Route · Pokhara & the Annapurnas
Pokhara to Ghandruk
Pokhara to Ghandruk is about 55 km: drive the Baglung road to Nayapul, then a rough road up the Modi Khola to Kimche or Ghandruk, about 3 hours by jeep. Many travellers drive to Kimche and walk the last 1.5 hours, or walk the whole way from Nayapul in 4–6 hours.
A private jeep from Lakeside follows the paved Pokhara–Baglung road to Nayapul, about 42 km and 1.5 hours, then turns up the Modi Khola valley on a narrow, rough road to Kimche or into Ghandruk. It is the most comfortable option, and drivers know the road conditions. In the monsoon, landslides can close the upper road.
Buses for Baglung leave Pokhara's Baglung bus park regularly and stop at Nayapul in about 1.5–2 hours. From Nayapul, shared jeeps run towards Kimche and Ghandruk when full, which can mean waiting. It is cheap but slow, with crowded vehicles and luggage on the roof. Good for budget travellers with time.
The classic walk leaves Nayapul, crosses to Birethanti for the ACAP checkpoint, follows the Modi Khola to Syauli Bazaar and climbs steeply on stone steps to Ghandruk, about 900 m of ascent. Part of the trail now shares the road. It is a good first trekking day; you need an ACAP permit, TIMS card and a licensed guide.
Worth a stop on the way
- Naudanda and Kande ridge views
- Nayapul bazaar
- Birethanti ACAP checkpoint
- Syauli Bazaar
- Kimche
Local tip
Start before 8 am so you reach Ghandruk by lunchtime, with the mountains still clear.
Questions
How far is Ghandruk from Pokhara?
Ghandruk is about 55 km from Pokhara by road: around 42 km on the Pokhara–Baglung road to Nayapul, then a rough road up the Modi Khola valley. In a straight line it is about 32 km northwest of Pokhara. The drive takes about 3 hours by jeep; on foot from Nayapul it is 4–6 hours.
Can you drive all the way to Ghandruk?
Yes, a jeep road now reaches Ghandruk via Kimche, though it is rough, narrow and sometimes blocked by mud or landslides, especially from June to September. Many travellers drive to Kimche and walk the last 1.5 hours up stone steps, which is a pleasant arrival. Ask your agency about current road conditions.
Do I need a permit to go from Pokhara to Ghandruk?
Yes. Ghandruk is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP permit and a TIMS card, checked at Birethanti or other posts, and since April 2023 foreign trekkers must walk with a licensed guide. Permits are issued in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Check current status before you travel.
Is there public transport from Pokhara to Ghandruk?
Partly. Baglung-bound buses from Pokhara stop at Nayapul, and shared jeeps run from Nayapul towards Kimche and Ghandruk, leaving when full. Services are irregular and crowded, and may stop in bad weather. A private jeep from Pokhara is much easier and can be shared between a small group.