10 Best Short Treks From Pokhara

Pokhara, a land of lakes and adventures is a home for amusements to the tourists. The place makes a wonderful tour with the majestic mountain views. Tranquil lakes, exotic hill settlements, and its inhabitants are additions to your amusement.

The valley surrounded by hillocks on all sides is open to different adventurous walks. Ranging from short hikes to longer treks in the mountains. There are many exotic settlements, pristine forests, typical ethnic settlements where you can choose to go on treks.

If you are in Nepal for short time and wish to go on treks to enjoy the countryside. Then you have many options for short treks around Pokhara. These treks range from a day to a week’s. Whichever the trek you choose, you will have no less wonder and fun while trekking.

Also, if you are a photography enthusiast, these short treks from Pokhara will turn boon to you.

10. Dhampus village trek

Ghorepani-ghandruk-dhampus

Dhampus is a small ethnic village of Gurung communities. In the northern face of the Pokhara valley behind the terraced lush fields. The village is an ideal place for overnight stay, sunset and sunrise views. The place rewards you with the views of Pokhara valley, Fewa lake, and the World Peace Stupa.

It is fantastic 2 days trek from Pokhara. The trek commences from Phedi- a 30 minutes drive from the lakeside of Pokhara.

Dhampus hill is one of the peculiar viewpoints in the Annapurna region. You see the wonderful view of mountains, lush nature, exotic landscapes, and pristine countryside habitat. From the hillock, you can see the chain of mountains so near and pristine.

9. Ghandruk village trek

View from Gandruk

It is a typical village of Gurungs and their indigenous settlements. The model village rests on the foothills of towering Annapurna mountain. It is a popular place for treks in Annapurna region- an easy gateway to Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

You will enjoy idyllic rural scenes with farms, varying green forests, a diversity of birds, and glittering mountain ranges. Easy trails- no difficult ascents/descents, no altitude that causes altitude sickness. The trek is suitable for all age groups- from adults to old-age people.

It is popular as a model village that is promoting rural tourism with resources available at local level. Tourism is one of the major business of the people in the place. So, you do not have to worry about the lodging and food. There is a museum in the middle of the village where you can get the detailed information of Gurungs and their ethnic features.

8. Begnaskot hiking

Begnaskot hiking

The hillock situates in the northeastern rim of the Pokhara valley. The places provide an overview of different mountain ranges, Pokhara valley, and an undulation of green hills. The hike offers a clear insight into mountain culture and lifestyles.

Across the route is Sundari Danda- an example of agricultural tourism in Nepal. En route, you can witness villages and day to day life of Nepali villages, the different view of green hills, lakes, and valleys. There is a village of multi-cultured people whose daily activities are agriculture and fishing.

On the hilltop is Begnas kot temple- a Hindu temple. The trek commences from Begnas lake- third highest lake of Nepal and second after Phewa lake among 8 lakes in Pokhara valley. Also, you can enjoy boating in Begnas Lake.

The trek route is among the less explored trekking routes in Nepal. So, it is a quiet and peaceful trail.

7. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

Monsoon-Ghorepani-Poon-Hill

Most popular trek in Pokhara for both teahouse and organized. It offers an exotic view of Annapurna region in short and easy trek. The trail passes through the Gurung and Tamang’s charming villages. Dense rhododendron forests, Oak forests full of birds, green hills, and diversified valleys.

It takes you along the ancient ‘salt-trade route’ and unspoiled countryside of different ethnic communities.

It is a 4-5 days hike in the foothills of Annapurna mountain in Nepal. The elevation is 3,210 meters from the sea level. On return, you can either walk down through Ghandruk village or choose to walk down to Dhampus. And enjoy the ethnic settlements and pristine nature.

Since the trek is much popular among the travel enthusiasts, the trail can be much crowded than you are expecting.

6. Siklesh trek

Sikles Trek

One of the largest Gurung villages situated northeast of Pokhara. The trip offers the aesthetic beauty of nature and culture of Nepal.

The village acclaims as one of the major origin of Gurung community. And as ‘ Sat Saya Sikles’ meaning a village with seven hundred households.

You can walk through the rhododendron forests, varied landscapes of terraced hills to plain lowlands and beautiful villages. Sikles has a small hydropower plant of its own- no load shedding problems.You will enjoy the homestay facilities and handicraft productions.

If you are lucky you can join Rodhi Ghar- late night singing and dancing programme. The region is rich in biodiversity particularly good for butterfly and bird watching.

5. Panchase trek

Panchase-Trek

The place rests on the lap of Himalayas with its pristine beauty. Topographical diversity, historical, religious, and cultural features. It is a place of biodiversity and a home of different endangered bird species in the world. The place is the source of Fewa lake.

Lies at 28 kilometers from Pokhara, one of the attractive trekking destination of Nepal. This is a low altitude trek, so suitable for all age groups.The village is a land of culture and biodiversity.

Covered with lush green vegetation from subtropical to temperate forests all over. Highest hill of Pokhara region. Known as Pancha Dham, the hill has also gained its popularity as a religious site. The mountain ranges of Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, Mt Manaslu and Mt Ganesh are visible from the place. It is the source of rivers like Rati, Jare, Andhi, and Seti. Forests of rhododendron and magnolia entice you across the way.

4. Royal trek

Royal-trek

It is one of the easiest treks in Annapurna region suitable for all. The trail got its name after Prince Charles walked through this trek in 1980’s. It starts from Kalikasthan- a 25 km drive from Pokhara city and proceeds along the foothills of Annapurna. Passes through typical Gurung settlements and concludes at the charming Begnas lake.

On the move, you will walk through the forest of Rhododendron. The panoramic view of Pokhara valley, Annapurna region in the north and Fishtail mountain. Along the route, you will pass through the valleys and ridges of various ethnic villages exemplary of diverse culture.

The locals you meet on the way are helpful and hospitable. You can interact with them to know about their culture, art, tradition, and everyday lifestyles. Eloquent hillside terrace farms.

We recommend this trek to the beginners who do not have earlier trek experiences and cannot stand high altitudes. Less crowded you get more close to the locals, nature, culture, and lifestyles. The trek is usually for 4-5 days depending on the time you spend on the way.

3. Sarangkot trek

Paragliding-pokhara

It is the easiest short trek from Pokhara which is 3 hours uphill climb from Lakeside Pokhara. The hill station is popular one- night destination as many people stop in to enjoy the sunrise over the Annapurna range.

It is a beautiful destination for mesmerizing sunrise/ sunset view. Moments of spectacular pink and orange hues of the mountain ranges. You will enjoy the panoramic view of Pokhara, Fewa lake, the sea of green hills and chain of snow-capped peaks. It is popular paragliding spot in Pokhara from where you can float over the valley and lush forests.

If you wish to add more excitement to your trip you can choose to trek to Dhampus. Or even plan for Annapurna Circuit trek. The place is a famous bird watching spot in the valley.

2. Sirubari Village tour

 Sirubari Village tour

It is a village in Syangja, southwest of Pokhara. It is recently opened model homestay trekking destination in Nepal. It is a perfect place to experience the old cultures, festivals, and lifestyle with natural beauties. The place has favorable climate all year round, but September- June is the best time to visit the place.

The houses are built from local materials and are well constructed and well maintained. You get chance to stay at the local host’s home.

The trek starts from Arjunchaupari, Pokhara. It is usually a three-day trek but you can choose to stay longer among the hospitable villagers.

The place offers a fantastic view of the mountain peaks including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and other peaks. Magnificent landscape and cozy hospitality of the locals is a bonus to your trip.

1. Naudanda day hike

Naudanda day hike

It is a small village in Kaski district and the route through Sarangkot. It is a moderate and short trek from Pokhara.

The trail is one of the best places for experiencing the rural life of Nepal. Mountain views, Phewa Lake, Pokhara valley, paragliding and high hill terrace farming. It is a Gurung village where you can get insights into typical lifestyles, mixed culture of different groups of People.

It is at an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level. A classic Himalayan panorama, especially on clear mornings, is rewarding after your enthusiastic walks.

Highlights of Short treks around Pokhara

  • Promising views of various mountain peaks: Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and several others.
  • Insight into the typical lifestyle and settlements of indigenous Gurungs and Tamangs.
  • Pristine surrounding
  • Easy routes, lower elevations- no need to fear altitude
  • Warm surrounding and hospitable people

Planning short treks in Pokhara and need help?

Are you planning to walk through the exotic settlements in the foothills of mountains? Do you love strolling along the lush forests of rhododendron? Feel free to contact us! We promise to design a perfect travel guide to best match your expectations.

You might also like

Article by Pradeep Guragain

Pradeep is the co-founder of Magical Nepal. He was born and bred in Nepal and is a seasoned hiker and rider.

Create a custom-made short trek around Pokhara

Get Started
×

Jackson from CITY, COUNTRY

Just purchased [a package name].

18 hours ago