Best Places to Hike in Pokhara
Best Places to Hike in Pokhara
Pokhara is one of the most remarkable cities in the world. It is located in Nepal and is well-known for its amazing views. It is in a valley with green hilly terrains and towering Himalayan mountain ranges. The major tourist destination in the city is Phewa Lake, a large and tranquil lake reflected in the mountains.
On the lake, boat rides are taken as people enjoy their eyes feasting on the region's beauty. The weather is warm so people can spend much time outdoors in this town. These features, beautiful streets, and cultural attraction centres make it a great tourist attraction zone.
Everyone would surely agree that Pokhara is the most beautiful place I've visited. Rupa Lake and Begnas Lake are among the many beautiful lakes in the city; these are some of the best places to tour since they provide some of the most serene environments.
The surroundings of Pokhara, especially the hills, are full of green vegetation, and different types of crops are grown on the terraced fields. It also boasts waterfalls, including Devi's Fall and the Hyatung Waterfall, for nature lovers; parks, forests, and other wildlife conservation areas are nearby. These unobstructed views of the beautiful snowy massifs make Pokhara a perfect destination for sightseeing and nature lovers.
Hiking and Trekking Opportunities
Pokhara is an ideal starting point for many trekking and hiking options. You can take an easy trek to the nearest place, like Sarangkot or Australian Base Camp, which offers a wonderful view of the mountains and a good view of the Nepali people and culture.
For those wanting something more challenging, treks such as the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Jomsom Muktinath offer a taste of the more rugged Himalayan region, complete with things like forests, desert-like areas and magnificent mountains.
Thus, every trek provides an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the beautiful nature and traditions of the people. Whether you are in the mood for a small or extensive trek, Pokhara offers many options to visitors.
Sarangkot Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 8 km
Hike Duration: Around 1 to 2 hours
In particular, the Sarangkot hike is a Best Places to Hike in Pokhara for those who want to escape to nature within a relatively short time while staying in Pokhara. The Sarangkot trek begins at the base of Sarangkot Hill, which is approximately 3 kilometres from the city of Pokhara.
The trail is relatively short but quite steep and can sometimes be tricky. But as you climb, you go through some stretches of forests that serve as a refreshing break from the concrete jungle. On the way, you get to see some small towns, through which tourists get a chance to see the life of the local people.
Once you reach this mountain's top, you can enjoy some of the region's most magnificent views. The view at the top of Sarangkot is outstanding, and it offers an incredible view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, especially in the morning.
From this vantage point, you can also enjoy a good view of Phewa Lake and the vast expanse of the city of Pokhara. The lake is shown to be gleaming in the morning sun, which makes the environment look serene.
Besides the scenic views, Sarangkot is extremely peaceful, enabling people to relax or meditate there. The place is widely known among photography fans who would love to photograph the area's breathtaking views.
Sarangkot is also famous for paragliding, which gives tourists a bird' s-eye view of the place. Whether you want to go for a short walk or to higher grounds, for meditation or fun and thrill, Sarangkot will not disappoint you.
Australian Camp Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 26 km
Hike Duration: Around 6 hours
The Australian Camp hike offers a perfect gateway to explore the nature of the Annapurna region of Nepal. It starts from Kande, a village located about 26 kilometres away from Pokhara. The trek involves a moderate amount of hiking to reach the top, with excellent views of forests and the town terracing the mountain. As you ascend, the forest becomes thinner and thinner, thus giving way to excellent viewpoints of surrounding hills and faraway mountains. The well-defined trail leads through scenic terrains, making the trip enjoyable.
The Australian Camp offers a beautiful view of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain series. This vantage point affords an excellent view of the peaks, which are best viewed at sunset when they are painted orange. The campsite is beautiful next to the grazing ground or a meadow filled with several native wooden huts for shelter, comfort, and relaxation. The surrounding environment of the camp is calm, and therefore, the camp is a perfect place to be when one wishes to have a quiet time.
This hike also provides an opportunity to meet local people. While en route through the villages, trekkers can get glimpses of the local Gurung and Magar hospitality and tradition. Australian Camp trekking can be regarded as one of the most suitable for those who do not like a long walk but want to get as close as possible to nature and the exciting traditions of Nepal.
Dhampus Village Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 25 km
Hike Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours
Another Best Places to Hike in Pokhara is the Dhampus Village trek, which also provides sights of the mountains and the cultural tastes of the local people. This trek starts from Phedi, a village situated near Pokhara. It is comparatively more straightforward and shorter than others, and most enthusiastic hikers can easily tread it. Going through beautiful thickets, rich green forests, and farmed slopes, it is possible to arrive at breathtaking views. On the way, travellers can witness the architecture of the houses of old Nepal and the Nepalese farmers in their fields.
When you are in Dhampus Village, the scene that really flies in your face is the fantastic view of the Annapurna range. The village is situated on the slope, and the views of the snowy tops and the area's landscapes are breathtaking. Due to its peace, the best thing about Dhampus Village is that one can relax and witness Mother Nature's beauty. It is also famous for sunset views, where the sun paints the sky and the mountains with an orange-redish hue, with the village at the base of the hill in the background.
Dhampus Village is also an excellent destination for getting a feel for the locals and their way of life. The village is dominated by the Gurung ethnics, and visitors can experience the community when given an opportunity to communicate with them. The actual trail to Dhampus Village is wonderful for light trekking and cultural activities, so tourists get a great chance to enjoy more at the same time.
World Peace Pagoda Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 12 km
Hike Duration: Around 2 to 3 hours
The World Peace Pagoda hike is one of the interesting treks that both gives a beautiful view of the Himalayas and visits a historic site. The trek starts from the bank of Phewa Lake in Pokhara. After passing through the forests, one arrives at a pagoda at the top of the hill. The trek is good. Almost all the paths are well maintained with good cross-vegetation, and at some points, you get a brief view of the landscape when climbing.
The last part of the hike is crowned by the World Peace Pagoda, which offers stunning views of the landscape. Based on the teachings of Buddhism, this stupa focuses on the development of world peace and is a perfect space for meditation. It also offers an overlooking view of Pokhara, Kite Flying Lake, Phewa, and the giant mountains, including Annapurna and Machapuchare. Watching the sunset from the pagoda is attractive, especially as the mountains take on a beautiful golden hue.
Apart from the magnificent views, which can be seen during the hike, visiting the World Peace Pagoda allows one to enjoy the serenity of the pagoda itself. A park with clean paths surrounds the pagoda, which seems more like a place for meditation. The hike is still short and is perfect for those who want a beautiful hike and a spiritual visit to the cultural site in one trip.
Naudanda Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 28 km
Hike Duration: Around 5 to 7 hours
The Naudanda hike is beautiful and will likely give a natural and cultural tour of the region of Pokhara. This Best Places to Hike in Pokhara starts from Naudanda village, which is 28 kilometres away from the famous city of Pokhara. The trail is described as moderately difficult, and the hiker can expect to get a fix of both scenery and historical perspectives. While walking from Naudanda to Panauti, one has to pass through virgin forest and terrace farming land and sometimes get preliminary views of Nepali houses.
Naudanda is surrounded by beautiful, rich terrain dominated by green hilly areas and intensive farmland. Gradually, the scenery becomes wider; at the upper level, tourists can enter and enjoy the snowy peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The trail is most scenic during spring when the Rhododendrons, which have reddish-coloured stems, bloom to provide colour around the trail area. The hike takes you away from the noise and rush of the city and allows you to enjoy the natural scenery of Nepal.
When you get to Naudanda, the view of the Himalayan range is excellent. The village is on a hillside, and one can get a panoramic view of the mountains and valleys, including the white-capped ones. The place is less busy than most other trekking trails, which means it is perfect for those who want to engage in personal and close hiking. The friendly attention of the villagers of Naudanda is also a plus, as they get to know the typical Nepali village lifestyle.
Begnas Lake Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 14 km
Hike Duration: Around 2 to 3 hours
Begnas Lake Trek is one of the most relaxed treks with the most captivating views, starting in the Pokhara Valley. The trail begins from the Begnas village, approximately fifteen kilometres from the beautiful town of Pokhara. This trek is relatively easy and thus suitable for all categories of hikers. The trail passes through relatively rural areas with lots of foliage, including fresh green vegetation.
The trail towards Begnas Lake passes through beautiful Nepalese villages and paddy fields, giving you a sense of the countryside. The path is well-lit, and the hike is relatively easy, allowing one to enjoy the area's attractive scenes calmly. The lake is a natural water body and has not been polluted; this environment is ideal for a vacation.
When you are at Begnas Lake, you can walk around the beach or take a boat ride to view the place's natural beauty. The lake is situated in hills and forests, so one can capture beautiful scenery appropriate for photography and even take a break. Trekking to Begnas Lake is one of the best ways recommended and suggested for those looking forward to a relatively peaceful experience without much rush, as seen when trekking in the denser trekking regions. They enjoy a quiet environment and magnificent views of the natural environment, making it a worthy hike for those who love nature and a peaceful environment.
Rupa Lake Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 20 km
Hike Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours
The Rupa Lake hike is primarily calm, making one feel at home with nature. It starts east from Rupa, a small village 18 kilometres away from Pokhara. It is not very challenging a trail and, therefore, is ideal for beginners and professional hikers. The trail passes through beautiful woods and cultivated land through slopping terrains, and hikers are accorded a beautiful scenery of the countryside beauty.
While walking up to Rupa Lake, several local villages and beautiful agricultural fields are to be crossed. These include shrubs and dense tree cover: The pathway is characterized by dense trees, which gives the weather along the raw path a cooler feel. The hike is recommended during cooler months when the climate is still moderate, and besides, views of the lake in full are enjoyed. There are moderately frequent opportunities for scenic breaks through which one can have brief views of nearby hills and valleys.
On reaching Rupa Lake, one is greeted by impressive natural beauty and scenery. The lake is situated in a region characterized by gently rolling hills and tracts of green forests, which make the countryside look picturesque and best suited for an oasis of still water. The lake's water and, therefore, the terrain is clear, and the reflection of the environment around the lake contributes immensely to the beauty of the region.
It is free to visit the area; therefore, you can walk or even sit on the shores of the lake and chill a bit. This area is less popular than other areas that tourists usually visit, hence suitable for quiet and serene people. The Rupa Lake trek is also an opportunity to admire natural scenery and escape to a relatively unknown and peaceful spot.
Kahun Danda Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 22 km
Hike Duration: Around 5 to 6 hours
Kahun Danda trek is an easy and stunning Best Places to Hike in Pokhara through which one can view the whole Annapurna range and experience the Gurung Culture. The trek begins at Kahun, twenty-five kilometres away from Pokhara. The trail is of a medium type and has certain inclines, but hikers with healthy bodies can quickly react to the challenges of the hiking path.
When you start moving from the foot of Kahun ascending, you get to cross farming plots and thick arboreal woods. A view of nature and an opportunity to meet the local community as the trail passes through the real Berg villages. This trail is very much developed and easy to follow, and it leads to the top-up to Kahun Danda, from where one can view the Himalayan range.
From Kahun Danda's summit, one can enjoy an extended view of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains. This spot gives a perfect sunrise and sunset view since the mountains have a warm, golden glow. The surrounding environment is not less attractive: the hills and the vast area of forests stretching as far as the eye can reach. The surroundings of Kahun Danda are a bit isolated, making it accessible to many trekkers; it becomes an ideal place for relaxation.
The Kahun Danda trek is perfect for people who would like to combine a stunning view of the landscape with a visit to the archeological site. There is a chance to visit Fresh Fresh, investigate native villages, study methods of Indigenous agriculture, and taste the cordiality of the people of Gurung. Suppose you are an experiential tourist, a bird and butterfly lover, a nature photographer, or a traveller to the countryside of Nepal. In that case, the experience of hiking to Kahun Danda is worth cherishing.
Sikles Village Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 35 km
Hike Duration: Around 5 to 6 hours
The Sikles Village hike is fulfilling because it gives the trekkers a chance to enjoy nature's beauty and feel the local culture. Initially, it reaches the start point of Khotang village, which is approximately 45 km away from Pokhara, and then passes through banana gardens and sub-tropical forests. The hike is considered average to somewhat difficult because certain parts can be steep, but it provides diverse and compelling trekking.
On your way up, you traverse several typical Gurung settlements, and thus, you can see people's everyday lives. The Gurung people's reception on the hike brings a cultural aspect to it. During the trek, if you approach Sikles Village, you will have beautiful views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare. Sighting these big giants on the trek does make the tour quite exciting, as one marvels at their dominance on the terrain.
In Sikles Village, especially after reaching its first view, one will be able to view several stone-like houses and the beautifully landscaped agricultural fields with red-hued terrains. It is a very beautiful village with a lot of natural beauty, and it is very quiet. It has a vantage view of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is perfect for any recreation and adventure. Seeing astonishing natural sceneries and learning more about the local people's customs makes Sikles Village a lively and enjoyable trip.
Ghandruk Village Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 30 kilometres
Hike Duration: About a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Nayapul, then a 2 to 3-day trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk Village.
The Gandruk village trekking is one of the most famous and standard treks that allows you to experience the Annapurna region's natural magnificence and cultural heritage. The journey begins in Nayapul, where it takes approximately 1 hour to get there by jeep or car. This trek, which takes 5 hours to drive from Pokhara, is moderately difficult and offers fantastic views.
This trail moves through the forests, fields, and ethnic villages of the Gurungs, providing visitors with stunning experiences of the country's nature and traditions. As you walk from Nayapul, the path rises gradually, with villages and colourful farms. The trail is quite popular and leads through diverse terrains; one of them is thickets of rhododendron trees that look exceptionally beautiful during the flowering season.
During the hike, you are likely to experience the true nature of the local Gurungs, who are natives of this region and are famous for their warm reception and culture. When reaching Ghandruk, the picturesque scenery of the Annapurna and Mchhapuchare ranges is open to visitors. The village is located on a hill and provides magnificent views of the hills around the area. The zone is famous for its marvellous sunset and sunrise schedules, where the mountains have a gentle sunrise in golden colour.
There are also several traditional lodges in Ghandruk where one can taste the delicious local dishes and experience the friendly Nepali people's hospitality. There are many opportunities to discover the way of life of locals, get to know their houses, and spend time in a quiet and calm atmosphere. The Ghandruk hike is a moderate hike that offers the pleasures of adventure, education, and beauty in equal measures.
Poon Hill Hike
Distance from Pokhara Main City: Approximately 35 kilometres
Hike Duration: 3 to 4-day trek from Nayapul to Poon Hill
The Poon Hill trek is a popular short trek in the Annapurna region, which is famous for providing spectacular views of sunrise and is relatively easy too. Beginning at Nayapul, a traditional short route takes one and a half hours to reach this place. Gaining popularity in recent years, this trek takes a 5-hour drive from Pokhara and passes through delightful landscapes and small villages.
Since this is comparatively an easy track, trekkers of various levels can follow this trail, which goes through paddy fields, forests, and typical Nepali villages. The trek gradually begins to climb the hills and crosses forests of Rhododendron and oak trees, giving a calm walk through nature.
During the trekking, you get through several picturesque villages, including Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani, where you can explore the local lifestyle and people. The journey is most scenic during the springtime when the rhododendrons are in bloom to make the environment colourful. The guide takes you up to Poon Hill, where you are presented with one of the best sunrise views in the region.
From this point, you can observe the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges while the first light of dawn radiates on the snowy peaks of the mountains. The scenery is stunning and the ideal time to take pictures. This is a great place for morning sunrises. After enjoying the beauty of sunrise, one can go out for a walk or just sit and watch the beauty of nature.
The Poon Hill trek is designed for those who do not have much time for a trek but wish to have a closer look at the magnificent mountains of the Annapurna region.
