Day Trips from Pokhara. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Several appealing locations sit within a comfortable day-trip distance from Pokhara.

Accessible Locations

Sarangkot: Famous for its stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna range. Popular starting point for paragliding.
Dhampus Village: A traditional Gurung village offering an authentic glimpse into rural Nepali life.
Begnas Lake & Rupa Lake: Quieter, less developed lakes east of Pokhara, ideal for serene experiences.
Bandipur: A well-preserved Newari hilltop town with established architecture and panoramic views.
Gorkha: A historical town, ancestral the place where the is from Shah dynasty, featuring a significant palace complex.

Transportation Options

Sarangkot: Reach by taxi, motorbike rental, local bus, or Annapurna Cable Car.
Dhampus: Taxi or shared jeep to Phedi, then hike. Local buses also go to Phedi.
Begnas/Rupa Lakes: Entry by taxi, local bus, or rented motorbike.
Bandipur/Gorkha: Tourist buses, local buses, or private there are taxis.

Excursion Details

Consider your travel style and time when planning excursions.

Travel Styles

Compare organized tours with independent exploration.

Options for Exploration

Organized Tour: Expect convenience with arranged transportation and a guide.
Independent Travel: Find more flexibility, explore at your own pace, potentially lower cost with local transport.

Timeframes

Approximate timeframes for popular day trips.

Duration Guidelines

Sarangkot: A half-day trip, starting early for sunrise.
Dhampus: A full day, including the trek.
Begnas/Rupa Lakes: Half to full day for relaxation or activities.
Bandipur/Gorkha: A long day trip, or consider an overnight stay.

Cultural & Natural Escapes

Natural Landscapes

Parks and Reserves: Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) nearby.
Scenic Drives: Routes to Bandipur or Gorkha feature terraced hills.
Lakeside Serenity: Begnas and Rupa Lakes offer a calm escape.
Rural Immersion: Villages like Dhampus showcase the old way of life.

Cultural Exploration

Historical Sites: Gorkha Durbar is a key historical complex.
Village Life: Observe traditional farming in villages near Begnas Lake.
Pilgrimage Sites: Manakamana Temple is a revered Hindu site accessible via cable car.

Multi-Day Extensions

Recommendations for 1-3 Day Additions:Chitwan National Park (2-3 days), Lumbini (1-2 days), Short Treks (2-3 days)
Logical Next Destinations:The Valley of kathmandu, Chitwan/Lumbini, Upper Mustang
Transportation Connections:Tourist Buses, Domestic Flights

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel:Kathmandu -> Pokhara -> Chitwan -> Lumbini -> Kathmandu
Trekking Extensions:Pokhara directly into Annapurna trekking region for engaging expeditions.

Extend Your Horizons

For booking day trips and other excursions, consider checking out options on GetYourGuide.

Natural Wonders

Discover Pokhara's surrounding natural beauty.

Mountain Views

Sarangkot for unparalleled sunrise views over the Annapurna range.

Lakeside Retreats

Begnas and Rupa Lakes offer quiet, less crowded environments for relaxation.

Rural Serenity

Explore traditional village life and terraced hills in Dhampus.

Annapurna Conservation Area

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) starts just beyond the valley.

Activities within ACAP

Trekking routes cater for various skill levels.
Wildlife observation, including diverse bird species.
Photos of stunning landscapes and local life.

Drives & Vantage Points

Scenic drives unveil picturesque routes through rural Nepal.

Journey Highlights

Drives to Bandipur and Gorkha traverse terraced hills.
Observe traditional villages and lush rural landscapes.
Panoramic views of the Himalayas and the Marsyangdi Valley.

Mountain View Considerations

Clear Views:Autumn (Oct-Nov) and Spring (Mar-Apr)

Monsoon Season (June-Aug):Mountain views often obscured

Winter (Dec-Feb):Clear but cold mornings and evenings

Monsoon Beauty

During monsoon (June-August), expect lush green landscapes and powerful waterfalls.
Fewer tourists translate to lower prices for accommodation and activities.
Embrace the tranquility and unique misty mountain views.
Enjoy cultural sites that remain accessible and offer quiet reflection.

Cultural & Historical Insights

Experience the past and experience Nepal's rich heritage.

Gorkha Durbar

A significant historical site, the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified Nepal.

Highlights

Explore the ancient palace complex.
Visit the revered temples within the fort.
Learn about Nepal's unification history.

Bandipur Village

A well-preserved Newari hilltop town known for its traditional architecture and cultural heritage.

Experiences

Stroll through the charming pedestrian-only main street.
Admire panoramic views of the Himalayas and valleys.
Discover local Newari culture and traditions.

Rural & Agricultural Tours

Engage with local communities and observe traditional farming practices.

Village Insights

Visit villages like Dhampus to see daily farming.
Learn about sustainable agricultural methods.
Interact with friendly local families.

Pilgrimage Sites

Manakamana Temple, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site, offers spiritual journeys.

Pilgrimage Journey

Dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati.
Reach via a scenic cable car ride from Kurintar.
Enjoy breathtaking views during the ascent.

Multi-Day Travel beyond Pokhara

Extend your Nepali adventure with these logical next destinations.

Chitwan National Park

Add 2-3 days for a jungle safari and animal watching of rhinos, elephants, and tigers.

Lumbini

Dedicate 1-2 days to visit Buddha's birthplace, an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Short Treks

Embark on a 2-3 day Poon Hill trek or a segment of the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek.

Classic Nepal Circuit

Consider a route like Kathmandu -> Pokhara -> Chitwan -> Lumbini -> Kathmandu for a comprehensive experience of Nepal's cultural, natural, and historical highlights.

Beyond Pokhara

Plan your protracted journey through Nepal's diverse regions.

Connecting Journeys

1

Kathmandu Valley

For extensive cultural and historical exploration, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.

2

Chitwan / Lumbini

Nature and pilgrimage, providing a contrast to Pokhara's mountain landscape.

3

Upper Mustang

High-altitude desert landscapes and ancient Tibetan culture, requiring specialized permits.

Travel Logistics

Buses: Tourist buses connect Pokhara to Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Lumbini.
Flights: Domestic flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu or Bhairahawa (for Lumbini) for quicker travel.

Comprehensive Routes

Classic Nepal Circuit: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Chitwan - Lumbini - Kathmandu.
Annapurna Trekking Extension: From Pokhara directly into the Annapurna region for longer treks.

Considerations for Extended Trips

Permits

Some regions, like Upper Mustang, require special trekking permits.

Accommodation

Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Guides

For complicated treks or regions, hiring a local guide is advisable.

Plan Ahead

In-depth preparation for multi-day trips ensures a more rewarding and seamless journey through Nepal's diverse landscapes.

Day Trips from Pokhara