Best Short Treks from Pokhara
Pokhara valley, the home of seven lakes, is the most beautiful place for spending holidays in Nepal. The beautiful lake city is not just popular for the lakes but also for the shadows of the mesmerizing Himalayas displaying under the lakes.
Pokhara is where you can do a wide range of recreational activities. City touring, boating, fishing, sightseeing, and short treks from Pokhara are some. The northern part of Pokhara is popular for trekking and hiking.
There are many villages around Pokhara that are famous as the unique Gurung settlements. The internal tourists fro Nepal and the international tourists from around the visit the villages to experience the remarkable experiences.
There are many destinations near Pokhara where you can go on the short treks. These trekking destinations are popular for the amazing Himalayan panoramas. Trekking to these trekking destinations offers incredible views of the snowy peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchare, Nilgiri, Manaslu, and many others.
If you are thinking of spending your next holiday exploring the amazing short trekking trails around Pokhara, you can do any of the treks listed below. These treks will give you the best experiences of trekking and travelling. Have a look at them,
1. Siklesh Trek
Trek Duration: 4 nights 3 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Permit Needed: TIMS and ACAP
Tye of Trekking: Teahouse and camp trekking
Highest Elevation: 2700 at Tara Hilltop
Trek Start / End Point: Bhujung Khola
Sikles is a beautiful village perched on a hillock at 2000 meters. The Sikles village makes an incredible short trekking destination near Pokhara. If you are someone who wants to visit the beautiful Gurung village in Sikles, you go trekking to Sikles.
Sikles village portrays typical Gurung villages, the lifestyles of the Gurungs, their traditions, and customs. Siklis is a village situated in the central part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Walking via the stone stairs, crossing the clean rivers, and exploring the mesmerizing Himalayan vistas, Sikles trek is a dream trek.
During the Sikles trek, you can see the amazing views of the entire Annapurna Hima range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and Macchapuchre Himal. Sikles is a perfect trekking destination to all-ages trekkers. Also, to those who come from the sea level, this trek is a perfect choice.
2. Royal Trek
Trek Duration: 4 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Permit Needed: TIMS and ACAP
Tye of Trekking: Teahouse and lodge trekking
Highest Elevation: 1,730 meters
Trek Start / End Point: Bijayapur/ Begnas
You might be wondering why the name “Royal” trek? Well, Prince Charles of Britain, he walked through the trekking route when he visited the Gurkha soldiers in 1980. And trust me, the name perfectly suits the trek, the trekking trails are majestic!
The Royal trek offers a unique proportion of natural and cultural experiences to the trekkers. The trekking trails are peaceful and charming. You will see the verdant hills and bucolic scenes that will attract your sight.
The meandering trails are soulful. And the enthralling 50 kilometres long view of Annapurna range chaining with Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Annapurna South is undeniably awesome. You will also see some incredible Himalayas like Fishtail, Langtang, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Lamjung from different angles.
From a viewpoint on the trek, you can see the astounding views of Fewa, Rupa and Begnas lake. Along with amazing natural vistas, you will also see the culturally stuffed villages. At the villages, you can have some meaning cultural experiences.
3. Mardi Himal Trek
Trek Duration: 5 days
Trek Grade: Moderate
Permit Needed: TIMS and ACAP
Tye of Trekking: Teahouse and lodge trekking
Highest Elevation: 4500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp
Trek Start / End Point: Kande
The trek to Mardi Himal, 5587 meters is an overwhelming experience. This is a 5 days trek from Pokhara. During the trek, you can experience some of the best memories of a lifetime. The trek is popular for its alluring mountainous topology, verdant hills, soaring streams and waterfalls, and pristine environment.
The trekking trails of Mardi Himal are peaceful and are refreshing. You will soak into the charms of the phenomenal mountains, lush jungles, tranquil lakes, radiant villages (Deurali, Siding, Lwang, etc), and cascading waterfalls. While trekking in the vibrant trekking trails of Mardi Himal, you’ll see some spectacular views of towering snow giants.
From the several camps like forest camp, low camp, high camp, and the Mardi Himal base camp, you’ll see extraordinary views of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, and Manaslu Himal.
The trek is a moderate level trekking. Those who come from the sea level should be careful of altitude sickness at the higher points on the trek. With good preparation, one can do Mardi Himal trek as a starter trek.
4. Khopra Danda Trek
Trek Duration: 7 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Permit Needed: TIMS and ACAP
Tye of Trekking: Teahouse and camp trekking
Highest Elevation: 4130 meters
Trek Start / End Point: Nayapul/ Tatopani
Khopra Danda is a newly established trekking destination in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Trekking to Khopra danda from Pokhara is an activity that you wouldn’t wanna miss while you have a week in Pokhara. You will have some incredible moments while trekking in the less explored exotic trails in Khopra.
One can rejoice the awe-striking mountain vistas during this trek. There are some wonderful viewpoints that display enchanting views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna (I, II, III and south), Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal and Nilgiri Himal.
You will be walking through the remote villages, beautiful terraces, lush Rhododendron forests that become colourful during Spring. There are chances that you can spot some Himalayan wildlife like deer, Languor monkey, pheasants, and yaks.
At the small and diverse villages en route, you’ll see different ethnic groups like Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Dalits. Want to go trekking to Khopra Danda? Contact us.
5. Panchase Trek
Trek Duration: 4 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Permit Needed: TIMS and ACAP
Tye of Trekking: Teahouse and camping
Highest Elevation: 2500 meters
Trek Start / End Point: Phewa lake
Guess what, you will be gently boating over Phwea lake before you reach the starting point of Panchase trek. Isn’t this exciting?
The Panchase trek is one of the most beautiful short treks from Pokhara. The eye-catching Himalayan vistas, gradually varying landscapes, exotic wilderness trails, and amazing diverse villages are the major highlights of Panchase trek.
The Panchase Hill, 2500 meters is one of the best viewpoints on the trek. The hill-top exhibits an unimaginably beautiful view of the snow-capped peaks. This place is also popular for the stunning sunrise views. You will see a wide panorama of Mt. Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Lamjung, Gangapurna, and Manaslu from there.
The verdant forests on Panchase trek are the habitat of a wide range of orchid species. During Spring, you’ll see the colourful forests with Rhododendron blossoms and flowering orchids.
6. Mohare Danda Trek
Trek Duration: 4 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Permit Needed: TIMS and ACAP
Tye of Trekking: Community lodge and Homestays
Highest Elevation: 3300 meters
Trek Start / End Point: Nayapul or Pati Khola
Mohare Danda trek is a newly opened trekking trail that aims to promote sustainable eco-tourism in Nepal. While trekking in Mohare danda, you will be staying at the eco-community lodges. The trek supports the local communities in their economic development.
This trek is getting popular day by day. The trekking trails are peaceful and scenic. There are several viewpoints on the trek. From these viewpoints, you will see attractive views of Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
The Mohare Danda hillock 3,300 meters is the most popular viewpoint on the trek. From there, you will see an unbeatable panorama of the Annapurna Himalayan range. You will also see the eye-soothing sunrise and sunset views from Mohare Danda.
7. Sarangkot trek
Trek Duration: 1 night 2 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Permit Needed: no permits required
Tye of Trekking: Teahouse and Lodge
Highest Elevation: 2160 meters
Trek Start / End Point: Pokhara Phedi or Lake Side or Binda Basini Temple.
Sarangkot is one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Pokhara. Almost every trekkers and traveller who visit Pokhara visit this place. From the view tower of Sarangkot, you will see a mesmerizing panorama of the northern Himalayan ranges including Annapurna (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Ganesh Himal (7,446m.), Manaslu (8,165m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Lamjung Himal.
You will trek from the city in Pokhara to Sarangkot. The greenish-blue Phewa seen from Sarangkot is beyond the world. Also, you will see a beautiful view of Pokhara city during the night. The sunrise view over the Himalayan chains viewed from Sarangkot is to die for.
Sarangkot trek is an easy trek. This trek is suitable for people of any age. You can bring your family and friends on the trek. Even those who don’t think that they cannot, I’m sure, they will certainly make it up to Sarangkot.
8. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
Trek Duration: 4 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Permit Needed: TIMS and ACAP
Tye of Trekking: Teahouse and lodge trekking
Highest Elevation: 3210 meters at Poon Hill
Trek Start / End Point: Nayapul, Pokhara
This trek is probably one of the most popular short trekking destinations from Pokhara. Anyone would want to go to Poon Hill for the most beautiful sunrise views seen from there. I will not be wrong if i say that Poon Hill is the best sunrise viewpoint in the entire Annapurna region.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is also famous for the Ghorepani village. Ghorepani village is a big settlement of Gurungs. The beautifully aligned houses, the perfectly built stone stairs, and the friendly locals, Ghorepani Poon hill trek is simply amazing!
You will see magnetic sunrise views when the soft rays of the sun caress the peak of the Dhaulagiri Himal. Trust me, you will not believe your eyes. This view is something that will remain stored in your memory a long way.
9. Dhampus Village Trek
Trek Duration: 2 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Permit Needed: TIMS and ACAP
Tye of Trekking: Teahouse and lodge trekking
Highest Elevation: 5250 meters
Trek Start / End Point: Pokhara Phedi
Dhampus village trek is a beautiful trek to the largest Gurung village in Annapurna, Dhampus village. At Dhampus village, you will have a chance to witness the local lifestyle, traditions, and culture. Dhampus village is also the gateway to Annapurna base camp.
From Dhampus village, you can trek in the morning to the Australian Base Camp. This place is popular for its mesmerizing Himalayan views and sceneries. You will see the incredible Himalayan vistas of the beautiful Tukuche peak, Dhaulagiri, and Macchapuchre Himal.
The Dhampus hill is the best view point on the trek. From there, you will see a refreshing view of pokhara from a different angle. Especially during the sunset, you will see a great view of the valley and the sun travelling beyond the hills.
10. Ghandruk Village Trek
Trek Duration: 2 days
Trek Grade: Easy
Permit Needed: TIMS and ACAP
Tye of Trekking: Teahouse, Lodges, and Homestays
Highest Elevation: 2012 meters
Trek Start / End Point: Pokhara Phedi
Ghandruk village is of the most popular villages in the Annapurna region. There are lots of trekkers who visit the village every year. The village is known for its unique Gurung inhabitants. This village allures trekkers with the best culture and warm hospitality.
At the village, the locals entertain the tourists by performing cultural dances. They perform beautiful dances by wearing their cultural Gurung dresses and ornaments. If you want to wear those customs, you can. You can rent clothes, wear them, and take some photographs.
Another attraction of Ghandruk village is the local food that they offer at the homestays and lodges. You can also experience several experiences like horse riding there.
From Ghandruk village, you will also see the majestic sunrise and sunset views. You’ll also see the amazing Himalayas like Annapurna (7219 m), Machhapuchhare (6993 m), and Himchuli (6411 m).