5 best day trips from Pokhara

Day trips compared

The day trips

25 km · About 1 hour by car, plus 1 hour's walk

1.Australian Camp and Dhampus

A short walk from the road at Kande climbs through forest to Australian Camp, a grassy ridge with close views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas. You can continue through the Gurung village of Dhampus and descend to Phedi in a day, or stay overnight for sunrise.

Getting there

Taxi to Kande, then hike

Best for

Families, First-timers, Couples

50 km · About 2–3 hours by jeep

2.Ghandruk

A large Gurung village of stone houses and slate roofs on a hillside facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, with a small Gurung museum. Roads now reach close to the village, making it possible as a long day trip, though an overnight stay is more rewarding.

Getting there

Jeep or car via Nayapul and Kimche

Best for

Culture, Couples, Solo travellers

80 km · About 2.5–3 hours by car

3.Bandipur

A preserved Newar hill town on an old trading route, with a car-free main street of 18th- and 19th-century brick houses, temples and views of the Himalaya from the Tundikhel ridge. It is a natural stop on the road between Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Getting there

Private car, or bus to Dumre then local transport

Best for

Culture, Quiet stays, Couples

20 km · About 1 hour by car, then a hike

4.Panchase

The forested Panchase hills west of Phewa Lake have a sacred lake and temple near the summit at around 2,500 metres, rich birdlife and views across to the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri. Short sections can be done in a day, or as a two- to three-day trek.

Getting there

Taxi or jeep to the trailhead, then walking

Best for

Solo travellers, Quiet stays

120 km · About 4–5 hours by road

5.Tansen

A hill town in Palpa with steep Newar lanes, the Rani Mahal palace on the Kali Gandaki and Dhaka cloth weaving. It is far for a return day trip and is best as an overnight stop on the way south.

Getting there

Bus or private car on the Siddhartha Highway

Best for

Culture, Quiet stays

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Tourist buses connect Pokhara with Kathmandu (about 200 km, typically 6–8 hours) and Chitwan, and local buses run to Begnas and trailheads such as Nayapul.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask