Day trip from Gandaki, Gandaki
Sarangkot Sunrise + Paragliding
The most popular half-day excursion from Pokhara. Drive or hike to Sarangkot (1,592m) before dawn for the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, then ride a tandem paraglider back down to Lakeside with a bird's-eye view of Phewa Lake. The full experience - departure in darkness, arriving at the viewpoint as the sky turns pink and gold, then the exhilaration of a 20-30 minute paraglide over the lake - is one of Nepal's great travel experiences.
How to get there
- {'type': 'Hired jeep/taxi', 'cost': 'NPR 800-1,500 return per jeep (shared between group)', 'notes': 'Depart Lakeside by 5:00am in autumn season.'}
- {'type': 'Hike from Lakeside', 'cost': 'Free', 'notes': '2-3 hour hike from Lakeside via forest trail. Start by 3am for sunrise.'}
Highlights
- Sunrise over Annapurna I, II, III, IV, and Dhaulagiri
- Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain, 6,993m) at first light
- Tandem paragliding from Sarangkot to Lakeside (20-30 minutes)
- Breakfast at Sarangkot viewpoint restaurants
Tips
- Book paragliding the day before through a licensed operator on Lakeside Road.
- Wear warm layers - Sarangkot is 10°C colder than Pokhara at sunrise.
- The paraglide flight is safe and operates in all but the wettest weather - professional pilots with 1,000+ flights.
- Combine with an afternoon visit to Phewa Lake and World Peace Pagoda.