While many travelers use Pokhara as a base for treks in the Annapurna Himalaya, those who aren’t heading deeper into the mountains can satisfy themselves with some pretty impressive views from Sarangkot. Drive up in a taxi at sunrise, hike up along trails through the farmland, or run off the side of Sarangkot hill with a paraglider attached to you.
Many travelers visit Sarangkot independently by taking a taxi up to the top of the hill at sunrise or sunset. Guided tours of Pokhara can also include Sarangkot on their itineraries. Travelers planning on paragliding will be driven up to the launching point via private transportation.
Travelers going paragliding or on a guided tour that stops at Sarangkot will have their transportation arranged for them. Alternatively, it’s possible to hike from the northern end of Phewa Lake, to get a taxi from Pokhara, or even a local bus (although these are slow and uncomfortable).
Just before sunrise and sunset are popular times to go up to Sarangkot. There are likely to be other travelers there, especially in the busy seasons. For the clearest views of the mountains, visiting in the winter (December–February) is best, although winter is generally considered the low season in Nepal.
On a hill on the southern end of Phewa Lake, with views across to Sarangkot, is the Shanti Stupa, or World Peace Pagoda. This white Buddhist monument is another popular place to go in Pokhara for the mountain views. It’s accessible by car via the back roads, or by following a steep trail through the woods from the shores of Phewa Lake.
