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Gurung village homestay near Pokhara

Ghale Gaun Tour

6 spring departures left

Ghale Gaun, Lamjung, Nepal

Stay with Gurung families in Ghale Gaun

Sunrise over Lamjung Himal and Annapurna

Hike to the village of Bhujung

Evening Gurung cultural programme

Ghale Gaun is a traditional Gurung village perched on a ridge in Lamjung district at roughly 2,100 m. It became one of Nepal’s best-known community homestay villages, where local families open their stone houses to visitors and share their food, music and daily life.

The tour starts in Pokhara with a scenic drive east along the Prithvi Highway and north via Besisahar before the road climbs to the village. Guests are welcomed in the traditional way with garlands and tika, and evenings often feature a cultural programme of Gurung songs and dances performed by the local mothers’ group. On clear days the village looks out on Lamjung Himal, the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre and the Manaslu massif.

The next morning begins at a viewpoint above the village for sunrise over the mountains. Later you hike to Bhujung, one of the largest Gurung settlements in the Annapurna Conservation Area, passing terraced fields, forest and a small tea garden. Back in Ghale Gaun, you can visit the local museum, watch weavers at work and learn about Gurung history and customs.

This 3-day tour is an easy, relaxed trip suitable for families and travellers of any fitness level who want an authentic village experience close to Pokhara. It can also be extended with walks to neighbouring villages.

At a glance

Duration

3 Days
Nights

2 Nights
Difficulty

Easy
Max.Elevation

2,100 m (6,890 ft)
Accomodation

Village Homestay
Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Group Size

1 - 12 Travelers
Best Season

Sep - Nov, Mar - May
Starting Point

Pokhara
Ending Point

Pokhara
Permit

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trip Type

Private or Group

Itinerary

A 3-day round trip from Pokhara with two nights in a Ghale Gaun homestay and a village hike to Bhujung.

Day 01

Drive from Pokhara to Ghale Gaun

Max Altitude 2,100 m
Accommodation Overnight Stay at Guesthouse
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

After breakfast in Pokhara, we drive east along the Prithvi Highway to Dumre and then north up the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar, the headquarters of Lamjung district. From here a winding hill road climbs through villages and terraced fields to Ghale Gaun. On arrival, your host family greets you with a traditional welcome. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked Gurung meal and, when arranged, a cultural programme of songs and dances by the local mothers’ group.

Day highlights

Traditional Gurung welcome
Evening cultural programme

Day 02

Sunrise viewpoint and hike to Bhujung

Max Altitude 2,100 m
Accommodation Overnight Stay at Guesthouse
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Rise early for a short walk to the viewpoint above the village, where on clear mornings the sun lights up Lamjung Himal, the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu. After breakfast we hike to Bhujung, a large Gurung village of stone houses spread across a hillside, passing the Uttarkanya temple and a small tea garden along the way. After exploring Bhujung and having lunch, we walk back to Ghale Gaun. The rest of the afternoon is free to visit the village museum and watch local weaving.

Day highlights

Himalayan sunrise from the viewpoint
Gurung village of Bhujung

Day 03

Drive from Ghale Gaun to Pokhara

Max Altitude 2,100 m
Meals Breakfast Included
Drive 4-5 hrs / approx. 110 km

After breakfast, say goodbye to your host family and take a final look at the mountains before we drive back down to Besisahar. From there we follow the Marsyangdi valley and the Prithvi Highway west to Pokhara, arriving in the afternoon. Our team will drop you at your hotel by Phewa Lake. If you are heading to Kathmandu instead, the tour can finish there on request at extra cost.

Day highlights

Farewell to your host family
Return to Pokhara

Maps

Where this trip takes you.

Fixed Departures

Set group departures below. Private dates can be arranged on any day that suits you.

Oct 20

Oct 20 - Oct 22, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $340 /Person

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Nov 05

Nov 5 - Nov 7, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $340 /Person

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Nov 20

Nov 20 - Nov 22, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $340 /Person

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Mar 05

Mar 5 - Mar 7, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $340 /Person

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Mar 20

Mar 20 - Mar 22, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $340 /Person

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Apr 05

Apr 5 - Apr 7, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $340 /Person

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Apr 20

Apr 20 - Apr 22, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $340 /Person

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May 05

May 5 - May 7, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $340 /Person

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May 20

May 20 - May 22, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $340 /Person

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Sep 05

Sep 5 - Sep 7, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $340 /Person

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Sep 20

Sep 20 - Sep 22, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $340 /Person

Book now

Availability

Join a set group departure, or ask us for a private date that suits you.

Book now

Didn’t find a suitable date? Contact us with your dates and preferences.

Inclusions & exclusions

What the trip price covers, and what to budget for separately.

What’s included

Private transport – Pokhara to Ghale Gaun and back by private jeep or car
Homestay – 2 nights with a local family in Ghale Gaun
Meals – Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the tour
Local guide – English-speaking guide throughout the tour
Cultural programme – Gurung song and dance evening where available
Permit – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Government taxes – All applicable taxes and service charges

Not included

Travel insurance – Recommended for all travellers
Pokhara accommodation – Hotels before and after the tour
Drinks – Soft drinks, alcohol and bottled water
Personal expenses – Souvenirs, donations and museum fees
Kathmandu drop-off – Available at extra cost
Tips – For your guide, driver and host family

Why people fall for it

Why this trip stands out

It is one of Nepal's pioneering community homestay villages, so your stay directly supports local families.
You get an authentic look at Gurung culture, food and hospitality in just three days.
The village has wide mountain views across Lamjung Himal, Annapurna and Manaslu.
Easy walking makes it suitable for families, older travellers and first-time visitors.
It starts and ends in Pokhara, so it fits easily around other plans.

Good to know

Practical information to help you prepare for this trip.

Essential Packing Guide

Pack light and comfortable.

Clothing: Layers and a warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
Extras: Torch, rain jacket, sunscreen, water bottle and a small gift for your host family if you like.

Accommodation and Meals

Homestays are simple family houses with shared bathrooms. Meals are traditional Nepali and Gurung dishes cooked by your hosts. Let us know in advance about any dietary needs.

Permits

An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is required for foreign visitors. It is included in the tour price and arranged by our team.

Internet and SIM Card

Mobile coverage is usually available in Ghale Gaun, and some homestays offer Wi-Fi. A local Nepali SIM card is the most reliable way to stay connected.

FAQs

Answers to the questions travellers ask us most about this trip.

Where is Ghale Gaun?

Ghale Gaun is in Lamjung district, north of Besisahar, at around 2,100 m. It is roughly a four to five hour drive from Pokhara.

How fit do I need to be?

This is an easy tour. The only walking is the short sunrise viewpoint walk and the hike to Bhujung and back, which involves some stone steps and hill trails. Anyone with basic fitness can enjoy it.

What is a homestay like?

You stay in a local family’s house, usually in a simple private room with shared bathroom facilities. Meals are home-cooked and eaten with the family, typically dal bhat with seasonal vegetables. Facilities are basic but clean and welcoming.

Do I need a permit?

Ghale Gaun and Bhujung lie within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so foreign visitors need an ACAP permit. Our team arranges it for you.

Is the road to Ghale Gaun good?

The highway section is paved, but the final climb from the Marsyangdi valley is a narrow mountain road that can be rough, especially after rain. In the monsoon, road conditions may add time to the journey.