Nepal sees thousands of trekkers every year. The country has countless trekking destinations each yielding its own unique experience for which it is popularly known.
Ghale Gaun Trek is yet another popular trekking destination. Opened recently for trekking, the Ghale Gaun trek is situated in the Annapurna region which happens to fall under top five best commercial trekking destinations in the world.
The trek is considered to be an easy one that does not require much physical strength or mountaineering skills. The highest altitude achieved is 2100m. The day span of the trek is short. The walk is pleasant and scenic. Anybody can easily attempt this trek. In fact, you can also head for a family trek in this region.
The journey is a scenic one through the sight of some of the highest peaks in the world- Mt. Machhapuchhare (6693m), Mt. Annapurna (8091m), Annapurna II (7939m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal, Bouddha Himal ((6974m), Himalchuli (6747m) and many more smaller peaks.
The highlight of this trek is the beautiful landscapes through which you will be waking. The route comprises of dense forests, beautiful and welcoming rural settlements, splendid waterfalls, green valleys, and some of the most exquisite sites of nature.
Ghalegaun is situated at the foot of Lamjung Himal in north central Nepal. It is a small village and home to the Gurungs. The Gurung people are popularly known for their hospitality. They are kind, helpful and very friendly. The village is blessed with beautiful landscapes. The green hill stand against snowy white-peaks. The cultural practices of this village is known to have been inherited from the Tibetans. You will witness some of the most unique traditional lifestyle and practices.
The journey is through unaltered ecosystem. Since the area was recently opened for recreation, the path is less stridden giving you the experience of the wild in its purest form. The area remains untouched by modernization. Everything, from the places you will halt for the night to the places you will eat at, is built in a traditional way.
The trek begins with a 6-7hours of drive from Kathmandu to Besi sahara. You will encounter three magnificent rivers- Marsyandi, Khudi and Midim- along your journey. The trek passes through blossoming rhododendron forests. The little spaces among the trees is occupied with sweet chirpings on the birds and other wild insects that are clearly audible in the silence of the woods.
Further down, you will enter the Village of Ghanapokhara- It lies at north of Lamjung district at an altitude of 2100 meters. Most people who reside in this area are Gurungs. The settlement is nestling amidst mountains, rivers, streams, waterfalls and forest.
The trek ends at Begnastal which is close to Pokhara Valley. Ghalegaun trekking can be attempted during any season. However September to November and March –April is the best season for this trek. The spring of April and March will give you a chance to catch a glimpse of entirely blossoming Rhododendron forests.
You can also spend more days trekking around the region, probably to the base camp of Mt. Annapurna, if you happen to find time out of your busy schedule. For those who are visiting Nepal for a short period of time and are looking for some adventurous and memorable experience, Ghale Gaun trek is the deal!
