Located to the western side of Pokhara city, Sarangkot is a hill station that offers the best panoramic views of the Annapurna range in Pokhara. Most often travelers include Sarangkot as a must visit destination in their Pokhara package or Nepal adventure packages. Sarangkot is a peaceful escape from the bustling city and it is perfect for those looking for a quiet retreat close to nature.
If you are planning to stay in Pokhara, here are 7 things to do in Sarangkot that will make your holiday unforgettable!
1. Paragliding in Sarangkot
Paragliding and Sarangkot have become synonymous with each other as paragliding first began in Nepal from Sarangkot. The elevation, the wind, and air pressure in Sarangkot makes it the perfect takeoff destination for paragliders. For thrill seekers who wish to touch the sky and view Pokhara and the mountains from a different perspective, this is the perfect activity to do in Sarangkot.
2. Sunrise Watching
Sarangkot sits at an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest elevations around Pokhara. This means that you can get unobstructed views of the Annapurna range. Get up early in the morning and catch the sunrise as it slowly lights up the mountain peaks in a golden hue. It is one of the most beautiful works of nature that you will see. When you stay at our hotel in Sarangkot, you can watch the sunrise from the privacy of your room. Sarangkot Mountain Lodge offers accommodations with balcony views for each room.
3. Cable Car Ride
If you want to explore the landscape of Sarangkot without having to take a strenuous hike from Pokhara all the way to the top, you can opt for a leisurely cable car ride from Sedi. The Annapurna Cable Car offers a 10 minute ride that will take you vertically uphill while you get to enjoy unmatched panoramic views of the Phewa Lake and the surrounding hills. The length of the cable car’s ropeway is 2.5 meters, one way and it has allowed for easy access to Sarangkot, a good alternative to the 45 minute uphill vehicle ride. While riding on the gondola, you can get close up views of the villages and the highway below while marvelling at the greenery in the nearby hills. After the ride, you can enjoy some of the activities within the station complex such as the long swing that swings over the edge of a cliff.
4. Zip Lining
While the cable car takes you up to Sarangkot, there is a fun way to get down from there as well! A short walk from the Annapurna Cable Car, you will come to ZipFlyer Nepal which offers the best zip lining experience. Recognized as one of the fastest, longest and steepest zip lining experiences in the world, this one is for the thrill seekers. The zip lining is 1.8 kilometers long with a 600 meter vertical drop. You ride the zipline at an incline of 56 degrees which is one of the steepest in the world. You can choose between a seated or a superman harness as you zip above the trees and rivers.
For more thrilling experiences, check out our list of adventure activities in Sarangkot.
5. Dine in the Lap of the Himalayas
If you’re looking for a leisurely thing to do in Sarangkot, you can have a romantic meal with beautiful views at eye level. Sarangkot has great options for eating out, or you can also dine in at the restaurant inhouse at our hotel. Enjoy multi cuisine dishes in buffet style or a la carte while looking out to the panoramic mountain views from indoors or in the outside searing area. You can also enjoy a sip at the poolside with our outdoors bar. Enjoy a refreshing dip while enjoying the 360 degree view, or enjoy dinner at dusk at the outdoors seating.
6. Go Hiking in the Forests
The Sarangkot hill is known for its ridge which is located right in between the Annapurna range and Pokhara. Immerse yourself in nature and walk across villages, forests and trails to experience trekking in the Himalayas. With Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, you can enjoy a full day or half day trekking tour for groups or individuals. Explore the forests and the local flora and fauna. There are many trails that you can choose from depending on your interest and fitness level. Transportation, packed lunch and water is included in the packages.
7. Explore Local Villages
While hiking, you can also experience village life by visiting nearby villages in Sarangkot. Observe how daily life unfolds in the hilly regions of Pokhara by booking a farmstay. Learn the local ways of life, and try your hands on farming. You can also try traditional clothes and meals in the farmstays.
How to get to Sarangkot?
Sarangkot sits at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level while Pokhara sits at 800 meters. There are two ways to get there, either by vehicle or by cable car.
By Vehicle
Getting to Sarangkot by vehicle requires a 45 minute drive from the Lakeside. The route takes you to Baglung highway then uphill. To get to Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, you can request a vehicle at one of our properties in Pokhara: Hotel Barahi Pokhara or Aabas Pokhara. Or, you can also request direct transportation from Pokhara airport to the Lodge while booking.
By Cable Car
The cable car is a recent installation in Pokhara which has made traveling to Sarangkot very convenient. To get there, you need to take a 10 minute ride from the Lakeside to Pame, the starting point of the cable car which takes you up to Sarangkot. From there, you can take a two minute car ride or a 10 minute walk to Sarangkot Mountain Lodge.
