Best Short Treks from Pokhara (1–7 Days)
Pokhara is the perfect base for a trek. The lakeside town sits right below the Annapurna range, and many great trails start less than an hour’s drive away. That means you don’t need two or three weeks to experience the Himalaya: even a few days can give you sunrise views, mountain villages and forest trails.
As a guide based in Pokhara, these are the short treks I recommend most.
Short treks at a glance
| Trek | Days | Highest point | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarangkot sunrise hike | Half day | ~1,600 m | Easy |
| Australian Camp & Dhampus | 1–2 | ~2,100 m | Easy |
| Ghandruk village trek | 2–3 | ~1,940 m | Easy |
| Ghorepani Poon Hill | 4–5 | 3,210 m | Easy |
| Mardi Himal | 5–7 | 4,500 m | Moderate |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 7–10 | 4,130 m | Moderate |
Sarangkot sunrise hike (half day)
The easiest way to see the Annapurnas from Pokhara. Hike or drive up to the Sarangkot viewpoint before dawn and watch the sun light up Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri above the lake. Perfect for your first or last morning in Pokhara.
Australian Camp and Dhampus (1–2 days)
A short drive to Kande or Phedi, then a gentle climb through forest to Australian Camp, a grassy ridge with a big view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Stay overnight for sunset and sunrise, then walk down through the Gurung village of Dhampus. Great for families and anyone who wants a taste of trekking.
Ghandruk village trek (2–3 days)
Ghandruk is one of the most beautiful Gurung villages in the Annapurna region, with stone houses, terraced fields and a close view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. It’s a relaxed trek with plenty of time for village life, a visit to the small Gurung museum, and home-cooked dal bhat.
Ghorepani Poon Hill (4–5 days)
My top pick for a short trek. Climb through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani, then hike up Poon Hill (3,210 m) before dawn for one of the most famous sunrise views in Nepal, with Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas in a long line of peaks. The altitude is low, so it suits first-time trekkers and families. See the full Poon Hill itinerary.
Mardi Himal (5–7 days)
For something quieter and a bit more adventurous, Mardi Himal follows a ridge up through mossy cloud forest to open grassland right under the summit of Machhapuchhre. The views from High Camp and the base camp viewpoint are huge, and there are far fewer trekkers than on the classic routes. See the Mardi Himal itinerary.
Annapurna Base Camp (7–10 days)
If you have about a week, you can walk all the way into the Annapurna Sanctuary and stand at the foot of Annapurna I (8,091 m). It’s not short, but it’s the most rewarding trek you can do in a week from Pokhara. See the Annapurna Base Camp itinerary.
Which short trek is right for you?
- Only a morning: Sarangkot sunrise.
- A weekend: Australian Camp, or Ghandruk.
- Your first real trek: Ghorepani Poon Hill.
- Quieter trails and closer mountains: Mardi Himal.
- One week and you want the big one: Annapurna Base Camp.
Tips for short treks from Pokhara
- Best seasons: autumn and spring, though Poon Hill and Ghandruk are lovely in winter too. See the best time to trek in Nepal.
- Permits: treks in the Annapurna region need permits, which I arrange for you. See Nepal trekking permits.
- Pack light: for short treks a 30–40 litre bag is usually enough. See my packing list.
- Combine treks: Poon Hill links nicely with Ghandruk or with Annapurna Base Camp.
Tell me how many days you have, and I’ll suggest the best trek to fit your time in Pokhara.
