Pokhara is a convenient base for short walks into the surrounding hills. You can leave the city in the morning, head to a village or viewpoint, enjoy great Himalayan views and return to Pokhara the same day. The following routes are helpful for people who don’t have enough time to explore all of Nepal but want to visit its mountain region.
Forest trails, the hill villages, farmland, ridges and lakes and views of the Annapurna range can all form part of a 1-day trek in Pokhara. There are options for mountain and village views such as Australian Camp and Dhampus, sunrise views such as Sarangkot and forest and lake views such as Peace Pagoda. Naudanda and Astam offer more tranquil rural walks.
The walks vary in length of time and difficulty; you should choose the one that matches your fitness, time available and the kind of scenery you prefer.
Best 1-day Treks in Pokhara at a Glance
| trek | Varighet | Vanskelighetsgrad | Best For | Fjellutsikt |
| australsk leir | 1-dag | Lett til moderat | Beginners and mountain views | Utmerket |
| Dhampus | 1-dag | Lett til moderat | Villages and mountains | Utmerket |
| Sarangkot | 1-dag | Lett | Sunrise and panorama | Utmerket |
| Fredspagoda | 1-dag | Lett | Lake and forest scenery | Flink |
| Naudanda | 1-dag | Lett til moderat | Rural scenery and ridge walking | Utmerket |
| Astam | 1-dag | Moderat | Landsbyopplevelse | Utmerket |
Australian Camp 1-day Trek
Australian Camp is a very popular short hike from Pokhara, through forest, farmland, village trails and the Himalayas. The typical route begins with a drive towards Kande, then hikes uphill to Australian Camp.
Australian Camp is around 2,060 m (6,759 ft). There are stone steps and sections with slopes going up and down, but there is no need to prepare for a multi-day high-elevation trek.
The viewpoint is worth a visit, as on clear days you can see towards Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and other peaks. The footpath can be followed to Dhampus before heading down to the road.
The walking time is typically about 5-6 hours, depending on the route and speed. That’s why Australian Camp is ideal for individuals wishing to do a one-day hike from Pokhara with a fair amount of walking and mountain views.
Dhampus 1-day Trek
Dhampus is a village on a hill with mountain views and a traditional settlement in the foothills of Annapurna. The village sits at around 1,650 m (5,413 ft).
It is a trail that runs past the village paths, through farmland and uphill sections. Dhampus offers good weather for viewing the mountains of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
The trailhead is accessible by car; you can park close to the trailhead or walk a longer distance for more exercise. It’s a route that usually takes a few hours to walk, depending on the starting and ending points.
Dhampus is suited for those wishing to experience the Himalayan landscape and the life of a village.
Sarangkot 1-day Trek
Sarangkot is one of the easiest-to-reach vantage points above Pokhara. Approximately 4 feet high (1,600 m), it is particularly favored for sunrise.
Machhapuchhre, Annapurna peaks and Dhaulagiri can be visible in a clear sky early in the morning. Below, Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake can also be seen.
Those who are in a rush can drive to Sarangkot and hike around the viewpoint. For those who desire additional exercise, the hike is uphill from the Lakeside area or from the town.
Walking distance is dependent on the starting location. A vehicle-assisted visit is for travellers who would like to see the mountains but do not want to walk for a whole day.
Naudanda 1-day Trek
Naudanda is on a ridge to the west of Sarangkot. The region has agricultural land, villages and unobstructed views of the mountains of the Himalayas.
Naudanda is around 1,430 m (4,692 ft). It’s common to hike both Sarankot and Naudanda together.
The path goes through rural communities and farmland. This walk will allow you to wander the countryside at your own pace and watch local life, as opposed to a “viewpoint” walk.
It may take approximately 5-6 hours for a walk from Saranakot to Naudanda. It is best for travellers who would like to enjoy a longer walking day.
Peace Pagoda 1-day Hike
Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda, is located at 1,100 m (3,609 ft) above Phewa Lake on the hill.
A popular choice is to take a boat to cross Phewa Lake and take a walk in the forest. This walk features woodland, views of the lake and the mountains.
The walk is shorter than a couple of walks in the foothills of Annapurna. Plan for 3-4 hours on the boat and hiking, depending on stops and walking speed.
It is a convenient option for those who prefer to save their walking for another part of the day or have other activities to enjoy in Pokhara.
Astam 1-day Trek
Astam is a rural village area to the northwest of Pokhara. The walk is mostly through countryside landscapes, through terraced fields, to local settlements and views of the Himalayas.
The village area is approximately 1600 m (5249 ft) and the height varies depending on the route taken.
Astam is more suited for those who want to experience rural walking over a certain viewpoint. The walk could be continued by passing through other villages to make a longer walking day.
If you prefer a quieter stay away from the more touristy spots around Pokhara, then it’s a good choice.
Comparing the Best 1-day Treks in Pokhara
Not a single route is best for everyone; there are multiple routes for various interests.
| Hva vil du | Egnet rute |
| Close mountain views | australsk leir |
| Soloppgang | Sarangkot |
| Wide panorama | Sarangkot or Naudanda |
| Village scenery | Dhampus or Astam |
| Utsikt over innsjøen | Fredspagoda |
| Skogvandring | Peace Pagoda or Australian Camp |
| Easier walking | Fredspagoda |
| Longer walking day | Naudanda or Astam |
| Fotografering | Sarangkot or Australian Camp |
Mountains You Can See During a 1-day Trek in Pokhara
Conditions of visibility can vary with the eye height and with the weather at the mountain. Some peaks might not be in view from some routes.
| fjell | Høyde | Where you may see it |
| Machhapuchhre | 6,993 m (22,943 ft) | Australian Camp, Dhampus, Sarangkot and other viewpoints |
| Annapurna sør | 7,219 m (23,684 ft) | Australian Camp and Dhampus areas |
| Annapurna jeg | 8,091 m (26,545 ft) | Selected viewpoints in clear weather |
| Hiunchuli | 6,441 m (21,132 ft) | Annapurna foothill viewpoints |
| Dhaulagiri | 8,167 m (26,795 ft) | Some western-facing viewpoints |
| Lambung Himal | Rundt 6,983 m (22,910 fot) | Suitable northern viewpoints |
| Annapurna II | 7,937 m (26,040 ft) | Selected viewpoints when visibility is clear |
Do not assume these mountains are a certain vista. Peaks may be obscured when the path itself affords an open viewpoint, but clouds or haze and seasonal weather may obscure the peaks.
Best Time for a 1-day Trek in Pokhara
The walks are available all year, but are very different each month. The following weather and mountain visibility plan aid can be useful when planning around weather and mountains.
| Måned | Forhold | Fjellsikt | Anbefaling |
| Januar | Cold mornings, generally dry | Often good in clear weather | Flink |
| Februar | Cool and increasingly pleasant | Generelt bra | Flink |
| Mars | Warmer, spring begins | Vanligvis bra | Veldig bra |
| April | Mild weather and spring vegetation | Ofte bra | Veldig bra |
| Mai | Warmer with increasing clouds | Variabel | Flink |
| Juni | Monsunen begynner | Ofte begrenset | Mindre egnet |
| Juli | Frequent rain and wet trails | Begrenset | Mindre egnet |
| August | Våte forhold fortsetter | Begrenset | Mindre egnet |
| September | Monsunen tar gradvis slutt | Forbedre | Bra mot slutten |
| Oktober | Generelt klart og komfortabelt | Ofte veldig bra | Veldig bra |
| November | Tørr og kjølig | Ofte veldig bra | Veldig bra |
| Desember | Avkjølt og tørt | Ofte bra | Flink |
The early morning is typically helpful for mountain photography as clouds can accumulate later in the day. However, there are still times of sudden weather change, so clear views are not guaranteed.
1-day Trek in Pokhara Itinerary
This is a typical day schedule:
| Tid | Aktivitet |
| 6: 00 am | Leave Pokhara |
| 7: 00 am | Reach the trailhead |
| 7: 15 am | Begynn å gå |
| 9: 30 am | Forest or village section |
| 11: 00 am | Reach viewpoint |
| 12: 00 pm | Lunsj |
| 1: 00 pm | Continue walking |
| 3: 00 pm | Finish walking |
| 3: 30 pm | Drive toward Pokhara |
| 4: 30 til 5: 00 pm | Arrive in Pokhara |
The actual time varies depending on the route. It may be necessary to start earlier for Sarangkot, whereas for Peace Pagoda it can be done later.
1-day Trek in Pokhara Cost
The price varies with self-guided or guided tours. As a general planning figure, an independent day hike can cost around NPR 2,500 to NPR 6,000 (about US$18 til US$43) per person, excluding any applicable conservation or trekking permits. A guided day hike with transportation commonly falls around NPR 6,000 to NPR 12,000 (about US$43 til US$85) per person, depending on group size and what is included. Current advertised guided Australian Camp day hikes are also available around US$43 til US$58, while private arrangements can cost more.
Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, permit charges can have a significant impact on routes. For example, the current ACAP fee reported for foreign visitors is NPR 3,000 per person. Check the inclusions before booking, as this may include transportation, guide services, entrance fees and/or lunch.
| Kostnader | Estimert kostnad | Merknader |
| Lokal transport | NPR 500 to 2,000 per person | Depends on route and whether shared or private |
| Privat kjøretøy | NPR 2,000 to 4,000 per vehicle | Depends on route and group size |
| veilede | NPR 3,000 to 5,000 per day | Usually divided among group members |
| Lunsj og drikke | NPR 107 000 til 180 000 | Depends on the restaurant or lodge |
| ACAP permit, if applicable | Around NPR 3,000 per foreign visitor | Confirm current requirement |
| Boat for Peace Pagoda | Variabel | Depends on boat arrangement and group |
| Independent day hike | NPR 2,500 to 6,000 per person | Before applicable permits |
| Guided day hike | NPR 6,000 to 12,000 per person | Depends on group size and inclusions |
These are only planning estimates and not package prices. Private transport and guiding at a higher rate may be more expensive if travelling in a larger group, or in a smaller group, with a private tour and included meals will be more cost-effective.
Difficulty and Fitness Requirements
People who are accustomed to walking can use most of these trails, though the steep inclines and declines may be strenuous on some trails. The walk distance and elevation gain of the routes are the main distinction.
- Fredspagoden: Appropriate for those who wish to take a shorter and easier walk.
- Sarangkot: Easy if using transportation for part of the way, but challenging from Lakeside.
- Dhampus: Easy to moderate, with uphill and downhill sections.
- Australian Camp: Easy to medium level, appropriate for a relatively active beginner.
- Naudanda: Moderate if combined with Sarangkot and walked as a full ridge route.
- Astam: Moderate depending on the chosen starting and finishing points.
Regular walking before the trip can help. When traveling with children or other family members who may need to walk, choose a route that is suitable for their mobility and take a few additional breaks.
What to Pack for a 1-day Trek in Pokhara
For most routes, a small daypack will suffice. Carry the following:
- Hiking boots that are comfortable and have a good grip
- Vannflaske
- Snacks
- Solbriller og solkrem
- Hatt eller caps
- Lett jakke
- Regnbeskyttelse
- First Aid items
- Personlig medisinering
- Telefon eller kamera
- Makt bank
- Liten sum kontanter
Even in the dry season, the weather in the mountains is ever-changing, so it’s beneficial to have a light, waterproof layer on hand.
1-day Trek in Pokhara With or Without a Guide?
You can make the trip easier and get local information if you’re not familiar with the trails and a guide can help you with that.
With a guide:
- Easier route navigation
- Bistand med lokal transport
- Knowledge of villages and trails within the local community
- Help communicating at local restaurants
- If issues arise, extra assistance will be provided
Without a guide:
- Lavere totalkostnad
- Increased flexibility in timing
- Complete freedom to pull up short anytime
- Best suited for people who can follow maps and directions
Shorter and well-established routes may be feasible without assistance. A guide is more useful when several villages and/or viewpoints are linked together in one route.
Tips for Getting the Best Mountain Views
Weather plays a major role in mountain visibility, so even a good viewpoint cannot guarantee visibility of peaks. There are a couple of easy steps that will help you increase your odds.
- Start tidlig: Morning is often better for clear mountain views.
- Sjekk været: Look at the forecast before leaving Pokhara.
- Choose the dry season: October, November, March and April are generally useful months.
- Allow time at viewpoints: Do not rush away as soon as you arrive.
- Ta med et kamera: Early morning light can provide good conditions for photography.
- Vær fleksibel: Clouds and haze can appear even during generally good weather.
- Choose the route carefully: Select a viewpoint that matches the mountains and scenery you want to see.
FAQs About 1-day Trek in Pokhara
Which is the best 1-day trek in Pokhara?
Australian Camp is an excellent choice for a day trip that offers mountain views, forest trails and village scenery.
Which 1-day trek has the best mountain views?
There are good viewpoints of the Himalayas at Australian Camp, Dhampus, Sarangkot and Naudanda in good weather.
Is it possible for beginners to do a 1-day trek in Pokhara?
Yes. For beginners, easier routes are available, like visiting Peace Pagoda or a vehicle-assisted Sarangkot visit.
What is the cost of a 1-day trek in Pokhara?
Transport, guide service, food, route and group size are factors that affect the price.
Is it possible to hike from Pokhara Lakeside?
Yes. Walking is the preferred mode of transport to reach Sarangkot and Peace Pagoda, though transport can reduce the walking distance.
Trenger jeg en guide?
Not for all routes. If you don’t know the trail, or if you would like some local help, a guide can be helpful.
So, which is the best month for a 1-day trek?
Walking conditions and mountain visibility are good in October, November, March and April (weather conditions may vary).
Can I do a one day trek with children?
Yes. Select a shorter distance depending on the child’s age, fitness and previous walking experience.
What mountains do you see?
You can see different peaks such as Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and other Annapurna peaks, depending on the route and weather.
Does 1-day trek need a permit?
The requirements vary depending on the route and protected area. Be sure to verify entry rules before leaving.
Konklusjon
There are several short walking tours available in Pokhara that can be done and finished in a day. Australian Camp and Dhampus offer the mountain views and trails of the villages; Sarangkot is ideal for sunrise; Naudanda is for longer walks on the ridges; the Peace Pagoda is for forest and lake scenery, while Astam will offer a more rural alternative for those who prefer a quieter experience.
Make your decision based on your level of fitness, time available and the type of view you are looking for. If you are looking for a mountain view, leave early and factor in the weather!
The 1-day trek in Pokhara is an easy way to see the hills and Himalayan landscape without entering into a lengthy trek. Call a local trekking company to arrange transportation, a guide and a route that fits your schedule.
