Overview & highlights
Trip Length
7 - 21 Days
Group Size
Solo Trek
Group: 2 -12 trekkers
Altitude
3,210m – 5,545m
Difficulty
Moderate - Extreme
Best Time
March – May
September – November
Short treks are the easiest way into the Himalaya. They stay below the altitudes where acclimatisation becomes a worry, start close to Pokhara and still deliver the views people travel across the world for.
The classic is the Poon Hill trek: three or four days of stone steps through Ulleri and Ghorepani to a 3,210m viewpoint facing Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas at dawn. The Ghorepani–Ghandruk loop adds a night in a large Gurung village. Mardi Himal follows a forested ridge to a high camp below Machhapuchhre, while Australian Camp and Sikles are gentle options for families or anyone wanting quieter trails.
Expect four to six hours of walking a day, with plenty of steps. Spring paints the forest red with rhododendrons; autumn and early winter give the sharpest mountain views. Because the trails stay low, you can usually book a day or two ahead, and your guide can adjust the route if you want a slow morning in a village.
- Sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South from Poon Hill (3,210m)
- Close-up views of Machhapuchhre from Mardi Himal High Camp
- Stone-paved Gurung villages at Ghandruk and Sikles
- Rhododendron forest in full bloom in March and April
- Back in Lakeside for dinner within the week
The Annapurna Foothills
The southern Annapurna foothills are the best place in Nepal for a short trek. Trailheads at Nayapul, Kande and Phedi are an hour by road from Lakeside, and within a day you are among terraced fields and oak and rhododendron forest. From Poon Hill, Mardi Himal and Australian Camp you look straight across to Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, with village teahouses waiting at the end of each day.
Short treks
All start and finish within an hour of Pokhara.
RHODODENDRON FORESTS
GURUNG HILL VILLAGES
RIDGELINE CAMPS
DHAULAGIRI SUNRISES
Short Treks
Two to five day walks from Pokhara through Gurung villages, rhododendron forest and ridge-top viewpoints - big Himalayan views without a long holiday.
View all tripsSikles Trek
A quiet five-day trek from Pokhara to Sikles, one of Nepal's largest Gurung villages, with...
Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek
A relaxed five-day loop from Pokhara taking in the Poon Hill sunrise, rhododendron forest and...
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
A short four-day trek from Pokhara to the famous Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint (3,210 m),...
Australian Base Camp Trek
An easy overnight hike from Pokhara to Australian Camp (2,060 m) for sunset and sunrise...
Mardi Himal Trek
A quiet five-day ridge trek from Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), with...
Where to go
Most of our short treks circle the same corner of the Annapurna range. Each viewpoint has its own character — choose by the sunrise you want or the village you want to sleep in.
All regions
Safety & Certification
Short does not mean casual. Short treks follow the same guiding, permit and safety standards as our longest expeditions.
Local licensed guides
Our foothill guides are licensed trekking guides, many from the Gurung villages along these trails.
Permits handled
We obtain your ACAP permit in Pokhara before departure, so checkpoints are a formality.
Weather-aware planning
We watch forecasts for storms and early snow and will reroute or delay a viewpoint morning rather than take chances.
Requirements & Eligibility
If you can climb stairs for an hour without stopping, you can do most of our short treks. Children who enjoy walking are welcome.
Health & fitness
- Comfortable walking 4–6 hours a day, much of it on stone steps
- Knees and ankles in good shape for long descents
- Suitable for active children from about eight years old
Permits & documents
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), arranged by us
- Passport and visa details needed a few days before departure
- Travel insurance covering trekking to at least 4,500m
Altitude Readiness
- Most nights are spent below 3,000m
- Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,500m) is a day climb from High Camp at 3,580m
- Mild headaches at Ghorepani are common and usually pass overnight
What to wear & bring
- Light trekking boots or sturdy trail shoes with good grip
- A warm jacket and hat for pre-dawn viewpoints
- Rain jacket, sun hat and a reusable water bottle
Only a few days to spare?
Short treks start within two hours of Lakeside. Tell us your dates and we will match you to the right trail.
Activities Beyond the Mountains
From serene takes to thrilling adventures, explore the best experiences Pokhara has to offer for every kind of travelers.
All activities
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before booking a short trek from Pokhara.
Ask our teamHow many steps are there on the Poon Hill trek?
Can I do a short trek with children?
Do I need a permit for a two-day trek?
What is the weather like in winter?
Can I extend a short trek if I am enjoying it?
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