Pumdi Bhundi Day Hike: A Chill Day in the Hills with Culture and Spirituality

If you're looking for a cool day trip from Pokhara that mixes epic mountain views with a taste of local culture and spirituality, then the Pumdi Bhundi Day Hike is for you! This scenic trail takes you through traditional Gurung villages, forests filled with rhododendron flowers, and up-close looks at two iconic landmarks - a huge Shiva statue and a peaceful Buddhist stupa.

The Hike Basics

The day starts with a driver picking you up from your Pokhara hotel or guesthouse. From there, it's about a 3.5-hour drive winding through the hills to the little village of Pumdi Bhumdi. This is where the real adventure begins! 

You'll be hiking at around 5,000 feet above sea level, so the air is nice and fresh with just a little less oxygen than you're used to. The trail is pretty chill, mostly flat paths passing through farms and simple village homes where you'll see locals going about their daily business. As you walk, you'll get stunning views of the massive Annapurna mountain range dominating the skyline.

The Peace Stupa

About halfway through the hike, you'll come across the Peace Stupa, a huge white Buddhist monument. These stupas are meant to spread the vibes of peace and harmony. The views from up here are unreal, with the entire Annapurna range laid out in front of you. It's a perfect place to find a quiet spot, meditate, and soak in the good energy.

The Shiva Statue

From the Peace Stupa, it's a short hike to the towering statue of Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods. This isn't some little statue either - it's massive! Seeing this powerful depiction of Shiva doing his cosmic dance set against the backdrop of the Himalayas is a real highlight. Hindus often come here to pray and make offerings.