Introduction
Ghale Gaun is a unique trekking destination for trekkers wanting to experience local culture and hospitality at its best. It is situated on the Annapurna Route; the trek can be started either from Pokhara or Khudi. Inhabited mostly by Gurung people there wouldn’t be any better place than Ghale Gaun to observe local culture, tradition and lifestyle while also enjoying magnificent scenery. It is situated at an approx elevation of 2095 m facing majestic Himalayan Views Lamjung Himal, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Annapurna and numerous other majestic peaks.
Comparatively very new trail for trekking, hence there are only basic facilities of lodging. However the home-stay service they provide is simply awesome that one finds it really fascinating to live with locals, eat local food and observe local culture and lifestyle at first hand. It’s really amazing to see a typical day for the locals which includes work outside and inside the house like: ploughing or sowing in the fields, or cutting grass for livestock fodder, chopping firewood for cooking meals, milking cows, churning curd, fetching water from the spring, washing clothes etc.
As the name speaks for itself, each and every service provided is of superior quality than that of regular standard. Best of the camping services that includes deluxe tents, mattress, pillow, sleeping bags, kitchen tent, dinning tent, shower tent, toilet tent, all kitchen utensils including table and chairs, are provided. Tea and coffee anytime as requested, seasonal fruits and desserts with meals are included. An adequate number of qualified and experienced trekking guide, cook, Sherpa staff and porters who are well trained and up to date with knowledge and skills, staff to make all necessary arrangements before group arrives in camp site and also during the trek are provided. Clients and their every need are duly taken care of so that they feel safe and secure all throughout the trip. As the quality does cost the money, you will truly feel value for the money.
Ethical Tourism:
Ghalegaun Home stay is probably the best example of community tourism in Nepal. The concept of community tourism is growing in recent days and Ghale gaun has led by example. No doubt that tourism should also contribute to the development of community. Visiting Ghale Gaun would certainly help the community of the region in particular and develop the community tourism in general.
Natural Environment:
You will not be walking up in the mountain. It’s along the hilly state of Western Nepal at the foothills of Lamjung Himal and many more. It’s on the route of the famous Annapurna circuit trek and possesses stunning views along the way.
Cultural Environment:
Probably the most popular Gurung village in Nepal for its culture and tradition, Ghale Gaun is becoming popular for community tourism as well. Although there are people from different ethnic backgrounds but Gurung is the main group. Despite Gurung being the main community, one can still observe the cultural diversity in Ghale Gaun.
Other Travel Information
Fitness Levels:
This trek is graded as an easy trek as it does not include any such challenging geographical location. As the altitude hardly exceeds 2000m, you won’t feel such difficult trekking. Hence, no prior experience and certain fitness level are required.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is a must no mater you are trekking in the mountain or enjoying your leisurely pursuits. Although it will be very unlikely that there will arise a case of emergency but clients are also suggested to have the policy that covers helicopter evacuation in case needed. You are required to provide us a copy of your insurance before you commence the trip.
Currency:
Foreign currencies are easily exchangeable and there are ATMs easily accessible in cities. However it will not be the case while trekking. Hence trekkers are suggested to bring their entire travel budget for trek in local currency as it’s more convenient.
Personal expenses: Spending money depends on personal taste for souvenirs, drinks, etc. Approx $375 USD or any convertible currency should be adequate for the 12 day trip. Nepal visitor visa is about US$40. Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. AU$100 for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended.
Equipment: You won’t require such equipment that you require while trekking on High Mountain trails. However basics like sleeping bag, down jackets, rucksack, walking poles, good walking shoes etc are recommended. Your porter will carry your equipment along with your clothing. You could carry your day backpack.
First Aid: The guide will carry a first aid kit, but we recommend you carry your own first aid supplies including any medication you might require. Your first aid kit should include: broad spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, cold and flu medication, diarrhea medication, pain killers, plasters, insect repellent and re-hydration salts.
Altitude Issues: Altitude sickness is the effect of the thin air at great heights. As this trek does not involve any high altitude/passes, you are unlikely to get the altitude sickness.
Inclusion
What's included ?
- Accommodation in Kathmandu in 5 star hotel and in Fishtail lodge or similar in Pokhara on BB basis as per the itinerary
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu to visit various monumental zones with a guide and by private vehicle
- Entry permits to monumental zones
- Annapurna Conservation Area trekking/entry permit
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit
- Kathmandu – Besisahar & Pokhara – Kathmandu land transportation by deluxe private vehicle
- Accommodation in tented camp/home stay during the trek
- All camping equipment like sleeping tent, dinning tent, kitchen tent, shower tent, toilet tent, sleeping mattress, pillows etc.
- Three meals with tea coffee with each meal & seasonal fruits (breakfast, lunch & dinner) a day during the trek prepared and served by our own staff
- All kitchen utensils including table, chairs etc
- Qualified and experienced trekking guide, cook, Sherpa porters services
- Transportation, accommodation, meals, allowance and insurance for trekking staff
- All official paper works and applicable taxes
- All airport transfers
- Sleeping bag, down jacket and rucksack if required
- Farewell Dinner with typical local cultural program
- Airport pick up on arrival and drop off on departure
What's not included ?
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Expenses of personal nature and bar bills
- Clients’ personal/travel insurance
- Tips/gratuities
Day to Day Itinerary
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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu / accord warm welcome / transfer to hotel / introductory briefing -
Day 02: After breakfast, Drive by private to trailhead Besisahar (760m) – trek to Khudi (790m) Overnight at tented camp.
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Day 03: Khudi trek to Ghalegaun/overnight at tented camp/home stay. Ghalegaun is one of the most popular Gurung villges for its culture, Gurung lifestyle and home-stay tourism.
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Day 04: Excursion Ghalegaun, Ghanpokhara & Pasgaun and observe local culture, tradition, lifestyle etc at first hand. Overnight at tented camp/home stay
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Day 05: Trek Ghalegaun to Baglungpani (1595)/overnight at tented camp
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Day 06: Trek Baglungpani to Laxmi Bazar/overnight at tented camp
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Day 07: Trek Laxmi Bazaar to Chisopani /overnight at tented camp
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Day 08: Trek Chisopani to Begnas Lake/overnight at tented camp
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Day 09: Drive Begnas Lake to Pokhara by private vehicle and sightseeing around Pokhara valley. Overnight at Hotel.
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Day 10: After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu by private vehicle.
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Day 11: Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Visit various historical and cultural heritages.
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Day 12: Departure day
Transfer to airport as per your flight schedule / flight to onward destination.