GURUNG CULTURE TREK
GURUNG CULTURE TREK
A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE OF AUTHENTIC GURUNG VILLAGES.
Gurung Culture Trek offers a close-up experience of the Gurung culture (one of the main Gurkha tribes), traditions, foods, and beliefs in the Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Lamjung, Gorkha, Parbat and Syangja and Lamjung districts.
Homestay with a Gurung family in their traditional houses gives you a close and personal perspective of their unique lifestyle. Gurung Heritage cultural trek journeys to beautiful Gurung villages like Ghale Gaun, Bhujung (largest in Annapurna Conservation Area - altitude 1696m), Pashgaun, of Lamjung district and Pakhrikot and Thumsikot (693m) of Kaski district.
This trek caters for travelers with a curiosity of different cultures, like researchers, students, and backpackers who love to see a more authentic side of local village life. Besides the intriguing and educational aspects of this trek, there is always the abundance of natural beauty; the terraced fields perched on the mountainsides, forests (pink flowering rhododendron), rivers, and spectacular panoramic views of the soaring Annapurna Massif. The most authentic aspect of this trek is staying in Gurung home and seeing first -hand how they manage their day to day activities in these mountainous regions.
After a 6 hour drive, the Gurung Heritage Trail trek begins at Gumle bazaar (606m) with the trail passing through farmland between the Marsyangdi in the east and Madi River in the southwest. Other tributaries flow between these two major rivers, such as the Khudi River, Midim River, and Rudi River, each flowing through valleys and connecting to the major rivers.
The Gurung community of Nepal is also referred to as 'Tamu' which means horseman in the Tibetan language. The name Gurung is derived from the Tibetan word 'Grong' which means farmers. Gurung is often known as Tamang and many reside in the following districts in the west of Nepal: Kaski, Lamjung, Baglung, Gorkha, and Dhading. They have their unique language, traditions, and culture.
Key Features of Gurung Culture Trek
- Eco-community homestay & lodge trek.
- Experience Gurung culture, foods, handicrafts, and traditions.
- Panoramic views of the Himalayas – especially Manaslu & the Annapurna Massif.
- Gentle peaceful trails through numerous forests, rivers, and valleys.
- Visit a Gurung museum and the authentic Gurung village of Ghale Gaon & spectacular mountain vista backdrop.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu & transfer to hotel (1,350m)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by a Sherpa Expedition & Trekking representative, and taken to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel, you will be briefed on what to expect on your trek to Gurung Culture Trek. This will be followed by a welcome dinner. Please make sure you bring your passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.
Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Khudi (9,00m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today we drive from Kathmandu to Khudi with a visit to the Buddhist monasteries. After arriving at Khudi we begin our trek along the banks of the Marsyangdi River and observe the terraced farms and natural beauty.
Day 3 : Trek from Khudi to Ghale Gaun - Ghanpokhara & Bhujung (1,696m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we follow the trail to Ghale Gaun or Ghanapokhara. Ghale Gaun has first-class home stay options, and an opportunity to observe a traditional Gurung cultural show. From here you can sit back, relax and take in the amazing changing light of sunrise and sunset over the giant Mt. Manaslu (8154m) and the Annapurna Massif.
Day 4 : Trek from Bhujung to Pasgaun: Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we trek to the predominantly Gurung village of Bhujung and again get to observe the lifestyle and traditions of this unique cultural group.
Day 5 : Trek from Pasgaun to Nagidhar – Pakhrikot.; Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we head to Pasgaun a perfect example of a small Gurung village well known for its home stay accommodation. Pasgaun also has a hydro project on the Midim River that is worth a visit, along with a visit to a Buddhist monastery with its display of unique Gurung handicrafts.
Day 6 : Trek from Nagidhar to Pakhrikot: Duration: 5-6 hours.
Our trek today takes us to Nagidhar village which is known for the remains of a 200-year-old Gurung settlement on a nearby hill. Today we can take a short trek to a nearby lake to unwind. Tonight we stay at Pakhrikot.
Day 7 : Trek from Pakhrikot to Pokhara (8,50m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The last leg of our journey today takes us to from Nagidhar (1159m) and then to Kande (1770m). From here we drive to Pokhara which takes about 5 to 6 hrs.
Day 8 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu; Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!
Day 9 : International departure from Kathmandu Airport.
Sherpa Expeditions & Trekking staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!
SERVICES
COSTS INCLUDED
- All airport pick-up & drop off by private vehicle (international)
- Two night’s standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- One night standard twin sharing Hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS card)
- English speaking, government licensed guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodation during the trek.
- Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Local Bus transportation from Pakhrikot to Pokhara
- Local Bus Transportation from Kathmandu to Khudi
- Tourist Bus transportation from to Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- An arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
- All necessary government taxes and service charges
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Trip achievement certificate after successful trip completion.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
Physical fitness
This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
What is the Gurung Culture Trek?
The Gurung Culture Trek is a trekking route in Nepal that offers the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Gurung people, one of the ethnic groups in the country. The trek takes you through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and lush forests, allowing you to immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle, customs, and traditions of the Gurung community.
How long is the Gurung Culture Trek?
The duration of the Gurung Culture Trek can vary depending on the chosen itinerary and the trekking agency. Typically, it takes around 5-7 days to complete the trek.
What is the best time to do the Gurung Culture Trek?
The best time to do the Gurung Culture Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.
Do I need a permit for the Gurung Culture Trek?
Yes, you will need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to do the Gurung Culture Trek. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What is the difficulty level of the Gurung Culture Trek?
The Gurung Culture Trek is considered to be a moderate trek. It involves walking for several hours each day on varied terrain, including uphill and downhill sections. Prior trekking experience and a good level of fitness are recommended.
What is the maximum altitude reached during the Gurung Culture Trek?
The maximum altitude reached during the Gurung Culture Trek is typically around 2,000-2,500 meters (6,500-8,200 feet). This makes it a relatively low-altitude trek compared to other popular treks in Nepal.
What are the accommodation and food options during the trek?
Accommodation during the Gurung Culture Trek is usually in basic teahouses or lodges along the trail. These provide simple rooms with shared facilities. As for food, you can expect to find a variety of Nepali and international dishes, including dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), momo (dumplings), and noodles.
Is a guide necessary for the Gurung Culture Trek?
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide for the Gurung Culture Trek, it is highly recommended. A guide can provide valuable insights into the local culture, help with navigation, and ensure your safety throughout the trek.
What should I pack for the Gurung Culture Trek?
Some essential items to pack for the Gurung Culture Trek include sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothing, a good-quality backpack, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
Can I combine the Gurung Culture Trek with other treks in the region?
Yes, it is possible to combine the Gurung Culture Trek with other treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. This allows you to explore more of the stunning landscapes and cultural diversity of the area.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
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Based On 7 Reviews
Christian
Australia
December 6, 2023
An Amazing Trip!
Gurung Culture trek was a well-led trip with lots of logistical support from, and his assistant guide together with the willing porters who worked really hard, thank you.
Lisa Zion
Australia
November 2, 2023
An Incredible Trekking Adventure
Me and my friend recently had an incredible trekking adventure doing the Gurung Culture trek with Sherpa Expedition. The trip was well-led, with the guide and his assistant providing excellent logistical support. The porters worked really hard, making our journey smooth and enjoyable. Thank you, Sherpa Expedition, for an amazing experience. Highly recommended!
Matthan Son
Australia
November 1, 2023
A Memorable Trekking Adventure
We recently had a memorable trekking adventure doing the Gurung Culture trek with Sherpa Expedition. The trip was well-led, with our guide and his assistant providing us with excellent logistical support. The hardworking porters were instrumental in making our journey a success. Thank you, Sherpa Expedition, for an incredible experience. Highly recommended!
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