Ghandruk Trek – A Cultural & Scenic Journey in the Annapurna Region (2,012m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed at the airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel by private car. After you settle into the hotel, you will have a welcome drink, followed by a briefing with your tour leader. He will discuss the trip details and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements. Enjoy your overnight stay at a deluxe hotel in Kathmandu

Enjoy a breakfast and drive to Airport and flight to Pokhara and then drive to Phedi which takes about 45 minutes. The climb begins steeply for an hour and then is not quite so steep as you hike through the Rhododendron forest. We will follow a stone staircase until reaching the top of ridge, which takes about 1 hour. There we will enjoy panoramic and sunset views of world’s most scenic mountains ranges including the mountains above 8000 meters. Walking is about 3 hours. Overnight at a tea house in Dhampus Village.

In the morning after breakfast, we will gently climb up through the rhododendron and oak forest until reaching Pothana which takes about 1 ½ hours. We can see the excellent view of Mt. Fishtail. The trail takes another one hour climb through the rhododendron forest to a pass with views of the Mardi Khola far below and the panoramic views of Annapurna South and Himchuli to the north, and Pokhara and Phewa Lake to the southeast. When we reach Deurali, we will make a steep descent through the forests into a huge side canyon of the Modi Khola and arrive at BheriKharka, a smaller area of the large Gurung village of Bichok, far below after a one hour climb down. We will have lunch there, and afterwards will descend to the head of the valley. We will take the upper trail by crossing over a stream on the suspension bridge. Then we climb gently out of the side canyon on flagstone steps until reaching Tolka which takes about 1 ½ hours. Walking is about 4-5 hours in total. Overnight at a tea house in Tolka Village.

After breakfast our regular day hike will commence again. First we will drop down to the Modi Khola riverbank nearby the Bee Hive Teahouse lodge. Then we cross the bridge and follow the trail through hill terraced fields, climbing up to Ghandruk village. Ghandruk is a nice village to hang around, with its main habitants of Gurung ethnical groups and popular Gurkha soldier family. Walking is about 4-5 hours in total. Overnight at tea house in Ghandruk Village.

We will see panoramic and sunrise views of world’s most scenic mountains ranges including the mountains above the 8000 meters. After this we will have breakfast then leave Ghandruk. We walk down on the stone paved stone staircase for a while, viewing Landruk village just opposite side of us. After a two-hour walk down from Ghandruk village, we arrive in Syaulibazar. Then, we will follow the dirt road along the Modi Khola until reaching Birethanti which takes about 1 1/2 hours. We cross a river over an iron bridge and have our lunch there. After lunch, we continue 30 minutes further to Nayapul along the Modi Khola, where our car will meet us for our drive back to Pokhara, about one hour away. After arriving in Pokhara, we rest for while at the hotel and then visit the lake for a beautiful view of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. Walking is about 4-5 hours. Overnight at deluxe hotel in Pokhara.

Take in the panoramic views of the Himalaya from your hotel windows and balcony, including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m), Mt. Nilgiri (7040m), Annapurna south (7219m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Hunchuli (6441m), fishtail/Machhapuchhare (6998m), LamjungHimal (6986m), Tukuche peak (6920m) and Dhampus peak (6012m). Enjoy a breakfast and explore the lakeside. Around 11:30, you will fly back to Kathmandu—a thrilling flight over forests, fields and villages, with the Himalaya in the background. Spend much of the afternoon relaxing and enjoyingin Kathmandu. Stay overnight at your deluxe Kathmandu hotel.

The recommended Service Learning at Moonlight School – Cultural and Educational Exchange program:

International students engage in a hands-on service project at Moonlight School, working with Nepali students (aged 4-10). This initiative fosters cross-cultural exchange, enhances education, and makes a positive impact on the local community.

Project Highlights:

1. Classroom Engagement
   Small groups (6-7 students) rotate through classrooms, teaching core subjects and introducing creative ones (e.g., Computer, Music, Art).
2. Structured Sessions
   Each session lasts 35 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break, allowing students to explore diverse subjects.
3. Creative Activities
   Activities like role-playing, problem-solving, and storytelling promote critical thinking and collaboration.
4. Cultural Exchange
   Shared meals and playground activities foster mutual understanding and friendship. Letter exchanges before and after the trip help build lasting connections.

Benefits for Participants:

• International Students: Develop teaching skills, gain cultural awareness, and build leadership.
• Moonlight School Students: Experience enriched learning, broaden their perspectives, and build social skills.

This project creates a transformative experience, enriching both international and local students’ educational journeys and encouraging global citizenship.
Moonlight School students are proficient in English, and our teachers will assist to ensure smooth communication.

If you have specific plans or preferences for the service project, please let us know—we are happy to tailor the experience to meet your objectives.

The Moonlight Nepal Trekking and Adventure team will take you to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, if your flight is scheduled for the evening, you have the option to either spend more time with the Moonlight School or explore the city through sightseeing and shopping during the day. We will arrange for your airport drop-off three hours before your departure time.