Trekking in Pokhara

The best time to go trekking in Pokhara will be from September to November as these are the most pleasant months for engaging adventurous activities.

By Air: You can land in the regional/ domestic airport of Pokhara, which is well connected to Kathmandu and Jomsom.

By Road: Pokhara is well routed by bus, which can be boarded from Kathmandu or Sonauli, and the local bus stop could be reached. The local buses leave about every 30 minutes from 7:30 in the morning to afternoon.

Visa is required. Visa can be obtained by international tourists, except Indians, on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

Some of the famous winter treks in Pokhara Valley are:

Dhampus Trek

Royal Trek

Jomsom and Muktinath

Ghorepani Trek

The Begnas Trek

Australian Base Camp and could be enjoyed in months of September to January.

The Sarangkot Trek

Balthali trek

Ghorepani Trek

Siklis Trek

Pothana Trek are some of the treks providing stunning views of the large city of Pokhara and around. These treks could be enjoyed in months of Feb to May.

Trekking in Pokhara is quite a safe deal. Although, moving in and around the city involves some risks of thefts and muggings, however, Nepal is a safe travel destination but precautions must be taken while travelling alone or in small numbers.

It is safer to have a local person to guide and help you. Some of the tips are to exchange the money at authorised dealing shops and always ask for a receipt. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Keep your documents handy while travelling majorly your passport.

Always carry a map even when you are with a guide. Do not leave cash or valuables in cars or taxis and majorly do not trust strangers.

The highest peak for trekking in Pokhara is the Annapurna Base Camp. As Annapurna is one of the highest peaks, the hiking trail to its base camp, which is at 4130 m or a 13549 ft height, is one of the most challenging Himalayan treks.

However, Pokhara is at close proximity to three of the Annapurna Range’s peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu.

Yes, you can definitely plan a trekking activity to Annapurna Base Camp. Trekking in Annapurna is considered moderate to high level of difficulty as it is situated at an elevation of 4130 m or 13549 ft height and is a challenging Himalayan treks.

Get delighted by the scenic view of the Annapurna Massif, peaks of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda. You will move alongside rice paddies and amidst forests of the Annapurna conservation area to reach the Annapurna Massif and admire the exquisite beauty of Nepal.

Tamang heritage trek is a trek through the life of Nepalese in Tamang. It is a moderately difficult level trek which could be completed in 7 days. Only a person who is physically fit and mentally determined can complete the challenges in this trek.

Tamang Heritage Trek is an exciting trek into the Himalayas that offer travellers a peek into the everyday lives of the Tamang people . The cost can vary according to the time and package. As in most places in Nepal, the best seasons to do the Tamang Heritage Trail are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

The Manaslu Circuit is a astonishing trek which offers spectacular views of Mount Manaslu, standing at 8156 metres at the Ganesh Himal Range. You will get an experience of Hindu and Tibetan Style Buddhist villages on your trail.The Manaslu Circuit trek is a trek to the 8th highest peak in the world, at an altitude of 26759 ft.

It has a trail of tea houses on the way, so you don’t need to carry food and tents.This trek is less crowded than its similar others, which makes it more attractive and enjoyable. As altitude rises, you will be treated with more monasteries and chortens.

Although this trek is often described as a difficult one, it is not that hard to climb. You will just have to encounter some ups and downs on your track and nothing is too extreme. It is a moderate level trek that requires you to be physically fit.

Yes, Langtang Circuit trek is one of the better and peaceful treks in the Himalayas, as compared to the Annapurna or Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek is quite suitable for all kind of travellers, be it beginners or professionals.

It is an easy to moderate graded trek, where you can experience dense forests and is one of the best trekking routes, also you will be crossing the Kyanjing Gompa and Gosainkunda Lake. It is almost a 15-17 days trek to Langtang circuit  offering you a blissful experience that you will cherish forever.

Himchuli Peak is a remarkable trekking location, situated near the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range. It is a difficult hiking location next to South Annapurna, which offers picturesque views of the various forests, lakes, waterfalls and beautiful cultural villages.

Yes, you can stay in camps in Pokhara. Usually, you are accommodated in tea house lodges or homestays during trekking. However, camping can be organised with ease by your guide if insisted. Camping is an expensive deal in Pokhara but the experience is worth it.

You can dance around campfires and make that scrumptious meal over barbeque grills. Camps will be there in most of the treks but it’s always advisable to check the dates before booking, also collect information about the camping facility in a particular trek.

Tents will be spacious enough to accommodate up to 3 people. The tents will be waterproof and lightweight and equipped with comfortable sleeping mats or beds, compost toilets and hand basins. People still prefer renting a tea lodge.

You must be really well equipped with all your essentials while trekking. The things you must carry while going for trekking in Pokhara include:

• Walking stick
• Map
• Fleece jackets
• Binoculars
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking shoes : lightweight and hard sole boots
• Woolen clothes
• Water, juices and energy drinks
• Easy to eat snacks
• Electric torch
• Scissors
• Sunglasses
• Medical kit : equipped with medicines for motion sickness, fever and food poisoning
• A good compass
• An extra pair of clothes
• Battery backup

Yes, Pokhara is safer than most of the tourists places. Nepal is comparatively a safer country and thus solo female trekkers can plan a trip to visit Pokhara. The vendors have highest regards for women safety and will ensure that they're safe during the entire trek.

If there is only one girl in the trip, then she will be provided with a single tent to sleep alone. If there are more girls, then they can sleep under one tent. Always make sure that you are never left on your own.

Understand your pace and be with the group. Plan and create an itinerary and take suggestions before going.

Usually, all the lodges provide with proper blankets and sleeping bags, with efficient insulation and soft inner fabric, but it is still better to carry your own synthetic sleeping bag as the temperature in Nepal can drop at anytime, below minus 10 and you will experience rainfall or even snowfall.

Engage in various activities in Pokhara like :

• Mountains viewing
• Paragliding
• Sailing in Phewa Lake
• River Rafting
• Experience Camping
• Enjoy bungee jumping
• Experience Zip Flying
• Take a day out to enjoy yoga
• Relieve in day spas

Some of the famous tourist spots in Pokhara include:

• Bindhyabasini Temple
• Devis Fall
• Mahendra Gupha
• Gupteshwar Gupha
• International mountain museum
• Barahi Temple
• Poon Hill
• Sarangkot
• Rupa and Begnas Lake