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Gurung Heritage Trekking - Itinerary

Day 01 Drive From Kathmandu to Pokhara

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 meters/4,594 feet

Pokhara Elevation: 822 meters/2,697 feet

Our adventurous Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail journey begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. On this scenic 6-8 hours drive through lush countryside landscapes, you will pass through major towns and villages like Naubise, Kurintar, Muglin, Trihuli Bazaar, Damauli, and Bandipur.

After reaching Pokhara with a long day drive, if time permits, we will probably boat to Phewa Lake and visit the Talbarahi Temple, which is on a tiny island in the middle of the lake. We will accommodate you at the finest hotel around the Pokhara lakeside for the night.

Day 02 Drive From Pokhara to Tangting

Tangting Elevation: 1,660 meters/5,446 feet

We will wake up, eat breakfast, and embark on a picturesque drive from the beautiful lake city of Pokhara towards the starting point of our Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail, Tangting. The distance between Pokhara and Tangting is approximately 45 to 50 kilometers, and it will take us only 3-4 hours to reach the destination. Tangting village lies within the Madi Rural Municipality in the Kaski district.

The off-road journey through a mix of paved and unpaved roads with some winding and steep sections will take us to Tangting. It is a charming Gurung village with traditional architecture and a teahouse facility. Upon reaching Tanging after a short drive, you will have enough time to explore the village surroundings and learn about the local culture and traditions. At night, we will have a glorious night at a cozy teahouse accommodation in the village.

Day 03 Trek From Tangting to Krapudanda

Krapudanda Elevation: 3,072 meters/10,079 feet

Today, we will wake up fresh and well-slept at the cozy teahouse in Tangting. Then, we will rejuvenate with a warm meal (breakfast) before setting off on the trail. From Tangting, we will start trekking, and our first trek destination will be Krapudanda.

We will leave Tangting village and start descending through the picturesque Annapurna region trails. We will traverse the thick forest of rhododendron, pine, and maple trees. We will pass through several small villages dotted with cultivated terraced farmlands. With the captivating views of the surrounding hills and valleys, we will trek further. En route, we will walk past quaint Gurung villages like Ghachok and Lumle. On the final stretch of the trek, we will make a slight ascend through wide meadows to the Krapudanda village.

Krapudanda offers a stunning panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The villagers are friendly and welcoming. We will reside at the finest teahouse in the village for the night.

Day 04 Trek From Krapudanda to Tapro

Tapro Elevation: 3,385 meters/11,106 feet

After waking up early in Krapudanda village, we will start the day with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Then, we will start to head towards another scenic Gurung village of Tapro. As we come out of Krapudanda, we will ascend gradually through the colorful terraced farmlands and enter the lush forested areas. We will traverse the picturesque trails that meanders through the tall trees.

We will pass a few small settlements of the locals with a glimpse into their rural way of life. We will also walk along the rides that treat us to the magnificent views of the landscapes below. We will traverse the villages of Tanchok and Bhujung on the way to Tapro. In the final leg of the trek, we will make a slight descent to the destination. We will settle in at a comfortable Gurung teahouse in Tapro.

Day 05 Trek From Tapro to Khwolasothar

Khwolasothar Elevation: 3,283 meters/10,771 feet

Today, we will move toward Khwolasothar from Tapro following the mesmerizing trails that ascend through the terraced fields of the village. Soon after, we will traverse a dense forest of mixed trees. With the enthralling vistas of the green hills with majestic snow-clad peaks at their backs, we will gradually ascend towards a ridge, Ghyampe Danda.

From the ridge, you can marvel at the breathtaking, eye-filling views of the valleys and surrounding mountains. Descending steadily from the ridge, we will traverse forest and farmlands, cross a few small streams, and finally reach Khwolasothar village. We wil spend an overnight in this quaint hamlet.

Day 06 Trek From Khwolasothar to Thulek

Thulek Elevation: 4,070 meters/13,353 feet

Leaving Khwolasother, we will head towards Thulek, passing through a traditional Gurung village of Ghale Gaon. To reach Ghale Gaon, we will trek uphill, traversing the terraced fields and forested areas. In this charming village, you can witness people with their own unique culture, costumes, and traditional way of life. Trekking further, we will make several ascends and descends through other small Gurung settlements, farmlands, and enchanting forests. Finally, we will arrive at Thulek to stay overnight.

Day 07 Trek From Thulek to Thurju

Thurju Elevation: 4,070 meters/13,353 feet

We will leave Thulek after a hearty morning breakfast. We will make our way towards Thurju, the day’s destination, by trekking across the cultivated fields of the village. We will venture deep into the remote landscapes of the Annapurna region, immersing in the pristine natural beauty and rich culture of the place. We will reach picturesque Mude village after some time and take a brief lunch break. We will continue further ascending through the ruffed terrains to Thurju village. Our night will be spent in this scenic Gurung village, soaking in the heartwarming hospitality and delicious meals.

Day 08 Thurju to Danphekharka via Namum Bhanjyang (Gurung Deurali)

Danphekahrka Elevation: 3,862 meters/12,671 feet

Gurung Deurali Elevation: 4,910 meters/16,109 feet

Today is the most exciting and adventurous day of our Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail as we will explore the alpine lake, Dudh Pokhari, and navigate the high pass of Namum Bhanjyang.

We will leave Thurju after breakfast and make our way through colorful fields and forests. We will ascend towards Dudh Pokhari, taking in the incredible view of the changing landscapes. Dudh Pokhari is just a 3-4-hour trek from Thurju. We will gradually enter into the rugged and rocky areas with sparse vegetation as we arrive at this alpine holy lake at 4,585 meters.

Dudh Pokhari appears milky white due to glacial meltwater. Take a soothing break at this tranquil lake spot and capture some photographs. Afterward, we will resume on the trail, heading towards Gurung Deurali, a pass/ridge that provides panoramic views of the fantastic landscapes below. We will reach the pass, traversing suspension bridges and rocky terrains. It is also the highest point of our Gurung Heritage Trek. Finally, after enjoying 360-degree sweeping views from the pass, we will descend to Danphekharka for an overnight stay.

Day 09 Trek From Danphekharka to Timang and Drive to Besisahar

Timang Elevation: 2,750 meters/9,022 feet

We are on the final day of the trek. Today, we will head towards Timang from Danphekharka, concluding the Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail. We will walk for around 5-6 hours through scenic trails of villages, farmlands, and forests to reach Timang, the ending point of our trekking journey. Then, we will board a vehicle towards Besisahar through a mix of paved and dirt roads. A 2-3 hours drive from Danphekharka takes us to Besisahar, the administrative center of the Lamjung District, where we stay for a night.

Day 10 Besisahar to Kathmandu Drive

Besisahar Elevation: 760 meters/2,500 feet

As our Gurung Heritage trekking adventure has come to an end, we will leave the Annapurna region and return to the capital city on this day. The narrow winding roads along the hilly terrains will take us to Dumre village. From Dumre, we will join the Prithivi Highway and drive further.

Driving along the Prithvi Highway, we will pass through varied landscapes such as verdant hills, river valleys, forests, waterfalls, and several small towns and villages as we make our way towards Kathmandu. We will finally cover the distance of approximately 175-200 kilometers and reach Kathmandu after a long day overland drive of around 6-8 hours.

What's Included

Private vehicle for transportation throughout the trek, including Kathmandu to Pokhara, Pokhara to Tangting, Timang to Besisahar, and Besisahar to Kathmandu.
Hotel accommodation in Pokhara (1 night).
Teahouse accommodations in Tangting, Krapudanda, Tapro, Khwolasothar, Thulek, Thurju, and Danphekharka (7 nights).
Hotel accommodation in Besisahar (1 night).
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card.
Experienced and English-speaking trekking guide.
Porter service to carry luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
First aid medical kit.
Necessary trekking equipment (such as sleeping bags and duffel bags).
All government and local taxes.
Accommodation and meals for guide and porter.
Tea and coffee during meals.

What's not Included

Flights to and from Kathmandu.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation and medical expenses.
Meals in Kathmandu.
Additional snacks and beverages.
Personal trekking gear (e.g., clothing, footwear).
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, internet, and tips.
Boating on Phewa Lake and visit to Talbarahi Temple (if time permits).
Any other activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Costs arising from unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, road blockage, or flight delays.
Extra nights' accommodation in case of early return from the trek or extended stay due to unforeseen reasons

Food and Accommodation

Food and Accommodation during gurung heritage trek

You will find hotel-like teahouses established in local villages to cater to the trekkers with a place of stay and fresh, home-cooked, nutritious meals. So, the food and accommodation needs during the Gurung Heritage Trail journey will be fulfilled by the commonly available teahouses along the trekking trails.

Teahouses are generally operated by a local family, providing basic services and facilities to travelers. The teahouse accommodation is ordinary, comprising basic amenities. You can expect a simple shared living space where two to three trekkers sleep in a single room. If you prefer privacy, a private room can also be arranged at an extra cost. The toilets are usually squat styles and shared. You will find cold water in a communal bathroom. You can also enjoy a hot shower in a teahouse in payment of an additional amount. The hot showers in teahouses are usually solar generated or a bucket filled with hot water that is placed in a bathing space. For the use of facilities like WiFi and electronic device charging, the teahouses charge you an extra fee.

You will be eating a wide variety of freshly cooked and healthy local and continental dishes in a communal dining hall of teahouses. The foods are prepared from locally grown crops and vegetables. So they are fresh and nutritious. Proper nutrition helps provide sustained energy levels for long trekking days on the Gurung Heritage Trail. You will find a range of vegetarian and non-veg items in the teahouse menu. However, we recommend you to stick to the veg times as meat is usually considered not so beneficial for health in the mounatins.

Dal bhat is a staple meal served in the teahouse. It consists of rice, lentils, and pickles. Besides, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of eggs(omelets, boiled, fried, scrambled), noodles, mushroom soup, fried rice, momo, chowmein, vegetable curries, flatbreads, bread and jam, gundruk and dhindo, steaks, etc. You can also taste some popular Western cuisines such as sandwiches, pizza, burgers, and more. If you are on a specific diet, you can place a special order for meals in the teahouse according to your needs.

Difficulty Level of Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail

The Gurung Heritage Trek is considered easy to moderately difficult. It is easily doable even for first-time trekkers with sound health conditions and a considerable level of physical fitness. While the previous trekking experience is beneficial, it is not a mandatory requirement.

The Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail involves several walking days over the mountainous trails with some segments of steep ascents and descents. During each trekking day, you have to walk for around 5 to 6 hours on average. For this, you need to have good stamina and endurance capacity. You can get in proper shape and build the required strength and endurance by involving in physical workouts, including cardiovascular training. So, consider incorporating the exercises into your preparation plan a few weeks prior to the journey.

Unpredictable weather conditions, remoteness, and limited availability of facilities can be other possible difficulty factors of Gurung Heritage Trail Trek. However, these can be countered if you follow the proper plan. Carrying layered clothes, staying flexible with itinerary in case of delay due to weather changes, and making informed decisions with weather updates alleviates the problem of weather uncertainties. Likewise, being well equipped with required trek essentials and accustomed to a simple living style during the journey period will make your remote adventure a bit easier.

Essential Packing for the Journey

Trekking Gear

A spacious backpack with a rainproof cover
Daypack
Small and handy waterproof bags for carrying electronics and documents
Trekking poles
Flashlight with extra batteries
Sleeping bags and sleeping pads

Clothing

Sun hat
Neck warmer/Bandana
Beanie
Sunglasses with UV protection
Liner and insulated gloves
Waterproof gloves
Half and full-sleeved T-shirts
Moisture-wicking vest
Breathable tops and bottoms
Lightweight shirts
Underwear (5 to 7 sets)
Sweatshirt
Sweaters
Fleece jackets and pants
Flexible trousers
Shorts
Waterproof jacket with hood
Rain poncho (to cover your day pack)
Rain pants
Windbreakers
Down jackets
Thin and thick sock sets
Worn-in trekking boots
Camp shoes
Gaiters
Flipflops
Woolen slippers

Hygiene Items

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toilet paper
Wet wipes
Sanitary pads or tampons
Soap
Earbuds
Hand sanitizer
Hand, face, and body wash
Deodorants
Shampoo and conditioners
Moisturizers
Quick drying towel
Small mirror
Nail cutters
High SPF sunscreen and lip balm
Dental floss
Razor and shaving cream
Hairbrush
Hair ties/clips

Comprehensive First Aid Kit

Bandages
Cotten swabs
Diaper rash cream
Pain relievers
Sprain spray
Small scissors
Tweezers
Antiseptic wipes
Blister gel
Duct tape for blisters
Adhesive tapes
Eye drops
Instant cold packs
Hand warmers
Sunburn relief
Gauze pads
Oximeter
Thermometer
Diamox tablets (for altitude sickness)
Oral rehydration salts (in case of dehydration)
Antidiarrheal
Cold syrup
Paracetamol

Documents

Air tickets
Nepal entry visa
A valid passport
Trekking permits
Travel Insurance
Money in Nepali rupee or credit cards
A few pp-size photographs

Other

Mobile and charger
Power bank
Earplugs
Eye mask
Earphones or headphones
Satellite phone
Camera with extra batteries
Binoculars
Weather radio
Diary and pen
Game sets
Refillable water bottles
Thermos (for hot beverages)
Water purification drops or tablets
Navigation tools like GPS, maps, and compass
Portable speaker
Snacks and chocolates
Books or e-reader
Small locks to secure your duffel bag and day pack
Garbage bags for dirty clothes/shoes
Umbrella (in sun and light rain)

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FAQs on the Gurung Heritage Walking Trail

Tangting village

What is the Total Distance and Duration of the Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail?

The total distance of the Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail is around 60 to 80 kilometers. It will usually take about 8 to 10 days to complete this journey back and forth to Kathmandu. The duration is dependent on diverse factors, including the modes of transportation used, the routes or the itinerary chosen, weather conditions, fitness and experience of the trekker, pace of the journey, acclimatization needs, and others.

When is it Best to Embark on the Gurung Heritage Trail?

It is the best experience to embark on the Gurung Heritage Trail during the weather-favored seasons of spring and autumn. Spring and autumn provide stable weather, clear sky, dry trekking trails, moderate temperature, and unobstructed Himalayan views, making your adventure easy, smooth, comfortable, immersive, and enriching.

Can a Beginner Trekker Successfully Complete the Gurung Heritage Trail?

Yes, the Gurung Heritage Trek is possible for a starter trekker if they are well prepared physically, mentally, and logistically. To complete this adventurous and exhilarating Himalayan endeavor, trekkers need to have a basic level of physical fitness, appropriate packing, and mental resilience. Traveling with a registered trekking agency and being accompanied by experienced guides and dedicated porters will make your journey the way more smoother, safer, and easier.

What is the Highest Altitude Reached During Gurung Heritage Trail Trek?

The highest altitude the Gurung Heritage Trail Trek meets is 4,910 meters/16,109 feet at Gurung Deurali/Namum Bhanjyang. From this breathtaking elevation, you can marvel at the eye-filling panorama of the spectacular Annapurna region landscapes and towering Himalayas.

Is There a Chance of Altitude Sickness During the Gurung Heritage Trek?

Yes, there is a slight chance of being affected by altitude sickness during the Gurung Heritage Trek. The risk of altitude sickness increases after exceeding 2,500 meters in height. However, during this trek, you will be several days above 3,000 meters. You will visit Dudh Pokhari, which is at 4,585 meters, and the maximum elevation you will reach during the entire journey is 4,910 meters at Gurung Deurali. At this significant elevation, there will be less air pressure and low oxygen levels in the atmosphere. So, you are likely to experience altitude symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Altitude Sickness and Its Preventive Measures?

The general symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, quick heart beating, sleeplessness, etc. Firstly, proper hydration is needed to avoid altitude sickness. Likewise, you should take a slow pace of ascent to allow adequate time for the body to acclimatize. Acclimatization refers to adjusting to the lower oxygen levels of higher elevations. The other preventive measures are avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, eating healthy meals, and getting good rest and sleep.

What Permits Do I Need to Get for Trekking Gurung Heritage Trail?

The permits that you will need to obtain for the Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail are:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - NPR 3,000
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card - 2,000

Do I Need to Hire a Guide and Porter for the Gurung Heritage Trail?

Yes, you need to hire an experienced, licensed, and professional trekking guide, and a strong local porter for the journey. They will help make your adventure easy, safe, and enriching. The guide will help to lead you seamlessly through unfamiliar mountainous trekking trails, providing valuable natural and cultural insights along the way. Similarly, porters will carry your gravy backpacks and let you freely immerse in the pristine wilderness of the trekking region.

Are There Health Facilites Along the Trail?

Yes, health facilities are available along the Gurung Heritage walking trails, but the services are limited. You will find clinics with basic facilities to treat minor illnesses and injuries during the trek. For emergency cases, travel insurance counts to be helpful which provides you with a helicopter evacuation to the hospital. Additionally, being well-equipped with a comprehensive first aid kit and following effective acclimatization strategies is advisable to avoid unfortunate events and quick medical care in case of sudden sickness or accidents.

Nepal

Tibet

Bhutan

Gurung Heritage Trekking

Destination

Nepal

Durations

10 days

Trip Difficulty

Easy

Activities

Adventure Trekking

Accommodation

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Mx.altitude

4910m.

Vehicle

Private Transport

Max. People

10

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