LAMJUNG

LAMJUNG (STARTING POINT OF ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK)

Lamjung is located at the altitude of 450 m. to 8155 m. (Manaslu) of west Nepal. Lamjung is the origin of Shah Dynasty. The old palace of shah dynasty is situated in Gaunsahar, 1-hour walk from Beshisahar capital of Lamjung District made by the King Kul Mandan Shah. The famous Goddess “Lamjung Kalika” is inside the palace. There are so many historical temples and palaces in Lamjung. The culture and festivals of Lamjung are very rich. Dura and Gurung families enjoy the “Rodhi” singing and dancing program everyday after the Dinner (meal of evening). One of the famous festivals of Nepal Ghatu: the slow and long dance related with tantrism is celebrated by Gurungs. Lamjung have famous four lakes Dudh Pokhari, Ilam Pokhari, Meme Pokhari and Barah Pokhari. The worlds famous Trekking, Annapurna Round starts from Beshisahar of Lamjung. The Annapurna area Conservation Project (ACAP) covers 1/4th (Including 8 Village Development Committees) of the total area of Lamjung. The district is inhabitants of Jharal, more than 20 types of Herbal plants, Bear, forest including different type of trees, leopard, different types of Birds, Deer, flowering and non- flowering plants, Ghoral etc. Lamjung is the most popular for visit any season on account of its position and climate. It has the most extensive views of the country’s chief attraction, the Himalayas; Annapurna (7939), Lamjung Himal (6988 m), Himal chuli (6747 m) Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Buddha Himal (6974 m) and Gaurishankar. Well hotel accommodation is available there. It takes 6 hours from Kathmandu and 4 hours from Pokhara to reach Beshisahar by bus.

Ghalegaun Village:        

Ghalegaun situated at the foot of Lamjung Himal in north central Nepal, is an exotic pristine village endowed with an unparallel scenic grandeur and a home to world famous Gurkha soldiers- the Gurungs. Repository of a unique ethnic culture Ghalegaun is a true microcosm of stunning natural beauty mixed with an unspoiled ethnic lifestyle. Ghanapokhara is a beautiful village heading towards development with a concept of eco-tourism. It lies at north of Lamjung district in the close proximity of Ghalegaun at the top of Dashthar Danda at an altitude of 2100 meters. 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.

Pas gaun:
      Pas gaun, the hilly village of Lamjung district magnetizes the outsiders with its beauty and hospitality of Gurung community. Small houses with stone roof and stone paved clean path makes it divine gift to the people.Tourists are pretty enjoying the nature and its beauty though there are lack of modern services and facilities due to geographical intricacy. Anyone can melt down by the warm welcome and hospitality given by gurung to the guest at Pas gaun. Pas gaun is located at one thousand six hundred and fifty meters high from sea level where 400 houses of Gurung are there. Pas gaun is reached through rural tourism village Baglungpani, Ghalegaun, Bhujung from the headquarter of Lamjung district, Besi Sahar after the 8 hours long trek. Day by day internal as well as external tourists are increasing in Pas gaun according to local social worker Balram Gurung. Comparing to other places the gurung traditional culture is still alive at Pas gaun with their uniqueness and full of entertainment. The different dances with unique dresses and folk song attract anybody over there. At Pas gaun traditional handicraft is still in practice and people use to produce different artistic bags, woolen sweater, carpets and many more. The bamboo products are also famous there.

Each and every home uses well-equipped modern toilet whereas for electrical power solar power system is connected. In each home special guest room is separated for guest at Pas gaun. After tourism ministry opened dual trekking root to reach Pas gaun people of this village are excited to bring tourist here. Different festivals are organized to renowned Pas gaun internally and internationally. According to locals almost all young bloods of this village are moving to foreign lands, if tourism activities can be increased they need not have to go abroad for job and money.

Cultural Attractions:
      Ghalegaun- Ghanpokhara is a model village for experiencing the typical culture and lifestyles of the Gurung people. Traditional customs are still followed during births, deaths, marriages and in other rituals. Age old cultural dances like Jyaure, serka, dohori, Ghatu, Sorathi, Jankri etc are performed on various occasions accompanied by different musical instruments and with the dancers in traditional dress.

Ghalegaun, situated at the foot of Lamjung Himal in north central Nepal, is an exotic pristine village endowed with an unparallel scenic grandeur and a home to world famous Gurkha soldiers- the Gurungs. Repository of a unique ethnic culture Ghale gaun is a true microcosm of stunning natural beauty mixed with an unspoiled ethnic lifestyle.

Ghanapokhara is a beautiful village heading towards development with a concept of eco-tourism. It lies at north of Lamjung district in the close proximity of Ghalegaun at the top of Dashthar Danda at an altitude of 2100 meters.

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 Annapurna(8091m),

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 Ghalegaun include bird watching at Talangyo Lake and visits to the Utter Kanya Temple, Pempro Fall, Batase Cave and the Khudi hydroelectric dam site.

Home-stay With Gurungs:
       Accommodation is offered at community-run home-stays in Ghalegaun and Ghanpokhara and other villages. Visitors have a chance to have a closer look at Gurung lifestyle by staying in their homes, sharing their home-cooked food and interacting with them as family guests. Food offered here is wholesome and organic, usually rice, dal, home-made buckwheat and millet bread, local vegetables and meat served with Pa (local millet alcohol). Visitors go to their allocated home for meals and to rest. Here guests are able to observe the lifestyle of the Gurungs of this region, who still follow traditional customs during birth, marriage and other important occasions. The home-stay experience is complemented by cultural shows performed by community members on request of visitors. The special feature of this village is that the Himalayas can be seen from every home.

Honey Hunting:
        Hunting for honey is an age-old tradition among the people of Ghale gaun and Ghan pokhara. The local honey hunters show exceptional skills as they hang from steep cliffs as high as 300 m using bamboo ladders and hemp ropes, while harvesting the honeycombs of wild bees. The honey is harvested twice a year during April-May and October-November. Honey collected in April-May from hives on the steep cliffs is highly flavored. It is used as medicine and has a high price in the international market.


Gurung Handicrafts:
          Handicrafts made in these two villages are excellent for gifts and souvenirs. The people of Ghalegaun-Ghanpokhara use the wool from their goats and sheep to make woolen products. They make clothes and bags from nettle fiber and aloe, and scarves, towels and shawls from the wool of angora rabbits. The local craftsmen make a wide range of bamboo products. The local craftsmen make traditional wooden containers Pung, Theki, Puche etc. local products from local wood called Dar.


Getting There:
             Ghalegaun and Ghanpokhara are in Lamjung district of Gandaki zone. Ghalegaun is 3-4 hour trek from Khudi the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit trek. Kathmandu to Khudi is a 9-10 hour drive to Khudi via Dumre off the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. It takes about half an hour’s uphill trek to reach Ghanpokhara from Ghalegaun. One can then continue on to Pokhara rather than retracing the route back to Khudi. One can also start the trek from Pokhara. After staying in Ghalegaun you can descend through dense forests to Khudi and drive to Beshisahar. This is the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit and an easy short¬cut to Ghalegaun via Khudi.

Tourist Services:
     Houses selected for home-stay in Ghalegaun and Ghanpokhara have rooms with two beds, bathroom and toilet. There are 20 home-stays in Ghalegaun and 16 in Ghanapokhara. All programs for visitors are held in homes of the Aama Samuha (Mothers’ Group). Apart from tasting local food, other food items can be ordered from a menu. All the ingredients are local, pure and natural. Telephone service on the route is available at Pasgaun. Hiring a local guide for is recommended while going on the trek.