Hill Stations Around Pokhara
In contrast with the plain land setting, small hills and hillocks on the shadow of towering Himalayan range is the great virtue of natural heritage in Pokhara. The vision of the beautiful scene of the Himalayan range is the prime attraction of these hilltops. Each of these hilltops has enchanting and romantic views of Pokhara valley, green forest, gorgeous and sky scraper snow capped mountains and beautiful lakes. Accessible by surface transport or two to five hours of trekking or pony, some of these hilltops are full of agro (farming) and cultural activities. There is home stay facility for the visitors with rural tourism activities in the surrounding villages of these hilltops.
Sarangkot
This, 1,592 m. high hill, located on the northern side of Phewa Tal, is one of the most popular destinations for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the Pokhara valley and Phewa Tal. Enjoying the sunrise and sunset from this former Kaski fort is an experience not to be missed when visiting Pokhara. It is also a thrill to watch tandem and solo paraglide taking off daily just below the top. Walking up the stone steps from the north end of Lakeside (Sedi) takes 2 -3 hours, while taxis can take you up just below the summit. A day trip on a motorbike is a fun way to explore the mountain, its local villages all the way along the ridge top to Naudanda or down to Pame at the end of the Phewa Lake. It’s very windy place which provides cool and exciting experience.
Kaskikot
Kaski was the ancestral state of the Shah Kings of Nepal and Kaskikot was the capital of Kaski since 1650 years ago. It lies 6 km.away from Sarangkot at an elevation of 1788m. There is a very old temple of goddess kali which is situated at the top of the hill . It is a truly beautiful viewpoint and is easily accessible by any type of vehicle or on foot. It is such a nice destination that from where the Pokhara valley, green forest with beautiful landscapes, gorgeous and sky scraper snow capped mountains and the lakes are clearly visible which proofs that Kaskikot is definitely worth a visit. it can be dine in one-day visit tour or more from Pokhara.
Thulakot
With an elevation of 1450 m., located 17 km. north-east from Lakeside, is a perfect hill station to view the Phewa and Kamal Tal ‘lake’ of Pokhara and Begnas, Maidi, Dipang, Gude, Nureni and Khaste lakes of Lekhnath including the view of all the ranges of mountain from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu. Thulakot also carries a historic importance as it was one of the Chaubise (twenty- four) kingdoms of Kaski. One should look for a good weather before coming to this place as this place would look heavenly on a clear/sunny day when you can see the mountains so close that you might think you could reach there in a day. Thulakot is accessible by any means of transport, and there is regular service of local buses to this spot from Pokhara city.
Foksing Hill
It is a hill station about 4 km. south of Pokhara airport with an elevation of 1082 m. from the sea level. It is a beautiful ridge, rich especially in topographical point of view. The view of the whole Pokhara valley, its lakes and surroundings, evergreen hills with the background of full Annapurna mountain range is so lovely and worth seeing from this hill that could be hardly taken from any place on the earth. Observing the scenes in the morning and at moon-lit night is even more pleasant and alluring. Watching take off and landing aircraft at Pokhara airport is additional most pleasant scene from this hill station.
Kahun Danda
With an elevation of 1449 m, located 10 km to the east from Lakeside, Kahundanda is a joyful spot to have the panoramic view of snow capped mountains, beautiful landscapes, green hills, forests, rivers, lakes and the Pokhara Valley. One can see the forked summit of Machhapuchhre and other mountains from the hilltop.
It is not a fort or station for military purpose. It is a religious spot (hilltop) where in the festivals like, Chaite Dashain and Bada Dashain, male animals like buffalo, sheep, goat and also the birds like pigeon, duck, rooster etc are sacrificed in the name of the goddess Durga Bhagawati.
Pangdhurkot
Located 30 km. west from Lakeside, is a historical place which gives the information about the time before the political and geographical unification of Nepal when there were 24 and 22 states in Western Nepal. There are still the ruins of a fort made of stone wall on the top of the hillock. It has 200 m. circumference about 3 m height and 1 m width. During the period of 22 and 24 states, Parbat – one of a 24 states, used to attack the adjacent state Kaski. To protect Kaski from the Parbat state, the king of Kaski had made fort on the hill of Pandhur.
Anadu Danda
With an elevation of 1,100 m. from sea level, this hilltop is situated in the south-west side of Phewa lake. It has two special characteristics: in summer, this place remains the most cooling spot, and in winter, it receives direct sun whole day, which makes the temperature favorable in both the seasons. The visitors can view more snow capped mountains from this hilltop than any other hilltop stations of Pokhara.
There are several routes to reach to the top either hiking from Chhorepatan and Damside or crossing Fewa lake by boat and then hike up to the top enjoying the sceneries of village, green fields and green forest. The average time for hiking is 1 to 2 hours.
Mattikhan
This is an excellent hill station, from where all the mountain ranges, beautiful landscapes, in full range of Pokhara valley and more than 8 districts can be seen in clear weather. The hill station is situated at an elevation of 1540m from Sea level and 11km south west from Lakeside Pokhara. The hill station is also equipped with a beautiful view tower and homestay facilities.
