Best 1 Day Treks Near Pokhara for Every Traveler

Pokhara is a destination for people who would like to have an experience of the Himalayas without spending two weeks on trekking. This city is located at an altitude of 820 meters above sea level on the shores of Phewa Lake. Right from the edge of the city, the foothills of the Annapurna area start to rise.

Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Dhaulagiri can be seen from the lake shore on a bright morning. It takes just a short ride on car to reach the trails with an even more impressive view. Being close to the mountain, 1 Day Treks Near Pokhara is easily arranged and managed.

The treks in this area offer more than just mountain views. One will go through Gurung and Brahmin villages, buffalo sheds and millet farms. You climb through the rhododendron and oak forests, passes terraced hills that become green after the monsoon rains, and finds viewpoints with tea houses all over the ridges.

There’s no need to reserve lodges or carry a backpack with a lot of gear. This kind of trek for 1 day from Pokhara is perfect for people with not much time for traveling, families, beginners or those who want to prepare themselves for a harder route.

Each one-day trek from Pokhara is unique. The difficulty level varies from easy lake treks to hard hikes that go up for 1000 meters or even more. Some of the most interesting 1-day treks in Pokhara can be completed in several hours while others will take a whole day.

In this guide we will discuss some of the best one-day treks in Pokhara with duration, difficulty and tips for your trip.

Why Choose a One-Day Trek from Pokhara

A multi day trek requires a lot of effort from you. You require permits, a vacation from work, and many weeks of preparation. A 1 day treks near Pokhara require none of those. You select a trail, pack you day pack and start hiking.

You get closer view of all major mountain views. Depending on your chosen trail and weather condition, you can catch sight of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri and the surrounding peaks. For the best view morning hours is perfect as clouds can gather in the afternoon.

You stay flexible. Mountain weather is quite changeable. In case clouds will cover the peaks, you can easily switch your trek to another day. It’s not like a long trek, so a one bad day won’t spoil your entire trip.

You save money and carry lighter. You do not have to book lodges, pay for porters or carry lots of equipment with you. All you require is water, a raincoat and food. Only some of the routes in the Annapurna Conservation Area require a permit, which can be organized by us.

You can match the difficulty of the hike to your level of fitness. You can take a one-day trek from Pokhara that takes anywhere from 3 to 10 hours based on how fit you are and how much time you have available.

You see real village life. Trekking trails cross houses, schools, tea houses. Stopping at the tea houses and having some dal bhat or tea with the family running the place, travelers get closer to the villagers.

You help local families. You hire a guide and a driver, and they all benefit directly from your hike. Day treks provide income for numerous families from small villages.

In other words, one day treks in the Pokhara area offer huge scenery and almost no stress. That is the reason why a lot of travelers prefer a 1 day treks near Pokhara.

Best 1 Day Treks Near Pokhara

The 1 days treks near Pokhara differ greatly in difficulty and time required. While some last only two hours and are suitable for children, other requires 8 to 9 hours and well-trained physicality. Each one-day trek from Pokhara listed below comes with a sincere description of the level of difficulty

Australian Camp One Day Hike

• Location: Kande, 45 minute drive by taxi from Pokhara
• Time: 3-4 hour round trip
• Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Elevation: Elevation of Kande is approximately 1,770 m. Elevation of Australian Camp is approximately 2,060 m.

Australian Camp is a perfect first time one day hike starting from Pokhara. It requires only 300-meter elevation gain. Almost the whole way passes through the forest on a wide jungle path with few stone steps. This trek gets its name after local people noticed that Australians were camping here many years ago. There is now an open space surrounded by tea houses and shops. There is now an open space surrounded by tea houses and shops.

From there, on a clear morning, you can view Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machchapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal. Pokhara valley lies below you. Don’t forget to carry your Annapurna Conservation Area permit.

Dhampus Day Hike

• Starting point: Phedi, about 30 minutes by taxi from Pokhara
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: About 1,650 m at Dhampus

If you prefer authentic mountain village experience than mountain peaks, Dhampus is your nice 1 Day Treks Near Pokhara. This trail starts off with long staircases made of stone. Your legs will definitely feel the climb, especially on a hot day.

Once you get past the staircases, the trail becomes flat village roads leading through terraced farms, stone houses, and chickens crossing in front of you. The majority of people living here are Gurung tribe and they have opened homestays and tea houses here for tourist.

Stay politely in the village, ask before taking photos. You can drink a glass of milk tea at the porch of local family with Annapurna South visible in the backdrop.

Sarangkot Day Hike

• Starting point: Pokhara lakeside, or the Sarangkot road if you drive part of the way
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours up from the lake, or about 1 hour from the upper road
• Difficulty: Moderate on foot from the lake, easy if you take a taxi up and walk down
• Elevation: About 1,590 m

It is considered to be one of the best one-day treks in Pokhara to witness sunrise and sunset. You will get a panoramic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. You will be able to see Phewa Lake gleaming down below and the entire Pokhara Valley laid out in front of you.

There will be many visitors during sunrise, so go there early in the morning and make sure that you have a flashlight. When you go hiking from the lake, it involves hard climb along the stone staircases for most part of your journey.

Peace Pagoda (World Peace Stupa) Hike

• Starting point: Phewa Lake boat landing near Anadu Hill
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Elevation: About 1,100 m

This one-day trek from Pokhara begins with a boat journey to cross Phewa Lake. After that, you need to hike up Anadu Hill through the forest route from the opposite bank, which should take around 1 to 1.5 hours.

At the peak, there is a World Peace Pagoda made of white color on the hilltop. There is a great view of Phewa Lake, Pokhara city, and Annapurna mountain range from the top. It has a peaceful atmosphere, where monks and other tourists prefer to sit and meditate on the stairs.

Panchase Day Hike

• Starting point: Bhadaure Deurali area, about 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Pokhara
• Duration: 6 to 8 hours of walking, plus the drive
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Elevation: Panchase Peak reaches about 2,500 m

Panchase is more challenging among these options. You need to wake up early to cover this ridge with a one-day trek from Pokhara. The trail is quite long, plus you will spend some hours on road transfers.

You’ll walk through oak and rhododendron forest, as well as tiny villages inhabited by Gurungs and Brahmans. There are many birds nesting in the trees and this forest is protected which feels wilder than those that can be found closer to the lake.

There are views of Himalayan mountains stretching all over the horizon from the ridge’s top. From Panchase, you will see Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri. It is advisable to hike in stable weather with additional clothing.

Naudanda Day Hike

• Starting point: Sarangkot, Naudanda, or the Pokhara-Baglung highway
• Duration: 3 to 5 hours, depending on your route
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: About 1,400 m at Naudanda

Another less crowded one-day trek from Pokhara is Naudanda. This is a low-level and gentle hiking adventure. The trail is a ridge that consists of up and down movements. You move through the farmland, tiny villages and some parts of the forest but the trekkers will be fewer than on Dhampus and Sarangkot.

The mountain views accompany you throughout the way; Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre are visible on one side. Pokhara Valley and lakes are visible on the other side. This 1 Day Treks Near Pokhara can be connected to Sarangkot; you walk along the ridge and come back by a taxi. Such a combination can be good for those who wish to spend a longer day without doing difficult climbing.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want to have an easy day in Pokhara, you can choose either Australian Camp, Peace Pagoda or Sarangkot by taxi. If you want a moderate trek, you should choose Dhampus or Naudanda. Panchase is better when you feel quite fit and the weather is favorable.

Best Time for a 1 Day Trek Near Pokhara

Pokhara offers trekking friendly weather most of the year, but season will affect your experience in different ways. That is what you should consider according to the views that you desire.

Spring (March to May)

The season comes with color. Rhododendrons bloom in many hill forests, such as the ones surrounding Panchase and the upper ridges, mostly between March and April. The birdlife also increases.

The weather becomes warmer, and hazes tend to form by late April to May. Get an early start to take advantage of clear weather before noon, and take plenty of water, since the lowland trails will warm quickly.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the busiest season and there are solid reasons for this. Monsoon clears up the dust, providing clear blue skies for a couple of weeks. October and November are considered the best months in terms of visibility.

The trails will be dry and comfortable in terms of temperature. You should expect busy trails due to the Dashain and Tihar festivals. Be sure to book taxis and guides in advance.

Winter (December to February)

It may be cold in the morning, but the air will be very clean and dry, offering excellent visibility. Mountain views seem to be closer during winter than any other season. The Pokhara region remains mild during the day, and thus it remains comfortable to go on a one day trek from Pokhara.

Monsoon (June to August)

The monsoon season makes walking unpredictable, with daily rains, slippery trails and leeches in the forests, and clouds covering the mountains for days.

The hills become lush green during monsoon season and still possible to walk. Plan walks that are short and at low altitudes like the Peace Pagoda, set out early, and bring your rain jacket. Avoid walking in steep, muddy terrain if the weather forecast is not promising.

And so, it all depends on your preferences. Autumn and winter seasons are ideal for mountain views, while the spring is perfect for flowers. However, regardless of the season, a 1 Day Treks Near Pokhara is the best when planning based on weather forecast.

What to Expect on a One-Day Trek from Pokhara

A day trek follows its own rhythm, and understanding it ahead of time will make you ready and help you enjoy the trek more.

An Early Start

You will set out from the hotel between 5:30 to 7:00 Am to begin your trek. The morning is fresh and the mountain look beautiful than ever before the clouds form. Eat light breakfast and ask your hotel to pack your lunch the evening before.

Getting to the Trailhead

Taxis will be the best way for transportation. Getting to Kande, Phedi, Sarangkot will take you not more than half an hour to an hour. Decide the cost in advance, and book a taxi in case of a return from some other place. Public buses take more time but cost less. Boats can carry you across the lake for reaching the Peace Pagoda trail.

Uphill and Downhill Walking

The majority of the trails go uphill at the beginning. Walk slowly and rest frequently. Descending the hill is less difficult but tiring to your knee joints.

Tea Shops and Village Experience

There is hardly any chance that you do not see teahouse around. It is one of the genuine experience of every trek that provides you meals and a room to stay.

Along the way, you may encounter local farmers, school kids, and women with firewood. A friendly greeting of “Namaste” gets a friendly response most of the times. You need to get permission before taking pictures of people.

Weather Conditions and Mountain Scenery

Weather changes quite fast in the hills area. You could have a clear weather in the morning and clouds in the noon time. You should pack one rain coat and an extra layer for warmth. Scenery comes and goes like waves, showing peaks behind the trees and revealing them at ridges. Being patient always helps while trekking in one day from Pokhara.

Return to Pokhara in the Evening

Hikes usually end by early afternoon. Hiking in Panchase and Ridge Walk could extend till late time, so check the time of sunset before the hike.

What to Pack for1 Day Treks Near Pokhara

Not many things are needed for a day hike. Pack light but make sure not to miss out on essential stuff. Carrying too much weight will slow you down on rocky staircases.

• A comfortable pair of trekking shoes: Choose shoes that have good traction. Don’t wear new shoes on the day of your hike since they can blister quickly.
• A daypack: 20 to 25 liters will do fine. Make sure it has padded straps.
• At least 1-1.5 liter water bottle: Don’t forget the purification tablets or filter bottles for refilling.
• Light snacks: Nuts, energy bars, and chocolates will keep you full until you get tea.
• Sunscreen lotion: Sun is strong at high altitudes even on a cool day.
• Sunglasses: Reduce the glare on bright ridges.
• Hat or cap: To protect yourself from sunlight and to keep you warm in the early morning.
• Lightweight jacket: You might feel chilly in the morning or while taking breaks at viewpoints.
• Rain jacket: Pokhara receives more rainfall than any other region in Nepal.
• First aid kit: Plasters, blister dressings, medicines, antiseptic wipes, and your own personal medications.

For Higher or Longer Trails

Trekking Panchase, Australian Camp, and the extended ridges requires additional precaution. It is colder at higher altitudes, and the weather changes frequently. The weather may turn windy, foggy, or rainy even when the start was sunny.

Consider adding a thick fleece, gloves, and additional socks. A headlamp will be helpful in case of an early start or late finish. No matter which path you pick, having a proper pack will make each day hike in the area around Pokhara enjoyable.

Safety Tips for a One-day trek from Pokhara

One Day treks seem straightforward, but a few small mistakes will make you have a difficult hiking experience. The following practices will ensure that your day hikes are enjoyable and safe regardless of where you are in Pokhara.

Check the Weather and Leave Early

Check the weather forecasts the previous night and morning and talk to your hotel regarding the trail conditions. The morning start will ensure that you have cool climate, better visibility, and daylight as afternoon clouds form very rapidly in the hills.

Carry Enough water and Wear Proper Footwear

Always carry not less than 1 to 1.5 liters of water and drink frequently. Do not wait for thirst and always wear shoes with good traction as steps become slippery due to wet stones.

Be Careful While Descending

Most injuries occur while walking downhill because your legs are already tired and the stones move with every step you take, so you need to be extra careful on your step.

Follow Only Traveled Paths

Shortest routes may mean steepest and loosest paths. Follow only the paths marked or village roads. If you feel confused, hire a guide. In a 1 day trek near Pokhara, a guide becomes very useful, particularly in longer routes like Panchase.

Keep Emergency Contacts and Watch the Clock

Always have the number of your hotel, tour operator, and driver on your phone. Also, have it written down in case your phone dies. Inform the person at your hotel about the trail that you are going to undertake.

Prepare for any Weather Condition

The weather in the hills can change within an hour. In case the clouds get thicker or the thunderstorm appears, it is best to move down and rest in a tea house. A one-day trek from Pokhara is fun as long as you respect the weather.

Frequently Asked Question

Which is the best 1 day treks near Pokhara for beginners?

Australian Camp and the Peace Pagoda trek are the two options that are suitable for most beginners as these two treks require 3 to 4 hours and have easy trails. Sarangkot is another option that would be suitable as you could use a taxi to reach there and walk back.

Which are the best one-day treks in Pokhara for viewing the mountains.

Sarangkot, Australian Camp, and Panchase offer the most extensive views. However, Sarangkot provides the best experience for sunrise. Panchase is the area with the greatest view, though it requires you to spend a whole day there.

Will I need a guide for my 1 Day Treks Near Pokhara?

All short treks have easily accessible trails, so there would not be any problem for an experienced trekker to go on a trail without a guide. But still, a guide would be needed for Panchase and all routes that are not familiar to you.

Do I require a permit?

Yes, some trek routes such as Australian Camp and Dhampus are in the Annapurna Conservation Area and require a permit.

How long will the one-day trek from Pokhara take?

The duration of most treks is 3 to 5 hours of walking. The Panchase trek takes 6 to 8 hours, along with driving. Additional time can be spent for tea stops and photography.

Are children able to participate in one day trekking from Pokhara?

Of course, but it will depend on the correct trail that you choose for your kids to accompany. Australian Camp, the Peace Pagoda and Sarangkot can do well.

When do I begin my trek?

Begin your trip between 5:30 and 7:00 a.m. As the air is cool, the visibility is clear and you will get back before dark.

Is it possible to go 1 day treks near Pokhara during the monsoon?

Yes, you can do that but only if you are prepared for difficult conditions. Rain, leeches, and cloud cover make it more difficult. Even best one-day hikes near Pokhara become slippery in July and August.