This is a pristine area newly opened for village tourism. Apart from the stunning landscape and views of the Annapurna region, Ghalegaun offers a real opportunity to become a part of village life, lodging with local Gurung families. This area is also home to the famous honey hunters of Nepal. This short trek is the perfect complement to discovering some of the other highlights of Nepal – historic towns, white water rafting and the country’s most famous conservation area. Ghalegaun is an exotic pristine village endowed with an unparallel scenic grandeur and a home to Gheles the famed Gurungs the legendary mid-hill people of western Nepal. Repository of a unique ethnic culture Ghelegaun is a true microcosm of stunning natural beauty mixed with an unspoiled ethnic life style.
Located is the district of Lamjung, Ghale Gaun is approximately 20.5km north west of Kathmandu and 12.5 km north east of Pokhara, the picturesque hill town of western Nepal. Perchedatop a ridge at an altitude of 2016 meters from the sea level, Glalegaun is probably the only place which commands 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.
Taking advantage of such a unique location, Ghalegaun- a picturesque hamlet of about 95 Gorung style houses, has recently been marketed as a new destination to experience Village tourism. Accordingly quite a number of houses have been prepared for domestic and international visitors with comfortable basic amenities.
Besides the scenic extravaganza of the peaks, the warm and sincere hospitality of the Gurung people is also bound to overwhelm the visitors. Here food items such as grain, vegetable, meat, milk, eggs, are all locally produced and are indeed for any chemical fertilizers. In addition, the life-style of the village truly reflects an exotic living ethnic tradition handed down since ages. The social life is replete with interesting rituals of life cycle; birth wedding, death etc., religious events and a lively cultural tradition of dance and music and it is well augmented by interesting locally produced exotic handicrafts and utensils.
Activities around Ghalegaun include bird watching at Talangyo Lake and visits 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.
Ghalegaun situated at an altitude of 2100 m is a northern part of a lamjung district in western Nepal. Since a decade ago concept of village tourism, eco tourism, cultural tourism and wildlife tourism has been exercised in this region .ghalegaun is famous for its maintained rustic flair of traditional gurung village. To understand the lifestyle, biodiversity and culture, ghalegaun is like a university and truly a beautiful village with spectacular view of mt manasalu range in the east. lamjung himal an annapurna in the north and mount machhapuchhre in the west . ghalegaun trek has it’s own uniqueness.
Ghalegaun is a village with a big heart because of its enchanting Himalayas with thrilling experience of panoramic view. The utterkanya mandir a sacred temple constructed by former ruler, the Gale king. gurung museum with its collection of various artifacts , agricultural tools , dress ornaments will give insight of the cultural and historical aspects .
The residence of this village wear the traditional dress of their own people and perform dances for the visitors , the handicraft locally produces from local raw materials are also attractive . The people of this area are hospitable, honest, social and laborious, their culture rituals, birth death rites are unique. Home stay of ghalegaun can be best shelter for natural lover. ghalegaun is a wonderful place viewing from different angle . in conclusion all the above aspects from an ideal environment for learning cultural diversity . Viewing unspoiled landscape of countryside. There are several villages and places in Nepal a ghalegaun where managing village tourism, cultural tourism, eco tourism is essential.
Ghale gaun nepali village offers the magical feel of Himalayan fairy tale. Tourist will get chance to take local food items and drinks as chang( rice beer), flows, dhindo and many more varieties.
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.
Organic local food like cereals, vegetables, milk products, eggs and meat prepared in traditional way is served to visitors. Basic menu includes plain rice, vegetable curry, vegetable fried rice, chicken curry, dal-bhat, egg curry, dhendo soup, chapatti, garlic soup, bread, vegetable mixed soup and momo.
Area: Around Nepal
Activities: Village Tour
Total Duration: 12 days
