There are many viewpoints in Nepal, but none of them match the allure and beauty of the Sarangkot viewpoint in Pokhara. Sarangkot sits in the formerly known VDC of Pokhara in Kaski district, which was later added in the main city of Pokhara. Sarangkot is an amazing hill station in Nepal, which sits 5km from the Lakeside of Pokhara. It is the major destination for tourists, as it presents the picturesque views of the major mountains of the Annapurna region like Annapurna massif (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). The beauty of Sarangkot is best witnessed in the morning when there is still morning fog. There is a small village just below the viewpoint, which sits on an ancient fort. It is also the best place for paragliders to fly.
A Brief History
The Sarangkot Viewpoint has always been there since the beginning. As the tourism business flourished in Pokhara, so did the number of tourists wanting to visit this amazing viewpoint. Sarangkot Viewpoint is a mini version of the Poon Hill, but it offers almost the same level of scenery and enthusiasm as the Poon hill. There is a small temple here, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the morning, people come here to witness the glorious mountain peaks whereas during the day people visit here to relax.
How to get Sarangkot View Point
Before you venture towards the Sarangkot Viewpoint, it is necessary for you to understand when and how to reach there. If it’s the peak season, then you can expect to find clear views of the snowy mountains. You might not be able to observe the mountains or get a clear view of the surroundings during the monsoon season. There are numerous ways by which you can reach Sarangkot view point.
Some of them are discussed below:
By Drive
This is the most popular way that leads to Sarangkot view Point. Instead of getting a taxi in the morning, make sure that you arrange a taxi at evening. The taxi will come to pick you up at your hotel. The ride to the viewpoint may take somewhere between 30 to 40 minutes depending upon the weather conditions. They will drop you off at the starting point from where you have to walk the remaining part to reach the top. If you insist, then the taxi will wait for you there for at least an hour.
By motorcycle
You can either rent a motorcycle or hire a one with a driver. There is an increasing facility of pick and drop among Nepali youths. The road is in excellent condition due to the increase in tourism budget. Do be sure that you need to wear a helmet to protect yourself from mishaps.
By Walking
If you are one of those people, who wish to explore the great outdoors, then you can choose to head to Sarangkot on foot. The walk takes about 5 hours. The trail goes from the Baglung bus park, or you can choose the trail that leaves from Phewa Lake (Phedi). If you wish to observe an early hike, then it is recommended that you start very early in the morning. The remote trail is steep and full of setbacks, so be sure to walk carefully.
Tour option
If you wish to escape the hassle of traveling by oneself, then you can choose to travel with Tour agency as all the tour company include this place on their tour program.
Permits and fees to enter the Sarangkot View point
To enter the Sarangkot Viewpoint, you must pay certain fees for the permit. There is a slight difference in pricing for Nepali and non-Nepali citizen. Do carry spare change to pay the entrance fees. There are small souvenir shops and tea shops leading to the viewpoint. If you want, then you can choose to have some breakfast or tea/coffee. The price can be a bit high here, but the view is simply stunning.
Things to do around Sarangkot Viewpoint
If you are in Sarangkot, then the best thing to do besides watching the mountains is to indulge in paragliding. This is an extreme sport and is getting very popular nowadays. The flight lasts for about 30 minutes, and it shows you an aerial view of the Pokhara valley along with mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Himchuli. The colossal Fewa Lake also looks stunning from here. The best time to indulge in paragliding is from October to April.
You can combine this trip with other activities as well. You can include this in your Pokhara Day tour. In a nutshell, the Sarangkot viewpoint is an integral part of the Pokhara trip, and one must visit it at least once in order to witness the actual beauty behind it.
We have a Pokhara Day tour, Pokhara Tour, Best of Nepal Tour that inlcudes Sarangkot view point to see the sunrise over the great Himalayas.
