Best Short Treks from Pokhara

Nepal is widely acknowledged for its wide array of tourist destinations, and Pokhara is one of them. This city is a paradise for millions of nature lovers and adventurers, but have you ever considered taking a short trek from Pokhara? With stunning views, diverse wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage, it is no wonder this lakeside city in western Nepal draws so many visitors. But what about the nearby destinations?

 

Many people want to avoid crowded destinations, so short treks that offer the same rewards without the long hikes can be the best option for them. These short treks provide the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility, allowing nature lovers to experience Pokhara's famous beauty without sacrificing their need for solitude. Here's a list of the top short treks from Pokhara.

Let's explore some of the best short treks that you can enjoy, starting in Pokhara.

 

1. Poon Hill Trek

2. Sarangkot Trek

3. Mardi Himal Trek

4. Kali Gandaki Rafting-Trek

5. Sikles Village Trek

 

 

Poon Hill Trek

If you are seeking short treks near the beautiful city of Pokhara, the Poon Hill Trek is an ideal choice. This trek is positioned as the first on our list. It is particularly suitable for beginners due to its moderate difficulty level, yet it still offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. 

Photo: Incredible View of Annapurna Mountain Range from Poon Hill

 

The Poon Hill Trek typically takes four to five days, covering a distance of approximately 51 km or 32 miles. This trek is relatively easy, showcasing magnificent views of the Himalayas while immersing oneself in traditional Nepali villages and local cultural experiences.

 

Highlights of Poon Hill Trek

• Visit Ghandruk Village

• Explore the beauty of Poon Hill and the viewpoint

• Delve into the local Gurung and Thakali culture around Poon Hill and Ghandruk

• Cross-culture exchange with the local inhabitants

• 360 Degree view of Annapurna Range, including Annapurna I, II, III, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.

 

Poon Hill starts from Nayapul, which is around 2 hours drive from Pokhara city. You will then pass across beautiful landscapes and places. First, you will reach Ulleri, where you will trek to Ghorepani at an altitude of 2,874 meters (9,429 feet). From Ghorepani you climb Poon Hill (3,210 m) before dawn for the famous sunrise, then hike to Tadapani and finally reach Ghandruk Village.

 

In Ghandruk, you can visit the Gurung Museum and soak up one of the most photogenic villages in the Annapurna foothills.

 

You will need several permits when you hike to Poon Hill. The first is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at NPR 3,000 per person, and the second is the TIMS card at NPR 2,000, issued through a registered trekking agency.

 

Sarangkot Trek

The Sarangkot trek is another popular choice for those who avoid crowds. This trek lasts around a day, or you can plan for your stay. The hike is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the entire Annapurna range. Along with incredible views of the Himalayas, this trek also provides an opportunity to explore traditional Nepali villages and experience local culture.

Photo: Panoramic View from Sarangkot

 

Highlights of Sarangkot Trek

• 360 View of Pokhara City

• Exploring the view of Machhapuchhre and several other peaks from the Annapurna Range

• Explore the local culture of the village and local people

• Paragliding

 

Your trek to Sarangkot starts from Pokhara. First, you will ride to the Khahare area at the north end of Lakeside, and then you will take an uphill hike to Sarangkot. It takes around 3 to 4 hours from Pokhara to reach the top of Sarangkot, from where you can view Pokhara city and get involved in fun activities like Paragliding.

 

Sarangkot is the perfect viewpoint to view the cinematic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and many other famous peaks. After completing your Sarangkot Trek, you can enjoy sightseeing activities around Lekhnath, Begnas Lake, Davis Falls, and many other attractive destinations. You can also visit the gleaming white World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) above the lake, one of the best sunset spots in Pokhara.

 

Nevertheless, you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime thrill during this trek.

 

Mardi Himal Trek

The upcoming expedition is the Mardi Himal trek, which most trekkers complete in five to six days. Although this trek is deemed relatively effortless, it boasts some of the most awe-inspiring vistas throughout Nepal, including breathtaking panoramas of Machapuchare, popularly known as the Fish Tail mountain. 

Photo: View of Fishtail Mountain from Upper Viewpoint of Mardi Himal

 

In addition to the incredible sightings of Machapuchare and the Annapurna range, the Mardi Himal trek also encompasses glimpses of customary Nepali settlements and rural lifestyles.

 

Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek

• Exploring the beauty of the Annapurna Range

• Explore local culture and cuisine

• Cross-culture activities

 

To go for Mardi Himal Trek, you will start your trek from Pokhara to Kande first, and from there, you will hike to the place called Landruk. After then, your next destination will be Forest Camp and High Camp, which can be completed within the first four days.

 

 Ascending to Mardi Himal Trek is completed here; now, you will have to descend and follow the same trail to High Camp, Forest Camp, and Landruk. If you want to mix up the Annapurna Base Camp trek in it, you will have to divert your route to the Base Camp. From Landruk, you cross to Jhinu Danda and Chhomrong, then climb via Sinuwa and Bamboo over the next two days.

 

From Deurali, you will make the final ascent through Machapuchare Base Camp to reach Annapurna Base Camp. But this option is optional; you can return to Pokhara from Landruk if you want to avoid going to Annapurna Base Camp.

 

Kali Gandaki Rafting-Trek

The Kali Gandaki trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal and an excellent option for those looking to avoid crowds. This trek takes around five days to complete and offers incredible views of the Annapurna range and an opportunity to explore traditional Nepali villages and rural life. Along with stunning views of the mountains, this trek also offers a chance to explore traditional Nepali villages and experience local culture.

Photo: Kali Gandaki River

 

The most important thing is engaging in adventurous activities like river rafting in the Kali Gandaki river, which will be memorable for a lifetime.

 

Highlights of Kali Gandaki Rafting-Trek

• River rafting in Kali Gandaki River

• Trekking to the deepest gorge in the world

• Hunt for shaligram, the sacred black ammonite fossils found only in the Kali Gandaki (they have deep religious value for Hindus)

• Explore the local culture and lifestyles of people

 

To start your Kali Gandaki rafting and trekking trip, you will drive about three hours west of Pokhara, through Kusma, to the put-in point at Maldhunga near Baglung. 

 

Over the next two to three days you raft downstream through remote canyons to the take-out at Mirmi in Syangja, camping on white-sand beaches along the way and watching the gorge scenery drift past between rapids.

 

After you finish your trip, you will engage in taking short hikes around the Kali Gandaki river. Then, you will return to Pokhara, and this sums up your Kali Gandaki Rafting Trek.

 

Sikles Village Trek

The Sikles Village Trek is another excellent option for those who avoid crowds while still getting fantastic views. This trek takes around 5-6 days to complete and covers around 20.2 km (12.5 Miles). It offers stunning views of Annapurna South and an opportunity to explore traditional Nepali villages and rural life. 

Along with spectacular views of the Annapurna range, this trek also offers an opportunity to explore traditional Nepali villages and experience local culture.

Photo: View of Mansiri Himal Rang from Sikles Village

 

Highlights of Sikles Village Trek

• Spectacular view of the peaks of the Annapurna range like Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and many others.

• Exploring Sikles Village, its people, and culture

• Exploring Yangjakot and Kalikasthan

 

To start your trek to Sikles Village, you must ride from Pokhara to Bhurjung Khola. From there, you will take a hike to Ghale Kharka, which takes around 5 to 6 hours to reach.

From Ghale Kharka, you will pass through several stops like Hilltop and finally reach Sikles Village at an altitude of 1,980 meters (6,495 feet). After completing your Sikles Village Trek, you will now descend to Yangjakot, which takes around 5 to 6 hours of hike. After that, your next stop is Kalikasthan, at an altitude of 1,370 meters (4,494 feet). You will rest in Kalikasthan before you make your way toward Pokhara and sum up your trek.

 

One thing is sure; you will never regret the adventures of Sikles Village. With the exceptional view of the Annapurna range and the hospitable environment of Sikles Village, this trek will be lifelong memorable to you.

 

 

Conclusion

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, these short treks from Pokhara offer something for everyone who wants to enjoy Pokhara's famous beauty without sacrificing their need for solitude. With spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, and an abundance of cultural experiences, these treks will satisfy any nature lover who wants to avoid crowds but still get Pokhara's famous beauty and tranquility!

 

So, what are you waiting for? Let's pack your luggage and book your next trip with us. We want to help you guide through these short treks with great adventures at a reasonable cost. You won't regret the fun and adventures you will experience throughout your tour.