Sarangkot Travel Guide

Just a short drive from Pokhara and situated on a hillside, Sarangko is a calm and scenic village that offers some of Nepal's stunning views from a wide panorama. Known for its breathtaking view of the Himalayas, Sarangkot is among the most famous places for travelers seeking some natural beauty, peace, and fun. Whether you are a seasoned trekker, a photography fanatic, or a mere seeker of some quiet time, Sarangkot has it all.

This beautiful jewel is famous for drawing visitors from every corner of the globe toward the spectacular sunrise and sunset view over the Annapurna mountain range. The first golden rays of sunlight falling on the snowy peaks will come to amaze you. With the elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level, Sarangkot has become a natural adventurer's den, paragliding being one of them. Here, the tourists glide above the landscapes and admire Pokhara in its beauty from the sky.

In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know about Sarangkot: the best season for it, its accessibility, exciting events you can engage in, nearby attractions, and some recommended eateries. For anyone thinking of a day trip or maybe staying longer, this guide makes sure you get the best out of visiting one of the hidden gems in Nepal.

Why Visit Sarangkot?

• Amazing views from here overlooking the Annapurna range.
• Renowned for its great sunrise and sunset viewpoints.
• An excellent location for paragliding.
• This is near Pokhara, thus easy to access.
• Sitting in a calm and serene ambiance.
• A good place for hiking and trekking.
• Explore local village cultures and traditions.
• Good place for photography lovers.
• A site for relaxation and for nature lovers.

How to Reach Sarangkot

Sarangkot is about 11 kilometers northwest of Pokhara and can be reached by many modes of transportation. Here is a guide regarding the route to Sarangkot:

Road transportation

Private Vehicle

Local Taxi: We highly recommend taxis for the convenient journey to Sarangkot from Pokhara. Depending upon the road conditions and traffic situation, it may take 20 to 30 minutes to reach the destination. You could hire a taxi almost anywhere in the city for a fare ranging anywhere from NPR 1,500 to NPR 2,500, depending on your bargaining ability and the type of vehicle.

Private Car or Jeep: Renting a car or jeep is a more comfortable and private option. This arrangement helps you decide your departure time and enjoy a few more people taking a ride together. Generally, such an arrangement would be slightly more expensive than a taxi but is a great deal if you're in a group.

Local Transportation ( Bus)

Another pocket-friendly option to reach Sarangkot from Pokhara is via public buses. They leave the main bus station at Lakeside, Pokhara, and go up toward Sarangkot. The bus ride is about 30 to 40 minutes, is very cheap (NPR 50 to NPR 100), but local buses tend not to run as often or as comfortably as taxis and can become packed during peak hours.

By Motorcycle/Scooter

For travelers who wish to explore Sarangkot at their pace, renting a motorcycle or scooter is another popular means. You could rent a bike in many rental shops scattered around Pokhara. The ride to Sarangkot takes about 30 minutes, with enough sights to delight your senses on route! The cost of renting a scooter ranges from NPR 500 to NPR 1,500 per day.

Hiking

For those in search of adventure, the hike to Sarangkot is yet another wonderful alternative. The trek begins with Lakeside, and it usually takes about 2 to 3 hours to get there. The trail is fairly easy and provides great views of Pokhara and the landscape in contrast; it is very rewarding for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You may, however, choose to walk at your pace or hire a local guide.

Helicopter Ride (Luxury Experience)

In the case of the luxuriously opulent, there exist helicopter services to Sarangkot. Several helicopter services are operational in Pokhara, which offers short flights to Sarangkot itself. The flight is of much shorter duration, lasting for about 10 to 15 minutes, and gives an exclusive aerial view of Pokhara Valley, with the iconic hills and serene lakes. It is very well suited for those who want to reach the zenith in an exclusive and picturesque way.

Best Time to Visit Sarangkot

Sarangkot, located a few kilometers right next to Pokhara, is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is usually specific to the experience one is seeking. The best time to visit Sarangkot is between September and November (autumn) and March and May (spring). This time is perfect in terms of weather and Himalayan view perspectives.

In Autumn, which stretches from September to November, Sarangkot experiences generally clear and dry weather. It is the time when most trekkers and adventure-seekers throng the area because of the clear, cloudless skies, which offer uninterrupted views of the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. It is pleasant and not too hot or too cold—perfect for walking, paragliding, and visiting. After the monsoon, everything is at its lushest, adding to the scenic beauty for photography lovers.

As for Spring (March to May), the weather at this time for Sarangkot is lovely—with daytime temperatures just going to the threshold of feeling warm but being cool at night. It is also another excellent time for outdoor activities. The area is well covered with flowering rhododendrons at this time, giving incredible colors in the landscape, thus making this time a feast for the eyes. Usually, the mountain views are clear, and the nice weather conditions provide an ideal opportunity to enjoy Sarangkot's famous sunrises and sunsets.

Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, but it's the off-peak tourist season, so lodging is cheaper and fewer tourists come. However, during this time, it rains, and one should think twice before planning one's paragliding because it is the monsoon season in Nepal, which affects visibility in outdoor activities, leaving rain showers making even outdoor activities difficult. If one doesn't mind rain and enjoys looking around at this wonderful place's beauty in solitude, then the summer is quite an enjoyable time.

In Sarangkot, winter is from December to February, and it can be cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. The cold is severe, and chances of snow are high in the higher elevations. Most clear skies during winter mean fantastic mountain views for photography if you can brave the cold. Winter is for those who like peace and don't mind extra clothing to stay warm.

Things to Do in Sarangkot

• Sunrise and Sunset Sceneries: Famous in Sarangkot for its magnificent sunrise and sunset scenery, with spectacular views of the Annapurna, Machapuchhare, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The viewpoint near the village is a great place to catch magic hours when nature paints the mountains with vibrant colors.
• Paragliding: For paragliding, Sarangkot is among the top places in Nepal. Take a tandem flight and enjoy the lovely sights of Pokhara, the lakes, and the mountains around. An experience worth the fame, especially when the sky is clear during the dry season.
• Hiking and Trekking Trails: Sarangkot gives you multiple beautiful hiking trails to choose from, such as Sarangkot to Naudanda, which offers a breathtaking view of the Annapurna range. You can also trek down to Pokhara and spend half of the day hiking through verdant forests.
• Visit Sarangkot Village: Sarangkot village is a calm spot to catch a glimpse of rural life in Nepal. Interact with locals, learn about Gurung culture, and enjoy nature at its peaceful best. It is also a great place for cultural immersion in photography. 
• Photography: Sarangkot is a perfect place for photographers because of panoramic views of the Himalayas, Pokhara Valley, and tranquil landscapes. The early morning and evening light provides wonderful conditions for capturing photographs of nature and rural life. 
• Visit the Viewpoint: From Sarangkot Viewpoint, the Himalayas, Phewa Lake, and Pokhara valley are breathtakingly 360 degree. Sarangkot Viewpoint is among the best places to find panoramic stills and silently enjoy the natural beauties of the area.
• Explore surrounding attractions: Near several Pokhara attractions such the World Peace Pagoda, Gupteshwor Cave, and Davi's Fall, Sarangkot is These sites are conveniently close to Sarangkot and improve the attractiveness of the surroundings.

Accommodation in Sarangkot

Sarangkot is a great spot to stay, hence everyone comes there. Top-notch hotels and resorts that provide opulent lodging and breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range and Phewa Lake from their own areas abound in Sarangkot among reasonably priced lodging options. These hotels provide first-rate service as well as accommodation and balconies with panoramic views. High-end, some of the lodging options provide spa treatments, multi-cuisine restaurants, and outdoor activities, including paragliding and guided trips. All of features make them perfect for those who like to lounge back off and still enjoy adventure.

For budget-conscious visitors, Sarangkot boasts several guesthouses and homestays. Usually, these feature somewhat modest lodging—that is, plain but comfortable with minimal amenities and kindness. With most choices within a short walk from the viewpoint, guesthouses or homestays provide a real taste of rural beauty in Sarangkot. Most also offer traditional Nepali cuisine, which allows visitors to sample it personally. Whether it's a fancy resort or a basic lodging, Sarangkot boasts a very serene environment to guarantee that everyone has a great stay surrounded by nature at its best.

Food in Sarangkot

While Sarangkot is primarily renowned for the panoramic views of the mountains and adventure sports, it offers a modest but fairly satisfying restaurant scene exhibiting the flavor of traditional Nepali cuisine. Almost all the local restaurants and teahouses serve hearty home-cooked meals like dal bhat tarkari (lentil soup and rice with vegetable curry), momos (Nepalese-style dumplings), and thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), which are cooked from the freshest vegetables procured locally. These meals provide you energy for trekking and activities while allowing you to experience a bit of that genuine Nepali hospitality. Most of the dining experiences come with spectacular views of the Himalayas—sunrise or sunset—and that makes even a simple meal extraordinary.

Sarangkot has fewer fine dining options than nearby Pokhara, though several guesthouses and lodges do offer their guests some rooftop dining with spectacular views. For further culinary exploration, including international and vegan options, head over to Pokhara Lakeside, a short drive away, where a rich food culture can satiate your palate: from cafes to bakeries and fine dining. Many travelers regard Sarangkot as a peaceful hideaway and make day trips for their main meals to Pokhara. Whether you crave classic Nepali delicacies or international fare, Sarangkot and surrounding areas offer enough to please a variety of palates while keeping those views on full display.

Available packages

Here are some travel packages that typically include Sarangkot:

• Pokhara Sunrise Tour: Early morning trip to Sarangkot for sunrise views over the Annapurna range.
• Pokhara City Tour: Includes visits to Sarangkot, World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and Phewa Lake.
• Annapurna Trekking package: Sarangkot on the addon option before or after the trek.