Yesterday, I picked up Sir William and Michel from Pokhara airport to we drove straight to Kimche. From there on, we walked up to Ghandruk village. We stayed at the Simon guest house, a nice newly constructed. neat and clean lodge. I served tea and popcorn and we talked for a while. In the meanwhile our luggage assistance(porter) was engaging deeply in the TV screen.
After tea I ask the guests if they are interested in seeing the local cultural museum of Gurungs and old village located further east then the current village where most of the lodges are. I led Sir William through the narrow streets or path allays, to explore the village. We went to the museum first. I managed the entry ticket and we went in. Most of the things inside the museum are tools, like the hoe, plough, dhiki, traditional grinders, different types of baskets, kitchen utensils, wooden cylinders which are used as a measurement to store ghee(refined butter) or to keep alcohol which is known as raksi. There are also specimens of handloom; how they knit woolen rag and bhangra and much more .
It is praise worthy that from a personal effort the museum was set. I believe many tourist like my guests Sir William and others will feel pleasure to observe the cultural aspect of gurung people. In the past before the arrival of tourism in the village the only option to the villagers was either to do farming or join to the army service.
Among gurung community still the concept of becoming Lahure( going abroad to earn money is still being followed strongly) still young gurung boys the preferance first goes to join to british army. if it is not possible to join they go foreign country just to work and earn.
still people who are living in the village they are contineuing farming, cattle herding whether buffalo, goat or sheep. But, comparing to past it is less practiced. The thing is who is able enough financially joining to the army or doing little lodge business in the village providing their services to the tourist, they rarely involve farming activities.
Still the charm of the village is attractive if you visit old side of village where the style of village and house structure pattern of slate roofing is worth praising.
this new part of village is a bit commercialized as I see the trend of modern constructuon in order to establish new lodges. Though, it is nice to have one or two days here spend in the village. closest view of Annapurna south7219 meters Hieunchuli6441 meters fishtail6997 meters will mesmarize your eyes if the weather permit: the clear view.
In total I found Sir william was happy to explore the village. Today after breakfast we are heading off to Tadapani village for the night stay.