Ghale Gaun Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu - Preparation for Trekking

Morning or Afternoon: Land at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,336m). Finish immigration and customs. A driver picks you up and drives to Thamel (30-45 minutes, depending on traffic). Thamel buzzes with shops, cafes, and trekkers.

Midday: Check into Hotel Thamel Park or a similar 3-star spot. Drop your bags, rest, and sip tea or coffee in the lobby. Flights can tire you out—take it slow.

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Meet your trekking guide at the hotel or a nearby agency. Get your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card—must-haves for the trek. Rent gear if needed: a sleeping bag ($1-2/day), trekking poles ($1/day), or a warm jacket. Shops in Thamel sell cheap options, too.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Eat dinner at a local spot—try dal bhat (rice, lentils, veggies) or momos (dumplings). Your guide briefs you about the Ghale Gaon Trek: trail info, safety tips, and what to expect.

Night: Sleep early. Set your alarm for 5:00 AM—tomorrow’s Bus leaves early.

Tips: Pack tonight. Include layers for cold mornings, a water bottle, SPF 50+ sunscreen, ear covering hat, and first-aid kit (bandages, painkillers). Test your boots to avoid trouble later.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Khudi (790m) by Bus

Morning (5:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Wake up, grab your bag, and eat a quick breakfast at the hotel (tea, bread, or porridge). Board the Bus at 6:00 AM from Thamel or a nearby stop. Drive 170 km on the Prithvi Highway (6-7 hours). Pass hills, the Trishuli River, and towns like Mugling and Dumre. Stop around 9:00 AM for tea and roti at a roadside stall.

Midday (1:00 PM): Arrive in Khudi, a small village at 790m by the Marshyangdi River. Check into a teahouse—basic but cozy, with wooden beds and shared bathrooms.

Afternoon (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM): Unpack, rest, and stretch your legs. Walk to the riverside (10 minutes) or explore the tiny market. Chat with locals or other trekkers if you feel like it.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Eat dinner at the teahouse—dal bhat or noodle soup keeps it simple. Talk to your guide about tomorrow’s hike. Sleep by 8:30 PM to recharge.

Tips: Bring snacks (nuts, biscuits) for the Bus—lunch stops can be late. Roads twist and bump, so pack motion sickness tablets if you need them.

Day 3: Trek from Khudi to Ghale Gaon (2,029m)

Morning (6:30 AM – 12:00 PM): Wake up at 6:30 AM. Eat breakfast at the teahouse—porridge, Tibetan bread, or eggs with tea (which fills you up for 5-6 hours). Start trekking at 7:00 AM (~12 km). Climb 1,239m through terraced fields, pine forests, and Gurung villages. The trail slopes up steadily—take breaks to catch your breath.

Midday (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): Stop at a small village for lunch. Order dal bhat or fried rice—hot food boosts energy. Sit outside if the weather’s clear; Annapurna peaks might peek through.

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Reach Ghale Gaon by 2:00 PM (2,029m). Check into a homestay or teahouse—wooden rooms with mountain views. Drop your bag and relax. Look out for Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal if clouds stay away.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Eat dinner—locals serve organic veggies, millet dishes, or rice. Ask about Gurung traditions or a dance show if they offer it (extra $2-5 sometimes). Sleep by 9:00 PM.

Tips: Pace yourself—climbing tires legs fast. Drink water every hour; altitude creeps up here.

Day 4: Trek from Ghale Gaon to Bhujung (1,625m)

Morning (7:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Rise at 7:00 AM. Eat breakfast—eggs, chapati, and tea work well. Start trekking at 7:30 AM (4-5 hours, ~10 km). Drop 404m through rhododendron forests and old villages. The trail winds down—easier on lungs, harder on knees.

Midday (12:30 PM – 1:00 PM): Pause for lunch at a scenic spot or settlement. Order veggie curry and rice—light but filling. Rest for 30 minutes to enjoy the quiet.

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Arrive in Bhujung (1,625m) by 1:30 PM. Check into a teahouse—stone houses give it charm. Rest or walk around; visit homes or a viewpoint for sunset.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Eat dinner—try chicken curry if they have it, or stick to dal bhat. Chat with your group or locals. Sleep by 8:30 PM.

Tips: Watch your step downhill—loose rocks trip you up. Carry a rain jacket; the weather flips fast.

Day 5: Trek from Bhujung to Pasagaon (1,652m)

Morning (7:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Wake at 7:00 AM. Eat pancakes or oats with tea for breakfast. Start trekking at 7:30 AM (4-5 hours, ~8-10 km). Gain 27m on a mostly flat trail through forests and farmland. Relax—today feels lighter.

Midday (12:30 PM – 1:00 PM): Stop for lunch at a teahouse or open spot. Order a Nepali meal—rice, lentils, or noodles. Rest and enjoy the green hills.

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Reach Pasagaon (1,652m) by 1:30 PM. Check into a teahouse. Unwind with hill views—quiet and calm here.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Eat dinner—simple Nepali food like dal bhat. Talk to your guide about the next day. Sleep by 8:30 PM.

Tips: Use today to recover—stretch your legs to stay loose for later climbs.

Day 6: Trek from Pasagaon to Nagidhar (1,310m)

Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Get up at 7:00 AM. Eat Tibetan bread with honey or jam for breakfast. Start trekking at 7:30 AM (4-5 hours, ~10 km). Drop 342m through forests and fields—steady downhill.

Midday (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM): Stop for lunch at a teahouse or clearing. Order noodle soup or rice—quick and warm. Rest briefly.

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 1:00 PM): Arrive in Nagidhar (1,310m) by 1:00 PM. Check into a teahouse or lodge—basic but fine. Relax after the descent.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Eat dinner—dal bhat or soup. Rest well; tomorrow means travel.

Tips: Knees take a hit—use trekking poles. Pack light for the bus ride ahead.

Day 7: Nagidhar to Pokhara (820m) by Bus

Morning (5:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Wake at 5:30 AM. Eat tea and bread for breakfast. Board a bus or local jeep at 6:00 AM (6-7 hours, ~80-100 km). Drop 490m through hilly roads. Stop once for a quick snack.

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Reach Pokhara (820m) by 1:00 PM. Check into Hotel Splendid View in Lakeside, which is tourist-friendly and has lake views. Rest or walk to Phewa Lake (10 minutes). Rent a boat if you want ($5-10).

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Eat dinner at a Lakeside restaurant—pizza, steak, or thali. Celebrate finishing the trek. Sleep by 9:00 PM.

Tips: Pick a hotel with a hot shower—worth it after days on the trail.

Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus

Morning (6:30 AM – 2:00 PM): Wake at 6:30 AM. Eat breakfast at the hotel—continental options like toast or eggs. Board a tourist bus at 7:00 AM (7 hours, ~200 km). Pass rivers and hills. Stop at a café for lunch around 11:00 AM.

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Arrive in Kathmandu by 2:00 PM. Transfer to Hotel Thamel Park. Rest or walk around Thamel.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Eat at a rooftop restaurant—try curry or grilled meat. Shop for souvenirs like shawls or bowls. Sleep by 9:00 PM.

Tips: Grab a window seat on the Bus—views beat boredom.

Day 9: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Morning (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM): Wake at 8:30 AM. Eat breakfast at the hotel. Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)—climb steps for city views (1-2 hours). Then head to Kathmandu Durbar Square—see old palaces and temples (1-2 hours).

Afternoon (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Eat lunch in Thamel—try Newari food like samay baji. Visit Pashupatinath Temple (Hindu site) and Boudhanath Stupa (Buddhist spot)—both take 1-2 hours.

Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Enjoy a dinner with Nepali dance—book a cultural spot. Pack your bags. Sleep by 9:00 PM.

Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu

Morning (Time Varies): Wake up based on your flight. Eat breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the airport (30-45 minutes)—arrive 2-3 hours early. Fly home or stay extra days.

Optional Extra Days: Shop in Thamel for crafts. Visit Patan Durbar Square or Bhaktapur (1-hour drive) on your own. Relax at a café or spa.

Tips: Keep 500-1,000 Nepali rupees for airport snacks or tips.