GANDAKI: Tourist arrivals have increased in Ghandruk, a scenic village located in Annapurna Rural Municipality–10 and 11 of Kaski. With the onset of the second peak tourist season, both domestic and international tourist flows have picked up.
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 600 to 700 tourists visit on weekdays. He added that tourist numbers are expected to rise 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 as a 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, with as many as 856 international arrivals 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 better infrastructure have contributed to Ghandruk’s growing popularity. Upadhyay noted that 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 originality to maintain its appeal. He warned that rapid construction of concrete buildings is altering the village’s traditional character.
To address this, the local government plans to introduce subsidies for homes built using traditional materials and craftsmanship.
Tourism in Ghandruk dates back decades, with early efforts 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 the growth, local leaders and entrepreneurs remain concerned 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 brought significant investment and employment, but also raised fears about long-term sustainability.
Ghandruk serves as an important stop on trekking routes linking Annapurna Base Camp and the Ghorepani–Poon Hill trail in Myagdi. It 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.
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