Pokhara is known as the hub for many of Nepal’s most pristine trekking routes. Nestled against the backdrop of the Annapurna Range, Pokhara is more than just a scenic destination. It is the starting point for many trekking routes that fall inside the ACAP region. From a couple day’s hike to multi-day treks, here are the best trekking routes from Pokhara.
Note: If you would like to plan a trek from Pokhara, you can contact our hotel staff to help organize a trip for you. Solo trekking is not permitted for foreigners in Nepal and requires a trekking permit and a licensed guide to accompany them throughout the trek.
Easy Trekking Routes from Pokhara : 1-3 Days
These easy treks can be done by beginners and those short on time. If you are on a holiday in Pokhara, and want a taste of trekking in the Himalayas but do not have more than a couple of days to spare, these trails are perfect for you. They offer you the best experiences of trekking minus the long route. Get glimpses of the magnificent mountain peaks, enjoy the peaceful nature and stay in a tea shop on the trail.
Dhampus and Sarangkot
The Dhampus and Sarangkot trek is a pleasant 3 day trek which leads to the ridge village of Dhampus and ends at Sarangkot. A short trek, it is suitable for families and honeymoon couples. The tour takes you through the mid hills of the Annapurna region and doesn’t gain much elevation, avoiding the risk of altitude sickness. The trek reaches a maximum height of 1600 meters but offers spectacular views of the Annapurna region and the surrounding hills.
The Dhampus and Sarangkot trek offers an immersive experience in the rural mountain village life of the Gurung community. On the way back, you can stop for a luxury stay at a Sarangkot hotel and relax with a rejuvenating spa.
You can book a Pokhara and Sarangkot package with Barahi and start your journey from our hotel in Pokhara, then at the end, your room will be waiting for you at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge.
How to get there: Take a vehicle from Pokhara to Phedi via Baglung highway on a 30 minute ride. Then hike up to Dhampus.
Best time to go: March to May will be filled with rhododendrons on the path and the weather is pleasant however, occasional showers may occur. September to November will have clear skies and the best views.
Australian Base Camp Trek
The Australian Base Camp trekking route is part of the Mardi Himal trek and is an easy, accessible trail for beginners, seniors and families. It is a popular viewpoint for peaks such as Dhaulagiri and Machchapuchre (Fishtail mountain). The camp is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level and includes mostly a slow ascend until the camp. You can take a detour to Dhampus village where you can experience the Gurung culture and stay in a village homestay.
How to get there: Take a 45-minute taxi ride from Pokhara to Kande. From there you can start the hike. It might take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours to reach the Australian Base Camp.
Best time to go: March to May and September to November when the skies are clear and the views are visible.
Panchase Trek
The Panchase Trek is another easy trek that is suitable for families and seniors. The trek is a slow-paced one which mostly passes through rhododendron forests and villages, making it an attractive and educational route for children. It reaches up to an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level without having to stop for acclimatization.
The end of the trek promises a splendid view of peaks such as Annapurna, Ganesh, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Machchapuchre. You will also be able to see the Pokhara valley from a height along the trek.
How to get there: The trek starts from Kande with an uphill walk to Panchase Bhanjyang. It takes about 5 hours to reach the end point where you can spend the night and return to Pokhara the next day.
Best time to go: September to November when you can get the spectacular views of the Himalayan Range.
Beginners to Intermediate Trekking Routes from Pokhara: 3 – 5 Days
Ghorepani – Poonhill Trek
The Ghorepani-Poonhill trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Pokhara. It is known for the warm hospitality of the local villagers, the stunning views and watching the sunrise reflecting on the mountains. The trek may take about 5 to 2 days depending on the level of the trekkers. It is suitable for both beginners and intermediate trekking enthusiasts and reaches a height of 3200 meters.
You will walk through alpine forests and the stone steps of Ulleri up to Ghandruk village and return back the same way.
Catch the beautiful sunrise and sunset, and panoramic views of Annapurna, Mardi, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli and Nilgiri. Walk up to the Poonhill view tower and take in the 360-degree view.
How to get there: Take a vehicle from Pokhara to Naya Pul which takes about an hour, start trekking from Naya Pul and reach all the way to Ghandruk and back.
Best time to visit: September to November when there is no snow or rain to obstruct the magnificent view.
Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek has become a popular trek for intermediate trekkers as this trek promises all kinds of experiences from lush forests, to steep climbs and close up views of the Machchapuchre peak. The trekking route leads all the way to the High Camp or the Mardi Base Camp depending on the trekker’s skill level.
The highest altitude to be gained on this trek is 4100 meters at the view point. There are many routes for the Mardi Himal Trek, some more challenging than others, however, the Phedi trail is the most popular with a slow gain in altitude.
This is not a very challenging trek as people with a sound health and fitness level can go. However, it is not suitable for kids. Seniors will need proper guidance and must be clear of health problems.
How to get there: Take a vehicle from Pokhara to Phedi which takes about 30 minutes. Start from Phedi and pass through Australian Camp to reach Pritam Deurali from where it leads straight to High camp.
Best time to visit: Visit during summer to watch the flowers bloom and the yaks and goats grazing. September to November is the best time to visit for the best pictures of the Machchapuchre peak. December to March requires trekking in snow which is still doable.
Sikles Trek
Sikles is a quiet village high in the mountains, a Gurung village, this is one of the first and largest settlements in the Annapurna region. A fairly new trekking destination compared to others on this list, but it has gained popularity thanks to the Kapuche lake and Sikles, Huwu villages.
The trek’s difficulty level is easy as anyone with sound health can finish the trail. The maximum height gained during this trek is 2450 meters where the famous Kapuche Glacier Lake lies. The trek can be further extended towards Kori Danda which is an off the beaten path with unspoiled natural beauty and panoramic views of the mountain range seen from the ridge of Kori.
How to get there: Take a jeep from Pokhara to Sikles. It takes about 4 hours to reach Sikles on a gravel road. Then follow the trail all the way up to Hugu Goth and Kapuche lake.
Best time to visit: All seasons are suitable for the Sikles trek except the monsoon season from June to August as rains can make the trail slippery. Winter receives snow but the trekking is still possible.
Moderate to Challenging Treks from Pokhara: 5 + Days
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
If you are looking for a moderately difficult trek with lots of days on the trail and the closest you can get to a mountain before climbing it, the Annapurna Base Camp is the perfect trek for you. The trek takes you through rhododendron and alpine forests with remarkable views of the Annapurna range. The trek lasts for 7 to 10 days depending on the speed.
In this trek, you can stay in tea houses all the way to the base camp. Unlike the Everest Base Camp trek, you can stay the night at the base camp. The ABC trek goes up to an altitude of 4130 meters, so acclimatization may be necessary to avoid altitude sickness.
Experience the exotic wilderness, the picturesque views and sit in the lap of the Annapurna mountains with this trek.
How to get there: You can start from Syauli Bazar with a ride from Pokhara. From here you hike up to milestones like Chomrong and Sinuwa, all the way up to Deurali and finally ABC. On the way down, you take a detour after Chomrong and head to Landruk, Pothana and come down to Dhampus.
Best time to visit: As with most trekking destinations in Pokhara, September to November and March to May are the best times.
Annapurna Circuit
One of the most challenging treks in the Annapurna region is the Annapurna Circuit which covers a total distance of 160 to 230 kilometers. The distance depends on the route taken. You can actually trek parts of the circuit reaching all the way to Muktinath, Thorang La pass and Tilicho Lake.
This trek circles around the major peaks of the Annapurna range such as Annapurna I, II and III, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Ganesh, Mardi, Annapurna south and Machchapuchre. This trek offers everything you could ask for: stunning views of the mountains, diverse landscapes, lush green valleys, rugged terrains, and high-altitude passes.
If you are planning to go on this trek, make sure you are well prepared both mentally and physically as it can take anywhere from 10 days to 21 days depending on the route and rest days for acclimatization. The highest altitude that you can gain during this trek, should you choose to, is at Thorang La Pass at 5400 meters.
How to get there: The Annapurna Circuit is best done with a season guide. Start from Pokhara with a vehicle ride to Naya Pul and begin your journey there. Or, you can look into the best point to start for a shorter route through the circuit.
Best time to visit: Best time to go for the Annapurna Circuit trek is from September to November when the temperatures are higher as it can get very cold at high altitudes.
Upper Mustang
One of the most unique and mystical treks on this list. Mustang was forbidden to outsiders until 1992, after which it became open to the public. Till this day, Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang carry an air of spirituality and revere their king whose lineage dates back to 25 generations. The Upper Mustang trek is known for its diverse landscape of desert-like climate in the forbidden kingdom.
On this trek, you can visit the mysterious Sky caves, ancient Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan villages and the Lo Manthang palace which was built in 1442. The trek takes 14 days to complete or longer depending on where you begin. This trek is possible for people with decent health but must be done with overnight rest stops for acclimatization. Upper Mustang is a dry, arid region with strong winds, so it is suggested that those with breathing difficulties take precautions.
Tip: Special permits are required for trekking in the Upper Mustang region. Take a professional guide with you to learn more about the region’s culture and history.
How to get there: You can start the trek from Pokhara by driving to Naya Pul then heading towards Ghrepani, Tatopani and Lete leading to Jomsom, or, you can take a direct flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and start the trek from there.
Best time to visit: March to May is the best time to trek along with September to November. December to February might receive some snow but it is still possible to trek despite the freezing temperatures. Monsoon receives some rain and makes the trail difficult to tread but shorter treks can be done.
Conclusion
Pokhara is known for its proximity to trekking destinations and it can be an experience of a lifetime to trek around the ACAP region. If you are planning a trip to Pokhara, make some time to try out these best trekking routes from Pokhara or at least hike in the surrounding low hills. After all, the best way to view the mountains is up close.
If you wish to plan a trek, you can talk to our staff at any one of our properties and they can arrange all the facilities for you.
