1. Sarangkot Day Hiking-
Sarangkot hill is very popular for its best mountains and sunrise view. We start our trip early morning around 5-5:30 am by car. Normally sun rise at 6:00 am. After the sunrise and mountain view we can walk down from Sarangkot along the pokhara city view ad the Phewa lake view with green forest. We walk around 4-5 hours. The length of the time, it depends on your choice of route.
2. World Peace Hiking
World peace pagoda is a massive Buddhist stupa, situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Besides being a impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offer the spectacular views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake and the the pokhara city. Hike the Raniban forest crossing the suspension bridge. After the 2 hours of walk we reach stupa and enjoy the spiritual and scenic beauty. Hiking down from pagoda is more enjoyable with the view of Phewa lake and the mountains. Cross the lake after 20 minutes of boating with the visit to island temple, Barahi temple in the middle of the lake.
3. Pokhara Kalikasthan Hiking
This is the best view point to view the serene 7 lakes around Pokhara. The panoramic view of Annapurna and the experience of village life is the highlight of the hiking.
4. Kahun Danda Hiking
Kahun Danda is another enchanting hill north of Pokhara and takes about two and a half hours to reach there. The trails starts from near the army barrack at Phulbari across Mahendrapul and climbs slowly up a slope. The essential view from the top of this hill is the panoramic view of the Annapurna range and the the flat span of Pokhara valley. Normally this is one day hiking route, but you could make it into 2 days hikes if you are interested to spend some time with the villagers. The Kahun Danda (1520 m) to the northeast of Pokhara has a ruined fort on the summit as well as a view tower with spectacular scenery. The dramatic change of colors after the sunrise on the Annapurna gives you the experience of natural beauty.
5. Dhampus Naudanda Hiking
This hiking offers the scenic beauty of Naudanda and the ancient traditional culture and the great panoramic view of mountains from Dhampus village. While walking we pass through the diverse forest with the rhododendron and wild orchid flowers. We walk through the terraced rice fields and through the stone houses with thatched roofs.
6. Chapakot Day Hike
The day hiking start from Pame west of Pokhara. We follow the harpen river, the source of Phewa lake then climb the hills with small villages. We hike through paddy fields and the mountain and lake view.
7. Naudanda Sarankot Hiking
This day hiking route is popular both for mountain and sunrise view and to experience the Nepalese village life. The view point, Sarankot offers the excellent panoramic view of Annapurna and the sunrise while Naudanda offers the dramatic view of the twin tails of Fishtail and the massif Dhaulagiri view. We walk through the Kaskikot village, Naudanda village and the culturally rich Dhampus village where the view of the Annapurna seems very close and we can feel the cool and fresh air of the mountains.
8. Australian Camp Hiking
A popular day hiking trip in Pokhara. It is about 5/6 hours easy day hiking trip. This is an easy day hiking offers an excellent Himalayan view includes Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna and Mount Fishtail and the experience of Nepalese village life.
The Day Hike Difficulty
The trail is of moderate difficulty level, and also good for hikers of various skill levels. The trail with ups and downs, it is manageable if you take your time and enjoy the journey. You need to walk for 5 to 6 hours, covering a distance of 13km to 18 km.
Seasons for Pokhara Hiking
The post-monsoon months from September to December are the best season. Since, the skies are clear and the mountain views are spectacular.
The pre-monsoon season from March to June is also a good time hiking in Kathmandu. It offers pleasant temperatures and blooming rhododendrons on the trail. Kathmandu day hike, also possible in winter and summer seasons as well.
Permits for Pokhara Hiking
The national park permits are necessary for Pokhara day hike, that cost ranges from USD 10 to USD 30. So, check in advance and carry any necessary documentation. Hiking in a group with guide and staying on marked trail to minimize risks.
Food on the hiking trail
You may find local food-Nepali Dalbhat to international cuisine such as momo, chowmin, pasta and soup on the hiking trail. It depends on the route where you are doing hiking in Pokhara.
Essential gears for Pokhara day hiking
Before setting off Pokhara day hike, make sure you’re well-equipped. A sturdy pair of hiking boots and a comfortable backpack are necessary.
Also, don’t forget to take with you water, high-energy snacks, a first-aid kit, and a map or GPS device. The walking pole is also helpful.
We recommend you to pack as lightly as possible. It is recommended that you keep your day pack weight around 5 kg. You will carry water, camera, jacket, etc. when you’re exploring during the day. During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be very cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes.
Cold Weather
Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
Scarf
Warm hat
Warm layers
Light Hiking:
Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
Reusable water bottle
Sunglasses
Windproof rain jacket
Essentials:
Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
Health and Safety:
Face masks (required)
Hand sanitizer (required)
Warm Weather:
Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
Sun hat/bandana
Money Matter
ATMs can only be found in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur. Make sure you carry sufficient cash to cover your personal expenses for the day. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Before departing on hike, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency to purchase meals and drinks as there are no ATMs.
Phone and internet access
The signal of phone and internet is very good during hiking. Every hotel and restaurants you will get free WiFi services. Hiking in the mountain, the internet and telephone network signal is poor. Wifi is available at some hotel, café and guest houses, paying an extra cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is helpful for Pokhara day hike. We require that a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend all travelers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects.
Solo Travelers
Solo travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for share guide and transportation. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Optional Tours
Ultralight Flight-
Enjoy an ultralight flight in Pokahra. The flight will be 15 minutes to an hour flight. During flight, you will be able to view some of the most incredible, and famous sights that Nepal has to offer. This is weather permitting so tour might be delayed or an alternative day may be scheduled. It costs USD 260 to 530 for 15 minutes to an hour flight tour.
Whitewater River Rafting-
A day whitewater river rafting is also possible to Seti river. It costs ranges USD 80 to USD 150, depends on the size of the group and the transfer-private or public. In the package cost, it includes bus transfer-both way go and return to Pokhara, guide, lunch and river rafting with equipment.
Bungee Jumping-
This is also a perfect and adventure day trips in Pokhara. The trip starts from Hotel to hotel in Pokhara . The cost ranges $ 90 USD to $ 140 USD, includes transfer and Bungee Jumping.
Sarangkot Cable Car Ride-
This is also a new and very popular day trips in Pokhara. The trip offers the best view of Mountains and the Pokhara valley with Phewa Lake. The trip costs ranges USD 80 to USD 130, includes transfer, guide, cable ride. The lunch, tips and other services are not included.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Annapurna base camp tour by helicopter flight is another interesting day trip from Pokhara. It is about 2 to 4 hours trip from Pokhara to Pokhara. The price ranges from USD 500 to USD 800 including pick up from hotel and helicopter flight tour landing at Everest Base Camp.