Pokhara is a famous adventure and leisure city in Nepal, a trekking gateway to the Annapurna’s with plenty of other adventure options for travelers. Treks from Pokhara allows trekkers to trek anywhere in Annapurna region. In this article I am going to give short overview on 10 best short treks from Pokhara.
Short treks from Pokhara are becoming more popular among international as well as domestic trekkers because of easy access, and exotic view of Himalayas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges without trekking on higher elevations. We all know that the Annapurna region is the most trekked region of Nepal.
Its also because of easy to reach, cheaper vacations and most importantly free to do independently. Most of all trekkings from Pokhara can be done individually without guide except upper mustang trekking. The best part is for some of these best short treks from Pokhara, You don’t need to have any travel insurance because it’s easy and danger-free from high altitude sickness.
Many famous and best short treks from Pokhara don’t need any preparation and long time duration holidays. Here are the 10 best treks from Pokhara that could be done on a short period.
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1. Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill trek is also one of the best short treks in Nepal. This trek is suitable for those who do not have much time to spend in Nepal but wanted to observe the beauty of the snow-capped mountains.
One of the main attraction of the trek, viewpoint Poon Hill (3,210 m) offers the best sunrise view of mountains such as Dhaulagiri ranges, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Manaslu ranges.
Trek Duration : 03 Days
Max Altitude : 3,210 m, Poon Hill
Trek Difficulty : Easy
3 Days Itinerary From Pokhara
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Kyumi and trek to Tadapani | 2,630 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek to Ghorepani | 2,840 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Hike up to Poon Hill, trek to Hile and drive to Pokhara | 1,400 m | 7 hrs |
2. Ghandruk Trek
Trekking to Ghandruk village is a beautiful shortest trekking from Pokhara that you can do in the Annapurna region. The trek is easy and much romantic walking through the beautiful villages of Gurung, Magar, and Tamang.
The most attractive part of this trek is to explore the Ghandruk Village where lots of Gurungs are inhibited; they will welcome you with the greeting Namaste and offer you to wear their traditional Gurung dresses. This short trek affords you magnificent views of Annapurna range and massive Dhaulagiri ranges.
Trek Duration : 03 Days
Max Altitude : 2,010 m, Ghandruk Village
Trek Difficulty : Easy
3 Days Itinerary From Pokhara
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk | 2,015 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek from Ghandruk to Pothana | 1,900 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara | 1,400 m | 6 hrs |
3. Sarangkot Trek
Sarangkot provides an ideal view of the snow-covered neighboring Himalayas, which can be easily accessible by a drive from Pokhara also. And Dhampus is fully decorated with Gurung traditions and culture.
Dhampus Sarangkot trek offers the beautiful views of entire Annapurna Ranges. And other attractions during the trekking are old Buddhist monasteries and paved courtyard.
Trek Duration : 03 Days
Max Altitude : 1,650 m, Dhampus
Trek Difficulty : Very Easy
3 Days Itinerary From Pokhara
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Hike from Pokhara to Sarangkot via Bagar | 1,600 m | 4 hrs |
| Day 02 | Hike from Sarangkot to Dhampus | 1,650 m | 5 hrs |
| Day 03 | Dhampus to Pokhara | 4,500 m | 2 hrs |
4. Panchase Trek
This is a trek beyond Phewa Lake in Pokhara. Panchase trekking route is an optional way to explore the area around Pokhara for those having a short time or relatively new to trekking, without missing out on the fantastic views over the surrounding mountains or the experience of village life.
Also one of the best trek for beautiful mountain views such as Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. The Panchase trek takes you to untouched biodiversity and natural heritage site, and a unique photographic destination in Nepal.
Trek Duration : 04 Days
Max Altitude : 2,500 m, Panchase Hill
Trek Difficulty : Easy
4 Days Itinerary From Pokhara
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Boat trip across Phewa Lake, Trek to Bumdi | 1,520 m | 4 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek to Panchase Bhanjyang | 2,065 m | 4 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek to Bhadaure | 1,670 m | 3 hrs |
| Day 04 | Trek to Naudanda, and Drive to Pokhara | 1,400 m | 4 hrs |
5. Royal Trek
Royal Trek is short trekking from Pokhara in the Annapurna region. The trek takes you through the Himalayan foothills, the perfect destination for those who don’t have time for a longer trek or an expedition.
The Royal trekking offers spectacular views of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Machapuchare, Lamjung Himal, Dhaulagiri, and other surrounding peaks.
Trek Duration : 04 Days
Max Altitude : 1,730 m, Syaklung
Trek Difficulty : Very Easy
4 Days Itinerary From Pokhara
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola, and trek to Kalikasthan | 4,496 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 02 | Kalikasthan to Syaklung | 5,675 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Syaklung to Chisapani | 5,084 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 04 | Chisapani to Pokhara | 1,400 m | 5 hrs |
6. Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is a newly opened hidden treasure of Annapurna region. This is the best short trek from Pokhara to avoid the crowd.
Trekking to Mardi Himal offers imaging view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre and Manaslu ranges. The trek passes through the beautiful rhododendron and pine forests, rivers, and culturally rich villages.
Trek Duration : 05 Days
Max Altitude : 4,500 m, Mardi Himal Base Camp
Trek Difficulty : Moderate
5 Days Itinerary From Pokhara
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Kade & Trek to Forest Camp | 2,554 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek to High Camp | 3,980 m | 8 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek to Viewpoint & Rest at high / Low Camp | 4,500 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 04 | Trek to Siding / Lumre | 1,700 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 05 | Drive to back Pokhara | 1,400 m | 5 hrs |
7. Khopra Danda Trek
Khopra Danda Trek is another best short trek from Pokhara in the Annapurna region which offers stunning views of snowcapped mountains. This lesser-popular trek is ideal for trekkers searching for less crowded routes to spend time in a peaceful environment.
Khopra Ridge Trek offers the perfect sunrise view of snow-capped peaks, green hills, and beautiful cultural villages. Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre can be seen during the trekking. Khopra Ridge is the best place to explore sunrise after Poon Hill in Annapurna region.
Trek Duration : 05 Days
Max Altitude : 4,660 m, Khayer Lake
Trek Difficulty : Moderate
5 Days Itinerary From Pokhara
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, and trek to Ghorepani | 2,875 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek from Ghorepani to Upper Chistibung | 3,000 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek from Upper Chistibung to Khopra Danda | 3,640 m | 4 hrs |
| Day 04 | Day-trip to Khayer Lake(4,660m) & trek down to Tatopani | 1,250 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 05 | Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara | 1,400 m | 5 hrs |
8. Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Jomsom Muktinath Trek from Pokhara is suitable for all types of trekkers. The trek takes you to the perfect places to explore in Annapurna like Ghorepani, Tatopani, Ghasa, Kagbeni, Marpha, Jomsom and Muktinath.
Muktinath is a holy temple for both Hindus, and Buddhists, and Jomsom is the headquarter of the Mustang districts. For those who are interested in Annapurna circuit trekking but in a limit time frame, Lower Mustang trek is the best destination.
Trek Duration : 05 Days
Max Altitude : 3,800 m, Muktinath
Trek Difficulty : Easy
5 Days Itinerary From Pokhara
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni | 2,900 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek to Jharkot; Visit to Red Gompa | 3,520 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Day trip to Muktinath | 3,710 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 04 | Trek to Jomsom via Lupra Valley | 2,790 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 05 | Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara | 1,400 m | 30 min |
9. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek, one of the best treks in Nepal is not a short trek. ABC trek will need 11 days to finish but for those whose dream is to reach the base camp of Mount Annapurna but in a short holiday they can do this trek in 7 days too. The small Annapurna base camp trek from Pokhara will take you base camp directly through Choomrong rather than visiting famous villages like Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
This trek gives you the opportunity to explore local culture and wildlife. Along with the most spectacular and close up view of Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri mountains.
Trek Duration : 07 Days
Max Altitude : 4,310 m, Annapurna Base Camp
Trek Difficulty : Moderate
7 Days Itinerary From Pokhara
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk | 2,600 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 02 | Ghandruk - Chhomrong - Sinuwa | 3,230 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 03 | Sinuwa - Bamboo - Dovan - Himalayan - Deurali | 3,440 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 04 | Deurali - MBC - Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 05 | Annapurna Base Camp - MBC- Deurali - Himalayan - Dovan -Bamboo | 3,110 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 06 | Bamboo - Sinuwa - Chhomrong - Jhinu - Kyumi | 2,170m | 6 hrs |
| Day 07 | Kyumi - Siwai - Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara | 1,400 m | 6 hrs |
10. Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu Valley is remote trekking destination from Pokhara. The route is restricted trekking area that means a special permit is required for the trek and cannot be done individually without a guide.
The Kang La Pass at a 5,315 m will provide spectacular views of Annapurna II, Gangapura and Tilicho Peak. This trek is rewarding and best destination to explore from Pokhara for those with interest in remote communities and their traditional ways of life.
Trek Duration : 09 Days
Max Altitude : 5,320 m, Kang La Pass
Trek Difficulty : Moderate
9 Days Itinerary From Pokhara
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Koto via Besisahar | 2,600 m | 8 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek from Koto to Meta | 3,560 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek from Meta to Phu | 4,080 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 04 | Acclimatization day, Hike to Himlung Base Camp | 4,800 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 05 | Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi | 3,490 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 06 | Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar Village | 4,110 m | 4 hrs |
| Day 07 | Trek to Ngawal via Kang La Pass | 5,240 m | 8 hrs |
| Day 08 | Trek to Pisang, and Drive to Besisahar | 2,600 m | 5 hrs |
| Day 09 | Drive back to Pokhara | 1,400 m | 6 hrs |
