The Mountains Called, and I Walked
I stood in the middle of a quiet village called Ghandruk, looking up at the snowy peaks in the distance. The air was fresh, the sky bright blue, and a kind old woman handed me a hot cup of water. I was about to begin one of Nepal’s most loved treks Annapurna Base Camp through Ghadruk , starting from this peaceful mountain village. I didn’t know it yet, but this walk would change how I see the world.
If you’re wondering how far it is, what the trail feels like, or why it’s worth it, let me tell you what I learned on the way.
What Is Annapurna Base Camp via Ghandruk?
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a famous hike in the Himalayas of Nepal. It takes you deep into the heart of the Annapurna mountain range, where tall peaks stand like giants and clouds drift quietly through the valleys.
Starting the trek via Ghandruk means you begin your walk from a traditional Gurung village, known for its kind people, stone houses, and wide mountain views. This route is peaceful, rich in culture, and full of nature.
How Far Do You Walk?
Let’s talk about the numbers first, because many people ask:
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Total Distance: Around 70 to 75 kilometers (about 43 to 47 miles)
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Average Trek Length: 7 to 10 days, depending on your pace
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Highest Point: 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp
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Trek Difficulty: Moderate, no need to think deeply just be prepared
We walked for about 6 to 7 hours a day, with plenty of breaks. Some paths were steep, but many were soft and forested. The mix made each day feel new and exciting.
Starting in Ghandruk
Our first day began in Ghandruk, which we reached after a jeep ride from Pokhara. It felt like stepping into a storybook. Villagers carried baskets on their backs. Children waved and ran by. And behind it all were mountains rising into the sky.
From Ghandruk, we walked toward Chhomrong, a village with an incredible view of Machapuchare, the “Fishtail” mountain. The trail had many stone steps up, down, and up again!
Each day brought something new. One day we walked through forests of bamboo and rhododendron. The next, we crossed wooden bridges over rivers rushing with glacier water.
The Climb to the Base Camp
As we got higher, the trees began to disappear. The air got colder. We wore gloves and warm jackets even during the day. But the views kept getting better.
We passed places like Dovan, Himalaya, and Deurali before reaching Machapuchare Base Camp. From there, it was just one more push to Annapurna Base Camp.
That final climb was hard but also the most beautiful. We were surrounded by snowy mountains on all sides. And when we reached the base camp, we were standing in a giant bowl of white peaks, with Annapurna I, one of the tallest mountains in the world, right in front of us.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
That night at base camp, I stepped outside just before sunrise. It was freezing. My fingers hurt from the cold, but I didn’t care. Slowly, the first light touched the top of the mountains. The snow turned pink, then gold. The silence was deep and peaceful. No one spoke. We just stood and watched.
In that moment, I felt proud of every step, every climb, every sore muscle. I felt lucky to be there to be so small in such a big, beautiful world.
People Make the Journey Special
I didn’t do the trek alone. We had a guide named Pema, who knew every trail like the back of his hand. He smiled even when we were tired and always had a story to tell.
We also had porters strong and kind men who carried our heavy bags. Without them, this trek would have been much harder.
In the tea houses where we stayed, we met other trekkers. Some were walking alone, some with friends. Everyone shared stories, food, and laughs around warm fires.
Why Start from Ghandruk?
Starting the trek from Ghandruk makes the journey easier and more beautiful. You start higher, which means fewer steep climbs at the beginning. You also pass through charming villages, farms, and forests before entering the higher mountains.
If you're looking for a shorter, more cultural route to Annapurna Base Camp, this is the way to go.
Is It Hard?
Yes and no. Some days were tough. There were long climbs and lots of stairs. The cold at night made it harder to sleep. But we took our time. We drank lots of water. We rested often. That made it doable even fun. If you’re healthy and enjoy walking, you can do this trek. You just need to be ready for adventure.
To Conclude : It’s More Than Distance
The distance from Ghandruk to Annapurna Base Camp is about 70 kilometers, but this trek is about more than numbers. It’s about the journey the people you meet, the strength you find, the moments you’ll never forget. We walked through forests, across rivers, and into the heart of the mountains. We laughed, we got tired, and we kept going. And when we stood at the base of Annapurna, we felt something deep a quiet joy that only nature can give.
If you ever get the chance to do this trek, say yes. Tie your shoes, pack your bag, and start walking.
