Ghalegaun and Ghanpokhara are mainly Gurung settlements; they nestle amidst mountains, rivers, streams, waterfalls and green forests. These places command a superb breathtaking view of majestic western Himalayas including Machhapuchhare(6693m) Annapurna (8091m), Annapurna II (7939m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal, Bouddha Himal(6974m), Himalchuli (6747m) and many more smaller peaks.

The approach to Ghalegaun-Ghanpokhara is a wonderful experience in itself as it goes crossing over the Marsyandi, Khudi and Midim rivers; passing through rhododendrons blossoming along the way amidst the chirping of birds and wild insects. The trekking route passes through dense jungle and villages and impressive waterfalls. Nearby Talyngo Lake and Lami Lake add new dimension to these attractions.

Activities around this village including bird watching at Talangyo lake, and visitors to the Utter Kanya temple, Pempro fall, Batase cave and the Khudi hydroelectric dam site.

Cultural Attractions

Ghalegaun -Ghanpokhara are model villages for experiencing the typical culture and lifestyle of the Gurung people. Traditional customs are still followed during births, deaths, marriages and at other important times in a person`s life. Age-old cultural dances like the Jhyaure, Serka, Dohori, Ghantu, Ghyabring, Krishna Charitra and Jhakri are performed on various occasions accompanied by different musical instruments with the dancers in traditional dress.

Visitors to Ghalegaun-Ghanpokhara are welcomed with offering of garlands and tika while music and dances are performed and traditional farewell songs are sung when guests depart. Nepali New Year and Buddha Jayanti are celebrated with traditional dance called Ghatu.

Handicrafts

The people of Ghalegaun-Ghanpokhara keep goats and sheep and use wool from these animals to make woolen products. They make clothes and bags from nettle fiber (allo cloth) and scarfs, towels and shawls from the wool of angora rabbits. Ironsmiths make different iron products. Craftsmen produce a whole range of different products from bamboo.

Honey Hunting

Honey hunting which is the collection of honey from the nests of wild bees built on steep cliffs is an age-old tradition. Local honey hunters show their exceptional skills by hanging themselves form cliffs as high as 300 meters using bamboo ladders and hemp ropes, while harvesting the honeycombs. Everyone is thrilled to watch honey hunters at work.

Getting There

Ghalegaun and Ghanpkhara lie 205 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu and 125 kilometers northeast of Pokhara. The nearest roadhead is at Khudi in Lamjung; Khudi can be reached by daily bus services from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The hotels in Khudi provide safe stay with hygienic food; pleasant rooms, clean restrooms and some even have natural swimming pools nearby. Ghalegaun is a four-hour walk from Khudi through another Gurung settlement Bhalam Chour. The way from Bhalam Chour to Ghalegaun through the thick forest provides opportunities to see many species of animals, birds, insects and butterflies. Ghanpokhara is also a three- hour walk from Khudi but it can be also be reached from Beshisahar crossing Kapur Gaon without reaching Khudi.

Organized tourist groups are welcomed into Ghalegaun and Ghanpokhara with traditional dances. Handicraft exhibition and other entertainment programs are also performed for visitors. Tourists can participate in traditional musical program of Rodhi every evening. Trekking to and staying at Ghalegaun and Ghanpokhara is an exciting and enjoyable experience for both international and domestic visitors. Special discount facilities are offered to groups of students, forest users, women and community members.

Lodging and fooding

Comfortable rooms with clean restrooms are available at selected Gurung houses. Although there is no electricity in the village, lamps and water heating system facilities are available through solar power. There are a few Pahuna Ghar (Guest House) belonging to the Aama Samuha (Mother`s Community) that also provide accommodation. More than 100 tourists can be accomodated both in Ghalegaon and Ghanpokhara seperately. Good camping sites are also available at both Ghalegaun and Ghanpokhara.