken, with soup and tea.

These are locally prepared, home-cooked meals and give you a taste of original Nepali and Gurung cuisine. If you want to enjoy extra snacks, bottled drinks, alcoholic beverages, or desserts, you will need to pay for them separately.

Drinking water is available, but bottled or boiled water may cost extra. Staying hydrated and eating well will help keep your energy levels up during the trek. The food is simple, warm, and satisfying throughout the journey.

Alternative Routes

The Ghale Gaun Trek also has different alternative routes, each with its own cultural experience and scenery:

Ghale Gaun to Bhujung Trek: This trek extends the days of the trip by trekking from Ghale Gaun to Bhujung, another Gurung village. The trek traverses through forests and terraced fields, providing a better glimpse into local life and more views of the mountains.

Ghale Gaun to Begnas Lake Trek: The trek begins at Ghale Gaun and terminates near Pokhara at Begnas Lake. It goes through forests and villages before descending and finishing the trek with a relaxed end, having chances for boating and unwinding on the lake.

Ghale Gaun to Siklis Trek: This alternative connects Ghale Gaun to Siklis, which is referred to as the “Royal Trek” due to its association with Prince Charles’ 1980 visit. The trek offers panoramic scenery of Annapurna and Machapuchhre and cultural experiences in remote villages.

All of these trails enhance the Ghale Gaun Trek with more cultural exposure and visual diversity, appropriate for trekkers seeking diversity in experience within the Annapurna landscape.

Can a beginner join this trip?

The trek involves moderately short daily treks (3-5 hours), which are not too strenuous and allow time to absorb the stunning scenery and cultural interest along the way.

Gadget Charging, Communication, and Internet

You can charge your devices and stay connected to the world on the Ghale Gaun Trek, though with some restrictions.

Most guesthouses and homestays along the trail offer charging services for a small fee. It’s advisable to bring a two- or three-pin travel adapter to ensure compatibility with local sockets. Keep in mind that power outages can occur, so it’s a good idea to carry a power bank as a backup.

Mobile network coverage is available in Ghale Gaun and surrounding areas. You can purchase a Nepal Telecom (NTC) or Ncell SIM card in Kathmandu for local calls and data. However, as you ascend, network strength may decrease, and internet access might be limited.

To keep you connected and your devices charged, plan ahead by carrying necessary adapters, a power bank, and a local SIM card. While some guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, it’s best not to rely on it solely and enjoy the natural beauty of the trek.

Permit

For the Ghale Gaun Trek, the two main permits required by the trekkers are

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Trekkers need to carry this permit so that they can enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, in which Ghale Gaun is located. The permit helps to conserve and protect the environment and wildlife within the region.

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: The TIMS card is required to be carried by all trekkers in Nepal, which helps the authorities track down trekkers for safety and emergency purposes.

Both permits are easily available from a registered trekking agency in Pokhara or Kathmandu. It is advisable to arrange them in advance because solo trekking is not allowed in Nepal these days due to safety concerns. The trekking agency will facilitate these permits, and all the papers will be in place for your trek. These permits also help in the conservation of the region and help the local communities.

Transportation

For the Ghale Gaun Trek, transport is organized at key places to ensure ease of access:

You will be received at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival, and a representative will take you to your Kathmandu hotel. Similarly, on departure day, transportation will be organized to drop you off at the airport.

The hike begins with a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the beginning point of the trek. You’ll ride in a decent tourist-standard vehicle like a private car or van.

You will have a transfer from Besisahar to Khudi, which is the official beginning of the trek. This transfer will be conducted with a private vehicle.

Once the trekking is finished, travel back to Kathmandu on the return is booked.

Such transportation arrangements facilitate trekking with ease and convenience.

Insurance

Yes, it’s a very good idea to get travel insurance for the Ghale Gaun Trek. Even though the trek is not too hard or too high, things can still go wrong. You might get sick, hurt yourself, or face delays and problems along the way.

Your insurance should cover doctor visits, hospital stays, and even help you get back safely by car or helicopter if needed. It’s also helpful if it covers things like trip cancellation, lost bags, flight delays, or natural problems like landslides.

Make sure your insurance works in Nepal and includes trekking up to 2,500 meters. The Ghale Gaun Trek is safe, but having insurance means you don’t have to worry. It gives you peace of mind so you can just enjoy the trip.

What to Expect

The Ghale Gaun Trek is calm, beautiful, and full of heart. You’ll walk through green forests, small villages, and fields while seeing big mountain views like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, and Manaslu—especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.

You’ll sleep in nice, warm homes with friendly Gurung families. They will make you tasty local cuisine and gladly introduce you to their way of life. You can even dance and listen to their traditional music. The walk is not so tiring, and therefore it’s perfect for beginners and families.

There is time to rest, photograph, and just bask in village life. You can break the journey along the way to visit special places like the View Tower, the SAARC Museum, and the Jal Devi Temple.

This is not a trekking adventure—it’s about relaxing, breathing in fresh air, and basking in people’s and nature’s warmth.

Equipment Required for Ghale Gaun Trekking

Ghale Gaun Trekking is more challenging and demanding than other trekking destinations in the Langtang region. Furthermore, it is also not at a high altitude, making it a lot easier to trek in the area; however, you must still be prepared and must take all the necessary equipment that is essential during the trek.

Some of the trekking equipment that you can take during the trek are:

Head/Hand Equipment

In the case of Head/Hand equipment, you can take things like

• Wool hat
• Wide Brimmed Hat
• Gloves and Hand Warmer
• Gaiters
• Down Insulated Mittens
• Day Trek Pack
• Lip Balm with Sunscreen
• Broad-brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection)
• Water Bottles or Camel Back
• Favorite Snacks
• Duct tape or moleskin for blisters
• Sunscreen
• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
• Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
• Sunglasses
• Umbrella (works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun)

Additional layers, gloves, windbreaker, and poncho

• Trekking Poles (optional)
• Toilet Paper
• Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
• Sleeping Bags
• Sack of sleeping bag
• -20 degree centigrade-rated Sleeping Bag

First Aid Kits

• Personal Medicine
• Diamax or Altitude sickness pill
• Painkiller
• Antibiotics
• Diapers for rashes
• Hair ties and brushes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Antibiotics
• Face/Sun Lotion
• Ear Plugs and Eye covers for sleeping
• Hand Warmers, etc.