Pokhara offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, from breathtaking mountain views to cultural experiences. Popular activities include boating on Phewa Lake, hiking to Sarangkot for sunrise, exploring caves, and indulging in adventure sports like paragliding.
Best Things to do in Pokhara
Phewa Lake-Take a boat ride or enjoy the scenery from the lakeside.
Sarangkot-Hike up to this viewpoint for stunning sunrise and sunset views of the Annapurna range.
Begnas Lake-Explore this picturesque lake with fewer crowds than Phewa.
Davis Fall and Gupteshwor Cave-Visit these natural attractions.
Paragliding/Ultra-light Flights- Enjoy panoramic views from above.
Zip-lining/Bungee Jumping-Get your adrenaline fix with these activities.
Hiking/Trekking-Pokhara is a base for treks like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
Mountain Biking-Explore the surrounding landscape on two wheels.
World Peace Pagoda-A serene Buddhist temple offering panoramic views.
Barahi Temple-A Hindu temple located on an island in Phewa Lake.
International Mountain Museum-Learn about mountaineering and the Himalayas.
Bindabasini Temple-Explore this historical temple.
Yoga and Meditation Retreats-Find peace and tranquility at various retreats.
Hot Air Balloon Ride-Take a unique view of the Annapurna range from a hot air balloon.
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour-Experience the majestic Annapurna Base Camp from the air.
Best time to visit-The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Accommodation-Pokhara has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Safety-Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions for hiking and adventure activities.
Pokhara is the base of many short and long treks to Annapurna and Pokhara valley. The short trek and tour in Pokhara ranges from 1 to 6 days. The Pokhara Trek is not only for mountain view, but also the scenic landscapes, Sunrise and Sunset view over the Himalayas.
You don’t need much preparation and time for Pokhara trips. Pokhara is 200 km far from Kathmandu and can reach there by drive takes 6 hours and by flight takes 25 minutes. The short treks in Pokhara is very famous because of an easy access, vibrant culture and exotic view of Himalayas including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu.
The short Pokhara tour offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas and beautiful mountain villages inhabited by friendly people. The short treks in Pokhara is good for busy people who want to have an experience of what is trekking in Nepal. The leisurely walk in Pokhara with their friends and families offers an unforgettable holidays experience in Nepal.
Key Attractions of Pokhara
Mountain views-Pokhara lies amidst mountains and lakes. Thus, a short trek from Pokhara offers you exotic views of various mountains such as Annapurna (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), and many others.
Traditional village-You can experience the rural and local lives of the indigenous Gurung, Magar, Poon, and Tamang people as you explore the villages of Dhampus, Landruk, Ghandruk, and Sikles.
Golden Sunset and Sunrise-A short hike from Pokhara to Poon Hill, Panchase Danda lets you soak in the beauty of magical sunrise and sunset amongst the snowy peak from a single viewpoint.
Easy and Quick-These short treks from Pokhara let you experience the natural and cultural beauty of Nepal in no time. If you are short on time, then you can get the joy of being in the mountains along with lush green forest, terraced fields. Graded easy to moderate trek who wishes to go on a short journey can enjoy these treks. You do not need any prior experience or advanced physical strength to dare on these treks.
Pokhara Trek Difficulty
Like treks in Kathmandu, short treks from Pokhara is categorized as an easy to moderate grade trek. The trek depends on the fitness of individuals. If you are skilled and trained, you are fit enough and Pokhara Trek is not that difficult. The trek is for beginners, seniors and family with children.
Pokhara Trek Routes
There are many short trek routes from Pokhara. Some of these trek trails are as below. Please check it up.
Dhampus Australian Camp Trek
This is a short and easy trek from Pokhara which is best to relax and spend time from stress and anxiety. The trek begins from Kande after an hour drive from Pokhara. Australian Camp is a beautiful, green village best known for the best views of Annapurna and Fishtail with the Sunrise and Sunset. Dhampus is a small Gurung village where you will experience Gurung culture and traditions. The villages are scattered in the terraced lush fields and hills. The trek is relatively easy and short trek. The people of all ages can enjoy this trek. The Spring, Autumn and Winter are good season.
Panchase Trek
Panchase is a beautiful new trekking trail. The trek is beautiful in diversity, historical, religious and cultural features. The quick and best trek destination which is family-friendly trek in the Annapurna region. The highlights of Panchase Trek are the eye-catching vistas, landscapes, exotic trails and small villages. Panchase Hill (2500 m) offers beautiful and dazzling view of the snowcapped peaks. Panchase is also famous for pristine Sunrise and Sunset. The Spring, Autumn and Winter are best season for an unforgettable trekking experience.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short trekking around Pokhara. The Sunrise and Sunset view from Poon Hill are stunning. The Poon Hill Trek is for beginners. It is also possible to do Poon Hill in 2 to 7 days. The trek begins from Nayapul after an hour drive from Pokhara and continue trek to Ghorepani. This is an easy and amazing trek, recommended for all ages hikers such as family and friends. Ghandruk village is a big Gurung village, also the best places to learn and observe their culture and tradition. The house architecture is so nice with stone houses with slate roof and stone stairs. The trek is best in Winter, Spring and Autumn for the mesmerizing mountain views and landscapes.
Ghandruk Loop Trek
Ghandruk is one of the most beautiful villages, thousands of hikers, trek to Ghandruk village every year. Ghandruk is a perfect trek to see the Himalayas at a close distance. Ghandruk Trek starts from Pokhara with a drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk. This is a medium difficulty grade trek, recommended for adults. The trek is best to enjoy the Annapurna Himalayas from Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
Mardi Himal Trek
The raw and exotic, Mardi Himal Trek is newly opened trek in Annapurna region. Mardi Himal is surrounded by distinctive landscapes and mountain, a perfect trek for adventurers. Mardi Himal is to the east of Annapurna Base Camp, a high-altitude trek, and challenging difficulty trek. You should be healthy and active to do the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. The trek starts either from Phedi or Kande where you can reach after an hour drive from Pokhara. You then trek through Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp and finally to Mardi Himal base camp. This is an ideal trek for a breathless view of the Himalayas.
Mohare Danda Trek
Mohare Danda is a new trekking trail next to Ghorepani Poonhill. This is a community-based lodge trekking in Annapurna. This trek is ideal to avoid busy and bustling Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. This is an easy grade, family-friendly trek is recommended for every age group hiker. This is a perfect trek to enjoy nature and experience local culture. Mohare Danda offers the most glorious Sunrise and Sunset views. The trek starts from Pokhara and leads you through the hills of Galeshwor, Nangi, and finally, Mohare Danda. You will trek through Magar villages of Khibang, Tikot village.
Khopra Danda Trek
Khopra Danda trek, also known as the Khopra ridge trek is a newly established trek trail. Please, do not miss this trek while in Pokhara. You will walk in a less-traveled trails which is raw and exotic beauty. You will get a picturesque view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Tukuche, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre. The trek route goes through Ghandruk, Dobato, Khopra Danda, Mohare Danda and Nangi, and finally back to Pokhara via lush green forest adorned with rhododendron flowers. This is a moderate-strenuous grade trek, that is good for every age group trekker.
Kori Trek
The Kori Trek is a good trek from Sikles village. It is one of off-the-beaten trails in the Annapurna region. The trek leads up to Kori hill from where you will find yourself relatively nearer to amazing peaks of Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri and Lamjung Himal. You will trek through beautiful village of Sikles. Sikles village is a small Gurung village famed for its unique lifestyle. It has the basic amenities with stone paved trails and staircases leading you up to the forestland.
The trail is nice and easy, mostly uphill ascend but the problem is leeches along the trail. Please, carry a lot of salt as it will somehow prevent you from the leeches. Kori Danda and the entire land gets covered with extremely bright snow which looks fabulous. It awards you with scenery and play with the snow. The trek begins from Sikles village after jeep drive from Pokhara.
Kapuche Lake Trek
Kapuche Lake Trek is known for its pristine beauty. It is the lowest glacial lake in the world. The trek will bring a beautiful experience throughout your life. The trail to Kapuche lake is peaceful and tranquil. The trip starts from Sikles, the largest Gurung village with delightful mountain vistas in Annapurna.
You will hike on narrow path of steep ascend and descend, by some waterfalls and suspension bridges, into the woodlands up onto the Hugu Goth. It may take about 5 to 6 hours. This trail is somehow difficult as you have to pass by multiple ascends and descends with marvelous view of Lamjung Himal.
The trail from Hugu Goth to Kapuche lake is considered a bit dangerous as there are multiple landslide regions in the trail. On the last bit of the trail, you will go through some more steep descends that will lead you to the lake. The Turquoise blue lake looks fantastic and the surrounding is so vibrant.
Mulde Hill Trek
Mulde Hill is a secluded trek far from the huge crowd with tranquil environment and warm nature. A week trek is best to avoid the unnecessary noise of the crowd and to be closer with nature. The sunrise view over the Annapurna south, Tukuche, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri is so amazing which you should not miss this trek.
Mulde hill trek is in the Annapurna foothill to the northeast of Pokhara.
The places you will visit in this trek are Ghandruk, Ghorepani to Poonhill and Ulleri. The trek starts from Syauli Bazar, and trek up to Ghandruk. You will then trek through paddy and millet fields, village and forest.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a very famous trek in Kaligandaki valley of Annapurna Nepal. This is the most popular salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet. After 1959, the land sheltered Tibetan combatants for about a decade and then opened itself for trekking. The road access makes it easy but destroyed the tourism and trekking trail. However, tourists can fly and drive to scenic Thakali villages and spend a few days trekking to the more surreal viewpoints. The airstrip, extension of road and comfortable lodges make this tour the most comfortable, easy and scenic.
Sikles Trek
Sikles, the largest Gurung villages is situated northeast of Pokhara. The trip offers the aesthetic beauty of nature and culture of Nepal. The village acclaims as one of the major origins of Gurung community. There are more than seven hundred households in on village. You will hike through rhododendron forests, varied landscapes of terraced hills to plain lowlands and beautiful villages. Sikles has a small hydropower plant of its own- no load shedding problems. You will enjoy the homestay facilities and handicraft productions. Sikles Trek is rich in biodiversity particularly, good trek for butterfly and bird watching.
Royal Trek
Royal is the easiest treks in Annapurna suitable for all. The trail got its name after Prince Charles walked through this trek in 1980’s. It starts from Kalikasthan- a 25 km drive from Pokhara and trek in the foothills of Annapurna. You will walk through typical Gurung village to charming Begnas lake. The forest of Rhododendron and panoramic view of Pokhara valley, Annapurna and Fishtail mountain frequently you will see while on the Royal Trek in Annapurna. The trek is famous for valleys, ridges and villages with diverse culture. The locals are helpful, hospitable and also rich in their lifestyles, culture, art and traditions. The royal trek is beginners trek, no any trek experiences are required.
Sarangkot Trek
Sarangkot is the easiest short trek from Pokhara. It takes 3 hours uphill climb from Pokhara. The hill station is so popular to enjoy the sunrise over the Annapurna range. It is worthwhile spend a night in Sarangkot for the best mountain view, the Sunset, Sunrise and the city light and the star in the sky. The panoramic view of Pokhara, Fewa lake, green hills and chain of snow-capped peaks are some highlights of Sarangkot Trek. If you wish to add more excitement, and it is nice to continue trek to Dhampus village. Dhampus and its surrounding area is famous for bird watching in Pokhara.
Accommodation on Trips
You have choices of accommodation from budget to Luxury hotel on Pokhara trek too. We will arrange the accommodation as per your budget and request.
Pokhara Trip Cost
Pokhara Trek cost ranges from USD 150 to USD 750, depending on the types of accommodation, length of trekking and the mode of transfer. We have different package cost as per your request and interest.
Pokhara Trip Permits
ACAP entry permit is necessary for trekking around Pokhara. We at Mission Eco Trek will look after your permit on your behalf. For this, we need your copy of your passport and photos. The permit cost is around USD 50.
Pokhara Trip Seasons
Pokhara Trek is possible all around the year. The monsoon in Nepal gets heavy rain. Also, the winter is chilling. The best times for Pokhara trekking are from March to May and from September to December. Like other treks in Nepal, Autumn and Spring are the best season for trekking in Pokhara due to clear skies and perfect temperature. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) is an ideal time to see the worthy mountain views.
The Pokhara will be waking up in vibrant colors in Spring from March to May. Temperatures range from a pleasant 10°C to 23°C, with occasional light showers enhancing the lushness. The winds are gentle, perfect for those scenic treks.
The post-monsoon freshness brings crystal-clear skies in Autumn (September to November). Temperatures hover around 15°C to 24°C – comfortable for long treks. Expect minimal rainfall and calm winds, setting up ideal conditions for breathtaking mountain views. These seasons promise comfortable weather, manageable winds, and just enough rainfall to make your Kathmandu Valley trekking experience picture-perfect and enjoyable.
Winter Wonders are mild and clear, winter (December to February) is a hidden gem for trekkers. Crisp air, fewer crowds and those mountains is simply stunning. Daytime temperatures chill around 9°C to 12°C. Perfect for a brisk trek without breaking too much sweat. Starry Night gets cooler at night, dropping to about 0°C to -3°C. Ideal for cosy campfires and stargazing. Winter skies are clear, offering uninterrupted views of the Himalayan majesty. Wind and Weather, the light breezes complement the trekking experience while the valley stays primarily dry, ensuring stable and safe trails.
Pokhara Trip Packages
We have different trekking and Tour packages to Pokhara like treks in Kathmandu. We do organize short treks in Pokhara as per your budget, interest and time holidays in Nepal. We offer budget, deluxe, luxury treks in Kathmandu.
Conclusion
Around the world, there are several mountains which are more than 8000 meters. Eight of those mountains are located in Nepal. So, for the adventure-seekers, Pokhara is the best travel destination to see the pretty much close view of Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu.
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