Uncovering the Best Short Treks From Pokhara: Traveler's Handbook

Trekking Experience In Pokhara

Pokhara is renowned for its stunning lakes. Pokhara is a prime destination for hiking and paragliding, attracting numerous tourists year-round. Many visitors partake in both activities, recognizing trekking in Nepal as an essential precursor to paragliding.

With nearly 20 diverse trekking routes available in Pokhara, travelers can tailor their experience based on their desired duration of stay. Among the popular trekking destinations in Pokhara, there are many short treks from Pokhara, where many first-time visitors can gain experience from the trek.

Popular Treks Starting From Pokhara

Trekking in Nepal is a popular activity, with Pokhara serving as a gateway to numerous renowned trekking regions. Some of the most popular trekking destinations starting from Pokhara include:

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek: This iconic trek takes you to the base camp of the majestic Annapurna mountain range, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and diverse landscapes.

• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: A shorter trek, this route takes you through charming villages and rhododendron forests to Poon Hill, where you can witness stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

• Annapurna Circuit Trek: One of the most famous treks in the world, the Annapurna Circuit offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush subtropical forests to high-altitude deserts, and passes through traditional villages with rich cultural heritage.

• Mardi Himal Trek: This relatively new trekking route provides spectacular views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) ranges, as well as opportunities to experience the unique culture of the region.

Short Trek From Pokhara

Pokhara is known as a hub for adventure in Nepal and is surrounded by stunning mountains and tranquil lakes.

While it's famous for longer treks like the Annapurna Circuit, there are also shorter treks for those who want a taste of trekking without committing to a long journey.

These short treks, lasting from one to three days, offer a chance to explore beautiful landscapes and cultural highlights without needing extensive trekking experience or time.

Whether you're looking for scenic villages or panoramic views, these short trekking spots from Pokhara promise memorable adventures in the Himalayas. Some of the most popular short trekking destinations starting from Pokhara include:

• Dhampus Village Trek

• Australian Camp Trek

• Sarangkot Trek

• Panchase Trek

• Khumai Dada Trek

Dhampus Village Trek

The trip to Dhampus is one of the most well-liked trekking routes in Nepal. Hiking 2.9 km (1.8 mi) on foot from Phedi to Dhampus takes about 2 to 3 hours, with the route increasingly bringing you over hilly, sloping terrain and irregular steps of stairs.

Trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Pokhara Valley as they ascend steeply from Phedi at the start of the trail.

About Dhampus Village

Dhampus village is located at an elevation of 1650 meters and lies to the north of the Pokhara valley, presenting stunning vistas of golden rice terraces and majestic mountains.

Trekking to this village provides an opportunity to marvel at the mountainous landscape and breathtaking scenery. Dhampus also serves as a seasonal haven for various migratory bird species, adding to its allure as a spot for bird enthusiasts.

Dhampus Village Trek Highlights

• Short and easy trekking trail

• Get a breathtaking view of the Himalayas

• A warm welcome from Locals

Dhampus Village Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Pokhara
If you are from anywhere, first you need to travel to Pokhara.

Day 2: Pokhara To Dhampus
You'll drive to the starting point of the trek in Pokhara, which is situated at an altitude of 1,350 meters above sea level. From there, you'll embark on a 3-hour hike to reach Dhampus village. Once you arrive, you can leisurely explore the village, soaking in the sights and enjoying some relaxation time. You'll then spend the night at a hotel owned by a local family in the village.

Day 3: Back to Pokhara
Spending the day exploring the village and enjoying the scenery, visitors can take the opportunity to witness the sunset, likely from a vantage point offering a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Following the sunset, they would then make their way back to Pokhara, either by hiking or by other means of transportation.

Dhampus Village Trek Preparation

• Physical fitness

• Trekking gear

• Altitude sickness prevention

• Weather conditions

• Cultural awareness

Dhampus Village Trek Budget

Around $65 per person.
This short trek typically takes 2-3 days and offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains. The trail passes through lush forests, traditional villages, and terraced fields, providing a scenic and culturally enriching experience.

Australian Camp Trek

The Australian Camp trek stands out as one of the premier trekking trails in Pokhara. It covers a distance of approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) on foot from the trailhead to the base camp; this journey typically spans about 2 to 3 hours.

Along the way, hikers traverse diverse terrain, including undulating paths and occasional sets of steps, offering a simple yet rewarding experience.

About the Australian Camp

As trekkers ascend from the starting point of the trail, they are treated to awe-inspiring panoramas of the surrounding landscapes.

The ascent gradually unfolds, revealing breathtaking views of the Australian wilderness, with lush forests, rugged terrain, and perhaps glimpses of native wildlife adding to the allure of the trek.

The Australian Base Camp trek offers adventurers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region while embarking on a memorable outdoor adventure.

Australian Camp Trek Highlights

• Stunning views of the Himalayas

• Picturesque view of the Nepali National Flower, Rhododendron, along the path to ABC.

• People's Lifestyle and Culture.

Australian Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Pokhara
If you are from anywhere, first you need to travel to Pokhara.

Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Kande, then Trek to Australian Camp
Transportation options: Local bus or taxi to Kande from Pokhara.
Trekking duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours to Annapurna Camp.
Activities: Sightseeing, relaxation, and lunch.
Return journey: Back to Pokhara, filled with cherished memories.

Australian Camp Trek Preparation

• Physical fitness

• Trekking gear

• Altitude sickness prevention

• Weather conditions

• Cultural awareness

Australian Camp Trek Budget

From $50 per person.
Another short trek option, lasting 1-2 days, is the Australian Camp Trek. It offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range and surrounding valleys. The trail takes you through rhododendron forests, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes.

Sarangkot Trek

Sarangkot Hiking is a top pick for a day trip in Pokhara, known as the Tourist Capital for its amazing natural beauty. Pokhara is famous for its stunning mountains, lush forests, and beautiful lakes, making it a paradise for hikers.

The green hills around Pokhara not only offer great views of the sunrise and sunset but also make for fantastic hiking trails. Sarangkot is especially popular for its breathtaking sunrise views and stunning sights of the Annapurna Range.

It's no wonder that Sarangkot Hill is a favorite spot for enjoying both sunrise and sunset scenes.

About Sarangkot Trek

Sarangkot hiking takes you on an exciting journey south of Pokhara, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and nearby peaks such as Machhapuchhre (6993m) and Hiunchuli (6441m). It is also renowned for its magnificent sunrise and sunset views, and Sarangkot is appreciated for its awe-inspiring scenery.

Sarangkot Trek Highlights

• Magnificent sunrise and sunset views

• Easy trekking trail

• Panoramic view of Pokhara and the range of the Himalayas.

• Great view of the hills

Sarangkot Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Pokhara
If you are from anywhere, first you need to travel to Pokhara.

Day 2: Complete the trekking route.
7:45 AM: Begin a steep hike to Sarangkot Hilltop, lasting 2-3 hours. Experience a rural lifestyle amidst traditional houses on the way.
10-11 AM: Reach Sarangkot Hilltop, and enjoy lunch. Explore views of green valleys, forests, lakes, and hills below.
12:15 PM: Start descent towards Pokhara via the eastern ridge, passing BindaBasani Temple and Lovely Hill.
3:15 PM: Arrive in Pokhara near Bindabashaini Temple, optional visit to Hindu Goddess Durga temple.
4:00 PM: Return to hotel via taxi.

Sarangkot Trek Preparation

• Physical fitness

• Trekking gear

• Altitude sickness prevention

• Weather conditions

• Cultural awareness

Sarangkot Trek Budget

From around $60 per person.
Sarangkot is a popular viewpoint near Pokhara, offering magnificent sunrise and sunset views of the Annapurna range. A short trek to Sarangkot typically takes half a day to a full day, making it an accessible option for travelers looking for a quick outdoor adventure.

Panchase Trek

Panchase is a spot near Pokhara where five big hills meet at the top. There's a temple called Sidda Baba, Dharamsala, Mahadev temple, a view tower, and Buddha statues up there. It's where the Kaski, Parbat, and Syangja districts intersect.

From Panchase Hill, you can see amazing views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu, and catch stunning sunrises and sunsets. There's also Pancsila Lake and Barah temple. Long ago, saints stayed there, but after a fire in 1966, they moved. Still, it's a special place for yoga and meditation.

Panchase Trek Itinerary

Here are the three options for starting the hike to Panchase in simpler terms:

First Option
Day 1: Start from Phewa Lake near Halanchowk, go through Kalabang, and stay overnight in Bhumdi.
Day 2: On the second day, walk for about 5-6 hours to reach Panchase Bhanjyang. There are several hotels there. From Bhanjyang, it takes about 1.5 hours to get to Panchase Hill, where there's just one hotel. After enjoying the sunrise and breakfast, descend to Chitre village in Parbat via Pancsila Lake.
Day 3: Return to Pokhara from Parbat

Second Option
Begin the hike from Peace Stupa and trek to Panchase via Pumdi Bhumdi.

Third Option
Ride a local bus or take a taxi to Kande, then go to Bhadaure and start trekking to Panchase.

Panchase Trek Preparation

• Physical fitness

• Trekking gear

• Altitude sickness prevention

• Weather conditions

• Cultural awareness

Panchase Trek Budget

From around $65 per person.

Khumai Dada Trek

The Khumai Danda Trek is becoming quite popular quickly, even though it's relatively new among many short trekking routes in Nepal. Despite being nestled near the well-known Mt. Machhapuchre, it remains unspoiled and less crowded compared to the heavily trafficked Poon Hill trek and Mardi Himal trails.

Khumai Dada Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Hemja and trek to Hile Kharka (2160m) via Ghachowk.
On the first day, you'll drive from Pokhara to Hemja, which takes about 30 minutes. Then you'll start walking through forests, villages, and fields. The trek from Hemja to Hile Kharka takes about 6 hours and is pretty easy. Along the way, you'll pass Ghachowk, a great spot to see the Himalayas, especially Macchapuchre, Annapurna, and Lamjung Himal. Take your time to enjoy the views.

Day 2: Trek from Hile to Khumai Danda (3245m)
The trek from Hile Kharka to Kumai Dada is like a jungle walk, as you will be walking mostly inside the forest. The trail is peaceful and a bit more challenging than the previous day's walk as the path gets narrower that also covered with the grassy hill. Despite a few challenges, the panoramic sights of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna will reward and welcome you at their best. Walking past the Shamsur Deurali, you will finally arrive at Khumai Danda, which lies in the shadow of the gigantic Machhapuchhre Himal.

Day 3: Hike to Korchan Danda (3700m) and hike down to Ghachowk and drive to Pokhara.
The best part of the trip is Korchan Danda, where you'll be amazed by stunning sunrise views and the Himalayas. At 3700m high, the hill gives you breathtaking sights of Mardi, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. You can relax here, away from the busy life, surrounded by the Himalayas, before returning to Pokhara.

Khumai Dada Trek Preparation

• Physical fitness

• Trekking gear

• Altitude sickness prevention

• Weather conditions

• Cultural awareness

Khumai Dada Trek Budget

From around $65 per person.

Conclusion

Explore the beauty of Nepal with short treks from Pokhara! These adventures offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.

Whether you opt for the tranquil paths of Dhampus Village, the panoramic vistas of Australian Camp, the serene trails of Sarangkot, the sacred heights of Panchase, or the newly discovered wonders of Khumai Dada, each trek promises awe-inspiring moments.

Guided by experts, you'll journey through lush forests, charming villages, and majestic mountains. Take in the sights of sunrise and sunset, connect with fellow travelers, and immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Nepal.

With Pokhara as your starting point, embark on a journey of discovery and rejuvenation amidst the Himalayas. So, lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable trekking experience in Pokhara.