Difficulty
The 9-day Annapurna Ghandruk Village Trek is not a difficult trek at all, in fact, it is arguably the easiest trekking destination of the Annapurna region. One of the best things about this trek is the accessibility and the beginner-friendly hiking trails. Since the maximum elevation we will gain during this trek is a little 2000 meters, there is no risk of altitude sickness, which makes it suitable for people of all ages.
On a scale of 1 to 10, this trek is only a 4. This should give you an idea of how easy the trek really is.
Best seasons
The Annapurna Ghandruk Village Trek only reaches a maximum elevation of 2010 meters. Because the route does not involve many major hurdles, you can take on this trek all year round. However, it is advised that you undertake your trip in the recommended autumn and spring seasons. Clear air throughout these two seasons will provide the greatest sights of the Mountains and surrounding areas.
The yearly celebrations of Dashain and Tihar, which are observed at the start of the fall season, bring the village to life. Participating in the celebrations with the people when you visit Ghandruk around this period will enhance your experience. Ghandruk is open all year round, with the exception of the rainfall period.
Altitude Sickness
There is no risk of altitude sickness in this trek as the maximum elevation we travel to (2010 meters) is not within the region where you can get altitude sickness. You can trek this trail without worrying about altitude sickness.
Accommodation, Food, and Drink
Since this trek is one of the most traveled treks and one of the most popular as well, you will find modern accommodations throughout the trek. Also, since we will not be traveling to remote highland villages, the tea houses and lodges in these regions provide all the modern amenities you require.
As per the standard practice, you will be sharing the room with one of your fellow trekkers in the group. If you want a single room to yourself, you should let us know beforehand, so we can make the necessary preparations.
Eateries in this trek offer more options compared to most other trekking destinations in Nepal. If you are allergic to certain kinds of food, make sure to let us know and also share the info with the eatery cooks. Since you will be traveling to Gurung villages, you must try their traditional dishes and also the national dish of Nepal, Dal Bhat.
In most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, we recommend travelers not to go for non-veg dishes as it might get them sick. But since this trek is more developed than the others, it is safe to consume meat items.
You can try a whole lot of drinks during this trek, including different types of tea, juices, and alcohol. We recommend you not to drink much alcohol as it might affect your trekking performance the next day. The trekking package covers all your accommodation expenses and food but does not cover any of the drinks.
Transportation
Pick up and drop off to the international airport in Kathmandu, land transport to the starting point of the trek, flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and bus travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu, all of these transport expenses will be covered by our trekking package. Anything outside of this will not be covered by our trek package.
Permit
To travel this trek, you will require the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit which you can get in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Our guide will help you get this permit and the trek package covers the expense as well.
The Annapurna Conservation Area is a government project aiming to protect the nature of the Annapurna region and develop the settlements within and the trekking trails to provide a pleasant experience for the trekkers.
Trip preparation and fitness
If you are physically active in your daily life, you can do this trek easily; you do not have to prepare for it at all. But if you are someone who is physically inactive and has put on some weight, we recommend you hit the gym for 2 to 3 weeks before the start of the trek.
We do not like to see our guests huffing and puffing for air while the other trekkers are enjoying the walk, taking in the beautiful natural surroundings. We want you to be able to trek the trail without any physical discomfort.
Gadgets charging & Internet
During this trek, you will be able to charge your gadgets at the tea houses and guest houses we stay in. Unlike most of the other trekking destinations in Nepal, you are not likely to be charged extra for charging electronic devices by the owners of the establishment. The same case applies to the internet, you can get access to the internet throughout the trek without having to pay extra.
However, you will have to pay extra for the hot shower and other luxury amenities you might ask for during your stay.
Your Extra expenses
The extra expenses include international flight fare, visa fees, travel insurance, medical insurance, tips for the crew members, additional accommodations, sightseeing expenses, and any other personal expenses not mentioned as inclusive to our trek package.