



Ghandruk — the ancient cobblestone Gurung village draped across a terraced ridge at 1,940 meters in the Annapurna foothills — is one of Nepal’s most enchanting and rewarding destinations. Framed by the towering pyramids of Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and the iconic fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Ghandruk offers some of the finest close-up Himalayan views available without crossing a single high pass.
A key stop on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and a gateway to the Ghorepani–Poon Hill Circuit, Ghandruk attracts trekkers, cultural travelers, photographers, and day-trippers from Pokhara year-round. And the most efficient, comfortable, and direct way to reach this remarkable Gurung village is by hiring a private vehicle from Pokhara.
This complete 2026 vehicle hire guide covers every transport option from Pokhara to Ghandruk — private jeeps, shared jeeps, local buses, and more — with full route details, 2026 costs, road conditions, key stops, permit information, and expert travel tips from Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd.
Ghandruk (also spelled Ghandrung) is a large Gurung village situated at 1,940 meters in the Modi Khola valley of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Kaski District, Gandaki Province. It is one of the largest Gurung settlements in Nepal and an important cultural, historical, and trekking hub in the Annapurna region.
The Gurung people of Ghandruk have a long and proud heritage — historically known as Ghale Gurkhas, they provided many soldiers to the British and Indian Gurkha regiments. The village retains its traditional character with stone-paved paths winding between slate-roofed stone houses, ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples, prayer wheels, and the famous Ghandruk Gurung Museum, which celebrates this rich cultural legacy.

| Detail | Information |
| Total Distance | 55–61 km (Pokhara to Ghandruk) |
| Ghandruk Altitude | 1,940 m (6,365 ft) above sea level |
| Travel Time | 3 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions |
| Road Type — Pokhara to Nayapul/Birethanti | Paved tarmac — Beni Baglung Highway (~42 km) |
| Road Type — Birethanti to Ghandruk | Off-road, gravel, steep and narrow (~15–19 km) |
| 4WD Required? | Mandatory from Birethanti / Syauli Bazar onward |
| Departure Point in Pokhara | Lakeside / Prithvi Chowk / your hotel |
| Best Season | October–November (Autumn) and March–May (Spring) |
| Permits Required | ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) + TIMS Card |
Quick Tip: A 4WD jeep is mandatory from Birethanti onward. Do not attempt the Birethanti-to-Ghandruk road section in a sedan car or standard vehicle — the steep, narrow gravel track requires genuine 4WD capability and an experienced driver.
The Pokhara to Ghandruk route follows two distinct road types — a smooth, paved highway for the first 42 km, followed by an exciting off-road mountain track for the final 15-19 km. Understanding the route helps you plan your journey effectively and choose the right vehicle.
Leaving Pokhara, the vehicle heads south on the Beni Baglung Highway — a well-maintained paved road that winds through the hills south of the Pokhara Valley. The route passes through Naudanda and Kande (offering spectacular Annapurna Range panoramas) before descending to Nayapul, the classic starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Beyond Birethanti, the smooth highway ends, and the off-road adventure begins. The vehicle climbs steeply on a narrow, gravel-and-earth track through terraced farmland, dense rhododendron and oak forests, and Gurung villages. This section requires a 4WD jeep and an experienced driver familiar with the route. The effort is well rewarded — every bend in the road reveals a more dramatic Himalayan panorama than the last.
Note on the Kimche approach: Some jeeps stop at Kimche (from which Ghandruk is a 30-minute uphill walk) rather than driving directly to Ghandruk village. Confirm with your driver whether the vehicle will go directly to Ghandruk or stop at Kimche.
Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd’s drivers always aim to reach the closest accessible point to Ghandruk village itself — minimizing your walking distance with heavy trekking bags.
A longer but equally scenic alternative route approaches Ghandruk via Tolka and Landruk, passing through the villages of the New Bridge (Jhinu Danda) area. This route is less commonly used for vehicle hire but offers spectacular views of the Modi Khola gorge. It adds approximately 30–45 minutes to the journey.

| Stop | Distance from Pokhara | Road Type | Highlights |
| Pokhara (Lakeside) | Start | N/A | Trek starting point, mountain views, and a lake |
| Naudanda / Kande | 28 km | Paved highway | Panoramic Annapurna Range viewpoint |
| Nayapul | 42 km | Paved highway | Classic Annapurna Base Camp trek starts |
| Birethanti | 44 km | Paved → rough | Modi Khola riverside village, ACAP checkpoint |
| Syauli Bazar | 50 km | Off-road gravel | Last vehicle access point before steep climb |
| Kimche | 53 km | Off-road gravel | Alternative route — 30-min walk to Ghandruk |
| Ghandruk | 55–61 km | Off-road mountain track | Gurung village, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre views |
Kande is a hilltop settlement on the Beni Baglung Highway offering one of the most spectacular roadside Himalayan panoramas in the Pokhara region. On a clear morning, the entire Annapurna massif — from Dhaulagiri in the west to Manaslu in the east — is visible from the roadside viewpoints here. Most private jeep drivers pause here briefly for a photo stop. It is also the trailhead for the Australian Camp day hike.
Nayapul is a busy trailhead village at the confluence of the Bhurungdi and Modi rivers. It is the classic starting point for both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Ghorepani–Poon Hill Circuit when approaching on foot. For vehicle hire travelers, Nayapul is a brief pass-through — though some trekkers choose to walk from Nayapul to Birethanti (15 minutes) and then take a vehicle from Birethanti to Ghandruk.
Birethanti is a charming riverside village on the banks of the Modi Khola. This is where the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entry checkpoint is located — all trekkers must have their ACAP permit and TIMS card inspected here. After the checkpoint, the paved road ends, and the off-road track to Ghandruk begins. Birethanti has tea houses, guesthouses, and a pleasant riverside atmosphere along the Modi Khola.
Syauli Bazar is the last significant settlement before the final steep approach to Ghandruk. A small collection of tea houses and local shops marks this point. Most jeep drivers stop here briefly for passengers to use the facilities before the steepest section of the off-road climb.
Kimche is the point at which many jeep journeys effectively end — the track becomes very steep and narrow in the final section, and some vehicles turn back here. From Kimche, a 30-minute uphill walk on stone steps leads to Ghandruk village. If you are traveling with heavy trekking bags, ensure your driver confirms in advance whether they will attempt the full drive to Ghandruk or plan to stop at Kimche.
You have arrived! Ghandruk village welcomes you with its cobblestone lanes, slate-roofed traditional stone houses, prayer wheels, marigold garlands, and the overwhelming presence of Annapurna South towering directly above. The village’s southern aspect and relatively low altitude mean it enjoys a warm and sunny microclimate even in autumn and early winter — making it comfortable for exploration at any time of day.

Here is a complete comparison of every vehicle hire option available for the Pokhara to Ghandruk route:
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | 2026 Cost (approx.) | Best For |
| Private Jeep (Scorpio / Hilux) | 4–6 passengers | USD 100–140 (full vehicle) | Groups of 2–6, trekkers with luggage |
| Shared Jeep (per seat) | 7–9 total | USD 15–20 per person | Solo/budget travelers |
| Local Bus to Nayapul + Shared Jeep | Multiple passengers | NPR 500 (bus) + USD 12–15 (jeep) | Budget backpackers |
| Private Car (Sedan) | 2–3 passengers | USD 70–90 (Pokhara to Nayapul only) | Light day-trip travelers (not to Ghandruk direct) |
| Motorbike Hire | 1–2 persons | USD 15–25/day (self-drive) | Experienced riders only — not for luggage |
A private 4WD jeep (Mahindra Scorpio, Toyota Hilux, or similar) is the most popular and recommended vehicle hire option for the Pokhara-to-Ghandruk route. It provides door-to-door hotel pickup in Pokhara, direct access to Ghandruk without transfers, comfortable seating for groups of 4 to 6 with trekking gear on the roof rack, and complete flexibility to stop at viewpoints along the way.
Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd provides private 4WD jeep hire from Pokhara to Ghandruk with experienced drivers fully familiar with the Beni Baglung Highway and the off-road Birethanti–Ghandruk track. All inclusive — driver, fuel, tolls, and door-to-door service.
Shared jeeps depart from Pokhara’s Baglung Bus Park and operate on a fill-up-and-go basis. They are the most affordable motorized option for solo travelers or pairs willing to trade comfort and flexibility for cost savings.
Tip for solo travelers: If traveling during peak season (Oct–Nov, Mar–May), shared jeeps are readily available at Baglung Bus Park from early morning. During off-peak times, you may wait 1–2 hours for the vehicle to fill.
The most affordable option — combining a local bus from Pokhara to Nayapul with a shared jeep from Nayapul or Birethanti to Ghandruk. This is the typical approach for serious budget travelers.
A private sedan car (Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Sonata, or similar) can comfortably drive from Pokhara to Nayapul on the paved Beni Baglung Highway. However, sedans cannot safely navigate the off-road Birethanti-to-Ghandruk track. If you prefer a sedan, the standard approach is to take a sedan from Pokhara to Nayapul or Birethanti, then transfer to a shared or private jeep for the off-road section.

The Beni Baglung Highway from Pokhara to Nayapul and Birethanti is a well-maintained paved road in good condition. It is a two-lane tarmac road for most of its length, widening to broader sections in areas. This stretch is manageable for all vehicle types, including sedans and Hiace vans. Road improvements have been ongoing, and the surface quality has significantly improved over the last two years.
Beyond Birethanti, the paved road ends, and a gravel and earth track begins climbing steeply into the Annapurna foothills. The surface is rough with loose stones, ruts, and uneven sections. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is essential on this section. During the dry season (October–May), the track is manageable for experienced drivers in a 4WD Scorpio or Hilux. The views of the Modi Khola gorge and terraced hillsides from this section are outstanding.
The final 5 to 8 km of the jeep track above Syauli Bazar and through Kimche to Ghandruk is the most challenging section of the entire route. The road is very narrow, steep, and rocky in places. Some vehicles stop at Kimche (a 30-minute walk to Ghandruk) rather than attempting the final section. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd’s experienced drivers assess conditions on the day and reach the closest accessible point to Ghandruk village.
| Season | Months | Road Conditions | Visibility / Trek Conditions | Recommendation |
| Autumn (Peak) | Oct – Nov | Dry, excellent | Crystal-clear mountain views | Best — book in advance |
| Spring (Peak) | Mar – May | Dry, good | Rhododendron bloom, clear skies | Excellent — very popular |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | Cold, occasional frost | Clear views, quiet trails | Good — fewer crowds, cold |
| Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Muddy, landslide risk | Limited views, lush green | 4WD essential — verify daily |
Monsoon Warning (June–September): The Birethanti-Ghandruk off-road track is prone to landslides, mudslides, and surface damage during heavy monsoon rains. Always verify road conditions the day before travel during the monsoon season. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd monitors road conditions in real time and will advise if travel is not recommended on a specific day.

Ghandruk is far more than just a trekking transit point. The village is one of the richest cultural and scenic destinations in the Annapurna region — worthy of a dedicated stay of one to three nights. Here are the key attractions and activities:
| Attraction / Activity | Distance from Village | Best For |
| Gurung Museum | Village center | Cultural history, Gurung heritage |
| Ghandruk Monastery | 5-min walk | Buddhist/Hindu cultural visit |
| Annapurna South View | Village viewpoints | Sunrise/sunset panoramic photography |
| Annapurna Base Camp Trek | Starts from Ghandruk | Full multi-day Annapurna Base Camp trekking |
| Ghorepani – Poon Hill Circuit | Via upper trail | Classic 4–5 day Poon Hill trek loop |
| Australian Camp Day Hike | 1.5–2 hrs from Ghandruk | Half-day panoramic viewpoint hike |
| Modi Khola River Valley | Below Ghandruk | Scenic walk, river swimming, relaxation |
| Tadapani Village | 2–3 hrs walk | Rhododendron forests, mountain views |
The Ghandruk Gurung Museum is one of the finest ethnic museums in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Located in the village center, the museum displays traditional Gurung costumes, weapons used by Gurkha soldiers, household implements, agricultural tools, musical instruments, and photographs chronicling the village’s proud military history. Entry is free or carries a small donation. This is an absolute must-visit for any cultural traveler.
Ghandruk’s position on a broad south-facing terrace at 1,940 meters gives it extraordinary mountain views in multiple directions. Looking north, Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m) rise directly above the village in an almost vertical wall of ice and rock. To the northeast, the iconic double-summit pyramid of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993 m) dominates the skyline. Early-morning and late-afternoon light on these peaks is absolutely breathtaking — one of the finest Himalayan village viewpoints in all of Nepal.
Ghandruk is an important junction and resting point on the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek — one of Nepal’s most popular and spectacular trekking routes. From Ghandruk, the ABC trail continues north through Chhomrong, Dovan, Himalayan Hotel, and Deurali before ascending to the glacial sanctuary of the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. By starting your ABC trek from Ghandruk after a jeep transfer from Pokhara, you save one full day of walking on the lower approach trail.
The classic Ghorepani–Poon Hill loop trek is easily accessible from Ghandruk via the trail to Tadapani and Ghorepani. This 4- to 5-day circuit, culminating in the famous Poon Hill sunrise (3,210 m) with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre, is one of Nepal’s most beloved short treks. Many trekkers hire a jeep from Pokhara to Ghandruk and begin the Poon Hill loop from there — creating a circular route that avoids repeating the same trail.
Australian Camp (2,060 m) is a popular viewpoint and tea house plateau above Pokhara, accessible on foot from Kande or Ghandruk in a 2- to 3-hour walk. The viewpoint offers one of the most accessible panoramic Himalayan views in the Annapurna region — perfect for travelers who want dramatic mountain scenery without a multi-day trek.

The Ghandruk area falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, and two mandatory permits are required. Both are checked at the ACAP checkpoint in Birethanti:
Permit Tip: Obtain both permits in Pokhara before departing for Ghandruk — the Nepal Tourism Board office in Lakeside, Pokhara, issues both permits easily. This saves time at the Birethanti checkpoint and avoids any risk of being turned back without documents.

Most trekkers and visitors to Ghandruk need to plan their return journey to Pokhara. Here are the main options:
Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd can arrange a private jeep return from Ghandruk to Pokhara at the same price as the outward journey (USD 100–140 for the full vehicle). This is the most comfortable and convenient return option — especially after a multi-day trek when you have heavy bags and are physically tired. Book the return at the same time as your outward journey to guarantee vehicle availability.
Shared jeeps depart from Ghandruk toward Pokhara in the morning (typically 7:00–10:00 AM) at approximately USD 12–15 per person. These operate on a fill-and-go basis and are a reliable, affordable option during peak season, when many trekkers are heading back to Pokhara simultaneously.
Many trekkers prefer to walk the descent from Ghandruk to Birethanti and Nayapul (approximately 3–4 hours) and then take a local bus or car back to Pokhara. This is a pleasant and rewarding option for those whose legs feel strong after their trek — the walk through terraced farms and the Modi Khola valley is beautiful.
Many visitors to Ghandruk do not return directly to Pokhara — instead, they continue their trek onward to Ghorepani–Poon Hill (2 days) or Annapurna Base Camp (4–5 days) and arrange a vehicle return from the endpoint of their trek (Nayapul or Pokhara). Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd can arrange pickup from any point on the Annapurna trekking network.

The road distance from Pokhara to Ghandruk is approximately 55-61 km, depending on the exact route taken. The first 42 to 44 km from Pokhara to Birethanti is a paved highway; the remaining 13 to 17 km from Birethanti to Ghandruk is an off-road mountain track.
A private jeep hire takes approximately 3 to 4 hours from Pokhara to Ghandruk. A shared jeep takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Road conditions — particularly on the off-road Birethanti to Ghandruk section — can add time in wet or monsoon conditions.
A private 4WD jeep hire from Pokhara to Ghandruk costs approximately USD 100-140 for the full vehicle (one-way). This includes driver, fuel, and road tolls. The cost per person for a group of 6 is therefore only USD 17-23 — excellent value compared to other transport options.
A 4WD jeep is necessary from Birethanti onward. The 13-17 km off-road track from Birethanti to Ghandruk is steep, narrow, and rocky — completely unsuitable for a sedan, standard SUV, or Hiace van. The Pokhara-Birethanti section of the Beni-Baglung Highway is drivable in any vehicle.
This depends on current road conditions and the driver’s assessment. Some jeeps reach Ghandruk village directly; others stop at Kimche (a 30-minute uphill walk to Ghandruk). Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd’s drivers always aim to reach the closest accessible point to Ghandruk village. Confirm this with your driver before departure.
You need an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit — approximately NPR 3,000 / USD 22 per person) and a TIMS Card (approximately USD 10–20 per person). Both are inspected at the Birethanti ACAP checkpoint. Obtain both permits at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Lakeside, Pokhara, before departure.
Yes. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd can arrange a private jeep hire from Kathmandu directly to Ghandruk — a journey of approximately 260 to 280 km taking 7 to 8 hours, including the off-road Birethanti to Ghandruk section. This is typically done in combination with a stopover in Pokhara.
Yes. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd arranges a private jeep hire from Ghandruk to Pokhara. We recommend booking your return vehicle at the same time as your outward journey to guarantee availability — especially during peak trekking season.
October to November (autumn) offers the clearest skies and driest roads — the best season for mountain views and comfortable jeep travel. March to May (spring) is excellent with rhododendron forests in bloom. December to February is quiet with good views, but cold at altitude. June to September (monsoon) requires extra caution on the off-road section — always verify conditions before travel.
Ghandruk is one of Nepal’s most genuinely rewarding village destinations — a living cultural monument set against the backdrop of some of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountains. Reaching it from Pokhara by private jeep transforms what could be a difficult logistical challenge into an exciting and scenic adventure in its own right.
The 55 to 61 km route from Pokhara — starting on the smooth Beni Baglung Highway with its sweeping Annapurna panoramas, then transitioning to the thrilling off-road jeep track through rhododendron forest above Birethanti — is a journey that captures everything extraordinary about travel in the Nepal Himalaya.
Whether you are beginning a multi-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek, embarking on the Ghorepani–Poon Hill circuit, or simply seeking a memorable day or overnight visit to one of Nepal’s finest Gurung villages, Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd’s private Pokhara to Ghandruk jeep service is the most comfortable, convenient, and reliable way to get there.
Book your jeep today — Call or WhatsApp: +977-9851343204
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