Ghalegaun, also known as the second beautiful model village in SAARC Region, is an exotic pristine village endowed with an unparallel scenic grandeur and a home of Ghales, the famed Gurungs and the legendary mid-hill people (also known as Gurkhas) of western Nepal. Located in the Northern part of Lamjung District,in Uttar Kanya VDC, Ghale Gaun is approximately 205km north west of Kathmandu and 125 km north east of Pokhara and is situated approximately 2070 meters from the sea level. Ghalegaun is probably the only place of Nepal from where you can see the nine different district of Nepal as well it also commands a superb breathtaking view of majestic western Himalayas including Dhaulagiri Range, Machhapuchhare/Mt Fishtail (6693m), Annapurna 1st (8091m), Annapurna II (7939m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Peak 29 (7,871 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983), Bouddha Himal(6974m), Himalchuli(6747m) and many more smaller peaks.
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 of sheep and buffallo, eggs, are all locally produced and are indeed for any chemical fertilizers. The people of Ghalegaun 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. 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. One of the most adventurous festivals of world like Honey Hunting Festivals proofs the people of Ghale Gaun’s bravery as a real gurkha.
Infact, Ghalegaun is a perfect village 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.New Year,lhosar,Buddha jayanti is celebrated with lot of traditional dance like ghantu and others. Every year on 5th – 9th may ,Ghale Gaun festival is held to promote the tourism which is really a god opportunity for the visitors to experience the beauty and culture of Ghale gaun from a closer look.
Honey Hunting
Beside it, Honey hunting, one of the adventurous festivals in world where the participants have to collect honey from the nests of wild bees built on steep cliffs is celebrated in Ghale gaun as an age-old tradition culture of the village. Local honey hunters show their exceptional skills and their courageous hope 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.Organized tourist groups are welcomed into Ghalegaun 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 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.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 (Mothers Community) that also provide accommodation. More than 100 tourists can be accomodated in Ghalegaun. Good camping sites are also available at both Ghalegaun.
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 (Nepalese dumplings).
If you really want a new taste of Nepalese culture and life style,than Ghale Gaun is one of the best destination for you.You can go this place through nearest road head, Khudi in Lamjung.Khudi can be reached by daily bus services from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The hotels in Khudi provide safe stay with hygienic food; pleasant rooms, clean restrooms and some even have natural swimming pools nearby. Ghalegaun is a four-hour walk from Khudi through another Gurung settlement Bhalam Chour. The way from Bhalam Chour to Ghalegaun through the thick forest provides opportunities to see many species of animals, birds, insects and butterflies.You can aslo be reached from Beshisahar crossing Baglung Paani and Kapur Gaon without reaching Khudi.
In short, The approach to Ghalegaun 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, visits to the Utter Kanya Temple,Local museum, Pempro Fall, Batase Cave and the Khudi hydroelectric dam site and beautiful view of sunrise and sunset.Beside this,a chance to participating in the traditional culture and Rodhi also gives you a different taste of experience. Therefore, it is no doubt to say, Ghalegaun is a true microcosm of stunning natural beauty mixed with an unspoiled ethnic life style.
