POKHARA – NEPAL

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Nepal, where transport will be arranged to collect you from the Pokhara Airport. There are many flights a day from the capital, Kathmandu, which is well connected to Europe and Asia, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. 

To make the most of your trip, we recommend arriving in the morning or afternoon, giving you time to settle in and it’s a great opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Pokhara, right in the heart of the mountains. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of Asia’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Click for Route Map :  10 km  4–5 h  ~700 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The Sarangkot hike is one of Pokhara’s classic trails, leading from the lakeside up to a panoramic viewpoint famous for its sunrise over the Annapurna range. It’s a rewarding way to experience the beauty of the valley and the rhythm of daily life in the hills.

Starting near Phewa Lake, the path climbs through quiet neighborhoods and terraced farmland, with children walking to school and farmers working in the fields. The ascent is steady but shaded in parts, with rest stops and tea houses along the way. As you gain height, wide views open over Pokhara Valley, the lake, and the distant peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

At the top, the Sarangkot Viewpoint offers one of Nepal’s most famous vistas — sunrise and sunset paint the snow-covered Himalayas in gold and pink. You can return the same way or take an alternative route down toward Naudanda or Phewa Lake. It’s a classic Pokhara experience that combines local culture, gentle exercise, and unforgettable mountain views.

Click for Route Map :  14 km  6–7 h  ~900 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

This beautiful full-day ridge hike connects the Pokhara Valley with the Annapurna foothills, offering a perfect mix of forest, farmland, and big Himalayan views. It starts close to town in Hemja, climbs up to Australian Camp, then descends gently to Kande — a classic day adventure through some of Nepal’s most scenic countryside.

From Hemja, the trail climbs steadily through terraced fields and small Gurung villages, passing through forested sections and open ridges as the peaks of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South appear above the valley. The climb continues to Australian Camp, a grassy hilltop with sweeping views of the entire Annapurna range and Pokhara far below — an ideal spot for a rest or lunch.

From there, the descent to Kande follows a well-marked stone path through rhododendron and oak forest, with glimpses of mountain farms and distant ridges. It’s a varied, satisfying day on the trail that captures everything special about trekking in the lower Annapurnas — rural life, lush greenery, and the constant presence of snow-capped peaks.

Click for Route Map : 12 km  7–8 h  ~1,100 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

This route begins with a drive from Pokhara (about 2.5 hours) to Ulleri, a traditional Gurung and Magar village perched on terraced slopes. From here, the trail climbs through rhododendron and oak forest, with views of the valley unfolding below. The ascent is steady, and the stone steps are well-maintained, passing small tea houses and villages along the way.

By midday, you’ll reach Ghorepani (2,860 m), surrounded by forest and mountain ridges. From there, it’s about a 45-minute climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m), one of Nepal’s most famous viewpoints. The panorama includes Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) rising above the misty valleys.

You can descend back to Ghorepani for lunch, then either walk down to Ulleri (for a return drive to Pokhara) or arrange a pickup in Ghorepani if your transport can reach there.

A free day in Pokhara offers plenty to do, whether you want to relax by the lake or add a bit of adrenaline to your trip. You could start with a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, stopping at the island temple or just enjoying the reflections of Machhapuchhre on the water. For a cultural touch, visit the International Mountain Museum or Gurkha Museum, both giving great insight into Nepal’s history and mountaineering heritage.

If you’re after something more thrilling, Pokhara is one of the world’s best places for paragliding, with incredible views over the lake and the Annapurna range. You can also try ultralight flights, zip-lining, or even bungee jumping from towers above the valley. In the afternoon, unwind with coffee or a drink at one of the lakeside cafés, browse the small craft shops along Lakeside, or visit the World Peace Pagoda for sunset views. It’s an easy, flexible day that can be as calm or as adventurous as you want it to be.

Click for Route Map :  8 km  5-6 h  ~700 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

This scenic loop from Pokhara combines natural beauty, spiritual landmarks, and some of the city’s best viewpoints. It’s a perfect half-day adventure blending culture, gentle walking, and exploration.

Start with a short boat ride across Phewa Lake, then follow the trail uphill through forest and small villages to the World Peace Pagoda. From the ridge, you’ll have panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and the lake far below. From there, descend toward the towering Shiva statue at Pumdikot, a serene site overlooking Pokhara and the surrounding hills.

Continue downhill to the entrance of Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, an impressive underground shrine that leads to a viewpoint near Davis Falls. From here, it’s easy to catch a taxi or tuk-tuk back to Lakeside. The route offers a great mix of quiet paths, local culture, and scenic highlights — a compact way to experience the best of Pokhara without a long hike.

Click for Route Map :  15 km  6–7 h  ~900 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

The Panchase hike is one of the most scenic and culturally rich day hikes near Pokhara, combining lake views, forest paths, and wide Himalayan panoramas. It’s ideal for those who want a full day of hiking through peaceful countryside without venturing too far from town.

The trail begins near Phewa Lake, often reached by a short boat ride across to the western shore, where the climb to Bhumdi village starts. From there, the route winds through terraced fields, bamboo groves, and small settlements before entering rhododendron forest on the way to the ridge of Panchase.

At the summit (2,500 m), the views open dramatically to the peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre, with Phewa Lake glimmering far below. The area also holds spiritual significance, with shrines and prayer flags scattered along the trail. The descent can be made back to Phewa Lake or by looping down to another trailhead such as Kande or Bhumdi.

It’s a rewarding, varied hike that captures Pokhara’s landscape at its most serene and expansive — forest, farmland, culture, and mountain majesty all in one.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of Nepal, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you to the airport. If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave Pokhara behind, you’ll take with you memories of dramatic peaks, blue lakes, and unforgettable adventures in one of Asia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!