Pokhara, April 23: Tourist arrivals are on the rise in Ghandruk, a scenic village in Annapurna Rural Municipality–10 and 11. With the onset of the second peak tourist season, both domestic and international visitor numbers have increased significantly.
According to Bikram Gurung, chairperson of the Ghandruk Tourism Management Committee, the village receives around 1,000 to 1,200 visitors daily on weekends, while weekday arrivals range between 600 and 700. He added that numbers are expected to climb further following the government’s decision to implement a two-day weekend.
Local tourism entrepreneurs have been promoting Ghandruk under the slogan “tourism in all seasons.” Known for its blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, the village is a key stop along the Annapurna Circuit.
Bhim Prasad Upadhyay, head of the area conservation office under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), said Indian tourists make up the majority of foreign visitors. He noted that as many as 856 international arrivals were recorded in a single day this season.
The number of Indian visitors has been rising alongside a steady increase in domestic tourism. Improved road access and infrastructure have further boosted Ghandruk’s popularity. Upadhyay said well-managed facilities and attractive trekking routes have made the area a preferred destination.
However, concerns are growing over the preservation of the village’s traditional identity. Gautam Gurung, ward chair of Annapurna Rural Municipality–10, stressed the need to protect Ghandruk’s authenticity. He warned that rapid construction of concrete buildings is gradually altering its traditional character.
To address this, the local government plans to introduce subsidies for houses built using traditional materials and craftsmanship.
Tourism in Ghandruk dates back decades, with early initiatives credited to local pioneer Shankarman Gurung. Today, the village attracts thousands of visitors annually, drawn by its cultural richness and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges.
Despite this growth, local leaders and entrepreneurs warn that unchecked modernization could erode the village’s unique identity. The expansion of hotels and resorts—now numbering around 80, along with 35 homestays—has generated significant investment and employment, but also raised concerns about long-term sustainability.
Ghandruk also serves as a key stop on trekking routes linking Annapurna Base Camp and the Ghorepani–Poon Hill Trail in Myagdi District. The village can be reached via a five- to six-hour trek from Nayapul or a two-hour drive from Pokhara, making it both accessible and popular among a wide range of travelers. #nepal #tourism #ghandruk
