Top 10 Popular Hiking Destinations Around Pokhara

Have you ever thought about a destination that is perfect to chill, take short hikes into nature, and make unforgettable memories? Pokhara is the only place in Nepal that offers a paradise-like experience. Hiking around in Pokhara will make you realize how little we know about amazing things.

Pokhara offers hiking options perfect for families and first-time trekkers who want to experience nature. 

Tourists coming to Nepal land in kathmandu because of the International Airport, and most find it easy to explore Kathmandu instead of Pokhara. Kathmandu reflects culture, temples, traffic, and heritage. Pokhara offers lakes, mountains, quiet streets, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Why Pokhara is Nepal’s Best City for Hiking? 

Pokhara is located in central Nepal, inside the Kaski district of Gandaki province, Nepal. Pokhara has a reputation as a tourist destination, and it is so for a reason.

The snowcapped mountains, lush greenery, and beautiful cafes at the lakeside offer the peace that your soul is seeking. The combination of diverse traditions, culture, and landscape coexisting, embracing the modernity of the world. 

Not just that, it’s the Gateway to some of the most iconic Himalayan trails in Nepal, like Annapurna Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and so on. The climate of Pokhara is mild with moderate temperatures in the lower regions and slightly chilly at higher elevations.

It is less chilly than other Himalayan towns, and treks are easy to appreciate almost all year round. Trails are accessible within short drives or even walking distance for travelers who crave flexibility rather than strict trekking plans. The hillsides are strung together with villages, forests, farmland, and viewpoints, enabling hikers to engage with both nature and daily rural life in one walk.

Pokhara is especially perfect for sunrise treks, easy ridge walks, and gentle cultural routes, where temples, monasteries, or villages just appear along the trail.

At the same time, it works just as well for those planning multi-day adventures into higher elevations. Whether you have one free morning or several weeks, Pokhara offers hiking options that feel accessible, rewarding, and deeply connected to the landscape.

Top 10 Popular Hiking Destinations Around Pokhara

These are the top hiking destinations around Pokhara, which are rejuvenating, peaceful, historical, and amazing places.

Sarangkot Viewpoint Hike (Pokhara Lakeside → Sarangkot Ridge)

The most beautiful view of Pokhara city can be observed from Sarangkot. It is the most popular viewpoint within Pokhara, famous for sunrise and sunset views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre Himalayan ranges. It is also a world-renowned destination for paragliding over Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake.

Highlights

• Sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas, standing at sarangkot view point 1,600 meters (about 5,250 feet).
• Clear views of some of the tallest mountains in the world, the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre.
• 360-degree views of Pokhara city and Phewa Lake.
• Observe the paragliding and can also take one.

Accessibility and Difficulty

Sarangkot is around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the lakeside and around 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the Baglung bus park.

The hiking route passes through small settlements, forested paths, and gradually opens up to wide mountain views. Along the way, you pass local homes, terraced farms, and tea stalls where villagers greet you warmly.

The hike is peaceful and energizing, especially when done in the early morning. There is a huge viewing tower to observe a 360-degree view, which you can reach by climbing the stairs.

Sarangkot is somewhat commercialized; here you can find teahouses, lodges, and other shops. You can do photography, paragliding, observation, and have quiet moments looking at Pokhara city from above.

Lakeside to Pumdikot Shiva Statue Hike

Pumdikot is located southwest of Pokhara, above the southern hills of the valley. It is a scenic hill south of Pokhara, famous in the world for a large statue of the powerful Hindu deity Shiva.

Highlights

• Giant 51 feet shiva statue located at 1500 meters (4921.26 ft) height.
• Chance to explore a significant Buddhist site on the way, the World Peace Pagoda.
• Wide view of Phewa Lake and Surrounding hills.
• Forest trails with spiritual landmarks.

Accessibility and Difficulty

The hiking trail starts with a boat ride across Phewa Lake, gliding past the Tal Barahi island temple before starting on foot. The hiking route is 11 kilometers (6.8 miles).

From the shore of the lake, you climb through forest and villages and toward the World Peace Pagoda, which is a peaceful Buddhist site with wide Himalayan views.

Then onward through rural paths and terraced fields toward the huge 51-foot Shiva statue at Pumdikot. After reaching here, you can find restaurants where you can grab tea or lunch before proceeding to explore Pumdikot.

The hike is uphill, so it can be slightly tiring. It takes about 3-3.5 hours in total, with a mix of stone steps and softer dirt trails. It’s not that technical, but it demands moderate fitness.

Along the way, you meet friendly locals, see everyday life, and enjoy panoramic sights of Phewa Lake, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Pokhara Valley. 

Begnas Lake Plus Rupa Lake Hike

Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake lie east and southeast of Pokhara and are closely connected, with Rupa Lake located downstream from Begnas Lake.

This hike connects Begnas and Rupa Lakes east of Pokhara, offering quiet rural trails, lake views, and insight into local village life.

Highlights

• Explore both Begnas Lake and Rupa Lakes with their serene surroundings.
• Peaceful countryside setting and a chance to observe Nepali local life.
• Traditional villages and farmland.
• Low crowd and calm atmosphere.

Accessibility and Difficulty

Begnas Lake is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) east of Lakeside and is commonly reached by driving along the Pokhara-Kathmandu Highway toward Begnas Bazaar. From the bazaar, walking routes begin through nearby villages, farmland, and along the lakeshore.

We take a relaxed hike around the pavement of the lake. The trail feels open and slow, with reflections of hills on the water and frequent encounters with fishermen and farmers. Boating, picnics, and lakeside walks are popular here.

To reach Rupa Lake, from Begnas Bazaar, the route continues by foot toward Sundari Danda and nearby villages, then descends through rice terraces and forest edges to reach the lake.

Hiking in this area takes two to four hours, depending on the route. Difficulty is moderate due to steady uphill sections, but the trail remains comfortable for hikers with basic fitness.

The surroundings feel quieter and more rural, ideal for walking, bird watching, photography, and a peaceful time by the water. 

Dhampus Village Hike

Dhampus village lies 25 Kilometers (15 miles) north of the central Kaski district, perched on the southern edge of the Annapurna range. It is a traditional Gurung village. The village is famous for sunset and sunrise observation, along with cultural warmth.

Highlights 

• Wide views of Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, and Machhapuchhre, especially during the sunrise and sunset. 
• Stone, traditional-style houses, and well-preserved Gurung culture.
• Peaceful village life with homestay experiences.
• Easy access and peaceful forest trails.

Accessibility and Difficulty

From the lakeside, the hikes start with a short drive of about one or one and a half hours to Phedi or Kande. From the trailhead, the path changes into a terraced field, forested path, and small settlements before reaching Dhampus village.

The walking duration is about 2-4 hours, depending on the pace. The hiking trail is well-marked and safe with stone steps in many sections. It is a moderately difficult hike, mainly because of continuous uphill walking rather than technical challenges.

Australian Base Camp Trek

Australian Base Camp, also known as Thulo Kharka, lies above Dhampus village at an elevation of 2,065 meters (6,758 ft). It is popular for its open ridgeline views and wide mountain scenery, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Highlights 

• Elevated viewpoint with panoramic view of mountain scenery.
• You can see the majestic view of the snow-covered high mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Himchuli, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Manaslu range, and many more.
• Peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds.
• Excellent sunrise and sunset views.

Accessibility and Difficulty 

From Pokhara, a drive of about one hour leads to Kande via Sarangkot/Phedi, the usual starting point. It’s a 1.5-hour drive. The trail ascends gradually through forest paths and open hills, reaching Australian Camp.

The hike covers roughly 7-8 km (4.3-5 miles) one way and takes about 2-3 hours. The difficulty level is moderate due to steady uphill sections, but the trail itself is clear and suitable for hikers with basic fitness.

Naudanda Hike

Naudand trek is a quaint village in the west of Pokhara, famous for a peaceful trail, local villages, cultural insight, and wide mountain and lake views. It is a mountain village reached via Sarangkot and is one of the best short hikes around pokhara.

Highlights

• Panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri.
• Overlooking Phewa Lake from multiple points.
• Forest trails with a quiet natural atmosphere.
• Traditional farming terraces and village life.
• Popular paragliding landing area.

Accessibility and Difficulty

The trek usually starts from the lakeside and follows the trail toward Sarangkot. The route passes through forest paths and village areas, and hikers enjoy views of Phewa Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges.

The total walking distance is around 8-10 km (5-6.2 miles) and typically takes 4-5 hours. Difficulty is easy to moderate, with gradual ascents and descents. It is ideal for most hikers with moderate fitness while still offering rewarding scenery.

Panchase Hike

Panchase trek is in the southwest of Pokhara. It is valued for its natural beauty with rich biodiversity and spiritual significance. It is a 3-day trek and offers amazing views stretching across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Highlights

• Rich wildlife and dense rhododendron forests that just look amazing during the spring season.
• Sacred lakes and temples along the way.
• Wide Himalayan views of the Annapurna massif along with other mountains from the Panchase viewpoint located at 2500 meters (8202 ft).
• Strong sense of nature immersion and sense of isolation.

Accessibility and Difficulty

Starting from Pokhara Lakeside, the trek usually begins with a short drive of about 1-1.5 hours to Kande or Bhumdi, depending on the chosen route.

From here, the trail climbs steadily through villages, terraced farmland, and dense forest toward Panchase Bhanjyang and the Panchase viewpoint. The trek typically covers around 40-45 km (25-28 miles) over 2-3 days, with daily walks of 5-6 hours.

Difficulty is moderate, as long distances, repeated ascents and descents, stone steps, and forest trails require good stamina rather than technical skill.

Ghandruk Village Trek

The Ghandruk village is a well-known Gurung village in the Annapurna region, located northeast of Pokhara, and is famous for its rich culture, stone-paved village layout, and close-up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.

Highlights

• Traditional Gurung village culture and museums.
• Close mountain views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
• Stone houses and well-maintained trails.
• Popular gateway to Annapurna Base Camp.

Accessibility and Difficulty

From Pokhara Lakeside, the journey starts with a scenic drive of about 1-2 hours to Nayapul or Kimche, depending on road conditions. From there, the trail climbs steadily through villages, terraced fields, and forested paths to reach Ghandruk.

The walking distance is roughly 14-17 km (8-11 miles) and usually takes 4-6 hours. Difficulty is moderate due to long stone staircases and continuous uphill walking, but the trail is well-developed and suitable for fit beginners.

Royal Trek

It is one of the best treks in the Annapurna region as it can be done by all age categories. It’s called Royal Trek because Prince Charles, during his visit to Nepal, walked through this trail in the 1980s. It offers trekkers the wide views of the city, serene nature, and peaceful hiking trails suitable for all kind of people.

Highlights

• Gentle trails ideal for beginners and families.
• Views of Annapurna, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal ranges.
• Traditional villages and farmland scenery.
• The historic route walked by Prince Charles in the 1980s.

Accessibility and Difficulty

Starting from Pokhara Lakeside, the trek usually begins with a short drive to Bijayapur Khola. The route follows village paths and ridgelines through Kalikasthan and Syaklung before ending near Begnas Lake.

The total trekking distance is about 30-35 km (18.6-21.7 miles) over 3-4 days, with daily walks of 4-5 hours. Difficulty is easy, featuring gentle ascents and descents, which makes it ideal for first-time trekkers and mixed-age groups.

Sikles trek 

The Sikles Trek leads to the traditional Gurung village of Sikles, located northeast of Pokhara at the base of Lamjung Himal, and is known for its dramatic mountain villages, deep valleys, and preserved rural culture. It is a famous Gurung village loved by tourists for its untouched nature, traditional lifestyle, and the lives of people in the raw hilly region.

Highlights 

• Close views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II.
• Authentic Gurung culture and traditional village layout.
• Remote-feel trails with fewer crowds.
• Diverse landscapes of rivers, forests, and alpine terrain.

Accessibility and Difficulty

From Pokhara Lakeside, the trek begins with a drive of about 3-4 hours to Taprang or Khudi, depending on the route. The trail then follows river valleys and climbs through forests and villages toward Sikles.

The trek usually covers around 40-45 km (25-28 miles) over 3-4 days, with daily walking hours of 5-6 hours. Difficulty is moderate, as long distances, steady ascents, and remote sections require good stamina, though no technical trekking skills are needed. 

Top Hikes Around Pokhara at a Glance

The following table will give you a brief idea about the hike.