After breakfast in Gorkha, the drive starts by going down from the historic Gorkha ridge toward the lower parts of the district. Along the way, we pass local spots like 13 Kilo and 12 Kilo, where the city influence fades, the air gets warmer, and the plants become more tropical. At Chepetar, the land flattens into wide, green plains with paddy fields and traditional thatched houses, while the turquoise Daraudi Khola flows beside the road. Baluwa is an important stop and often the last place to find a tea shop before the road climbs steeply. After crossing the river near Baluwa, the road winds upward into the hills with sharp turns and cliffs, reaching Rangrung, where the air is cooler, the pine scent fills the air, and the Daraudi River winds below. Passing Mandre, the local communities change from Brahmin and Chhetri settlements to the stone-and-wood houses of Gurung people, with small terrace farms on the mountainsides. Finally, rounding the last bend, Barpak (1,950 m) comes into view, a large village with hundreds of houses clinging to the slope like a fortress. It is known as the home of the Ghale Kings and a recruiting place for Gurkha soldiers, and it was also the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake.
After a hearty lunch in the traditional stone-paved village of Barpak (1,900m), the scenic trek to Laprak begins, taking around 4–6 hours and combining rich Gurung culture with breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. The trail climbs steadily along a well-maintained stone staircase, offering sweeping views of the Daraundi Valley, scattered hillside settlements, and distant snow-capped peaks. After about 3–4 hours, you reach Momche Danda (2,950m), a spectacular ridge known for its open pastures, grazing sheep, and stunning 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding mountains. From here, the trail continues through lush rhododendron and pine forests—bursting with vibrant colors in spring or lightly dusted with snow in winter—while revealing magnificent views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, Buddha Himal, Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang ranges. A further 30 minutes to 1 hour of trekking brings you to Gupsi Pakha, a peaceful highland settlement and new model village rebuilt after the 2015 Nepal earthquake with support from NRNA, offering a unique blend of resilience, culture, and incredible mountain scenery.
Transfer: 70 km, 3-4 Hours |
Trekking: 4-6 Hours |
Distance: 5 km |
Altitude Gain: 930 m |
Altitude Loss: 100 m |
Accommodation: Lodge I
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner