Gandaki Province Map
Gandaki Province (Province 4) is Nepal's premier tourist destination, home to Pokhara, the Annapurna Conservation Area, and the mystical Upper Mustang. The province offers stunning Himalayan landscapes and world-class trekking.
Province Information
Districts of Gandaki Province
Trekking in Gandaki Province
Gandaki Province is Nepal's trekking paradise. Key routes include:
- Annapurna Circuit Trek - Classic 15-20 day circuit
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 7-12 days to the sanctuary
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 4-5 day sunrise trek
- Upper Mustang Trek - Journey to the forbidden kingdom
- Manaslu Circuit Trek - Remote 8,000m peak circuit
Major Attractions
- Pokhara - Lake city with stunning Himalayan views
- Phewa Lake - Nepal's second-largest lake
- Annapurna Conservation Area - Largest protected area in Nepal
- Upper Mustang - Ancient Buddhist kingdom
- Manang - High-altitude valley on Annapurna Circuit
- Bandipur - Preserved Newari hilltop settlement
- Gorkha Durbar - Historic palace of Shah dynasty
Landscapes of Gandaki
Gandaki Province is named after the Gandaki river system, whose Kali Gandaki cuts one of the deepest gorges in the world between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Within the province you can travel from subtropical valleys around Pokhara, at about 800 m, to the high desert of Mustang, which lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya.
Key Places for Visitors
- Thorong La: at about 5,416 m, the high pass on the Annapurna Circuit, crossed between Manang and Muktinath.
- Muktinath: a temple at about 3,700 m that is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Tilicho Lake: one of the world's highest lakes, at about 4,900 m, reached as a side trip from Manang.
- Jomsom and Marpha: Thakali villages known for apple orchards and apple brandy.
- Bandipur: a car-free Newar hill town halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Permits and Access
Treks in the Annapurna Conservation Area require an ACAP entry permit. Upper Mustang and parts of Manaslu are restricted areas with additional, more expensive permits and a mandatory guide. Pokhara is the main gateway, with short flights to Jomsom and roads into the Annapurna foothills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Gandaki Province?
Pokhara is the provincial capital and its largest city.
Which treks are in Gandaki Province?
The Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Upper Mustang and the Manaslu Circuit are all in Gandaki Province.
Do I need a permit to trek in the Annapurna region?
Yes. All trekkers need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and restricted areas such as Upper Mustang need an extra special permit.