Pumdikot Day Hiking from Pokhara
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Pumdikot Day Hiking from Pokhara takes you to two of the best day hiking destinations in Pokhara: Peace Stupa and Pumdikot. Located on a hilly ridge overlooking Pokhara Valley, Pumdikot and Peace Stupa offer stellar views of Phewa Lake, the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and the whole Pokhara Valley.
This is by far one of the best short hikes from a large city like Pokhara. You get to experience the Himalayan mountains without trekking for multiple days. The day hike includes a boat ride across the gorgeous Phewa Lake, a walk past dense jungle and rural settlements to Himalayan viewpoints, and explorations of Hindu and Buddhist sites. Just imagine you can experience the delights of the Himalayas in a day!
Your adventure begins with your guide picking you up from your hotel and escorting you to Phewa Lake. Together, you will take a boat ride to the other side of the lake. Enjoy the slow boat ride on the tranquil lake. You will glide past the beautiful island temple of Taal Barahi Mai, which is dedicated to a Hindu goddess. It takes around fifteen minutes to row over to the other side of the lake.
The trailhead to Peace Stupa climbs up the side of a small restaurant located on the banks of Phewa Lake. You start your hike by ascending a series of stone steps through a lush forest alive with the twitter of birds. It's a long climb to the top. Midway, the trail evens out, and you walk on a dirt track. But then this doesn’t last for long, and you again have to climb up a staircase to finally reach the Peace Stupa.
The Peace Stupa stands on top of Anadu Hill at an elevation of 1,100 meters. The stupa was part of a Japanese monk's (Nichidatsu Fuji) plan to build peace stupas around the world for world peace after World War II. The stupa is decorated with statues of Lord Buddha donated by Buddhist countries. It has two tiers from where you can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayan mountains and Phewa Lake.
Later, you can continue your hike and head towards Pumdikot. The trail runs below the stupa to a Gurung village. On the way are small resorts and the rustic houses of villagers en route. The trail joins the main highway and again goes through a forested section. Follow an up-and-down trail to reach one of the biggest statues of Lord Shiva in Nepal.
Your hike ends at the colossal 51-foot statue of Lord Shiva, which stands on top of Pumdikot Hill at an elevation of 1,500 meters. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Himalayan mountains and the Pokhara Valley. From Pumdikot, you will be driven down to the city and your hotel.
Autumn, winter, and spring offer you the best conditions to do this hike. While this hike can be done any time of the year, summer is not recommended as the monsoon clouds obscure the views and the trails turn slippery and muddy due to incessant rainfall. However Pokhara is less crowded and the surrounding hills and mountains look verdant and fresh during the monsoon season.
To complete this hike, you need a pair strong legs and endurance power. This hike involves stair climbing and walking on hilly terrain, for which you need to be physically fit. From an elevation of 822 meters, you will be hiking to a height of 1,500 meters. The Shiva Statue at Pumdikot, which lies at an elevation of 1500 meters above sea level, is the highest point of your hike.
This hike is not for you if you have cardiac or respiratory issues. First-time hikers may find this hike difficult, as the ascent is grueling. The trail is non-technical and well maintained. However, if there's a downpour, you can expect the trail to get muddy and slippery.
The total duration of the hike (including breaks in between) is 4 to 6 hours. People of all ages can do this trek, provided they are in good physical shape. This is a great hike for people who want to enjoy the Himalayas without having to go on a long trek. The Pumdikot Day Hiking from Pokhara can also serve as a warm-up hike for tourists who are planning a long trek to Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit or Mardi Himal Base Camp.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 9 AM : Hotel Pick up, Phewa Lake Boat ride and hike to Peace Stupa - Boat ride - 15 minutes, Hike – 1 hour |
lake-side
Hotel pick-up and walk or drive to Phewa Lake If your hotel is far from the lakeside, you will be transferred to Phewa Lake by vehicle. If your hotel is nearby, you will walk with your guide to the lakeside. On reaching the lake, you will sit on a boat, and the boat owner will ferry you across the lake. It takes around fifteen minutes to row to the other side of the lake. Midway, there's a small temple sitting on an island. On reaching the other side of the lake, you get off the boat and start your hike. The trail goes deep into the forest. It's a steep climb on a long stone staircase. In between, there are some dirt tracks. The view opens up as you reach the top of the hill. The top is decorated with the magnificent Peace Stupa.
There's a garden, a meditation center, and the huge white Peace Stupa dominating the hilltop. The Peace Stupa was built by the monks of Japanese Buddhist organization Nipponzan Myohoji and Buddhist locals. It’s one of the two peace stupas located in Nepal. The other peace stupa is located in Lumbini. The construction of the stupa started in 1973 and was completed in 1992.
The sparkling white stupa is decorated with statues of Lord Buddha depicting episodes from his life. These statues were donated by Buddhist organizations from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Japan. A walkway has been built on the side of the stupa, from where you can savor stunning views of the snow-capped Machapuchhre (Fishtail Peak), Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Lamjung Himal, etc. Below, you can see the emerald Phewa Lake and Pokhara Valley.
Afterward, you can visit one of the cafes outside the stupa's gate and have some refreshments. After resting for a while, you can continue your hike towards Pumdikot.
The trail to Pumdikot goes below the Peace Stupa. There's a paved footpath with a fence on the stupa's side, which you will have to follow. The trail goes up the side of a hill with amazing views of the villages and the lake. There are rural settlements en route that offer a glimpse of the village lifestyle. The route traverses rustic houses and farms with chickens and goats running around. You will find villagers walking up and down the trail or sitting on the verandah of their houses, greeting you with a warm 'Namaste'. Nepalis are warm and friendly by nature, and you will encounter many locals ready to chat with you.
After walking for about thirty minutes, you will reach the main road. Follow the road for some time, and then leave it to take the foot trail leading towards the hill. This section of the trail is filled with incredible views of the mountains, green hills, and the Peace Stupa. You can stop to rest beneath the shade of large trees. After a steep ascent, you finally reach the famous statue of Lord Shiva.
Dominating Pumdikot Hill, the 51-foot statue of Lord Shiva sits above a large dome. Beneath the statue stands the world's largest 'Damaru (the two-headed drum of Lord Shiva). A view tower, statues of Lord Ganesh and Nandi, and 108 shivlings embellish this sacred complex. Inaugurated as recently as 2021, this mammoth statue of Lord Shiva is fast becoming one of the top attractions in Pokhara. Not only Hindu pilgrims visit this site; it is visited by tourists of all faiths.
The Annapurna Massif and other snow-covered mountains appear closer from Pumdikot. One can clearly see the serpentine path of the Harpan Khola (river) as it flows into Phewa Lake. The views of the lake and the mountains are much better from Pumdikot.
After walking around the temple complex and savoring the mountain views, it's time to call it a day. At the parking lot, you will find our vehicle waiting for you to drive you to the city. Enjoy an idyllic view of terraced fields and farms as the vehicle follows a winding road down the hill. Your adventure ends once you reach the city.
