Chasing First Light Above Pokhara: The Sarangkot Sunrise Hike
A ridge-top ramble from Sarangkot to Naudada with the Annapurnas pouring over the horizon.
At 5 a.m., Pokhara is a hush of clinking teacups and the faint hiss of scooters. The lake still dreams, a mirror draped in mist. Up above, Sarangkot waits—a dark ridgeline that keeps its promises. By the time your jeep zigzags the last switchback and the tea stalls flick on their bulbs, the Himalaya begins to stir. Fishtail—Machhapuchhare—tilts its double summit into the indigo, and the white wall of Annapurna lights up in stages, as if someone is slowly turning the day’s dimmer switch.
Trail Wisdom
Start in the dark
Leave Pokhara by 4:45–5:00 a.m. to claim a good spot at the Sarangkot viewpoint before the glow-up begins.
Mind the stone steps
Sections can be slick with dew or monsoon moisture—wear shoes with reliable grip and step down deliberately.
Carry small cash
Bring rupees for tea houses and the modest viewpoint ticket at Sarangkot; cards aren’t accepted.
Share the ridge
This is a living trail—yield to livestock, greet locals, and stay off terraced crops to avoid damage.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Kaskikot Kalika Temple, a serene hilltop shrine with quiet morning views
- •Paragliding takeoff meadow west of Sarangkot—watch colorful wings rise into the big sky
Wildlife
Rhesus macaque, Himalayan bulbul
Conservation Note
Stay on established paths to protect fragile terrace edges and croplands, and pack out all trash—this popular ridge is also a living landscape.
Kaskikot, along this ridge, once served as a hill fort in the Kaski Kingdom, guarding trade routes before Nepal’s unification in the 18th century.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Rhododendron blooms, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Midday haze softening mountain views, Occasional pre-monsoon showers
Expect pleasant mornings, blooming hillsides, and slightly hazy afternoons. Views are best at sunrise.
summer
Best for: Lush greenery, Moody cloudscapes
Challenges: Monsoon rains, Leeches on vegetated sections
Monsoon brings dramatic skies and vibrant fields, but trails can be muddy and slippery; start early between showers.
fall
Best for: Crystal-clear views, Festive village atmosphere
Challenges: Dry, dusty paths, Popular season crowds at the viewpoint
Crisp air and the year’s best visibility make this the prime window for sunrise vistas and comfortable hiking.
winter
Best for: Sharp mountain clarity, Quiet trails
Challenges: Cold dawn temperatures, Icy patches on shaded steps
Cold mornings and brilliant skies reward early risers; carry a warm layer and tread carefully in the shade.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight trail shoes with good treadEssential
Stone steps and village paths can be slick—grippy soles add confidence.
HeadlampEssential
Pre-dawn starts are the norm; a headlamp makes the viewpoint approach safer.
Packable insulated jacketEssential
Dawn on the ridge is chilly, especially in winter; a light puffy keeps you comfortable while waiting for sunrise.
Trekking poles (collapsible)
Helpful for slick monsoon-season descents on stone steps and uneven paths.
Common Questions
How long is the hike from Sarangkot to Naudada?
Plan for 8–10 km (5–6 miles) along the ridge with modest undulation; most hikers take 3–4 hours after sunrise.
Do I need permits for this hike?
No trekking permits are required for the Sarangkot–Naudada ridge walk, though Sarangkot viewpoint may charge a small entry fee.
What time should I start to see the sunrise?
Leave Pokhara around 4:45–5:00 a.m. depending on season; sunrise typically falls between 5:15 a.m. (summer) and 6:45 a.m. (winter).
Is the trail suitable for children or beginners?
Yes. It’s a moderate ridge walk with steps and some short climbs; beginners with basic fitness should be comfortable.
Can I cut the hike short or arrange transport back to Pokhara?
Yes. Local taxis and jeeps are available in villages along the ridge and at Naudada for a quick return to town.
Are there restrooms on the route?
There are basic facilities at the Sarangkot viewpoint and at some tea houses along the ridge; carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
What to Pack
Headlamp for the pre-dawn approach; lightweight insulated jacket for chilly ridge-top waits; grippy trail shoes for slick stone steps; 1–1.5 liters of water with electrolytes to stay ahead of the sun.
Did You Know
Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), the striking double-summit peak above Pokhara, is considered sacred and has never been summited—climbing to its main summit is prohibited by the Nepalese government.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a sunrise transfer the day before to avoid morning haggling; bring small rupee notes for tea houses and the viewpoint; check sunrise times and cloud cover the night prior; if haze is heavy, consider waiting an extra day—falls and winters deliver the clearest mornings.
Local Flavor
Post-hike, head back to Lakeside for a bowl of thukpa or a plate of momos at a family-run café, then toast the morning with locally roasted coffee along Phewa Lake. If you want to keep the view alive, grab a seat on a rooftop terrace at sunset and watch paragliders sketch arcs over the water.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Pokhara International Airport (PKR). Trailhead: Sarangkot Viewpoint (30–45 min by taxi/jeep from Lakeside). Cell service: Generally available along the ridge but can be spotty in gullies. Permits: None required for Sarangkot–Naudada; a small viewpoint ticket may be collected at Sarangkot.
Sustainability Note
This ridge is woven through active farms and villages—pack out all waste, avoid walking on terrace edges, and ask before photographing residents. Your care helps keep access open and the trail welcoming.