As Pokhara is the entry point to the Annapurna region, most of the travelers or trekkers visiting the famous Annapurna region must visit Pokhara. Along with the major treks in the Annapurna region, there are many shorter treks around Pokhara that take travelers closer to the majestic Annapurna Mountains. Shorter trek options range from one-day hikes to week-long treks. You will find many trekking options that can be catered to your needs. Some of the exciting and adventurous short treks around Pokhara are listed and explained below. You can see which option is best for you and your family or friends.
Dhampus Australian Camp Trek (2-3 Days)
The Dhampus Australian Camp Trek is a short and easy trek located in the lower reaches of the Annapurna range. It is a perfect trek to relax and feel free from stress and anxiety. Your trek begins with a drive to Kande, an hour away from the central city of Pokhara.
Australian Camp is a beautiful, green village famous for offering great views of the mighty Annapurna mountain range. On a clear day, one can see the uninterrupted view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu range.
Dhampus is a small Gurung village where you will be able to experience Gurung culture and tradition. Behind the terraced lush fields and hills, this village is a special view of the Annapurna region. From the hill, you will be able to see exotic landscapes and panoramic views of some of the highest mountains in the world. This trek is a relatively easy and short trek so anyone of any age can do it. You will be able to see the best views of this trek during spring, autumn and winter season in Nepal.
Panchase Danda Trek (3-4 Days)
Panchase shines with its flawless beauty in the lap of the Himalayas. Boasting of beautiful topographical diversity, historical, religious and cultural features, this place is one of the best destination for short trek around Pokhara. This is a quick, family-friendly trek in the Annapurna region.
The trek to Panchase village is 28 km away from Pokhara. It is a low altitude trek, so it is suitable for all age groups. Attractive scenery, gradually varying landscapes, exotic trails and numerous villages are the major attractions of this trek.
Panchase Hill (2500m) is the highest mountain around Pokhara. The top of the hill offers a beautiful and attractive view of the snow-capped peaks. The top of Panchase Hill is also famous for offering the oldest sunrises and sunsets. From here, one can see a panoramic view of high mountains like Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Lamjung, Gangapurna, Manaslu. This trek is best done in spring, autumn and winter seasons, offering you unforgettable views.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (4-5 Days)
Ghorepani Poon hill trek is probably one of the most popular short trekking destinations around Pokhara. The sunrise and sunset view from Poon Hill is absolutely stunning. In the entire Annapurna region, no other viewpoints can beat the view from Poon Hill.
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek starts from Nayapul and end at Pokhara. Relatively one of the most amazing and easy trek, it can be done by any age group and is recommended for family and friends. This trek is also famous for Ghandruk village. Ghandruk village is a settlement of Gurung community. During the trek, you will be able to learn and observe their culture and tradition. The beautifully aligned stone houses, stone staircases and the warm welcome of the Gurung community will make you feel at home. The best time to visit this place is winter, spring and autumn, when you can witness the mesmerizing sunrise without any hindrance.
Ghandruk Village Trek (4-5 days)
One of the most popular villages in the Annapurna region, thousands of travelers and trekkers trek to Ghandruk village every year. This trek is suitable for those who want to see the Himalayas up close but are short on time for a long trek.
The Ghandruk Village trek starts from Pokhara to Nayapul, which is a two-hour drive. This trek end at an altitude of 2000 meters, and the difficulty level of this trek is moderate, recommended for adults. This trek is designed for those who want to enjoy the best of the Annapurna region in a short period of time. Some of the famous peaks you can see on this trek are Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli and Gangapurna. As the breathtaking views unfold before your eyes, you’ll feel like you can touch them. To get the best sunrise and sunset views of the massifs, you are recommended to visit during the winter, spring and autumn seasons.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek (6-7 Days)
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is known as one of Nepal’s raw and exotic treks. This is a newly opened trek in the famous Annapurna region. Surrounded by unique landscapes and adorned with some of the highest peaks in the world, this trek is perfect for the adventurous.
The Mardi Himal base camp on the eastern side of the Annapurna base camp is located at an altitude of 4500 meters above sea level. It is a high-altitude trek, and the difficulty level is challenging. Hence, this trek is highly recommended for healthy, active adults and experienced trekkers. Your Mardi Himal base camp trek starts from Phedi or Kande, which is an hour’s drive from Pokhara. From Phedi or Kande, unpaved and unpaved roads take you to Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp and finally Mardi Himal Base Camp. After reaching the base camp, the towering Mardi mountain stands proudly in front of you, and the beauty of this peak will leave you breathless. The best season to undertake this trekking course is during spring and autumn and winter.
Mohare Danda Trekking (6-7 Days)
Mohare Danda is a hill near Ghorepani Poonhill, the most popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region. In recent years, Mohare Danda has been recognized as one of the best lodge trekking trails based on the trekking community. This trek is perfect for those who want to avoid the busy and bustling Ghorepani Poonhill.
Mohare Danda is situated at an altitude of 3300 meters and the level of this trek is considered easy. This is a family-friendly trek and is recommended for all age groups. With an abundance of natural and cultural beauty, this trek is perfect for those who want to enjoy nature and experience the local culture. Offering the closest view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the Mohare Danda trek also offers the most beautiful sunrise and sunset views. This trek starts from Pokhara and passes through Galeshwar, Nangi and finally Mohare Danda hill. After that, the trek continues to the Magar settlement of Khiwang, Tikot village. Moreover, it is best done in spring and autumn and winter season when the weather is stable.
Khopra Ridge Trek (9-10 Days)
Khopra Ridge Trek, also known as Khopra Danda Trek, is a new trekking destination established at an altitude of 3640 meters in the Annapurna region. A trek to Khopra Danda is an activity you don’t want to miss while in Pokhara.
Walking through some less-traveled trails, you will fully explore the raw, exotic beauty of this trek. One can enjoy the panoramic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. A panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre can be seen from the hill.
The trail back to Pokhara via Ghandruk, Dobato, Khopra Danda, Mohare Danda and Nangi allows you to travel through the lush green forest adorned with the flowers of Laliguras. Classified as a medium-hard trek, it can be done by every age group. Moreover, this trek shines with its most elegant features during spring and autumn.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek (7-8 days)
Radiating magnificent beauty, the short Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks that can be done in Nepal. It is an excellent opportunity to explore the beautiful region of Annapurna. In just eight days, you will be able to enjoy the best features of the Annapurna region.
The Annapurna base camp located in the North Central region is located at an altitude of 4130 meters. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is classified as a moderate trek and is suitable for all trekkers whether beginners or advanced trekkers. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp starts with a drive from Pokhara to Syauli Bazar, villages like Annapurna Sanctuary, Chomrong, and finally the base camp through dry trails to Annapurna Base Camp. As soon as you reach the base camp Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Gangapurna Hiunchuli, the majestic Annapurna ranges are visible before your naked eyes, and you will experience one of the most unforgettable moments of your life. You will also see the reason why Nepal is known as heaven on earth. To fully explore the Annapurna base camp, you should schedule your plans during spring and autumn.
Other Days Hiking Around Pokhara
Another day can be done on foot near Pokhara city. If you don’t have much time to trek or trekking is not your cup of tea, you can opt for a day hike around Lake City.
The most popular day hike around the city is Sarangkot and World peace stupa. These are quite easy hikes and are also accessible by driving. Sarangkot is a very famous viewpoint near Pokhara, where you can discern the most spectacular sunrise over Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). Similarly, you can hike to World peace stupa after boating in the Phewa Lake for about 30 minutes to get to the other side. The one-hour uphill hike will offer panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri, along with the view of Phewa Lake and the entire Pokhara city.
Conclusion
A short trek around Pokhara offers promising views of some of the highest peaks in the world. There are various trekking destinations that you can choose according to your needs. As mentioned above, the trek not only gives an insight into the ancient mountain beauty but also the unique lifestyle and habitat of various ethnic groups. So, if you are in Pokhara and have less days for trekking, you can opt for any of the treks mentioned above. These treks will surely satisfy your desires to get closer to the Himalayas.
