Introduction

The best short trek from Pokhara takes you from lakeside to the best Himalayan viewpoints. Guess what, just a few hours. This lakeside city sits at the base of the Annapurna range. The world's tallest mountains rise just 30 km north of the city center. Isn’t it amazing?

You will know about the seven trekking options based on the time available. Each section includes trail details, your costs, and what makes each route special.

You'll find day hikes that require no overnight gear, two-day village treks with cultural experiences, and longer routes that reach above 4,000 m.

Pokhara is the starting point for some of Nepal's most accessible mountain adventures. The treks near Pokhara range from three-hour sunrise hikes to five-day base camp journeys. 

Every route delivers views of 8,000 m peaks without the two-week commitment of circuit treks. You will love the traditional Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and teahouse accommodations that make these trails both comfortable and culturally rich. 

Your hiking in Pokhara, Nepal experience can fit any schedule from a single morning to a full week. Meaning to say, you don’t need long vacations and can still have the best fun in a short time.

Top Day Hikes (1 Day / Half Day)

You can see the Pokhara day hikes that work perfectly when you have limited time. Most trails start within 30 minutes of the city center.

Sarangkot Sunrise Hike

The hike from Pokhara to Sarangkot is the most popular single-day option. You don't need to walk the entire way. Most people take a taxi partway up the hill. This cuts your walking time to about 90 minutes.

You stand at 1,600 m and watch the sun hit Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. The view is a sight to see for every traveler.

 The Route to Sarangkot Sunrise Hike

• Drive from Pokhara to Kande (45 minutes)

• Hike uphill through farming villages (90 minutes)

• Watch sunrise from the viewpoint

• Walk down or take a taxi back

The trail passes through local villages. Farmers grow rice on terraced fields. You might see water buffalo pulling plows. Children walk to school in blue uniforms.

Cost: You need a taxi (1,500-2,000 NPR round trip). There's a small entry fee at the viewpoint, which costs (50 NPR).

Best Time:  Either go for October to November or  March to April works too. This is the perfect timeframe.

World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa)

This Pokhara lake trek combines a boat ride with forest walking. You will see the white Buddhist stupa that sits on a ridge above Phewa Lake. The best view is when you see the water on one side and the mountains on the other.

You have two Ways to reach it:

One is that you can take a boat across Phewa Lake (20 minutes). Then you hike uphill through the forest (45 minutes).

Next, you can drive around the lake. Then hike from the southern side (30 minutes).

You can say it is one of the easier treks around Pokhara. Families with children often choose this route because the walking is gentle and the boat ride adds more fun without adding difficulty.

Cost: Boat rental (500-700 NPR round trip). You do not need permits.

Note: If you have  3-4 hours total, including the boat ride and temple visit, it is enough.

Best Overnight Treks (2-3 Days)

Let us see what the best overnight treks are that are worth your vacation.

Australian Camp & Dhampus Trek

 Australian Camp is a two-day trek that is perfect for first-time trekkers. The trail stays below 2,300 m. You walk through rhododendron forests. The route connects two villages with different characters and love it.

Check out the daily planner:

Day 1: Pokhara to Australian Camp

• Drive to Kande (45 minutes by jeep)

• Hike uphill through the forest (2-3 hours)

• Arrive at Australian Camp for lunch

• Afternoon: Walk around the ridge and take photos

• Sleep at a teahouse (views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre)

Day 2: Australian Camp to Dhampus to Pokhara

• Morning: You can watch the sunrise from the ridge

• Hike down to Dhampus village (2 hours)

• Explore the village streets

• Drive back to Pokhara (1 hour)

Note: Australian Camp got its name from Australian researchers who studied the area and made it worth visiting.

You can visit this place in March or April. The forest turns entirely red and pink. The flowers cover entire hillsides, which can be the best for photography.

But Dhampus village is different from Australian Camp. You will find houses that are traditional stone structures. Families grow vegetables in small gardens. You might see corn drying on wooden racks. Water buffalo graze on terraced fields. Everything is beautiful.

What Makes This Trek Special?

• no altitude sickness risk)

• Family-friendly terrain

• Clear mountain views without problems

• Cultural experience in Dhampus village

Cost Breakdown:

These are approx cost breakdowns. You can contact Himalayan Odyssey for your travel arrangements.

• Jeep to Kande: 1,500 NPR (can share with others)

• Teahouse bed: 500 NPR per night

• Meals: 1,500-2,000 NPR per day

• TIMS card: 2,000 NPR (required permit)

Need help with trekking permit costs or want to know your budget for short treks? Check our detailed cost guide.

Ghandruk Village Trek

Out of all, Ghandruk is the best choice for culture lovers. It is also one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal. The Gurung people are famous as Gurkha soldiers. Their culture is rich and well-preserved.

Why do you need to choose Ghandruk?

There are many reasons why people choose Ghandruk as a travel destination. You will find:

• Traditional stone houses with slate roofs

• Active cultural museum

• Home-cooked Gurung food

• Less crowded than Poon Hill

• Close-up views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli

The Pokhara to Ghandruk trek distance is about 25 km total. Most people complete it over three days. This gives you time to explore the village properly.

Check out the daily planner:

Day 1: Pokhara to Ghandruk

• Drive to Nayapul (1.5 hours)

• Hike along the Modi River (1 hour)

• Climb uphill through terraced fields (3-4 hours)

• Arrive in Ghandruk village

• Check into a family-run teahouse

Day 2: Explore Ghandruk

• Morning: Visit the old Gurung museum

• Walk to the upper viewpoint (30 minutes)

• Watch traditional stone carving

• Afternoon: Free time to interact with locals

• Evening: Try traditional Gurung bread (roti)

Day 3: Ghandruk to Pokhara

• Morning: Take photos of the sunrise

• Hike down to Syauli Bazaar (3 hours)

• Drive back to Pokhara (1.5 hours)

Food Experience:

Teahouses in Ghandruk serve home-cooked meals. You'll eat dal bhat (rice and lentils) that locals actually eat. The vegetables come from village gardens. Buffalo milk makes the yogurt. This is real mountain food, not tourist-adapted versions.

Cultural Tip:

Gurkhas are the pride of Nepal. You can ask your teahouse owner about Gurkha history. Many families have sons or grandfathers who served in the British or Indian armies. They often have fascinating stories to share, which you will love.

What to Pack for Ghandruk?

You don’t need to overpack things. You can simply pack:

• Warm layers because the temperature drops at night

• Comfortable walking shoes 

• Water bottle. You can refill at teahouses

• Small daypack that are mandatory

Looking for a complete list? See what to pack for a 2-day hike.

Slightly Longer Adventures (4-5 Days)

 Routes add extra days for higher viewpoints. The effort increases, but so do the mountain views. You'll climb above 3,000 meters on both of these treks.

Poon Hill Trek 

The Pokhara to Poon Hill trek is the most famous short trek in Nepal. Thousands of people do it every year. The sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m) is the main attraction here.

Why Is Poon Hill Trek Popular? 

Poonhill is one of the famous treks in Nepal. And for that,  there are several reasons why Poon Hill is popular, like:

• You can see 14 peaks above 6,000 m

• The sunrise hits Dhaulagiri first, then Annapurna

• Well-established trail with many teahouses

• Can be done in 4-5 days from Pokhara

Then why do some people avoid it?

Not everyone has the same taste in travel destinations. It depends on your choice. If you trek during October and November, you will find lots of people. Likewise, there are lots of stone stairs. The trail is basically a "highway" with constant foot traffic, which is why most people avoid going to this trek.

You can choose:

Classic 4-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive to Nayapul. Hike to Tikhedhunga (3-4 hours). Sleep at 1,540 meters.

Day 2: Climb 3,000 stone steps to Ghorepani (4-5 hours). This is the hardest day. 

Day 3: Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise (45 minutes) early in the morning. Then you can return to Ghorepani for breakfast. After that, you can hike to Tadapani (3 hours).

Day 4: Hike down to Ghandruk (3 hours). Explore the village and then drive back to Pokhara

The Poon Hill Experience:

You wake up early in the morning. The air is freezing. Everyone climbs to the viewpoint in darkness.

Then the sun appears. The first light hits Dhaulagiri's summit. The mountain turns gold, then pink, then white. Within 20 minutes, the entire Annapurna range glows. This is why people climb 3,000 stairs. And it is just worth every effort.

After sunrise, you eat breakfast in Ghorepani. The village has dozens of teahouses. All of them serve similar menus (dal bhat, fried rice, noodles, pancakes).

Social Aspect:

You meet trekkers from every country. People share trail stories over dinner. Some travelers form groups and continue trekking together. This is the best stage of your trek.

If you want solitude, choose a different trek. If you enjoy meeting people, Poon Hill delivers.

Best Time: 

October and November have perfect weather but maximum crowds. December through February means fewer people but cold nights. March and April bring rhododendron blooms.

Cost: 

This trek costs similar to other short treks, like around 7,000-10,000 NPR. This includes permits, food, and accommodation. Likewise, private transport adds 3,000-4,000 NPR.

Mardi Himal Short Trek

Mardi Himal Base Camp is the adventurous alternative to Poon Hill. You can give 5 days for this trek. This route was opened to tourists in 2012. Today, It's still quieter than the classic routes.

What Makes Mardi Himal Short Trek Different?

You will find several reasons that will make this trek different, like;

• Ridge walking (not valley walking)

• Closer views of Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal

• Fewer teahouses (more remote feeling)

• Steeper terrain

• Higher base camp (4,500 meters)

Check out the daily planner:

Day 1: Drive to Kande. Then hike to Deurali (5-6 hours). Sleep at 2,100 meters.

Day 2: Forest walking to Low Camp (4-5 hours). The trees are covered in moss. Sleep at 3,050 meters.

Day 3: Climb to High Camp (3-4 hours). The forest ends. You walk on open ridges. Sleep at 3,580 meters.

Day 4: Early start to Mardi Himal Base Camp (3-4 hours). Machhapuchhre towers directly above you. Return to High Camp or descend to Low Camp.

Day 5: Hike down to Siding village (5-6 hours). Drive back to Pokhara.

The Ridge Experience:

Mardi Himal is a ridge trek. You walk along narrow paths with valleys dropping on both sides. The mountain views start earlier than Poon Hill. By day two, you're already seeing massive peaks. The peaks will take your breath away.

High Camp sits on an exposed ridge. Wind blows constantly. The teahouses are smaller and simpler than Ghorepani. But the views are more dramatic. Machhapuchhre is so close it fills your entire vision.

Base camp is a rocky amphitheater. Snow covers the ground even in spring. Prayer flags snap in the wind. You stand surrounded by 6,000 and 7,000-meter peaks.

Who Should Choose This Trek?

There are multiple reasons why you need to choose this trek. This trek has 

• Ridge walking instead of valley floors

• Quieter trails

• Higher altitude experience

• More challenging terrain

• Closer proximity to big peaks

But you can skip it if you:

• Prefer well-developed teahouse infrastructure

• Want to avoid steep sections

• Don't want to go above 4,000 meters

• Prefer social trekking with many other people

Fitness Level:

You need better fitness than Australian Camp or Ghandruk for this trek. The days are longer, and the altitude is higher. You need to be comfortable with basic mountain terrain.

Permits: 

You need a TIMS card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for this experience.

The total cost is  5,000 NPR for foreign tourists.

Practical Planning Tips For Trekking

Permits & Costs

Every trek around Pokhara requires permits. Nepal tracks all trekkers for safety and conservation.

You will require several permits, such as:

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) that costs 2,000 NPR

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) that costs Rs 3,000 NPR

Total Permit Cost: 5,000 NPR (about $37 USD)

Budget Estimate for this trek:

• 2-day trek: 10,000-15,000 NPR total ($75-110 USD)

• 3-day trek: 15,000-20,000 NPR total ($110-150 USD)

• 4-5 day trek: 20,000-30,000 NPR total ($150-220 USD)

You can contact Himalayan Odyssey for accurate pricing. But these estimates include permits, accommodation, food, and transport to trailheads. This makes Pokhara one of the cheapest trek options in Nepal when you calculate the cost per day.

For detailed breakdowns, check our trekking permit cost guide.

Packing for Short Trips 

Good News: 

You don't need camping gear. Teahouses provide blankets and pillows. This means your pack stays light.

What You Actually Need?

If you are thinking of going around, make sure you do not overpack your things. But your package should have at least: 

• One warm jacket (nights get cold even in October)

• Two t-shirts (quick-dry material)

• One pair of trekking pants

• One pair of comfortable walking shoes (broken in already)

• Basic toiletries (toothbrush, soap, sunscreen)

• Water bottle (1 liter minimum)

• Headlamp (for early morning starts)

• Basic first aid (bandaids, pain medicine)

Your pack should weigh 5-7 kg maximum. The less you carry, the more you enjoy the views.

Want a complete checklist? See what to pack for a 2-day hike.

Guide or Solo?

You can legally trek without a guide on these routes. The trails are clear and well-marked. Teahouses appear every few hours. Other trekkers walk the same paths.

Trekking Solo is Safe if you:

• You stick to main routes (Poon Hill, Ghandruk, Australian Camp)

• You trek during the main season (October-November or March-April)

• You have basic navigation skills

• You tell your hotel your plans

A Guide Adds Value Through:

Many travelers hire guides from the villages themselves. A guide from Ghandruk knows every trail, every family, and every viewpoint. Guide adds value through local stories. They will explain to you about the cultural immersion. They will help you with the trails, the languages, and solve your problem. 

You can arrange a guide for this trek through The Himalayan Odyssey. We are happy to help you.

Porter Option: 

If you want to trek but not carry your bag, you can hire a porter. They carry around 10-15 kg for 1,500-2,000 NPR per day. This lets you walk with just water and snacks and make yourself comfortable s.

Best Seasons

You can trek during:

Autumn (October-November)

This timeframe is the peak season of the year. You will experience stable weather with the best views of the mountains. Though you will see lots of people around during this time is still considered the best time to visit anywhere.

Spring Season (March-April):

This is the best season as you will experience warmer temperatures. The perfect time to view mountains is Spring. The rhododendrons all on the sides is just perfect for photography.

Monsoon Season (June-September):

You will experience heavy rainfall with leeches everywhere on the lower trails. The visibility is poor. The trails are empty during the monsoon season.

Winter Season (December-February):

If you are an experienced person, you can trek in winter. But winter has the coldest temperatures and snows above 3000 m. The views are good only if the weather is stable. Most of the teahouses at high altitudes are closed during the winter season.

Conclusion

The best short trek from Pokhara depends on your time and interests. Want sunrise views in a day? You can choose Sarangkot. Need cultural immersion? Pick Ghandruk. Want the classic Himalayan experience? Do Poon Hill.

Every route you choose will deliver you the best mountain views. These hiking routes in Pokhara prove that if you want to trek, you don't need long itineraries. You just have to have the willingness.

Start planning your short trek from Pokhara today. The mountains are waiting for you.

FAQ

Can I trek without a guide?

Yes, you can legally trek solo on all these routes. The trails are well-marked and safe. Many solo trekkers complete these routes without problems. However, a local guide adds cultural knowledge and helps with language. The choice depends on your comfort level and interests.

Can I see Everest from Pokhara?

No, you cannot see Everest from Pokhara or these treks. Everest is 200 km to the east. The mountains you see from Pokhara are the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. These include Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri. All of these are best peaks above 6,000 m.

What is the shortest trek in Nepal?

The shortest trek in Nepal from Pokhara is the Sarangkot Sunrise Hike. You can complete it in 3-4 hours total. The World Peace Pagoda takes similar time but is worth.

Do I need to be fit for these treks?

You can have basic fitness enough for the Australian Camp and Ghandruk. You should at least be able to walk for 4-5 hours with breaks. Poon Hill requires better conditioning due to the stairs. Mardi Himal needs the highest fitness level because of the altitude and terrain. You can start with shorter walks in Pokhara to test your comfort level.

Can I do these treks year-round?

You can trek any month, but conditions change. October through April offers the best weather. June through September brings monsoon rain and clouds. It might be a little risky to travel. December through February gets very cold at night. But you can check the current weather before booking your trek near Pokhara.

How do I arrange transport to trailheads?

You can find Taxis and jeeps regularly from Pokhara to all trailheads. Nayapul (for Poon Hill and Ghandruk) costs 1,500-2,000 NPR (approx). 

Kande (for Australian Camp and Mardi Himal) costs similarly. If you share jeeps, it will cost less. You can contact “The Himalayan Odyssey.”  We will organize transport and permits for you.