Sarangkot

Sarangkot is a small village located about 5 km north of Pokhara in Nepal. Perched on a ridge overlooking Phewa Lake and the Annapurna Range, Sarangkot offers stunning views of some of the Himalayas' most famous peaks.

The village has long been an important vantage point for viewing the mountains. In the 1930s, pilots used to land on Sarangkot's flatlands to get a closer look at the mountains before proceeding on flight paths through the Himalayas. Today, Sarangkot remains a popular destination for tourists looking to see the Annapurna Range from above and paragliders taking advantage of its excellent thermals and updrafts.

Geographically, Sarangkot sits at 1,592 m (5,220 ft) on a steep ridge between Pokhara Valley and the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The village overlooks Phewa Lake, Nepal's second largest lake, and is within sight of famous Himalayan peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. Dense sub-tropical forests cover the lower parts of the ridge, transitioning to pine forests higher up.

The panoramic views, paragliding opportunities, and sunrise/sunset vistas continue to make Sarangkot a highlight for many visitors to Pokhara today. It provides a taste of village life in the foothills of the Himalayas along with jaw-dropping mountain scenery.

Getting to Sarangkot 

Sarangkot from Kathmandu

Tourist buses or flights are the most direct options for traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

  • Tourist Buses: Buses run frequent direct routes from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The winding 7-8 hour journey costs around $5-10 USD one-way.
  • Flights: There are regular 30-minute flights between the two cities. Flights provide aerial views of the Himalayas but come at a higher cost, generally $100-150 USD one-way.

Once in Pokhara, further transportation is needed to reach Sarangkot.

Sarangkot from Pokhara

Taxis offer the fastest transport from Pokhara to Sarangkot, only 20-30 minutes away, for around $10-15 USD each way. Local buses also make the trip for just $1-2 USD per person, taking 30-45 minutes. Trekkers can hike from Pokhara to Sarangkot in 1.5-2 hours, costing only the price of a good pair of shoes.

Best Time to Visit

Climate and Seasons

Sarangkot enjoys a subtropical climate with four main seasons. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are generally mild and dry, making these pleasant times to visit.

Summers (June-August) can be wet with higher chances of rain due to the monsoon. Winters (December-February) are cooler and drier, with occasionally frosty mornings and nights. Views of the mountains are clearest in autumn and spring.

Popular Activities

For paragliding, October to May is considered best, when the weather is drier and the skies are clearer.

Ideal months for sunrise/sunset viewing are October and November when skies tend to be crisp and cloudless. March to May is another popular season.

Trekking is pleasant in spring and autumn when temperatures are moderate. The monsoon brings more rain from June to August.

In summary, the recommended time to visit Sarangkot is in the autumn (September to November) or spring (March to May) to have drier weather and the best conditions for activities like paragliding, sunrise/sunset views, and trekking.

Accommodations

Sarangkot offers a range of lodging options to suit different budgets and styles. Mid-range guesthouses around $30-60 per night offer the best combination of value, amenities, and convenience for most travelers.

Guesthouses

These family-run lodges are clustered along the ridge and offer rooms with basics like beds, electric outlets, and wifi. Most have shared bathrooms and a common balcony area with mountain views. They provide access to village shops and restaurants.

Homestays

For about $10-20 per night, travelers can get a room and meals with a Nepali family. This offers cultural insight but less privacy. Homestays are scattered within the village houses.

Hotels

At the luxury end, hotels have upscale rooms with en-suite baths, resort amenities like pools, and higher elevations with panoramic vistas. Budget hotels clustered in town have cheaper rooms but fewer amenities.

Location Recommendations

Guesthouses along the main ridge like Poon Hill Lodge or Hotel View Point balance affordability and views. Lower hotels can be cheaper but lack mountain vistas. Upper hotels offer the best views but are pricier and isolated.

For accessibility, mid-range guesthouses near village shops and restaurants are recommended. Homestays offer cultural immersion in the local community. Ultimately Sarangkot has a range of delightful, hospitable stays for travelers of all budgets.

Activities in Sarangkot

Sunrise and Sunset Viewing

  • The best spots are Panorama Hill and World Peace Pagoda which offer unobstructed eastern views. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
  • Bring warm layers as it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings.

Paragliding

  • Reputable operators like Pokhara Paragliding and Nepal Eco Adventure provide experienced pilots and international certification.
  • Verify equipment quality and weather conditions before flying. Early morning flights are less turbulent.

Hiking and Trekking

  • Popular routes go to Panorama Hill, Australian Camp, and World Peace Pagoda. Even short hikes can have steep inclines, so bring proper footwear.
  • Check the weather and allow ample time to complete treks before sunset. Locals can guide on routes.

Photography

  • For panoramas featuring the Annapurna Range, head to Sarangkot's western edge at sunrise/sunset.
  • Use a zoom lens to capture detailed shots of distant peaks and a wide angle for valleys and villages below.
  • Adjust settings for crisp focus and vivid color in the intense mountain light. A polarizer filter can help saturate the sky.

Cultural Experiences

Local Customs and Traditions

  • Observe important Nepali Hindu festivals like Dashain (Sept/Oct) and Tihar (Oct/Nov) celebrated brightly in the villages.
  • Witness a traditional Nepali wedding with rituals like exchanging flower garlands.
  • Notice the important role of prayer in daily life through home shrines and temple visits.

Nearby Villages and Tours

  • Take a guided village walk to see heritage sites like Bindhyabasini Temple and learn about rural life.
  • Visit Khaste Lake for its spiritual significance and observe pilgrims performing rituals.
  • Trek to nearby settlements like Kaskikot for insights into village subsistence like farming and pottery.

Interacting with Locals

  • Stay in a Nepali homestay to experience authentic culture and hospitality.
  • Chat with villagers along trails; many enjoy connecting with international visitors.
  • Support local shops, teahouses, and guides - their insights enrich the experience greatly.
  • Respect cultural norms such as wearing modest clothing at sacred sites.

Immersing in the local culture provides memories to cherish long after leaving Sarangkot. Village tours, homestays, festivals, and daily interactions offer a window into traditional Nepali life in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Dining and Cuisine

Local Delicacies

  • Dal bhat (lentil soup, rice, curried vegetables) - available at most local teahouses
  • Momos (dumplings) - try places like Momo Hut and Everest Momos
  • Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) - Tibetan restaurants in lakeside Pokhara like OR2K offer excellent thukpa
  • Juju dhau (king yogurt) - found at teahouses and shops in Sarangkot village

Recommended Restaurants/Cafes

  • Cafe Conveni - an open-air cafe with Western dishes, known for its breakfasts
  • Lake View Resort - upscale dining with panoramic views, specialty momos
  • Phewa Dock - laidback pizza place by the lake in Pokhara, lively nightlife

Many local teahouses in Sarangkot also offer traditional Nepali thalis (plate meals) and mountain views for under $5-10 USD. Hotel restaurants provide international cuisines. For authentic Nepali food, small local cafes are recommended.

Safety and Travel Tips

Altitude Sickness

  • Sarangkot sits at around 1600 meters. Altitude sickness is uncommon but can affect some.
  • Stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake. Descend immediately if experiencing headaches, nausea, or dizziness.

Hydration

  • The hilly terrain and high altitude cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Always carry bottled water when hiking and trekking. Avoid tap water to stay healthy.

Medical Facilities

  • The nearest hospital is Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital, a 30-minute drive from Sarangkot.
  • Local clinics like the Sarangkot Health Post can treat minor ailments. Pharmacies sell common medications.

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 100
  • Ambulance Services: 102
  • Pokhara Tourism Information Center: +977 61 463677

Safety Tips

  • Use reputable guides and companies, especially for activities like paragliding.
  • Keep valuables safe and steer clear of isolated areas at night.
  • Check weather forecasts and dress appropriately for outdoor activities.

Exercising caution around health, safety, and scams will allow visitors of all ages to enjoy Sarangkot safely and comfortably.

Sustainable Tourism

Respect the Local Environment

  • Do not litter. Carry out all non-biodegradable waste.
  • Stick to designated trails when hiking to avoid trampling vegetation.
  • Be mindful of wildlife. Keep distance from animals and do not feed them.
  • Conserve resources like water and electricity during your stay.

Respect Local Culture

  • Dress and behave appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
  • Ask permission before photographing locals, especially during religious rituals.
  • Purchase souvenirs from local artisans to support the community.
  • Try to learn basic Nepali phrases to interact respectfully with residents.

Practice Responsible Tourism

  • Choose eco-friendly accommodations and tour companies committed to sustainability.
  • Contribute to the local economy by hiring local guides, drivers, and teahouses.
  • Avoid single-use plastic bottles and disposable toiletry items.
  • Travel in smaller groups to minimize environmental impact.

With mindfulness and respect for Sarangkot's natural beauty and Nepali traditions, travelers can protect this special destination for future generations to enjoy. Small thoughtful measures go a long way.

Nearby Attractions and Day Trips

Nearby Attractions

  • Pokhara - Wander the lakeside boulevard with shops, restaurants, and mountain views. Visit the old bazaar, Devi's Falls, and museums.
  • Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake - Take a taxi or bus to these tranquil lakes about 1.5 hours from Pokhara. Enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and village stays.
  • Mahendra Cave - Visit this fascinating limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites, about 2 hours drive west of Pokhara.
  • Ghachok - Ride a cable car up to this charming hilltop town overlooking the valleys near Pokhara.

Organized Tours and Excursions

  • Annapurna Sanctuary Trek - Multi-day guided trek into the high mountains surrounding Annapurna Base Camp.
  • Paragliding tours - Organized tandem paragliding flights over Pokhara with transportation arranged.
  • Zip-flyer - Fast zipline ride starting high on Sarangkot ridge and soaring over the valley.
  • Day rafting trips - Whitewater rafting excursions on the Kali Gandaki River are easily arranged through agencies.

With stunning mountains, lakes, and cultural sites nearby, there are plenty of exciting activities and destinations to explore around Pokhara and Sarangkot.

Summary of Sarangkot Experience

Nestled high above Pokhara, Sarangkot offers a breathtaking vantage point to admire the majesty of the Himalayas. From the panoramas at sunrise and sunset to lazy days traversing forested ridges, Sarangkot immerses visitors in the stunning natural beauty of Nepal. Amidst the soaring peaks, there are also opportunities to discover local cultures through village walks, festivals, and homestays with welcoming Nepali families. The access to adrenaline-pumping activities like paragliding combined with Himalayan hospitality makes Sarangkot an unforgettable destination for adventurous souls seeking culture and jaw-dropping mountain scenery.

Additional Resources

Sarangkot Website: http://sarangkot.com/ - Provides information on accommodations, attractions, and activities.

Lonely Planet Guide to Sarangkot: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal/sarangkot - Overview, top sights and planning essentials.