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.

Detailed Route Map

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.

If you want to save your legs and have an adrenaline rush you could also take the zipline all the way back down to the valley.

Detailed Route Map 

This route begins with a drive from Pokhara 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.

First you’ll reach Ghorepani (2,860 m), surrounded by forest and mountain ridges, which is where you will spend the night and have dinner later. From here, 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. It’s an epic sunset. You will then descend back to Ghorepani.

Detailed Route Map 

After some breakfast we will start the journey from Ghorepani to Tadapani. It unfolds through an enchanting fairy-tale landscape of lush, moss-draped rhododendron forests, cascading waterfalls, and mist-shrouded river valleys. Walking along the ridge lines, you are treated to breathtaking, close-up panoramas of snow-capped titans like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) cutting into the deep blue sky. The terrain is an engaging and dynamic mix of rugged, winding dirt trails and historic stone staircases that lead you deep into the heart of nature. It is a wonderfully immersive mountain experience where the peaceful rustle of ancient woods perfectly complements the grand scale of the Himalayas.

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, It’s an easy, flexible day that can be as calm or as adventurous as you want it to be.

Detailed Route Map 

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 from 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 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.

Detailed Route Map 

Starting from Pokhara, the trail climbs away from the lakeside and into the forested hills above Phewa Lake. The ascent leads to the World Peace Pagoda, a striking white Buddhist stupa set high above the valley. From here, there are beautiful views across the lake towards Pokhara and, on a clear day, the snow-covered Annapurna range beyond.

After enjoying the views and peaceful surroundings of the pagoda, we descend through the forest towards the shores of Phewa Lake. Rather than retracing our steps, we finish the adventure with a relaxing boat ride across the lake back to Pokhara, with the surrounding hills and mountains providing a spectacular backdrop.

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!