Hiking Around Pokhara Valley

Hiking around the Pokhara Valley Rim
Taking to the trails is the only way to see most mountain areas of Nepal, and it is also the best way to experience the valley’s rich cultural diversity, snowcapped mountains and beautiful lakes. If Katmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, then Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley, it is the starting point of many Nepal’s most popular trekking, hiking, biking, paragliding and rafting destinations. Explore picturesque villages, gently rolling chains of hills with terraced fields of rice, subtropical forests and the unique outline of the Himalayas – whose gigantic mountains are only thirty kilometers away. This area is a favorite of mountain bikers – there are many routes for biking which are full of mountain views and typical mountain villages.

Our programs:
We will take a packed lunch to have on the way. We will have time to linger in the rice fields and wonder at the haunting views of lakes, mountains and forests.

Suggested Hikes:

1) Pokhara-Sarangkot-Pokhara (1 day)
2) Pokhara-Sarangkot-Naudanda-Dhampus–Pokhara (2 days)
3) Pokhara-Dhampus -Naudanda-Pokhara (1 day)
4) Pokhara-Lahachowk-Ghahachowk-Pokhara( 2 days)
5) Pokhara-Chapakot-Pokhara (1 day)
6) Pokhara-Ramche Danda-Pokhara( 1-2 days)
7) Pokhara-World Peace Pagoda-Pokhara(1 day)
8. Pokhara-Foksing-Pokhara (1-2 days)
9) Pokhara-Kahun Danda–Pokhara ( 1-2 days)
10) Pokhara-Kalikasthan-Pokhara (1-2 days)

1) Pokhara –Sarangkot-Pokhara (1 day)

Machhapuchre view, Pokhara

The Sarangkot hill is very popular for its exquisite mountain and sunrise views. We start our trip around 5 am by car as the sun normally rises at 6 am. After enjoying the sunrise and the panoramic mountain view we begin our 4/5-hour walk down from Sarangkot, with Pokhara city and Fewa lake spread out before us and green forest all round.
Note:-The length of the time depends on your choice of route.

2) Pokhara- Sarangkot- Naudanda- Dhampus – Pokhara (2 days)

view from Sarankot, Pokhara

This route is popular for its mountain and sunrise views, and it also gives the opportunity to experience Nepalese village life. The view point, Sarangkot, offers an excellent panoramic view of the Annapurna range, while Naudanda offers the dramatic view of the twin tails of Machapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Dhaulagiri massif. We walk through the villages of Kaskikot, Naudanda and the culturally rich Dhampus, where the view of the Annapurnas seems very close and we can really feel the cool, fresh air of the mountains.

3) Pokhara-Dhampus–Naudanda-Pokhara (1 day)

View from Dhampus, Pokhara

The main focus of this hike is the scenic beauty of Naudanda with its ancient traditional culture and the great panoramic view of the mountains from Dhampus village. While walking we pass through a diverse forest with its rhododendrons and wild orchids. We walk through terraced rice fields, passing stone houses with thatched roofs.

4) Pokhara-Lahachowk-Ghahachowk-Pokhara (2 days)
This route offers scenic beauty and an old settlement rich in culture. We start our walk from the village of Hemja, famous for its orange groves. We cross the Seti and Mardi rivers to reach this typical Gurung village.

5) Pokhara – Lahachowk-Ghahachowk (1 day)

Traditional Village House, Lalchok / Ghalechok

After a 45-minute drive west from Pokhara, we start walking from Pame. We follow the Harpan River, the source of Phewa Lake, then climb the hills through small villages. We walk through paddy fields with the mountain and lake views.

6) Pokhara-Ramche Danda- Pokhara (1-2 days)

Ramche Danda Hiking, Pokhara

After a 45-minute drive south of Pokhara, we start our 7-hour hike climbing the hills, passing through villages and cultivated land. We walk through a forest of holy chandan and oak. The smell of the mountains can be sensed when we walk through the extensive forest of rhododendron.

7) Pokhara-World Peace Pagoda-Pokhara (1 day)

World Peace Pagoda , Pokhara

The World Peace Pagoda, a massive Buddhist stupa, is situated at the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and Pokhara city. We climb the Raniban forest and cross a suspension bridge. After a 2-hour of walk we reach the stupa and enjoy the peaceful, scenic beauty. Walking down from the pagoda you have views of Phewa Lake and the mountains. When we reach the lake, a 20-minute boat ride will bring us to the island temple of Barahi.

8. Pokhara-Foksing-Pokhara (1-2 days)
After a 10-minute drive south of Pokhara we climb a hill and cross a suspension bridge. The Foksing hill is popular for its fascinating mountain view. There are orange orchards, terraced rice fields and typical Nepali houses with thatched roofs. The length of stay can be extended if you are interested in staying overnight with the villagers.

9) Pokhara-Kahun Danda – Pokhara (1-2 days)

Kahu danda

Normally, this is one-day hiking route but if you would like to spend some time with the villagers you can make it a 2-day trip. The Khaun Danda (1520 m) to the northeast of Pokhara has a ruined fort on the summit as well as a viewing tower with spectacular scenery. The dramatic change of colors as the sun rises on the Annapurnas is spectacular.

10) Pokhara-Kalikasthan-Pokhara (1-2 days)
This is the best view point to view the serene 7 lakes around Pokhara. The panoramic view of the Annapurnas and the experience of village life are the highlights of this hiking route.