Pokhara is well known as a starting point for numerous treks in the Annapurna range. But if you are looking for short, one-day hikes around Pokhara that are easy and not too strenuous, here are 6 one-day hikes in Pokhara that you can explore.
Sarangkot Hike
The Sarangkot Day Hike is one of the most popular one day hike in Pokhara, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges along with a bird’s-eye view of Phewa Lake and the city below. Sarangkot Hill is situated about 10 kilometers from Lakeside Pokhara. It has an altitude of 1600 meters and offers a wide panoramic view of the Annapurna mountain range. It is one of the best day hikes around Pokhara where you gain an elevation of about 800 meters without requiring acclimatization. The trail is also easy as it is mostly a pitched road with tea houses available at an interval of every 20 minutes.
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Duration:
The hike typically takes 3 to 4 hours round trip, depending on your pace and the route you choose. Many hikers start early in the morning around 4 o’ clock to catch the sunrise from the top.
Distance:
The total hiking distance is around 5 to 7 kilometers (one way), depending on whether you start from Lakeside, Bindhyabasini Temple, or Naudanda.
Difficulty Level:
This hike is suitable for beginners with a moderate fitness level. The trail includes some steep stone steps and gradual ascents, but it’s manageable for most people who enjoy walking.
Best Time to Go:
The best time to hike Sarangkot is from October to April, when the skies are clear, temperatures are mild, and the Himalayas are visible in their full glory. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding the midday heat and enjoying the sunrise or sunset views.
Australian Base Camp Trek
Technically a trek, if you are looking for short treks near Pokhara, the Australian Base Camp Trek is perfect for you. This trek is a scenic and rewarding trek near Pokhara, known for its panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains. This one day hike gives you a taste of trekking in the Himalayas without compromising the comfort. The trail passes through charming Gurung villages, lush forests, and terraced hillsides, offering a taste of mountain life without venturing too far from the city.
Duration:
The hike usually takes 5 to 6 hours round trip, depending on your starting point and pace. Many hikers begin from Kande, a short drive (about 1 hour) from Pokhara, making it ideal for a full-day adventure. You can also spend the night at the base camp and return the next day to watch the sunrise and sunset over the mountains.
Distance:
The total hiking distance is approximately 8 to 10 kilometers round trip. The ascent from Kande to Australian Base Camp is steady but not overly challenging, making for a pleasant day’s walk.
Difficulty Level:
This hike is perfect for beginners and families who want to experience the Himalayan landscape without committing to a long or strenuous trek. The well-marked trail and gradual incline make it accessible for most fitness levels.
Best Time to Go:
The best time to hike to Australian Base Camp is from September to May, especially during autumn and spring, when the skies are clear and the rhododendrons are in bloom. Early morning departures are recommended to enjoy crisp mountain air and unobstructed views of the Annapurna range.
World Peace Pagoda
The World Peace Pagoda Day Hike (also known as the Shanti Stupa Hike) is a serene and scenic walk offering stunning views of Phewa Lake, Pokhara Valley, and the Annapurna Himalayan range. The gleaming white stupa at the summit is not only a spiritual site but also one of Pokhara’s most iconic viewpoints. One of the best family-friendly hiking trails in Pokhara, it is an easy hike in Pokhara that can be even done by families with small children. The trek begins with boating from the Lakeside to the shore of the Peace Pagoda combining an enjoyable experience of the lake and hiking in one day.
Duration:
The hike typically takes around 2 to 3 hours round trip, depending on your starting point. Many hikers begin with a short boat ride across Phewa Lake and then hike uphill to the stupa.
Distance:
The total hiking distance is about 4 to 5 kilometers, depending on the trailhead you choose — most commonly from the lakeside boat dock or Damside.
Difficulty Level:
This is a beginner-friendly hike, suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. The trail involves a moderate uphill climb through forests and stone steps but can be done at a relaxed pace with plenty of rest stops along the way.
Best Time to Go:
The best time to hike to the World Peace Pagoda is during autumn (October–December) and spring (March–May) when the weather is clear and the mountain views are at their best. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and capturing Pokhara’s skyline bathed in golden light.
Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake
A fun day trip from Pokhara for hiking is the Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake Day Hike. It is a tranquil and offbeat trail near Pokhara, perfect for those seeking a peaceful nature experience away from the busy Lakeside area. The hike offers scenic views of rolling hills, serene lakes, and glimpses of the Annapurna range, while passing through quiet villages and lush forests. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore Pokhara’s countryside at a relaxed pace.
Duration:
The hike generally takes 5 to 6 hours round trip, depending on the route and pace. You can start from Begnas Lake, hike up to the ridge separating Begnas and Rupa Lakes, and descend toward Rupa Lake for a complete loop.
Distance:
The total hiking distance is approximately 10 to 12 kilometers, making it a comfortable full-day hike with gentle ascents and descents. You can also combine the hike with a boating trip. The route provides plenty of opportunities to stop for rest, tea, or a lakeside meal.
Difficulty Level:
This hike is suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers. The terrain is moderate, with well-marked trails and a mix of forest paths and rural roads. It’s ideal for those who prefer a calm, cultural, and nature-filled walk rather than a strenuous climb.
Best Time to Go:
The best time to hike around Begnas and Rupa Lakes is between October and May, when the weather is clear and the surrounding hills are lush and green. Early mornings offer the best reflections on the lake’s surface and stunning mountain views, while late afternoons are perfect for a relaxed return with soft golden light over the water.
Panchase Trek
The Panchase trek is one of the most scenic short hikes from Pokhara, offering panoramic Himalayan views, lush forests, and a glimpse of rural Nepali life. It’s an easy trek in Pokhara that is ideal for travelers seeking a refreshing day in nature without venturing too far from the city.
Distance
The Panchase trek covers a distance of around 10–12 kilometers, depending on the route you choose. The most common starting points are Kande, Bhumdi, or Chhorepatan near the World Peace Pagoda. The trail gradually ascends through rhododendron forests and small Gurung villages before reaching Panchase Hill (2,500 meters) — the highest point of the trek.
Duration
For a one-day hike, the round trip can take around 6 to 8 hours. Early morning departures from Pokhara are ideal, allowing enough time to enjoy the summit view and return before evening. Some trekkers choose to stay overnight at Panchase Bhanjyang or Bhadaure for a more relaxed experience.
Difficulty Level
The Panchase hike is considered moderate in difficulty. While the trail includes steep stone steps and uphill sections, it doesn’t require prior trekking experience. Hikers with average fitness can comfortably complete it. The altitude is also manageable, making it suitable for beginners and families looking for a rewarding day hike.
Best Time to Go
The best time to hike Panchase is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). These seasons offer clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and vibrant mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Manaslu. In spring, the forests bloom with colorful rhododendrons, while winter months offer crisp air and visibility, though mornings can be cold.
Pumdikot Hike
The Pumdikot trek is a rewarding short hike that combines panoramic mountain views, peaceful trails, and a visit to the famous Shiva Statue of Pumdikot. Just a short distance from Pokhara, it’s perfect for travelers who want a light yet scenic adventure close to the city. For an extended trek, you can also start from the World Peace Pagoda trek and combine it with the trail to Pumdikot for a spiritual trek in Pokhara’s hills.
Distance
The Pumdikot hike covers a distance of around 8 to 10 kilometers round trip, depending on your starting point. Many hikers begin from Lakeside Pokhara, Chhorepatan, or the World Peace Pagoda. The trail passes through quiet forests and small settlements before reaching Pumdikot Hill (1,500 meters) — where a towering Shiva statue overlooks the valley.
Duration
The trek usually takes about 4 to 6 hours for a round trip. If you start early in the morning, you can enjoy sunrise views over the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges and return to Pokhara by afternoon. The route can also be done as a short half-day hike or combined with a visit to the Peace Pagoda for a full-day outing.
Difficulty Level
The Pumdikot trek is easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners, families, and casual hikers. The trail includes some uphill climbs, but it’s well-marked and not too steep. Anyone with a basic fitness level can comfortably complete the hike.
Best Time to Go
The best seasons for a one-day hike in Pokhara Pumdikot trek are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May), when the weather is clear and temperatures are mild. During these months, hikers can enjoy stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, along with Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake shimmering below. Winter offers crisp air and fewer crowds, while the monsoon season (June–August) can bring slippery trails and limited visibility.
