Trek the Ghandruk circuit of the Himalayas in Nepal on a 10-day soft adventure and meet with the Gurung people, one of the major ethnic groups of Nepal, with their own traditions and culture. Enjoy sublime views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Himalchuli. Walk through rhododendron forests, stopping at the villages of Landruk and Dhampus to experience the rural lifestyle of Annapurna. The Ghandruk circuit is ideal for those with children, as well as weary trekkers that don’t want to endure long days or steep ascents at high altitudes. Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to your hotel for an orientation program about your forthcoming trek. Day 2: This morning you will fly to Pokhara to connect for a 1.5-hour drive to Nayapul, 3,510 feet (1,070 meters) above sea level. From Nayapul continuous scenic drive to the valley of Syauli Bazar, with stunning views of the peak of Machhapuchhre. From Syauli Bazar 4-hour trek ascends between terraced fields, with more backdrop views of Machhapurchhre Himal (21,963 feet / 6,696 meters). Stop at the well-managed village of Ghandrung, home to various eco-tourism projects, and visit the Gurung Museum to see examples of Gurung handicrafts and culture. Ghandruk village is the headquarters of the Annapurna conservation area project and you can see slide shows about their activities. Overnight in a mountain lodge. Day 3: Today’s trek takes 6 hours, hiking from Ghandruk to Chomrong village 7,118 feet (2,170 meters) above sea level. During the day you will enjoy close-up views of Annapurna South (23,687 feet / 7,219 meters), Himchuli (21,792 feet / 6,644 meters), and Machhapurchhre Himal (22,945 feet / 6,996 meters). Overnight in a mountain lodge. Day 4: Trek from Chomrong to Landruk (5,412 feet / 1,650 meters). The trail first descends to Jhinu Danda, where you have the chance to experience the natural hot springs. After lunch, continue to the Gurung village of Landruk, rewarding you with vast vistas of the Annapurna Mountains. Overnight in a mountain lodge. Day 5: Continue your trek, walking from Landruk to Dhampus (5,084 feet / 1,550 meters). Today is the longest day’s walk at 7 hours, passing terraced farms and the village of Tolka. The trail climbs through lush forest to Deurali, where you will see the Dhaulagiri Mountain and the northern part of the Pokhara Valley. Day 6: Trek from Dhampus to Phedi (3,641 feet / 1,110 meters), a walk of about 2 hours that starts with a stunning sunrise over the Annapurna Mountains and passes rocky fields of dwarf rhododendron forest to Phedi. Drive to Pokhara. Refreshment. Afternoon Enjoy sightseeing in the Pokhara Valley, the 2nd largest in the hills of Nepal. Located in the geographical center of Nepal, the valley affords cinematic views of the fish-tail peak of Machhapuchhre and the serrated summits of the Annapurna Mountains, as well as glassy lakes, such as Fhewa Tal. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. Day 7: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu for a half-day sightseeing tour of the temples and stupas of Durbar Square, and get more panoramic views from Swayambhu Nath Stupa. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Day 8: Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your final departure.