GURUNG CULTURE TREK

A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE OF AUTHENTIC GURUNG VILLAGES.

Gurung Culture Trek offers a close-up experience of the Gurung culture (one of the main Gurkha tribes), traditions, foods, and beliefs in the Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Lamjung, Gorkha, Parbat and Syangja and Lamjung districts. 

Homestay with a Gurung family in their traditional houses gives you a close and personal perspective of their unique lifestyle. Gurung Heritage cultural trek journeys to beautiful Gurung villages like Ghale Gaun, Bhujung (largest in Annapurna Conservation Area - altitude 1696m), Pashgaun, of Lamjung district and Pakhrikot and Thumsikot (693m) of Kaski district.

This trek caters for travelers with a curiosity of different cultures, like researchers, students, and backpackers who love to see a more authentic side of local village life. Besides the intriguing and educational aspects of this trek, there is always the abundance of natural beauty; the terraced fields perched on the mountainsides, forests (pink flowering rhododendron), rivers, and spectacular panoramic views of the soaring Annapurna Massif. The most authentic aspect of this trek is staying in Gurung home and seeing first -hand how they manage their day to day activities in these mountainous regions.

After a 6 hour drive, the  Gurung Heritage Trail trek begins at Gumle bazaar (606m) with the trail passing through farmland between the Marsyangdi in the east and Madi River in the southwest. Other tributaries flow between these two major rivers, such as the Khudi River, Midim River, and Rudi River, each flowing through valleys and connecting to the major rivers. 

The Gurung community of Nepal is also referred to as 'Tamu' which means horseman in the Tibetan language.  The name Gurung is derived from the Tibetan word 'Grong' which means farmers. Gurung is often known as Tamang and many reside in the following districts in the west of Nepal: Kaski, Lamjung, Baglung, Gorkha, and Dhading. They have their unique language, traditions, and culture.

Key Features of Gurung Culture Trek

• Eco-community homestay & lodge trek. 
• Experience Gurung culture, foods, handicrafts, and traditions.
• Panoramic views of the Himalayas – especially Manaslu &  the Annapurna Massif.
• Gentle peaceful trails through numerous forests, rivers, and valleys.
• Visit a Gurung museum and the authentic Gurung village of Ghale Gaon & spectacular mountain vista backdrop.

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities. 

Meals during the trek

 In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Transportation

We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek. 

Physical fitness

This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake. 

Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!