Short Treks Near Pokhara: 1 to 7 Day Hikes (2026 Guide)

Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna range, and you don’t need three weeks to get into the mountains. These routes range from a morning hike to about a week, and most start within a couple of hours’ drive of Lakeside.

Routes at a glance

Sarangkot

Half day · ~1,600 m

Classic sunrise viewpoint above Phewa Lake. Walk up or drive most of the way.

Australian Camp & Dhampus

1–2 days · ~2,060 m

Big Annapurna views for very little effort — ideal first overnight trek.

Ghandruk

2–3 days · ~1,940 m

A beautiful stone-built Gurung village with close views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

Panchase

2–3 days · ~2,500 m

Quiet forested ridge with lakes, monasteries and far fewer trekkers.

Ghorepani Poon Hill

3–5 days · ~3,210 m

The famous sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges; rhododendron forest in spring.

Mardi Himal

4–6 days · ~4,500 m

A steep ridge walk right up under Machhapuchhre. Higher and tougher — watch the altitude.

Khopra Ridge

5–7 days · ~3,660 m

Off the main circuit with huge Dhaulagiri views and community-run lodges.

Altitudes are approximate high points. Times vary with your pace and where you start walking — check recent trip journals for real day-by-day timings.

How to choose

One day or less: Sarangkot, or a day walk to the World Peace Pagoda.
First overnight trek: Australian Camp or Ghandruk.
Classic 3–5 day trip: Ghorepani Poon Hill, often combined with Ghandruk as a loop.
Want height and fewer crowds: Mardi Himal or Khopra Ridge.

Permits

Most routes north of Pokhara lie inside the Annapurna Conservation Area and need an ACAP permit, obtainable in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Rules change — see the permits guide and confirm locally before you go.