Pokhara is the most popular touristic destination of Nepal. It is in fact the face of Nepalese tourism industry. The presence of lakes, waterfalls, temples, multi-ethnic villages, mountain vistas, and city clamor make it the most vibrant touristic city of Nepal. Therefore, lots of people from across the globe flock into this city to spend a splendid holiday in Nepal. Among these travelers, there are countless people who don’t want to do strenuous long trekking trips. However, they wish to get an outstanding view of mountains as well as soak into the multi-ethnic culture in an easy trekking or hiking trip. For these travelers, trekking routes around Pokhara Valley may provide satisfying results.
In this blog, let’s get to know about some trekking routes that are possible to hike in a short period of time in the form of day hike or one night two days hike. There are countless trekking routes around Pokhara Valley. If you are in Kathmandu and want to do the day hike then please visit our blog about trekking routes around Kathmandu Valley. As for Pokhara Valley, this blog will serve you well to plan an ideal day hike or short trek around the Pokhara Valley.
When Prince Charles visited Nepal he did the Annapurna Royal Trek. Yes, he wanted to explore the villages of his beloved Gurkha Soldiers. Therefore, he did this amazing Gurung Village trekking trail. The trail takes trekkers to lots of Gurung villages and majestic landscape of Rupa and Begnas Lake. Before the construction of road the trip used to be around 4 to 5 days but now you can do this trek in just two nights or one night two days’ itinerary.
Hikers have to take a bus or jeep to Kalikasthan. The trekking starts from this trekking trailhead and the walking journey heads towards village of Syaklung. From this village, trekkers have to trek to Chisapani Village. They will explore Rupa and Begnas Lakes too. On this trekking trip, trekkers can get outstanding view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trail is easy to walk and it endows great chance to know about the daily lives of intrepid Gurkha Soldiers’ family. Understand their roots and find out more about these people in their own village. Trekkers will have to spend overnight at home stay lodging facilities and they have to mingle with the locals. Therefore, it is the best way to understand people and quench your hunger of trekking without hardships. Every age group people can do this trek. If you are not fond of strenuous high altitude mountain trekking then do this trek!
In the outskirts of Pokhara Valley nearby Hemja Village, trekkers start their trek to the Australian Camp. The place is on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. You can visit multi-ethnic villages and also enjoy the stunning scenery of the mountains. In fact, panoramic view of mountains and exciting sunrise – sunset views are the major highlights of this trekking route. Hikers can complete this trek in just two days. You can choose to do a day hike too. Early in the morning, a private vehicle will take you to Kande the trailhead. Do the trek and have breakfast in Australian Camp. After breakfast, hike to Sarangkot via Dhampus Village. Uphill is from Kande to Australian Camp. From this place the trail is mainly downhill and through terraced farmlands. The evening view of Pokhara Valley from Sarangkot is blissful! From this trail begins the Mardi Himal Trek with other popular treks too.
The journey of Ghorepani Ghandruk Landruk Trek is probably the most satisfying among trekking routes around Pokhara Valley. The presence of Nepal’s first model village and the authentic rural walking trail make it the most rewarding hike to do. Trekkers will explore villages like Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus. These three villages are among the most famous Gurung villages for both foreigners and domestic tourists. Make sure to enjoy to the fullest and understand culture and traditions of the people living in these villages. Interestingly, you can participate in local folk program and wear traditional attire too.
The trek is easy but can be moderately challenging as you have to walk uphill and downhill for more than 6 hours a day! The trek starts from Ghandruk Village. Up to this village a vehicle or bus will take us there and the walking starts from this iconic village. Landruk village is in the opposite hill of Ghandruk Village. You can clearly see the Landruk village from Ghandruk. Trek downhill and cross the bridge and then trek uphill to Landruk Village. Trekkers can have lunch in the village and they continue journey to Dhampus village or Australian camp.
It is the most famous short day hike route of the Pokhara Valley. In this hiking trail, hikers can explore two Hindu temples and one Buddhist temple. The sight of Pokhara Valley and mountain vista make it the most sumptuous day hike to do around Pokhara. Hikers visit the Talbarahi Temple by doing boating as the first activity of the trip. The boat takes hikers across the Phewa Lake and the hiking starts! The trail is uphill walking until you have reached Pumdikot Shiva Temple via Peace Pagoda. The trail is through green lush forest and offers stunning lake view as well as Mountain View.
Try something different and spend your weekend by visiting Poon Hill (3210 m). Yes, in just 3 days you can visit Poon Hill. A jeep will take you to village of Ulleri on the first day. The second day, you will have to walk uphill for about 6 to 7 hours through green lush forests to reach Ghorepani. The place is in opposite hill of Khopra hill and offers stunning view of Annapurna Himalayan range. Early in the morning, you will visit Poon Hill for sunrise experience and then return back to Ulleri or Tikhedhunga. A jeep will take you back to Pokhara. Howevery this trekking route combines the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek too.
There are many customizable hiking routes around the valley. Talk to us and our travel planners will knit a trekking trip of your preference! Enjoy hiking in Nepal.