Ghandruk Circuit Trekking with kids

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Nepal is well known as one of the best destinations in the world for enjoying the real beauty of nature through trekking. The trail into the interior parts of the country follows ancient foot-trails which meander through scenic river-banks, intricately terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. Trekkers can walk along the rough but beautiful trails or virgin tracks in the lap of green and friendly looking hills. The rhododendron-filled, green, dark and deep forests with different seasonal flowers blossoming can catch anyone's eye as can the scattered residential cottages, domestic and forest animals, variety of birds, both Hindus and Buddhist temples, mountains, breath-taking landscape, and above all warm greeting from smiling local people. The highly developed and well-defined trails have been used for centuries. Among the many tourist adventure activities in Nepal, Trekking is by far the most Popular. The diversity in Nepal’s nature and a range of exotic culture makes this country ideal for trekking. Nepal alternative treks provides an opportunity to observe the local culture of the people and enjoy the beauty of nature undisturbed by the influence of modernity. Ghandruk Circuit Family Trekking is a package specially designed for the family those are traveling with children under the age of 15 and don’t want to have intensive trek but wish to gain mountain experience and refreshment and then planned for trekkers on a limited time schedule and will offer some of the best views in the Annapurna Region without having to contend with the altitude. Additionally, little hike to experience the fresh breath taking air of the Himalaya with your children. This trek is a short trekking in Nepal but probably the best mix cultural trek in Annapurna Region. There are no other routes which have this much natural diversity & cultural variety. This trek is start from Phedi near by Pokahra valley. Instantly after leaving Pokhara valley, it is not such a long wait before we get fantastic views of the mountains including the common shape of Machhapuchhre "The Fish-Tail". From the next day trek, we follow the Dhapus ridge through rhododendron and orchid hang forest. Landruk and Ghandruk, a large & prosperous Gurung village, is beautifully set against the backdrop of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and holy Mount Machhapuchhre (6993m). In the beginning of trek village life, culture, terrace view, waterfalls & green hills’ view can be enjoyed. Ghandruk village also offers most spectacular view of mountains peak & sun rise over Himalayas. Ghandruk village is another attraction of this trek. Ghandruk is habitation of Gurungs who are known is “Gurkhas”. Gurkhas have glorious history they created in Second World War. This trek follows the Natural hot springs in Annapurna Region of Nepal. The trek is rigorous, but the rewards can be worth the walk. It includes a stop at natural hot springs, a relaxing treatment for body aches. Besides, this trek also offers an opportunity to enjoy a bath in a natural hot spring along the trail.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Stunning Annapurna Ranges, Dhaulagiri and Fishtail view Beautiful Landscape Pleasant walking into Annapurna Conservation Area Gurung and Magar Ethnic Culture and Museums Rhododendron flowers

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day 1: Pokhara-Fedi-Dhampus 1650m./3 hours — Early in the morning, have a breakfast at the hotel then drive to Phedi which takes about 30 minutes by private van. We will start to climb steeply for an hour and then less steep climb up through the Rhododendron forest with following a stone staircase until reaching on the top of ridge which takes about 1 hour. We continue again another 30 minutes further plain dirt road and arrive in Dhampus Village . We will have our lunch and afternoon free for resting. We can see all the Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre as well as Dhaulagiri I. We will stay overnight at Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 2: Dhampus Village -Tolka 1700m/5hrs, — In the morning after breakfast, we will gently climb up through the rhododendron and oak forest until reaching Pothana which takes about one and half hour. We can see the excellent view of Machhapuchhre. The trail takes another one hour climbs through the rhododendron forest to a pass with views of the Mardi Khola far below and the panoramic views of Annapurna South and Hiun Chuli to the north, and Pokhara and Phewa Lake to the southeast when we will reach Deurali. Then, we will make a steep descent through the forests into a huge side canyon of the Modi Khola and arrive at Bheri Kharka, a superb of the large Gurung village of Bichok, far below after a 1 hour climbing down. We will make our lunch there and after lunch, we will descend to the head of the valley on the upper trail cross a stream over the suspension bridge. Then we climb gently out of the side canyon on flagstone steps until reaching Tolka which takes about 1 and half hour. We will stay overnight at Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 3: Tolka -Jhinu Danda 1780m/5hrs, — In the morning after breakfast, we will descend a long knee-crunching stone staircase to a suspension bridge across the small stream, then climbs through forests to a ridge an easy walk past stream, fields until reaching a Gurung settlement of Landruk village which takes about 1 and half hour. We can see a second largest Gurung village of Ghandruk high above us on the opposite side of the river. Then, we will leave the village and choose the right trail; walk on the thick jungle trail descends through ferns to fine view of Annapurna South high above the jade-white water river and cross the several bridges with lovely waterfall near the Himal Qu. Then, we will cross by a long narrow suspension bridge over the Modi Khola until reaching New Bridge which takes about one and half hour. We will make our lunch there. After lunch, we will continue to steep climbs and then cross over the stream. Then a short stiff climbs bring us to Jhinu Danda. There is a hot spring with cement bathing pools about 25 minutes downhill. We will stay overnight at Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Jhinu Danda - Ghandruk Village 1940m/5hrs, — In the morning after having breakfast, we will descend to small stream and climb up with small stone staircase with zigzag uphill through the terrace fields viewing Jhinu Danda and Chhomrong village from top of the ridge, with its small settlement which takes about 2 and half hour. Then we walk small ups and downs through the dense forest of rhododendron viewing scenic Landruk and Ghandruk village until reaching Ghandruk, which is also known as Konda Village in their local language. Konda means Stone; we can see all the walking trail and house when we are entering in the village. It takes about 1 and half hour. We will have our lunch and visit a very interesting old traditional Gurung Museum and recently built Buddhist Monastery in the middle of the village, which we can make side trip for the evening. We will stay overnight at Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 5: Ghandruk to Pokhara by drive — In the morning after breakfast, We drive to Pokhara through the Modi Khola until reaching Birethanti by private transport. Then, we drive back to Pokhara by private vehicle which takes about 1:30 hours and transfer to your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Pokhara-Fedi-Dhampus 1650m./3 hours — Early in the morning, have a breakfast at the hotel then drive to Phedi which takes about 30 minutes by private van. We will start to climb steeply for an hour and then less steep climb up through the Rhododendron forest with following a stone staircase until reaching on the top of ridge which takes about 1 hour. We continue again another 30 minutes further plain dirt road and arrive in Dhampus Village . We will have our lunch and afternoon free for resting. We can see all the Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre as well as Dhaulagiri I. We will stay overnight at Lodge.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 2Dhampus Village -Tolka 1700m/5hrs, — In the morning after breakfast, we will gently climb up through the rhododendron and oak forest until reaching Pothana which takes about one and half hour. We can see the excellent view of Machhapuchhre. The trail takes another one hour climbs through the rhododendron forest to a pass with views of the Mardi Khola far below and the panoramic views of Annapurna South and Hiun Chuli to the north, and Pokhara and Phewa Lake to the southeast when we will reach Deurali. Then, we will make a steep descent through the forests into a huge side canyon of the Modi Khola and arrive at Bheri Kharka, a superb of the large Gurung village of Bichok, far below after a 1 hour climbing down. We will make our lunch there and after lunch, we will descend to the head of the valley on the upper trail cross a stream over the suspension bridge. Then we climb gently out of the side canyon on flagstone steps until reaching Tolka which takes about 1 and half hour. We will stay overnight at Lodge.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 3Tolka -Jhinu Danda 1780m/5hrs, — In the morning after breakfast, we will descend a long knee-crunching stone staircase to a suspension bridge across the small stream, then climbs through forests to a ridge an easy walk past stream, fields until reaching a Gurung settlement of Landruk village which takes about 1 and half hour. We can see a second largest Gurung village of Ghandruk high above us on the opposite side of the river. Then, we will leave the village and choose the right trail; walk on the thick jungle trail descends through ferns to fine view of Annapurna South high above the jade-white water river and cross the several bridges with lovely waterfall near the Himal Qu. Then, we will cross by a long narrow suspension bridge over the Modi Khola until reaching New Bridge which takes about one and half hour. We will make our lunch there. After lunch, we will continue to steep climbs and then cross over the stream. Then a short stiff climbs bring us to Jhinu Danda. There is a hot spring with cement bathing pools about 25 minutes downhill. We will stay overnight at Lodge.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 4Jhinu Danda - Ghandruk Village 1940m/5hrs, — In the morning after having breakfast, we will descend to small stream and climb up with small stone staircase with zigzag uphill through the terrace fields viewing Jhinu Danda and Chhomrong village from top of the ridge, with its small settlement which takes about 2 and half hour. Then we walk small ups and downs through the dense forest of rhododendron viewing scenic Landruk and Ghandruk village until reaching Ghandruk, which is also known as Konda Village in their local language. Konda means Stone; we can see all the walking trail and house when we are entering in the village. It takes about 1 and half hour. We will have our lunch and visit a very interesting old traditional Gurung Museum and recently built Buddhist Monastery in the middle of the village, which we can make side trip for the evening. We will stay overnight at Lodge.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 5Ghandruk to Pokhara by drive — In the morning after breakfast, We drive to Pokhara through the Modi Khola until reaching Birethanti by private transport. Then, we drive back to Pokhara by private vehicle which takes about 1:30 hours and transfer to your hotel. +

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

KNOW WHAT'S COVERED

What's included in your experience

Included

Tribhuwan International Airport Transfer ( Airport + Hotel + Airport ) .
Lodge accommodation ( Family room) during the trekking .
All meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trek.
One highly educated, experienced, well trained, fluent English speaking, friendly and government authorized trekking guide and required porters (One porter for two persons- One extra porter for infant ).
Guide/ Porter's food, accommodation, salary, insurance, transportation and equipments.
Overland transportation by private vehicle as per itinerary.
Annapurna conservation area project ( ACAP) and Trekking information management system (TIMS) card.
Trekking map, first aid medical kit box, seasonal fruits, duffle bag, company t-shirt and trekking completion certificate etc.

Not included

Hard/soft table drinks as tea/coffee, alchoholic drinks, mineral water, battery charge, laundry, desert, hot shower, hot water etc.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Personal Travel insurance.
Tips for guide and porters. ( Highly suggested).

PLAN AHEAD

Essential trip information

Before you go

Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP) The provision of ACAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions. It's fee is fixed by NTNC Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) per person to Ghandruk circuit Trekking. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying ACAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) or equivalent in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period. Trekker's information Management System ( TIMS) The main aim of TIMS has come into implementation from Jan.2008. Trekking agency's association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal tour tourism board (NTB) has jointly recording the trekker's detail and issuing TIMS for trekkers. TIMS can be applied through Government registered trekking agency as Nepal alternative treks. TIMS fees are Rs. 2000 for individual trekkers and Rs. 1000 for organized trekker through agency. It also can be obtained departments of TAAN and NTB in Kathmandu and Pokhara . You are required passport copy, one passport size photograph and the amount Rs. 2000 for individual and Rs. 1000 for company joined in cash. Travel insurance It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. Recommended Travel Insurance Companies For Travelers from Thailand AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th For Travelers from USA and CANADA Online Global Health Insurance -http://www.onlineglobalhealthinsurance.com Insure My Trip.com (Online Insurance Aggregator) - http://www.insuremytrip.com Mondial Assistance 4273 King St. East Kitchener ON N2P 2E9 Canada mondial-assistance.ca Access America - http://www.accessamerica.com/ HCC Medical Insurance Services - http://www.mnui.com/ Good Neighbor Insurance (International Health) - http://www.gninsurance.com/ International health: overseashealthinsurance.com Insure my Trip dot Com insuremytrip.com MultiNational Underwriters 251 North Illinois Street, Suite 600 / Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-262-2132 / 800-605-2282 / Fax: 317-262-2140 mnui.com/ service@mnui.com TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd. 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Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). How do we know if I get AMS ? Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below: Difficulty sleeping Dizziness or light-headedness Tiredness Headache Loss of appetite Nausea or vomiting Rapid pulse (heart rate) shortness of breath with exertion Cannot walk in a straight line Treatment Rest, Rest , Rest Go down, down, down Diamox Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude. Prevention and pre-cautious Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include: Climb the mountain gradually and slowly Stop for a day or two of rest for every 2,000 feet (600 meters) above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) Sleep at a lower altitude when possible Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day Avoid alcohol Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates Sleep well Be well equipped First aid Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case. Meals During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges. Threre will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your choice from MENU . Physical Condition & Experience Requirements Ghandruk ciruiit Trekking, suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will get the highest elevation 1940 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.

Accommodation

Accommodation We leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as there will various choices to select yourself. We provide family room in lodges during the trek with private bathroom.

Fitness & eligibility

Meeting point

Phedi

What to bring

Trekking Clothing equipment for Ghandruk Circuit Trekking
When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:
Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
Light weight pants, shorts
At night -track top, pants
T-shirts.
Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn.
Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes.
Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton
Vaseline for feet and crutch.
Water bottle - 2 liters.
Sunglasses and strap
Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage
Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion.
Small daypack - 25 liters.
Rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack.
Small towels
Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
A pair of gloves

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