Stairway to the Sky: An Easy Hike to Sarangkot’s Big-Mountain View
A half-day climb with full-scale Himalaya: steps, tea houses, and a sunrise worth the early alarm.
The stone steps rise from the edge of Phewa Lake like an invitation. Dawn hasn’t warmed the air yet, and the lake breathes a cool mist that nudges you forward as if to say, Go see what the mountains are doing today. In Pokhara, mornings are an unhurried ritual, and the easy hike to Sarangkot—an airy ridge perched above the city—turns that ritual into reward. As the path gains the ridge, the Annapurna Range begins to materialize: Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) sharpening against the sky, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli sliding into view, and on clear days, the long white shoulder of Dhaulagiri hovering on the horizon. The Himalaya doesn’t shout here; it simply shows up and lets you stare.
Trail Wisdom
Start before dawn
Plan to reach the viewpoint 20–30 minutes before sunrise; skies are typically clearest in the early morning.
Hydrate and pace
Carry 1–2 liters of water and take steady breaks—most people gain 700–800 m over 2–3 hours without rushing.
Mind the steps
Stone stairs can be slick in rain or dew; wear shoes with good tread and use handrails where available.
Bring small bills
Carry Nepali rupees for the modest Sarangkot viewpoint fee and tea house stops along the way.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quiet ridge path behind the main viewpoint that offers fewer crowds and wide-angle lake views
- •Sedi village staircase route with shaded segments and tea stalls
Wildlife
Himalayan bulbul, Langur monkey
Conservation Note
The slopes above Phewa Lake include community-managed forests and sensitive watersheds—stick to the main trail, avoid litter, and support local tea houses.
Sarangkot once served as a hilltop lookout for the Kaski kingdom prior to Nepal’s unification; today it’s a renowned sunrise and paragliding vantage over Pokhara.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Rhododendron blooms, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Intermittent haze, Occasional pre-monsoon showers
March–May brings color to the hills and comfortable hiking temps; early mornings are best for mountain clarity.
summer
Best for: Lush greenery, Dramatic cloud breaks
Challenges: Monsoon rains, Slippery steps and leeches
June–September is wet and humid—start early, bring rain gear, and expect limited but sometimes spectacular mountain windows.
fall
Best for: Crystal-clear views, Stable weather
Challenges: Crowds at sunrise, Strong sun at altitude
October–November is prime time for crisp air and reliable vistas—arrive early to beat the bus tours.
winter
Best for: Crisp, clear mornings, Low humidity
Challenges: Chilly starts, Icy patches after cold snaps
December–February can be cold but offers excellent visibility; dress in layers and keep moving.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight trail shoes with good treadEssential
Stone steps and occasional slick spots reward grip and nimble footing.
1–2L hydration and electrolytesEssential
The climb is steady; staying hydrated helps maintain a comfortable pace.
Packable rain shell
Monsoon clouds can burst without warning; a light shell keeps you moving.
Warm layer (fleece or light puffy)
Cold dawn air at 1,600 m can bite, especially when you stop to watch sunrise.
Common Questions
How long does the hike to Sarangkot take?
Most hikers take 2–3 hours to ascend from Lakeside via Sedi and 1–2 hours to descend. Guided trips often plan for 4–5 hours total.
Is the Sarangkot hike suitable for beginners?
Yes. It’s a steady stair-climb on well-defined paths. Beginners with basic fitness can manage it with breaks and proper footwear.
Do I need a permit for this hike?
No trekking permit is required for Sarangkot. A small local fee is sometimes collected at the viewpoint—carry cash.
What mountains can I see from Sarangkot?
On clear mornings you can see Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and, at times, Dhaulagiri in the distance.
Is there food or water available on the route?
Yes. Tea houses along the trail sell tea, snacks, and simple breakfasts. Bring your own water to start and top up if needed.
Can I combine this with paragliding?
Yes. Paragliding launches near Sarangkot by mid-morning. Many travelers hike for sunrise and then transfer to a launch site with an operator.
What to Pack
Trail runners for grip on stone steps; 1–2 liters of water with electrolytes to manage the sustained climb; a light insulating layer for chilly pre-dawn air at the viewpoint; cash (small bills) for the viewpoint fee and a hot cup of tea.
Did You Know
Annapurna I (8,091 m), often visible from Sarangkot on clear days, was the first 8,000-meter peak ever climbed, summited in 1950 by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal.
Quick Travel Tips
Take a taxi to the Sedi trailhead to save time and start the climb on quieter steps; Aim for sunrise for the clearest views before haze builds; Download offline maps—service is decent but can be spotty in gullies; Bring a headlamp for pre-dawn sections and to keep hands free on stairs.
Local Flavor
Refuel lakeside with dal bhat or a plate of steamed momos, then catch a wooden doonga boat to Tal Barahi Temple for a quick island visit. If you want a culture fix, the Gurkha Museum and the Old Bazaar offer a grounded look at Pokhara beyond the shoreline cafés.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Pokhara International (PKR). Trailhead: Lakeside or Sedi village, 15–25 minutes by taxi from most hotels. Drive time to viewpoint if shuttling: ~30 minutes. Cell service: Generally good on ridge (Ncell/Nepal Telecom), spotty in shaded gullies. Permits: No trekking permit; small local viewpoint fee may apply. Start time: 4:30–5:30 a.m. season-dependent for sunrise.
Sustainability Note
You’re hiking above Phewa Lake’s watershed—carry out all trash, refill water at tea houses instead of buying single-use bottles, and remain on established steps to prevent erosion on community-managed slopes.