Nepal has plenty of viewpoints, but none can compare to the charm and stunning scenery of the Sarangkot Viewpoint in Pokhara. Sarangkot lies in the formerly known VDC of Pokhara in Kaski district, which was later merged into the main city of Pokhara. Sarangkot is an incredible hill station in Nepal, located 5 kilometers from Pokhara’s lakeside.
Sarangkot is a popular tourist destination because it offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna region’s major mountains, including the Annapurna Massif (8,091 meters), Machhapuchhre (6,993 meters), and Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters). Sarangkot’s beauty is best seen in the early morning while there is still fog. Just below the viewpoint, you’ll find a small village that lies on an ancient fort. This spot is perfect for paragliders to fly.
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How To Reach Sarangkot Viewpoint
Knowing when and how to get to the Sarangkot Viewpoint is important before you go there. The snowy mountains will be easy to see if you go during peak season. During the rainy season, you might be unable to see the mountains or clear views of the surroundings. You can reach Sarangkot Viewpoint in numerous ways, such as:
By Drive
The most popular route to reach Sarangkot Viewpoint is by drive. Instead of booking a taxi in the morning, be sure to schedule one for the evening. Your taxi will arrive at your hotel to pick you up. The journey to the viewpoint usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, but it can vary based on the weather. You’ll be dropped off at the starting point; from there, it’s up to you to walk the rest of the way to the top. If that’s what you want, the taxi will wait at least an hour for you.
By Motorcycle
You have the option to rent a motorcycle or hire one along with a driver. Pick-up and drop-off are common among Nepali youths. The road is in excellent condition due to the boost in the tourism budget. Make sure to wear a helmet to keep yourself safe from accidents.
By Hiking
If you’re someone who loves to explore the great outdoors, consider hiking to Sarangkot. The walk lasts roughly 5 hours. The trail starts at the Baglung bus park, or you may choose the one that begins at Phewa Lake (Phedi). If you want to enjoy an early hike, it’s best to start early in the morning. The trail ahead is steep and has its challenges, so make sure to walk carefully.
Best Time to Visit Sarangkot
If you’re planning a trip to Sarangkot, the autumn months from September to November are usually the best for clear weather and stunning views of the Himalayas. This season brings mostly clear skies, providing stunning views of the Annapurna range and the gorgeous sunrises that Sarangkot is known for. The pleasant temperatures at this time make it perfect for an early morning hike to the viewpoint at Sarangkot, avoiding the harsh cold or the heat and humidity typical of other seasons. The greenery after the monsoon enhances the beauty of the lush landscapes around Sarangkot, making your visit even more unforgettable.
Another great time to visit Sarangkot is spring, from March to May. Spring has nice and sunny weather. It is perfect for paragliding and capturing photos of blooming rhododendrons and beautiful terraced fields. Mornings in spring tend to be clearer, but afternoons might sometimes get a bit hazy. For the best views and cooler temperatures, planning a morning trip to Sarangkot during this season is a good idea. When traveling in autumn, you should pack some light layers for comfort. The early mornings and evenings can be pretty cool, especially if you’re at the higher elevations of Sarangkot.
Activities around Sarangkot View Point
Witness the Best Sunrise in Nepal
Many tourists visit Sarangkot, and from this view tower, they can see breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan Mountains. The most captivating and awaiting moments at this viewpoint are sunrise and sunset. To witness the panoramic views of Himalayan peaks against the backdrop of beautiful hues of the sun, people travel to the location in the early mornings and late evenings.
Paragliding
Sarangkot is one of Nepal’s most popular paragliding and tandem paragliding destinations. Before you have this wonderful experience, you can attend some brief classes in this town to prepare. You can take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity once you receive the necessary knowledge. Since 2007, this well-known place has provided visitors and adventurers with paragliding choices. A global award is given to all paragliding pilots that provide paragliding training. When you choose team paragliding, you will be able to ride with highly skilled pilots.
Hiking Around Sarangkot
In addition to thrilling adventures, hiking is the most preferred activity in Sarangkot. You can hike to several different spots from this charming village. You can join the Annapurna trekking trail from this site if you want. If you’re not an experienced trekker, you might consider taking a day or two to hike in the nearby areas around Sarangkot.
Zipline
Sarangkot is the world’s steepest, tallest, and longest zipline. It is also the deadliest adventurous thing to do in Sarangkot. A 600-meter drop and a 1.8-kilometer-long-zip line let people fly at 120 kilometers per hour and slide over forests, fields, and valleys.
Bungee Jumping
Bunjee Jumping is one of the great, exciting things you can do in Sarangkot. The spot is a fifteen-minute drive from Sarangkot, which is near the lake in Pokhara. You will love the beautiful cliffs, lakes, and valleys when you jump from 70 meters in the air. Pokhara’s bungee jumping is one of the most exciting and daring things to do in Sarangkot and all of Nepal.
Attraction Nearby Sarangkot
International Mountain Museum
International Mountain Museum is one of the nearby attractions of Sarangkot. International Mountain Museum is the best place to learn about mountaineering and mountain habitation. The mountain museum has three chambers. They are the main attractions at the museum.
The first, “Hall of the Mountains,” displays people living in the highlands, as well as their culture and way of life. The second hall, “Hall of World Mountains,” displays the greatest peaks, which are over 8000 meters high. Finally, the “Hall of Mountain Activities” provides complete information about mountaineering. You must visit this museum if you want to learn more about climbing and interesting mountain-related topics.
Tal Barahi Temple
Tal Barahi Temple is a small island temple in Phewa Lake, which is one of the attractions near Sarangkot. The Goddess Durga was honored in this temple. The temple is also called Lake Temple or Barahi Temple. The most interesting part is that it is built in the pagoda style. The two-pagoda structure makes up the whole temple. For Hindus, Tal Barahi Temple is one of the most well-known and significant.
Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake is one of the biggest freshwater lakes in Nepal and a popular place for tourists. It sits at a height of 742 meters, giving you stunning views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. Two exciting spots by the lake are Tal Barahi Temple and the eastern banks of Baidam. If you try paragliding, you’ll come across the lake.
Mahendra Cave
One of the best places to visit close to Sarangkot is this one. Adventurers can go to this cave. The caves’ formation with stalactites and stalagmites was the most interesting. The way through this cave is interesting and hard to understand because it has a lot of zigzag turns and slopes. Tourists must take some safety precautions before going into the cave, such as bringing torches, emergency supplies, headlights, and so on. Also, don’t be scared of the bats in the caves.
Bindhya Basini Temple
The Bindhya Basini temple, which sits on a hill at an elevation of 3,000 feet, is a great place to see the Annapurna ranges. The temple looks like a white hut, with other temples all around it. People believe that Goddess Bhagwati protects the Pokhara city, and this temple was built to dedicate her. Along the way to the temple, there are also a lot of interesting shops.
Conclusion
The Sarangkot Viewpoint in Pokhara is a favorite among hikers and a top choice for those exploring the area. You can see the breathtaking Sarangkot sunrise and the magical view of golden mountain peaks after the sun goes down. You need to go on an early morning hike, which usually starts around 3 a.m., to see the sunrise. It takes about three hours to get from the base of Sarangkot to the view tower, and that’s when the sun comes from the east.
FAQs
Which peaks are visible from Sarangkot?
You can see panoramic Himayan views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu from Sarangkot. The views are especially beautiful at sunrise when the sun casts golden light on the snow-capped peaks. Sarangkot offers a great vantage point from which to admire these majestic peaks.Â
How long is the hike to Sarangkot?
The hike to Sarangkot is about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and where you start from. The trail is well-marked and not too difficult, but it can be a bit steep in some parts. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages and forests, and the views get better as you go higher.Â
What is Sarangkot famous for?
Sarangkot is famous for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. It has beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You can see the mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhare, glowing in the early morning or evening light. Sarangkot is also popular for paragliding.Â
Can you see Mount Everest from Sarangkot?
No, you cannot see Mount Everest from Sarangkot. Sarangkot is a popular viewpoint near Pokhara, known for its beautiful sunrise views and stunning sights of mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). However, Mount Everest is too far away and cannot be seen from there.Â
Does it snow in Sarangkot?
Yes, it can snow in Sarangkot during the winter months, especially from December to February. Higher elevations can experience frost and light snowfall. The average temperature during the day is 15 degrees Celcius, and at night, it is 5 degrees Celcius.Â