Sarangkot, Pokhara: The Best Spot for Views & Adventure

Sarangkot, a popular tourist destination in Pokhara, Nepal, is situated on a mountainside ridge overlooking the city and Phewa Lake. Renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri, Sarangkot has attracted visitors since tourism began in Nepal. Beyond the stunning sunrise and mountain views, Sarangkot provides a glimpse into peaceful village life. It is also known as one of the best paragliding locations in the world.

Beyond its scenic charm, Sarangkot offers a glimpse into peaceful rural life, with small villages showcasing local traditions and warm hospitality. It is also globally recognized as one of the best paragliding destinations, attracting adventure seekers eager to soar above Pokhara and Phewa Lake. Whether for adventure or relaxation, Sarangkot remains an unforgettable destination for all travelers.

Table of Contents

• Best things to do in Sarangkot
• Best time of year to visit Sarangkot
• The main attractions in Sarangkot.
• The best way to get to Sarangkot from Pokhara.

Best things to do in Sarangkot

1. Paragliding: Sarangkot is considered one of the world’s top destinations for paragliding.
2. Ziplining: Experience the world’s longest and fastest zipline, launching from the top of Sarangkot.
3. Hiking and Trekking: Hike the trail from Sedi to Sarangkot or trek towards Annapurna and Panchase. The popular South Trail starts at the lake and ascends 2000 feet in about 2.5 miles.
4. Wildlife Viewing: Enjoy bird watching and the possibility of spotting tigers or leopards.
5. See the Annapurna Range: Offers a spectacular view of the Annapurna range, including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, and Lamjung.
6. Visit the Temple: A small Shiva temple sits at the mountain’s peak

Best time of year to visit Sarangkot

The best times to visit Sarangkot are during the autumn months (September to November) and the spring months (March to May).

1. Autumn (September to November): This period offers clear skies, providing unobstructed views of the Annapurna range and the sunrises Sarangkot is known for. The moderate temperatures are ideal for early morning treks to the viewpoint. The post-monsoon greenery also enhances the landscapes. This time is considered a peak tourist season for Sarangkot, and by September, the weather improves.
2. Spring (March to May): The weather is warm and the skies remain clear, which provides great opportunities for paragliding and photography of blooming rhododendrons and terraced fields. Mornings are generally clearer than afternoons during this season.

October to April is also considered a good time to visit for clear views, but weather patterns can be unpredictable. Sarangkot is best visited in the morning for sunrise views, as it can get cloudy in the afternoon.

The main attractions in Sarangkot

1. Sarangkot View Point: A premier hiking destination near Pokhara for viewing the Himalayas. Witness the sunrise and sunset over the Annapurna range.
2. Paragliding: Sarangkot is one of the top paragliding destinations in the world, offering tandem flights with experienced pilots.
3. Zip-lining: Experience a thrilling ride on one of the world’s longest and fastest zip lines.
4. Hiking and Trekking: Enjoy various trails through lush forests and traditional villages.
5. Haredanda View Point: A serene escape in Pokhara that offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range.
6. Tal Barahi Temple: Visit this enchanting Hindu shrine on Phewa Lake in Pokhara.
7. Bindhya Basini Temple: Perched on a hill, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati and offers views of the Annapurna ranges.

Other attractions near Sarangkot:

8. Seti River Gorge: Experience the breathtaking beauty where turquoise waters meet stunning cliffs.
9. Mahendra Cave: Adventure lovers can explore this cave with stalactites and stalagmites, but should take precautions like carrying torches

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The best way to get to Sarangkot from Pokhara

The best ways to get to Sarangkot from Pokhara include bus, taxi, hike, or the Annapurna Cable Car.

• Bus: Take a green bus from Lakeside to Zero KM for NPR 15. Then, transfer to a mini-van to Baglung Bus Park for NPR 20. From Baglung Bus Park, a local bus to Sarangkot costs NPR 50 and takes about 30 minutes; buses depart approximately every two hours from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The bus will drop you off at the paragliding site. The entire bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and costs around Rs 100.
• Taxi: A taxi ride to Sarangkot takes about 30 minutes. Negotiate the fare in advance, with prices ranging from NPR 1000 to NPR 1500 for a round trip.
• Hike: Hiking to Sarangkot takes approximately 1.5 hours.
• Annapurna Cable Car: Opened in 2022, the cable car provides a scenic ride to Sarangkot. A two-way ticket costs Rs. 700 for Nepali citizens, Rs. 1,000 for SAARC citizens, and USD 12 for foreigners (payable in Nepali Rupees). The cable car covers a distance of 2.2 km in 10 minutes, departing from Sedibagar, Pokhara. A free shuttle bus is available in the mornings from Lakeside to the cable car base station

Sarangkot is a must-visit destination in Nepal, offering a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and cultural experiences. Whether you are drawn by the thrill of paragliding, the serenity of sunrise views over the Himalayas, or the charm of traditional village life, Sarangkot has something for every traveler. Just a short ride from Pokhara, this stunning hilltop retreat offers an easy escape into nature without straying far from the city’s lively atmosphere. Make Sarangkot a highlight of your Pokhara journey and experience the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.

FAQs

1. What are the best things to do in Sarangkot?
   The top activities include paragliding, zip-lining, hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying breathtaking views of the Annapurna range.
2. When is the best time to visit Sarangkot?
   The best times to visit are during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) for clear skies and ideal weather conditions.
3. What are the main attractions in Sarangkot?
   Key attractions include the Sarangkot Viewpoint, Haredanda Viewpoint, Tal Barahi Temple, Bindhya Basini Temple, and adventure activities like paragliding and zip-lining.
4. How can I reach Sarangkot from Pokhara?
   You can reach Sarangkot by bus, taxi, hiking, or taking the Annapurna Cable Car, with each option offering different levels of convenience and cost.
5. How much does the Annapurna Cable Car cost?
   A two-way ticket costs Rs. 700 for Nepali citizens, Rs. 1,000 for SAARC citizens, and USD 12 for foreigners, payable in Nepali Rupees.