Lwang Ghalel Homestay: Gurung Village Stay Near Pokhara

About 26 kilometres north-east of Pokhara, a hillside village of Gurung families has been welcoming overnight guests since around 2009. Lwang Ghalel sits 1,550 metres below Machhapuchhre, and you reach it with a drive and a short walk.

The houses are traditional stone homes, the meals come from the family kitchen, and the mountains show up on clear days. If you are still comparing options around Pokhara, the Pokhara homestay guide covers the lake and city side. This guide covers the village.

TL;DR

• Lwang Ghalel is a Gurung village at 1,550 m, about 26 km from Pokhara

• Nepal Homestays lists 8 partner homestays here, each run by a local family

• The main walk is to the tea garden, 30 to 40 minutes uphill from the village

• Many tours are one night, and two nights leaves time for canoeing and canyoning

• Spring and autumn are the usual seasons to go

Quick Overview: Lwang Ghalel

A Gurung Village Run by Its Families

The village is home to a Gurung community, and the homestays are run by local families, not by an outside company. Guests have been welcomed with garlands by the Aama Samuha, the village mothers' group. It is one of the clearest examples of how homestays turn women's work into real income.

Meals are organic Nepali food, with curd, milk and local chicken or vegetables, and guests can taste locally made chutneys. On a clear day you can see Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from the village.

Pokhara's village hike brochure says most homestay villages in its programme set aside about one dollar per guest for a community fund. A study of the homestay programme here found early positive effects on women and the local economy.

Things to Do in Lwang Ghalel

Tea Garden Walk

The path climbs from the homestays to an organic tea garden. The brochure describes the view of the villages and downtown Pokhara from the garden as wonderful. Go in the morning for the clearest views.

Almond Farm and Canoeing

Villagers can take you to the community almond farm and the canoeing site, and there are waterfalls nearby. Ask your host what is open when you visit.

Canyoning at Ghalel

Canyoning is offered near Ghalel. Ask your host to arrange a guide.

Ghalel Community Museum

Village tour itineraries include a visit to the Ghalel community museum, which covers the history and traditions of the area.

Evenings in the Village

Some homestays arrange folk songs and dance after dinner, and guests can try on traditional Nepali clothes. Ask your host when you book, since it depends on the season and the group.

Mardi Himal Route

Several operators describe Lwang as a starting point for the Mardi Himal route. If you plan to trek on from here, the trekking permits guide lists what you need.

Where to Stay in Lwang Ghalel

Nepal Homestays lists eight partner homestays on the Lwang Ghalel community page, each run by a local family. Three of them are below.

All three list the same facilities, so ask each host about availability, meals and room options before you book. If you are choosing between a homestay and a trekking lodge, the tea house vs homestay guide compares them.

Good Manners in a Family Home

The brochure asks guests to follow the first two rules below, and the third is good practice anywhere. The guide to respecting local customs covers more.

• Do not pressure the host for food, drinks or facilities the homestay does not offer

• Do not disturb people in their homes or outside

• Ask before taking photos of people

How to Get There

Lwang Ghalel is about 26 km from Pokhara, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Some itineraries drive to Khoramukh and then walk about 45 minutes through forest, so ask your host which route to use and whether pickup can be arranged. Trekkers also walk in from Pothana or Dhampus. The Pokhara travel guide covers getting to the city.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn are the usual choices, when the weather is mild and the views are clearer. Monsoon months are wet and the mountains are often hidden. The guide to the best seasons for homestays covers the full year, and the Nepal Tourism Board has general travel information.

Final Thought

Lwang Ghalel does not have a long list of sights. What it offers is a night in a family home and a walk up to the tea garden. Stay one night, or two if you can.

See all eight partner homestays on the Lwang Ghalel community page on Nepal Homestays and book directly with the host family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lwang Ghalel?

It is a Gurung village at 1,550 metres, about 26 km north-east of Pokhara in Kaski district.

How many homestays are there in Lwang Ghalel?

Nepal Homestays lists 8 partner homestays on its Lwang Ghalel community page, each run by a local family.

What facilities do the homestays have?

The listings show a geyser, parking and WiFi. Ask the host about meals and rooms.

How do I book a homestay in Lwang Ghalel?

Choose a listing on the community page and book directly with the host through Nepal Homestays.

How much does a Lwang Ghalel homestay cost?

Rates differ by homestay and room. Check the current rate on each listing page.

How long should I stay?

One night is enough to see the village and walk to the tea garden. Two nights leaves time for canoeing or canyoning.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the mountain views are clearest.