Pokhara Day Walks

Sarangkot
It is a very pleasant walk up to Sarangkot at 1592m, from where there are fantastic views of the Annapurnas to the north. There is also a great view down to Phewa Tal and Pokhara. It is a popular day walk from Pokhara. It is a good way to stretch your legs before a longer trek. You can come here while either beginning or ending a longer trek.

There was once a fort, or kot, at Sarangkot, and its remains can be seen above Sarangkot. There is a viewpoint in the fort, from where there are great views. You can also walk another hours past Sarangkot to Kaski or Kaskikot at 1788m. On top of the hill is the unimpressive Bhagwati Temple
There are several places to stay here, so it is possible to walk here in the afternoon, stay overnight and see the views the next morning.
There are several routes up to Sarangkot. One route begins at the Binde Basini Temple in Pokhara Bazaar that takes about two hours. It then goes straight west along the vehicle track. You can cut across many of the sharp turns. Once the vehicle track ends, it becomes basically a stairway the rest of the way.

To walk from the Lakeside area takes from three to four hours, and it is easy to get lost along the way. Walking down to the lake takes about two hours and it is unlikely to get lost. It is a steep way down mainly down a stone stairway through forest. When you get to the bottom you can often get a boat ride from the west side of the lake to Lakeside.

Another route to Sarangkot begins at Bhairab Tole in Pokhara and goes via the village of Gyarjati.

Where to Stay
Including the Trekking Lodge, New Tourist Lodge, Didi Lodge and the Sarangkot Restaurant.
The View Top Lodge and Restaurant has good food and an excellent view of the lake.

Getting Here and Away
There are several routes you can take to get here.

Mahendra Gufa
Mahendra Gufa is limestone caves that have stalactites and stalagmites. It takes about two hours to walk to here from Pokhara.
To route to here goes over the bridge a little north of Bagar at the end of the bazaar. It then goes through the village of Batulechaur.

Rupa & Begnas Tals
Rupa and Begnas Tal lake are the there second and third largest lakes in the valley. They are about 15km from Pokhara. Not many visitors come here.
There are regular buses to Begnas Bazaar between the lakes. It is a pleasant to walk between the lakes.

Kahun Danda
Kahun Danda at 1560m is a popular three hour gradual walk. It is northeast of the bazaar area of Pokhara. Danda means ridge in Nepali. There is a lookout tower here and the views are great. On top of the hill are ruins of the 18th century Kanhu Kot fort.

The walk begins at Mahendrapul Bridge and goes through Phulbari

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides