5 best places for short hike in Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara, located in the western region of Nepal, is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Himalayan mountain range as its backdrop and the tranquil Phewa Lake as its centerpiece.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast visiting Pokhara, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to go on a short hike. Here are five of the best short hikes in Pokhara that offer breathtaking views and a chance to immerse yourself in nature:

Sarangkot: This popular hike offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range, as well as the Pokhara valley and Phewa Lake. The trail is relatively easy and takes about two hours round-trip. The best time to go is at sunrise or sunset, when the colors of the sky are particularly stunning.

Peace Stupa: Also known as World Peace Pagoda, Located on a hill overlooking Pokhara, the Peace Stupa is a popular spot for both sightseeing and hiking. The hike up to the stupa takes about an hour and offers stunning views of the valley and the mountains. The stupa itself is also a beautiful sight, with its gleaming white dome and intricate artwork.

Rani Ban: Located on the outskirts of Pokhara, Rani Ban is a peaceful and serene forest reserve. The hike through the reserve takes about two hours and offers the chance to spot a variety of birds and other wildlife. The reserve is also home to a small waterfall, which makes for a refreshing stop during the hike.

Begnas Lake: Located about an hour’s drive from Pokhara, Begnas Lake is a popular destination for both sightseeing and hiking. The hike around the lake takes about two hours and offers stunning views of the Annapurna range and the Pokhara valley. The lake itself is a beautiful sight, with its crystal clear water and peaceful surroundings. It’s also the most famous place for absolutely tasty local grilled fish.

Rupakot Gaupalika

This village is a rural area which is about 3 hr walking distance to the right of Begnas lake. Rupa gaupalika is known for its huge forest, best for hikers and a beautiful hidden lake which is fully surrounded by hills . Its beauty is only seen when you walk to the village. Along the way to the lake, you will see waterfalls and a friendly people of that area are always welcoming. Its like a place you would want to go for a city escape. The lake is quite famous around locals but most people don’t know about it. Its a hidden gem. Once you visit Rupa gaupalika you will fall in love with the surrounding nature.

Oh yes, The Begnas lake and Rupa lake are very close to each other and only separated by a hill. While the surface area of Begnas lake is 3.28 km2  and Rupa lake is 1.35 km² .

Overall, Pokhara offers a wide variety of short hikes that are suitable for all levels of fitness. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views of the mountains or the chance to spot wildlife, you’re sure to find a hike that suits your interests. So pack your hiking boots and get ready to explore the beauty of Pokhara on foot!

If you want to learn more about the history or details of these two lakes I mentioned above, please comment it down below or follow my blog. Thankyou 🙂