The Gurung Heritage Trail is a soft trek offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich Gurung culture, traditions, and lifestyle, set amid stunning landscapes between the Marsyangdi River in the east and Madi River in the south and west.
The journey begins with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath and Patan Durbar Square. Boudhanath, the largest and most famous Tibetan Buddhist stupa in Nepal, provides a captivating and spiritually rejuvenating experience. Patan Durbar Square, an ancient square built by the Malla Kings, showcases medieval Hindu and Buddhist temples, highlighting extraordinary art and architecture.
The trek then leads to Besi Sahar, the starting point of the trail. Along the way, you will encounter traditional Gurung villages such as Ghalegaun, Bhujung, Pashgaun, and Pakhrikot, while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Highlights of the Gurung Heritage Trail
Explore traditional Gurung villages and culture
Panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges
Visit UNESCO sites Boudhanath and Patan Durbar Square
Soft trek suitable for cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers
Outline Itinerary
Price Details.
For more information on price, pleas email us at ehtours@explorehimalayatravel.com
Detail Itinerary.
Upon arrival in the Land of the Himalayas, Nepal, you will be warmly welcomed by our representatives at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu.
The rest of the day is at leisure, giving you time to relax, unwind, and adjust to the new environment.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Kathmandu
Morning:
Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Boudhanath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square.
Boudhanath Stupa:
Located 11 km (7 miles) from Kathmandu, Boudhanath is one of the largest and holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. The stupa features four pairs of eyes facing the cardinal directions, symbolizing vigilance and compassion. The squiggle between the eyes is the Sanskrit numeral one, representing the unity of all things.
Built by King Man Deva following the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini, Boudhanath stands on an octagonal base. Its prayer wheels, inscribed with the Tibetan mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’, are set into a brick wall featuring 108 images of meditational Buddha.
Often called “Little Tibet”, Boudhanath is a vibrant place to observe traditional Tibetan life. The stupa is surrounded by Tibetan monasteries and Lama residences, serving as the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination while in Kathmandu.
Patan Durbar Square:
Next, visit Patan Durbar Square, also known as Lalitpur, one of the oldest Buddhist cities in Nepal. The square is an excellent example of ancient Newari architecture, with three main courtyards: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk, with Mul Chowk being the oldest.
The western part of the complex features several temples of varying sizes and styles, including the Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna. Patan offers a rich collection of religious art and architecture, from palaces and pagoda temples to stone baths, statues, engravings, and bronze carvings. The Patan Museum, located within the square, houses bronze statues and religious artifacts dating back to the 11th century.
Patan Durbar Square is one of seven monument zones in the Kathmandu Valley designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afternoon:
The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing time to explore Kathmandu at your own pace or relax at your hotel.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Kathmandu
After breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, begin the journey to Besi Sahar via the Prithvi Highway. The drive takes approximately 6 hours under normal road conditions.
The route follows the Prithvi Highway to Dumre, after which you will continue along the rough road beside the Marsyangdi River until reaching Besi Sahar, the starting point of the Gurung Heritage Trail trek.
Along the way, enjoy scenic river valleys, terraced fields, and glimpses of local villages, offering a first taste of the Himalayan landscape and rural Nepali life.
Overnight stay: Hotel or lodge in Besi Sahar
After breakfast in Besi Sahar, begin the trek towards Ghalegaun, following a rocky path surrounded by lush green forests. Along the way, enjoy the soothing breeze, chirping birds, and serene natural scenery. The trek takes approximately 6–7 hours.
Ghalegaun Village is a perfect example of home-stay-based tourism in Nepal, situated at an altitude of 2,070 meters. The village is home to about 115 houses, with the majority of inhabitants belonging to the Gurung ethnic community, known for their warrior heritage. Ghalegaun lies 205 km northwest of Kathmandu and 125 km northeast of Pokhara.
From Ghalegaun, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Himalayas, including:
Besides the stunning mountain views, trekkers experience the warm hospitality of the Gurung locals and gain insight into their unique lifestyle, culture, and traditions.
Overnight stay: Homestay in Ghalegaun
Begin the day with an early morning sunrise view from the viewpoint tower in Ghalegaun, capturing panoramic views of the Western Himalayas. After breakfast, you can explore the local village, including the Gurung Museum, the Uttarkanya Temple—one of the oldest in the region—and a community-based tea garden.
After your village exploration, start the trek to Bhujung Village, situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level. The trek takes approximately 3–4 hours, passing through lush forests, traditional settlements, and scenic trails.
Bhujung Village is the largest settlement of the Gurung community in Lamjung district and has become a popular destination for tourists to experience traditional Gurung lifestyle and culture. The village is also renowned for tea farming and is famous for being one of the areas where wild honey hunters practice their craft.
Overnight stay: Homestay in Bhujung
After breakfast in Bhujung, begin the trek to Pasgaun Village, located at an altitude of 1,655 meters above sea level. The trek takes approximately 5 hours, passing through scenic trails, terraced fields, and forested landscapes.
Pasgaun is a small Gurung village in Lamjung district that has remained largely untouched by modernity, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional Gurung life and culture. Visitors can experience:
· Traditional Gurung dances and cultural performances
· Unique local customs and traditions
· Handicraft production and artisan work
The village provides an immersive cultural experience, making it a must-visit stop on the Gurung Heritage Trail.
Overnight stay: Homestay in Pasgaun
After breakfast in Pasgaun, take some time to explore the village and interact with the local Gurung community, experiencing their daily lifestyle and cultural traditions.
Afterwards, begin the trek to Pakhrikot Village, which takes approximately 5 hours. Along the trail, enjoy stunning views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, lush landscapes, and glimpses of historical forts and traditional villages, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Pakhrikot is a charming village in Lamjung district, known for its panoramic mountain vistas and tranquil surroundings, making it a perfect stopover on the Gurung Heritage Trail.
Overnight stay: Homestay in Pakhrikot
Start the day with an early morning sunrise, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains from Pakhrikot. After breakfast, begin the descent through picturesque Himalayan landscapes, crossing streams and passing through serene natural surroundings until reaching Thumsikot.
From Thumsikot, drive to Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most popular destinations. On the way, make a stop at Begnas Lake, a tranquil freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a relaxing and scenic break.
This day combines the final moments of trekking with a scenic drive, offering unforgettable views of the mountains, rivers, and lakes of Nepal.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Pokhara
Spend the day on a full-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara City (5–6 hours), exploring the natural beauty and adventure hub of Nepal.
Pokhara is famously known as the city of lakes, nestled at the foothills of the majestic Annapurna range. Surrounded by thick forests, gushing rivers, and serene lakes, it offers a peaceful getaway from the busy life of Kathmandu. While Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is the center of adventure, offering activities such as paragliding, trekking, mountain biking, ultra-light flights, zip-lining, bungee jumping, rafting, and kayaking.
Pokhara is unique in the world, as it allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of 8,000-meter peaks while sitting below 1,000 meters above sea level. As many travelers say, “You have not seen Nepal if you have not been to Pokhara”, making it one of the paradises on earth.
Key sightseeing attractions include:
Phewa Lake – a scenic freshwater lake perfect for boating and photography
Davis Falls – a spectacular waterfall plunging into a deep gorge
Mahendra Cave – a fascinating limestone cave
Bindabasini Temple – a sacred Hindu temple with panoramic views
Chameri (Bat) Cave and Gupteshwor Cave – unique caves for exploration
Devi’s Falls and Zeti Gorge – natural wonders of Pokhara
International Mountain Museum – the only museum in Nepal dedicated to mountains and mountaineering
After the sightseeing tour, return to your hotel in Pokhara for an overnight stay.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Pokhara
After breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara, take a short scenic flight to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 25 minutes. On a clear day, enjoy stunning aerial views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, sprawling valleys, and lush landscapes, providing a memorable and breathtaking experience.
After arrival in Kathmandu, the rest of the day is at leisure, allowing time to relax, shop, or explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Kathmandu
On the final day of your Gurung Heritage Trail trek, enjoy leisure time in Kathmandu to relax, pack, or explore the city at your own pace.
At the scheduled time, our representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable cultural and trekking adventure in Nepal.
