Pokhara, Nepal, is a major starting point for exploring the Annapurna Himalayan range and is known for trekking and adventure tourism. Its location provides easy access to stunning natural scenery. Being close to the Annapurna massif, Pokhara offers a variety of trekking options. You can choose from short trips to longer, multi-day hikes. These treks give you amazing views of famous peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (also called “Fish Tail”).
These trekking routes also allow you to connect with the Gurung communities in traditional villages. You can learn about their unique cultural practices and lifestyles by meeting the locals, which adds to your trekking experience. Pokhara is the gateway to some of Nepal’s stunning trekking destinations. In this blog, we have curated the ten best treks around Pokhara that every trekker should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Table of Contents
10 Best Treks Around Pokhara
PoonHill Trek
Poonhill Trek is the most popular trek from Pokhara. It starts after a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and can be done in 2- 5 days. Are you planning a quick trip to Nepal? If you want an amazing experience without spending weeks hiking, consider Poon Hill. It offers beautiful views of the Annapurna mountains that will take your breath away. The air is fresh and clean, making it a perfect getaway. Poon Hill is accessible for everyone, whether you’re an experienced hiker or just enjoy a nice walk. You might hear it referred to as the “4-day Poon Hill trek” or the “3-day Annapurna Sunrise Trek.” Both terms describe a fantastic adventure with slight differences in pacing.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is a new trend in trekking routes near Pokhara; after driving from Pokhara to Kande, Kanade, Australian Camp, Pothana, Deurali, Forest Camp, Rest Camp, Low Camp, Badal Danda, High Camp, View Point, and finally, Mardi Himal base camp. You will follow the same route to Low Camp, trek down to Siding, and dive back to Pokhara. A relatively newer and less crowded trek, Mardi Himal leads to the base camp of Mardi Himal, offering breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and other peaks. Mardi Himal in summer offers a secluded trekking experience with vibrant, lush landscapes due to monsoon rains. Still, it comes with the challenges of muddy, slippery trails, potential landslides, and often obscured mountain views due to cloud cover and fog, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and prepared for difficult conditions rather than pristine, clear vistas.
Poon Hill ABC Mardi Himal Trek
12 Days
Trekking
USD775 per person
Dhampus Sarangkot Trek
Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is a short trek near Pokhara. It will take you around Pokhara city. The trek starts after a drive to Phedi from Pokhara. You will pass Dhampus, Australian Camp, Kande, Naudanda, and Sarangkot Hill and trek down to the Lake. The Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is a short, easy hike with stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range, including Annapurna I, II, III, and Machhapuchhre. Enjoy beautiful green hills and rice terraces along the way. Key spots include Dhampus, Australian Camp, and Sarangkot, making it perfect for sunrise and sunset viewing, which is even more beautiful in summer. After breakfast in Pokhara, you’ll drive to Phedi and trek up stone steps to Dhampus village, home to the friendly Gurung people. The trek takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach Dhampus.
Australian Camp Trek
Australian Camp Trek is a perfect day trek from Pokhara. After breakfast at your hotel, you will start the trek and drive to Kande. Then, you will trek to the Australian Camp, Dhampus, and down to Phedi before diving back to Pokhara. The Australian Camp Trek is well-suited for trekking around Pokhara due to its relatively lower altitude, and its close proximity to the tourist hub Pokhara itself. Additionally, this trek provides stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range, is considered a moderately easy trek accessible to many, and offers a rich cultural experience through traditional Gurung villages despite the potential for rain and cloud cover.
Sarangkot day hike from Pokhara
Sarangkot Day hike from Pokhara includes a sunrise and Himalayan view, a Pokhara valley view from Sarangkot Hill, and a short hike to Naudanda. The Sarangkot day hike from Pokhara is excellent for summer trekking due to its relatively low altitude, offering comfortable hiking temperatures compared to higher-altitude treks and providing stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range and Pokhara Valley, which are particularly vibrant during the clear summer mornings. Furthermore, the hike’s shorter duration from Pokhara allows for a rewarding experience without needing extended, strenuous trekking, making it ideal for those seeking a beautiful Himalayan experience within a limited timeframe. Hence, whenever trekkers are visiting Pokhara, they can quickly book a day hike towards Sarangkot and experience even more natural beauty.
Sarangkot Day Hike From Pokhara
5-6 hours Days
USD45 per person
Sarangkot Australian Camp Dhampus Trek
Sarangkot Australian Camp Dhampus Trek is perfect if you are looking for a one-night, two-day trek around Pokhara. You will get the opportunity to see the sunrise from Sarangkot and sunrise and sunset from an Australian camp with beautiful Himalayan views. While the prime trekking seasons in Nepal are typically spring and autumn, the Sarangkot-Australian Camp-Dhampus trek offers distinct advantages during the summer months. The lower altitude of this trek, compared to higher Himalayan routes, makes it more manageable in warmer temperatures. Additionally, the monsoon season transforms the landscape into a lush, vibrant green, with refreshing waterfalls and flowing streams. Though rain is to be expected, the clear mornings can still provide stunning views of the Annapurna range, and the less crowded trails offer a more peaceful and intimate experience with the natural beauty of the region.
Khumai Danda Korchen Trek
Khumai Danda Korchen Trek is a newly explored trek near Pokhara. In three days, you will have a great scenic view of the Himalayas. Khumai and Korchen Hill are the best places to see the Himalayas and the sunrise. The Khumai Danda Korchen Trek stands out as a premier trekking experience near Pokhara due to its relatively short duration, accessibility, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayan range, particularly the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain. This trek offers a unique blend of cultural immersion through traditional Gurung villages, lush forest trails, and the rewarding high-altitude vantage point of Korchen Danda, all while remaining a less crowded alternative to more popular routes in the region. The short proximity and less commercialized trek also come as it’s advantage if any trekkers want a peaceful trek near Pokhara.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
ABC Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. You will explore Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and finally Annapurna Base Camp with a beautiful Himalayas view. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among the best trekking destinations that begins from Pokhara. The trekkers experience stunningly diverse landscapes, ranging from lush subtropical forests and terraced fields to high-altitude glacial terrain, all culminating in a breathtaking amphitheater of towering Himalayan peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre. This trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, passing through charming Gurung villages that provide insights into the local way of life while presenting a moderately challenging yet rewarding adventure suitable for a wide range of trekkers. Other incentives for this trek include cultural immersion through Gurung villages and natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 7 Days
7 Days
Trekking
USD449 per person
Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Poon Hill
9 Days
Trekking
USD575 per person
13 pax group for ABC trek with Harka
Unforgettable and its a real adventure
our honeymoon trekking
I and my girlfriend took a ABC Trek
We met Harka in September 2010
Sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life
Good, well organised and excellent value trip
I am more than happy to recommend Harka – he was very helpful and organised a good and professional trek (I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek with two friends). Our guide Shyam spoke good English and our two porters were a huge asset, carrying stuff we couldn’t have done ourselves. All for a very reasonable price.
UK, April 2019
amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil
A wonderful 8 day trek, led by our amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil. It was April, and this is a very busy month, so despite the company booking in advance, we struggled to find a room on several occasions – but the overall experience and mountain views surpassed all. Thank you, Nirmal and Anil, we’ll come again!!
USA, April 2019
Highly recommended, friendly family-run company.
We booked a 7 day Annapurna Base Camp trek with Himalaya Trip in Sep. Communication when booking was excellent and they were very accommodating to fit in with our dates and pick up/drop off locations. The manager, Harka, was very quick to respond and provided good information about what to take. On arrival, Harka met us at our hotel in Kathmandu and explained the full plan for the trip giving us all our tickets and trekking passes. He also met us in the morning to ensure we got on the correct bus to Pokhara where we would meet our guide.
The guide and porter were very good: both were very friendly and couldn’t do enough to make sure we were comfortable and safe at all times. We were particularly impressed when we asked to change the plan for the last day of the trek and he gave us a few options and rebooked our accommodation and transport plan to fit. Even though the porter spoke little English he was friendly and helpful throughout.
Himalaya Trip clearly a local, family-run business and I would highly recommend booking directly with them as it was better value for money than going through an agent in the UK and also supports their local community. We will certainly use them again for future trekking adventures in Nepal.
UK, September 2019
ABC Made Memorable by Harka Gurung and Himalaya Trip !
Our little group of three were introduced to Himalaya Trip and its Founder, Harka Gurung, from another Malaysian who had trekked in Nepal in 2018.
For our trek to ABC, I found Harka and his guide, Om and his two porters, Buddhi Man and Samsher, all Gurungs from their home state, to be exceptionally professional, courteous, friendly and accommodating at all times.
We quickly warmed to the Gurungs’ easygoing nature and friendly, no-nonsense dispositions, made all the more memorable by Samsher and Buddhi Man’s mountain songs and spontaneous dancing whilst on the trail!
I cannot therefore recommend Harka, Om, Samsher and Buddhi Man more highly for your next trip to this beautiful land as Nepal Hidden Treks will definitely be my first port of call when I next visit, hopefully with my children.
The defining feature of Harka and his men are that this is a family business for the Gurung tribe which places employment, professional standards and career opportunities on equal if not higher measure than commercial profit, which ultimately benefits the lucky client.
Malaysia, November 2019
Daenerys Had Fantastic ABC Trek
Harka responds quickly to every query, and the guide ( om gurung) and porters ( samsher and buddi man gurung) were so friendly and accommodating. We did the 7 day Annapurna base camp trek and we had a fantastic time. Highly recommended.
Malaysia, November 2019
Amazing 7 Days Trek
Our ABC trek was fantastic, with beautiful scenery! We had a great time with our very friendly guide Ramesh, who organized everything (food, drinks, teahouse rooms) very well, and made us feel safe all the way. We would definitely recommend to book with Himalaya Trip.
Netherlands, September 2022
Harka organised an amazing trip
Harka organised an amazing trip with a porter and guide for us to trek to and from Annapurna Base Camp over 7 days in September. The communication pre and post trip was excellent and our guide and porter during the trek provided an exceptional service. Couldn’t recommend this company highly enough.
UK, September 2022
Superb service
I did ABC trek 7 days with Surpa the guide, he took a very good care of me, checked if I am fine all along the way. Couldn’t ask for any better service. Before the trek Harka also briefed about the route I am going to do both email and in-person.
Thailand, October 2022
Excellent trip in Nepal
We had our trip to Annapurna base camp with Himalaya Trip in november and there were 9 hiking days. We really enjoyed the trip and organisation by the guide Surpa. Everything was thoroughly thought out, i.e accommodation, food, hiking distances etc. Surpa took a really great care of us and ensured us the safety of the trip and all the comforts. Supra is a very friendly, nice and helpful guide. We will definitely recommend Himalaya Trip and Surpa to our friends.
Estonia, November 2023
Authentic ABC Trek
It was a great experience of ABC Trek that the Himalaya  Trip company and the guide provided clear details and support for the trip, especially the trekking journey to ABC. I highly recommend this trek.
Hongkong, November 2023Jomsom Muktinath Poonhill Trek
Jomsom Muktinath Poonhill Trek is a combination of Jomsom Muktinath’s windy valley and dessert area, the green hill area Ghorepani, and Poonhill, with sunrise and a Himalayan view. Muktinath–Tatopani is another way of experiencing it on the bus. This is a very special trek around Pokhara due to its diverse offerings: it blends cultural immersion with stunning natural beauty, taking trekkers through the unique landscapes of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, offering spiritual significance at Muktinath Temple, and providing breathtaking panoramic Himalayan views from Poon Hill. This trek combines a wide array of experiences, from the high-altitude desert-like terrain of the Mustang region to the lush forested lower areas. Also, it allows for relaxation in natural hot springs, creating a well-rounded and memorable adventure.
Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is not near Pokhara, but trekkers who want to experience this will reach Pokhara from Kathmandu before the trek begins. Upper Mustang is a unique trekking experience, showcasing stark landscapes, ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the charm of a once-forbidden kingdom. Travelers can explore dramatic canyons, cave dwellings, and the walled city of Lo Manthang, immersing themselves in a rich cultural adventure that stands out in the Annapurna region. This trek offers a unique landscape, Buddhist mane walls, stupas, the Oldest Monasteries, a Himalayan view, and a different lifestyle and culture. Kagbeni, Chele, Syangbochen, Dhakmar, Tsarang, Ghar Gumba, Lo-mangthang, Chhoser Cave, Yara, Tangge, Tetang, Muktinath, Jomsom are the major places of this trek.
Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
13 Days
Trekking
USD1,949 per person
Mohare Danda Khopra Trek
Mohare Danda Khopra Trek is a newly developed trekking trail in Nepal. This is a special trek that takes you away from crowded trails. The trek path offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. But it’s not just about the scenery. You get to stay with the locals, experiencing their culture and food firsthand. Instead of just passing through, you become part of their community for a while. This setup is also better for the environment and more respectful of local traditions. It’s a relaxing and genuine adventure where you enjoy breathtaking mountain views and connect with real Nepal beyond the typical tourist experience.
Why choose Pokhara for Trekking?
Pokhara is a majestic trekking destination where trekkers can experience adventure with stunning mountain views and some real trekking. It’s a great place for outdoor lovers. Here are a few reasons why you should choose Pokhara as your next trekking destination.
Gateway to the Annapurna Region:
Pokhara is the main gateway to the Annapurna region. You can find popular trekking trails like the Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just want a casual day hike, Pokhara has options for you. You can choose something that fits your schedule and fitness level.
Breathtaking Views
The mountains here are breathtaking. You’ll see Machhapuchhre (which looks like a fishtail), Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri—all towering peaks around you. Imagine watching the sunrise or sunset from Poon Hill or Sarangkot. It’s like being in a postcard, and your Instagram will thank you!
Trekking for Everyone
You don’t need to be an expert climber. Pokhara offers hikes for everyone! You can enjoy a short, easy walk or embark on a more challenging expedition. There’s a trek for every time frame, whether you have a weekend or a few weeks.
Experience Local Culture
Trekking here is not just about the mountains. You can meet local people, visit traditional villages, and learn about Gurung and Magar cultures. It’s like walking through a living museum. You’ll experience a different way of life, which is even more interesting than just taking photos.
Convenient and Comfortable
Pokhara is a tourist-friendly city. It’s easy to reach and has plenty of accommodations, tasty restaurants, and shops for any trekking gear you might need. You can also find experienced guides and organized tours, so you don’t have to worry about planning everything yourself.
Conclusion
Hence, If you’re looking for adventure, Pokhara and the surrounding place is for you. You could try the classic Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.where the panoromic views of mountains and sunrise are majesticl. If you prefer something more relaxed, walk through charming villages like Dhampus and Australian Camp. You’ll enjoy beautiful nature and a glimpse of local life. The trekkers don’t need to be an expert to enjoy these treks. There are easy trails for a leisurely stroll and more challenging ones for those who want a good workout. You’ll see amazing mountain views, and lush landscapes, and meet friendly people.
What makes trek around Pokhara so special is that everyone has their favorite trek based on what they enjoy. You might want stunning viewpoints, a deep cultural experience, or a physical challenge. Whatever you choose, Pokhara has it all. There are cozy teahouses where you can rest and eat, and many great guides are available to help you. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just seeking a great experience, you’ll have a fantastic time. The views will impress you, and the locals are warm and welcoming.
