Sarangkot Pokhara Tour: Things to do in Pokhara

Overview of Sarangkot Tour

Sarangkot, a 1,600-meter sunrise viewpoint in Nepal, offers tourists a unique experience of mountain splendor, village charm, and tranquility. Located near Pokhara's Lakeside neighborhood, its hilltop view tower provides stunning views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare ranges as the sun sets.

But Sarangkot is an experience, not just a place to see. You can look quietly at local life by hiking through quiet villages and serene trails before dawn. As you ascend, a rich atmosphere is created by farmers caring for their fields, prayer flags flapping, and birds chirping. 

For those seeking a fulfilling outdoor activity that doesn't require technical trekking experience, this one-day tour is perfect. This walk combines adventure, culture, and nature into one remarkable journey, with extra highlights like the recently constructed Ganesh statue and optional stops at paragliding launch sites.

Sarangkot Pokhara Tour Itinerary Overview

Detailed Itinerary for the One-Day Sarangkot Pokhara Tour

5:00 AM – Begin the Hike from Lakeside Pokhara

Leave Lakeside Pokhara before sunrise, carrying layers of warm clothing, water, and a headlamp. Proceed west on the trail to Sedi village. You will enter a lush forest, a serene hill covered in pines, as the trail climbs. Narrow paths lead to the summit of Sarangkot Hill.

The benefits of an early start include calm, birdsong, and cool air.

6:30 AM – Forest Ridge Viewpoint

At this point, the forest gives way to terraced farmlands. You will be able to see the valley below, which is illuminated by the early morning light, with far-off peaks beginning to reflect the first rays. Proceed along the rocky, well-traveled route as the last ascent to Sarangkot commences.

7:30 AM – Sunrise from Sarangkot Viewpoint

Arrive at the famous Sarangkot sunrise viewpoint in time to witness the breathtaking Himalayan spectacle. The snowy giants of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I–IV, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) start to glow in golden tones as the sun peeks over the eastern ridgeline.

Sunrise in Sarangkot is one of the best things to do in Pokhara because few experiences compare to it.

8:30 AM – Breakfast at a Teahouse

At a nearby teahouse, enjoy a traditional Nepali breakfast consisting of Tibetan bread, boiled eggs, and hot milk tea. There are plenty of rooftops with unhindered views of the mountains, making this a tranquil place to rest and rejuvenate.

9:30 AM – Visit Sarangkot View Tower

Take a quick walk to the recently refurbished Sarangkot View Tower after breakfast. A 360° view of the Pokhara Valley to the south and the Himalayan range to the north is available from this raised platform. As paragliders take off from neighbouring cliffs, take some breathtaking pictures, and take in the breeze.

10:00 AM – Explore the Ganesh Statue

The newly constructed Ganesh Statue, a magnificent cultural landmark tucked away in a forest clearing, is accessible via a brief diversion from the main trail. A perfect blessing point for hikers, this vivid red-orange statue of Lord Ganesh stands against a lush hillside backdrop and represents wisdom, protection, and good fortune.

Here, locals frequently light incense and say prayers, giving your trip a more spiritual feel. Amidst the fluttering prayer flags and chirping birds, the area is serene. It's a great place to meditate, take pictures, or relax.

11:00 AM – Rest, Interact & Take Photos

Before descending, spend some time on Sarangkot hill, soaking in the scenery and ambiance. Chat with locals, take portraits of village life, or rest under the shade of old fig trees. This part of the day offers meaningful reflection, especially after visiting the sacred Ganesh site. 

There are other things to do in Sarangkot for you, such as ziplining, swinging, and more.

12:00 PM – Begin Descent via Raniban Trail

Follow the same trail downhill via Raniban. The descent offers a new perspective on the landscape and is much easier on the knees. The forest feels different in daylight, and the return is filled with village activity, farming scenes, and gentle mountain breezes.

2:00 PM – Reach the Lower Forest Edge

Pass through Sedi village and small farmlands before re-entering the lower edge of Pokhara Valley near Pame. From here, gentle flat trails lead you toward Lakeside.

4:00 PM – Return to Lakeside Pokhara

You’ll arrive back in Lakeside with a full heart and a sense of accomplishment. After freshening up, consider enjoying a lakeside coffee or cool drink as you reflect on your hike to Sarangkot from Pokhara.

Packing Essentials for Sarangkot Pokhara Day Hike

On your one-day tour of the Sarangkot Hiking, you may not need to pack much. However, you may still need to carry these items:

• Seasonally suitable clothing that is comfortable.
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• A cozy pair of shoes
• lightweight backpack
• Any medications you may be taking
• An umbrella or raincoat (during the rainy season)
• A bottle of water
• Passport or National ID

Best Time to Visit Sarangkot Pokhara

Spring (March to May)

One of the busiest seasons for travel to Pokhara is spring. The surrounding hills are blooming with rhododendrons and wildflowers, the weather is warm and pleasant, and the skies are mostly clear. It is the perfect time of year for a Sarangkot Pokhara Tour because it is a fantastic time for trekking, paragliding, and sightseeing.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August)

Even though there are sporadic rainstorms during the monsoon season, Pokhara is still green, lively, and less crowded. Waterfalls are at their strongest, the valleys turn emerald green, and lodging is frequently more reasonably priced. It's a lovely time of year for those who enjoy the outdoors and want quiet getaways.

Autumn (September to November)

In Pokhara, autumn is the most popular time of year for tourists. The weather is clear, visibility is good, and the skies remain pristine, making it ideal for photography and mountain views. This time of year also sees important festivals like Dashain and Tihar, which add cultural depth to your trip.

Winter (December to February)

Pokhara's winter months are serene, cool, and less crowded. The days are typically sunny and pleasant, but the mornings and evenings can be cold. The calm atmosphere makes it a tranquil time for boating, meditation, and short tours, and snow-capped peaks seem closer than ever.

A standard Pokhara tour package may include:

• Breakfast & Lunch
• Transportation
• Professional Guide

Things to Do in Pokhara

Apart from the activities you do in this one-day tour, there are lots of fun things you can do in Pokhara. Following are some of them:

• Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna mountain range and the valley while experiencing the exhilaration of paragliding over Fewa Lake.
• Experience the thrilling ziplining adventure in Pokhara, which offers an unparalleled adrenaline rush and is among the longest and fastest ziplines in Asia.
• Enjoy stunning mountain views and verdant rhododendron forests on a tranquil walk to Australian Camp.
• Ride a mountain bike through quaint villages and along wooded paths as you explore the surrounding countryside of Pokhara.
• Learn about Tibetan history and culture by visiting the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where you can also purchase genuine handcrafted goods.
• Explore Pokhara's Old Bazaar to take in the lively local marketplaces, street cuisine, and antique stores.
• In Pokhara, you can unwind at one of the many welcoming lakeside cafes and bars, which frequently have live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Take advantage of the yoga and meditation classes that are provided by nearby wellness centres; they go well with the serene surroundings of the valley.

Foods to Eat in Pokhara

A trip to Pokhara, Nepal, wouldn't be complete without sampling some of its diverse and abundant cuisine. From international delicacies to traditional Nepali cuisine, Pokhara town offers a wide range of culinary options to suit every taste. You can try a few of the following in Pokhara:

• Dal Bhat (Thali Set in Nepal)

A mainstay in Nepali homes and neighbourhood eateries, Dal Bhat is a traditional Nepali dish made with steamed rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, pickles, and meat curry.

• Nepali dumplings, or momo

The momo, a popular Pokhara dish made with meat or vegetables and served with a tangy tomato chutney, is something you simply must try.

• Himalayan noodle soup, or thukpa

Thukpa, a Tibetan hot noodle soup with meat or vegetables, is the perfect way to warm up after a cold morning at Sarangkot or Peace Pagoda.

• Khaja Set in Newari

This traditional Newari set, which consists of boiled eggs, pickles, spiced meat, beaten rice, and local snacks, is a must-try if you want authentic Newari flavours.

• Curry with Freshwater Fish

Popular with tourists, the restaurants in Pokhara town near Fewa Lake serve freshly caught fish prepared in Nepali-style curry, grilled, or fried.

• Aloo Tarkari with Sel Roti

Deep-fried rice bread, known as sel roti, is a staple at traditional eateries and festivals. It is commonly served with spicy potato curry or yoghurt.

• Bread and Yak Cheese

Rich and flavourful, yak cheese is a mountain specialty that pairs well with local bread or in sandwiches from bakeries and mountain cafés.

• International Food (Italian, Indian, Italian, and Continental)

Pokhara's Lakeside neighbourhood is home to several multi-cuisine restaurants that offer comfort food to visitors from all over the world, including pizza, pasta, falafel, hummus, and Indian curries.

Lakeside Pokhara offers various cafes, bakeries, and restaurants that serve everything from local dishes to international cuisines like Italian, Korean, and Indian.

Cost Breakdown of Sarangkot Tour

Even though hiking to Sarangkot can be reasonably priced, it's a good idea to budget for a few small costs. At spiritual locations along the trail, these could include snacks, refreshments, optional admission fees, guide services, and potential donations. Although there are no transportation expenses, setting aside a small amount of money will improve your entire hiking experience.

Final Thoughts

Sarangkot is more than just the famous sunrise view; it's also about the trip there. Hiking from Pokhara to Sarangkot provides visitors with a fulfilling combination of scenic mountain views, cultural interactions, and natural beauty. For novices, those who enjoy the outdoors, and those who are pressed for time but eager for adventure, this one-day trek is perfect.

Hiking allows for a more intimate connection with the land, observing village life details, and a sustainable travel experience that benefits both the soul and the environment. Pack your backpack and set your alarm early for sunrise at Sarangkot.