Introduction

Pokhara, a beautiful city in Nepal is a gateway to some of the best trekking and hiking destinations in Nepal. From the popular Annapurna Base Camp hike to the less crowded Mardi Himal trek, Pokhara offers plenty of short and long trekking options for adventure enthusiasts.

Here we will discuss about the best short hikes in Nepal that start from Pokhara, which provides some of the best views of the Annapurna region.

• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (3-5 Days)
• Mardi Himal Trek (6-7 Days)
• Mohare Danda Trek (5-6 Days)
• Panchase Trek (3 Days)
• Ghandruk Trekking (3-4 Days)
• Khopra Danda Trek (6 Days)
• Short ABC Trek (5-7 Days)

 

1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Highlights

• Poon Hill: A hill with a viewpoint at an elevation of 3120m that offers majestic views.
• Tadapani: A charming village surrounded by dense forests.
• Ghandruk: Famous for its terraced fields and views of the Annapurna South.
• Short and easy: It is a quick and easy trek in the Annapurna region.

 

Overview

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the best short treks starting from Pokhara which is renowned for its spectacular sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. This short (3-4 days) trek takes you through charming villages, and lush rhododendron forests, and offers an elevation gain up to (3,210 m) that is challenging yet achievable for most trekkers.

The main highlight of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is undoubtedly the sunrise experience from the Poon Hill. As the first light of dawn bathes the peaks in hues of orange and pink, trekkers are treated to a panoramic spectacle that gets printed into memory. Along with the awesome views this trek also introduces trekkers to the rich culture of the Annapurna region. From traditional dances to local cuisine, every step is an immersion into the vibrant tapestry of the Himalayan culture.

This trek usually starts from Nayapul and is the easier one however there are various other points you can start from such as Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and Tadapani.

 

Trek Itinerary

• Day 1: Nayapul to Tikhedhunga
• Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
• Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Back to Nayapul

 

2. Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

Highlights

• Spectacular views: Panoramic views of Annapurna, Fishtail, Hiunchuli and Mardi peaks
• Mardi Himal Base Camp: Mardi Base Camp at an altitude of 4,500m
• Less crowded: Less touristic trekking destination in the Annapurna region

 

Overview

If you are trying to reach very close to the mountains in a short time along with very few tourists on the trail, then the Mardi Himal Trek is something you should look out for. Located in the Annapurna Region this 5 days trek promises to provide you with some of the best views of the Annapurna ranges and takes you to an elevation of 4,500m.

Australian Camp, which is a popular hiking destination on its own, you get to stay there on the first night of the trek. You’ll reach the Low Camp, High Camp, and upper Viewpoint of the Mardi Himal. During the return, you don’t need to walk back the same way and can use the Siding hiking route instead.

Although this is an easy trek, people may face difficulty while trekking during winter as the trails will be covered with snow resulting in complications in walking. So, make sure you will be equipped with proper gear before you go.

 

Trek Itinerary

• Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande and same-day hike to Deurali
• Day 2: Trek to Low Camp (2,990m)
• Day 3: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3,550m)
• Day 4: Hike to Mardi Base Camp (4,550m) and descend to Siding Village
• Day 5: Trek from Siding to Mardi Pul and 4 hrs drive to Pokhara.

 

3. Mohare Danda Trek

Highlights

• Off the beaten trek: Since it’s a newly introduced trek route you can expect very few people on the trail.
• Lush green forests: Beautiful forests of Pines and Rhododendron
• Local Interaction: Get to know the local lifestyle from a different perspective.
• Mesmerizing mountain views: Panoramic views of the Annapurna range along with mt. Dhaulagiri and Manaslu.

 

Overview

Mohare Danda Trek is a short off beaten trek starting from Pokhara. This 5-day trek is one of the best options for people looking to see most of the Annapurna region in a short span of time. This newly introduced trail which is just located southwest of the Annapurna Conservation Area starts from the Holy Kali Gandaki River near the town of Galeshowr.

You will pass through the beautiful small villages filled with bamboo and orange trees. You will get to know the village lifestyle and interact with the locals during the hike. You will have the opportunity to have an awesome view of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain every day during the hike.

This moderate-level trek could be a trekking destination for you if you are looking for a beautiful and peaceful trek around Pokhara.

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Beni and Beni to Banskharka

Day 2: Trek to Nangi Village

Day 3: Trek from Nangi to Mohare Village

Day 4: Trek to Tikot Village

Day 5: Trek from Tikot Village to Tippling and Drive to Pokhara

 

4. Panchase Trek

Highlights

• Best viewpoint: Great view of the Annapurna range throughout the trek
• Beginner-friendly: Suitable for all age groups and beginners
• Easy access: Very close to Pokhara and no permits are required

 

Overview

Panchase trek is another beautiful yet less crowded trek starting from Pokhara. This 3-day hike in the Annapurna region is a moderately challenging hike that lets you capture the beautiful scenery along with providing you an opportunity to interact with the locals of the area.

This trek is approx.. 45 km long and can be completed within 3 days. You will reach up to an altitude of (2,500m) at Panchase Peak. You can start the trek from as kande as well.

Before heading on a Panchase trek you need to keep in mind that the road navigation is not as well as other hiking routes so it’s better to take a guide or ask the locals as you meet them on the way. You don’t need permits for this trek.

 

Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Trek from Pokhara to Pumdi Bumdi (1520m)

Day 2: Trek from Pumdi Bumdi to Panchase Bhanjyang (2065m)

Day 3: Trek to Bhadaure (1670m) after a short hike to Panchase Hill

 

5. Ghandruk Trekking

Highlights

• Easy trek: Short and easy trek reaching only up to a max elevation of 2000m.
• Rhododendron forests: Walk through the lush rhododendron forest.
• Great mountain views: beautiful vies of Annapurna ranges and Fishtail

 

Overview

Ghandruk trek is a beautiful trek starting from Nayapul which provides the best views of the Fishtail Mountain and Annapurna South. You can reach Nayapul within 1 hour by catching a taxi from Pokhara. This trek offers a majestic sunrise and sunset views along with beautiful Annapurna Mountain ranges.

This beginner-friendly 4-day hike is suitable for all kinds of people as you will be reaching only up to a maximum elevation of 2000 m. Along with moderate hiking through the forests, you will pass through small villages during the trek which enhances the trekking experience even more.

 

Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk (1940m)

Day 2: Trek from Ghandruk to Tolkha (1700m)

Day 3: Trek from Tolkha to Australian Camp (2060m)

Day 4: Trek from Australian Camp to Kande and drive back to Pokhara (822 m)

 

6. Khopra Danda Trek

Highlights

• Cheese Factory: Visit the cheese factory at Paudwar
• Khayar Lake: Get an opportunity to visit the holy Khayar Lake
• Poon Hill: amazing sunrise from Poon Hill
• Ghandruk Village: Beautiful Ghandruk Village and interaction with local people

 

Overview

Starting from the beautiful city of Pokhara Khopra Danda Trek is a perfect option for people who want to experience traditional villages, and mountains (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri).

This lesser-known trek in the Annapurna region is a 6-day trek and recently opened. You can take a drive from Pokhara to Kimche and start your trek. This trek is also commonly known as the Khopra Ridge Trek. You will pass through the lush timber and rhododendron forests during the hike. You can visit the Holy Khayar Lake as an option and many other beautiful destinations during the trek.

Traditional Villages, fast-flowing rivers, lush forests, and beautiful mountain views are the main attractions of this trek.

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul/Kimche and trek to Ghandruk (1940 m)

Day 2: Trek from Ghandruk to Bayeli Kharka (3450 m)

Day 3: Trek to Khopra Ridge (3660 m)

Day 4: Trek to Swanta (2214 m)

Day 5: Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani (2880 m)

Day 6: Hike to Poon Hill (3120 m) and trek to Birethanti, Drive to Pokhara

 

7. Short ABC Trek

Highlights

• ABC: Reach the Popular Annapurna Base Camp at an elevation of (4130m)
• Mountain Views: Best mountain views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
• Hot Spring: Enjoy the natural hot spring in Jhinu.

 

Overview

Short ABC trek is a short version of the popular Annapurna Base Camp trek which allows trekkers to reach the base camp of Annapurna (4130 m) within a period of 5-7 days depending upon the trekker’s pace. This trek is mostly preferred by people with less time in Nepal.

This moderately challenging trek is undoubtedly among Nepal's best treks, providing the best views of the Annapurna Range mountains. You will meet various new people on the way to the base camp as it is a popular route. You can expect good quality tea houses to stay in during the hike.

At the end of the trek, you get to experience a natural hot spring where you can relax and chill for a bit after a tiring walk for multiple days. Since this is a fast-paced trek you need to walk a little faster and need to be fit physically.

 

Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pokhhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk (1,940m)

Day 2: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,170m)

Day 3: Chhomrong to Himalaya (2,890m)/Deurali (3,174 m)

Day 4: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) (4,130m)

Day 5: ABC to Lower Bamboo

Day 6: Trek to Jhinu Danda and enjoy hot spring.

Day 7: Trek to Shyauli Bazar and drive to Pokhara via Nayapul

 

In a nutshell

Each of these above-mentioned treks starting from Pokhara, which ranges from 3 to 7 days, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the iconic Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek to the off-the-beaten-path Mohare Danda, our curated list ensures a diverse and memorable adventure. Whether you prefer the panoramic views of Mardi Himal or the serene surroundings of Panchase, our guide provides all the information you need for an immersive and rewarding trekking experience.

Start your journey today and discover the magic of these short treks that leave a lasting impression on every traveler.

 

For more details

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