Pokhara Sunrise Tour to Sarangkot: Is It Worth It?
Alright, so you’re considering waking up super early to head up to Sarangkot for that famed Pokhara sunrise, is that right? That’s completely understandable! I mean, photos can look unreal, but knowing what to expect is pretty essential, that’s just the way it is. This is all about if the view is actually all it’s cracked up to be, and how to get the best out of your experience, so stay tuned, too it’s almost time to get going!
What Exactly *Is* the Sarangkot Sunrise Tour?
The Sarangkot sunrise tour is a seriously common thing to do when you are visiting Pokhara, is that not the truth? Essentially, what happens is that you or a guide gets you out of bed before dawn (I’m talking, like, 4 am early!), then you drive up to Sarangkot, so a hilltop viewpoint sitting a fair bit above Pokhara, that is. Why all this effort, too it’s almost like they’re really trying to show off? Well, people say you get to see the sun rise over the Annapurna range. If you’re lucky and the sky is pretty clear, that is.
Sarangkot itself, well it is just a village; what you’re really going there for is the panoramic view, really. I suppose you can see Dhaulagiri, plus Annapurna South, too it’s almost unbelievable how much you can see! Hiuchhuli, Machhapuchhre (the famed Fishtail mountain!), and Annapurna II, III, and IV. If you’re really lucky, very, very clear mornings can offer glimpses of Manaslu further to the east. The spectacle has gained popularity so there are often tourists flocking to catch it, meaning an atmosphere charged with anticipation.
Planning Your Trip: Timing, Transportation, and Cost
So, alright, planning. When is that sunlight going to make an entrance? Sunrise times change depending on the time of year. From March to May, the sun is likely to pop up around 6:00 am. In June to August, expect it closer to 5:15 am. September to November sees sunrises around 6:00 am again, plus then December to February it drifts later, to around 7:00 am. Knowing that, you’ll probably want to start heading up the hill around an hour before, a little before. You should also factor in time to purchase your entry ticket as that often involves waiting in a line. The peak season gets very crowded.
As for transport, really, you have a few options, very few: taking a taxi or hiring a jeep is often chosen because, by the way, it is pretty comfy. Many hotels will set this up for you. Figure on about 1500-2500 NPR for a round trip. A more adventurous route is a motorbike but hey, so that could be a bit chilly and potentially tricky on the winding roads. Should you chose that then expect to pay around 800 NPR a day, really that’s not much is it? One of the most cost-effective ways that there is, arguably, is the local bus! You’ll catch it from Baglung Bus Park. Then the fare is just a handful of rupees (very, very little!), that’s if that’s what you’re looking for.
In terms of cold hard cash, entry to Sarangkot is 100 NPR per person for foreigners. Bear in mind that sometimes you might find that they don’t have change, so smaller bills, too it’s almost necessary for that. Tour packages vary but are generally between $20 to $50, that’s just a guess.
What to Really Expect At the Top
Reality check, alright, is that? If you imagine Sarangkot will be just you and the mountains in some serene, secluded spot then so, too bad that won’t happen. Especially during peak tourist times, so, just anticipate crowds. Seriously. People vying for the best spots is to be expected. Basically, if having tons of people around you would detract from the beauty that’s there, then set your expectations. I’m talking busloads!
Weather is your other big thing. Pokhara weather can change fast. Many sunrises are spoiled by clouds or haze. Sometimes you go all the way up, it’s very exciting, plus see basically nothing. It happens! So, too that can be disappointing, yet accepting that’s possible helps. Honestly speaking, I suppose there’s nothing wrong with going even if it’s cloudy; sometimes the clouds themselves are extremely awesome. The clouds create their own shows as the light changes, that’s if you can imagine it.
That said, that’s said so: if the sky’s clear, prepare to be really amazed! Seeing the sun hit those snow-capped peaks is actually kind of incredible, not too bad, that’s just if the weather works out. Plus even without a crazy sunrise the panorama is awesome. You’ll get the Annapurna range laid out ahead of you and that sprawled-out view over the Pokhara Valley. Actually, it really feels very grand. Seriously, you’re standing high above, looking down upon Phewa Lake, that is.
Making the Most of Your Sarangkot Visit
To start with: seriously consider going slightly before or after the absolute peak season to sidestep some crowds. March/April or September/October might hit the sweet spot. Plus even getting there just a bit earlier can net you a less fought-over viewing spot. And honestly, you know, that can totally alter the vibe of your entire trip up there, that’s the end game after all. Honestly speaking, that could be just the start of things.
Instead of focusing entirely on photos, why not sort of just try taking it all in too, at the end of the day? It’s actually tempting to experience things through your camera. Rather, close your eyes for just a moment, and listen and feel that chilly morning air, honestly? Soak everything in. Arguably that could make all the difference!
I mean that being said, for photos: by the way, experiment with different spots. So many people sort of just stick right to the main viewing platform, so a little exploring around can often reveal quieter corners with equally outstanding perspectives. Rather be a little creative, really.
Consider packing binoculars, a bit extra; sometimes having that extra magnification for mountains off in the distance is fairly worthwhile. Dress warmly no matter what time of year because, honestly, it can get quite nippy up there pre-dawn! That being said, having a warm drink, too it’s almost essential to keep the cold away. Several tea houses around Sarangkot offer warmth in steaming cups.
I mean this goes without saying but why not just stick around Sarangkot for a while after the sunrise? Many folk head straight back down so a little exploration around gives a much more relaxed vibe. Maybe even, honestly, hike some of the trails.
Sarangkot Beyond Sunrise: Additional Activities
While it may be most famed as a vantage point from which you can observe spectacular sunrises, a handful of other things could also keep you fully engaged when up there. Sarangkot provides access to multiple easy and picturesque hiking routes. The downhill hike back to Pokhara may take 3-4 hours, but then that may prove to be worthwhile if, frankly, you have plenty of time to get back. Very few things top the experience of walking down stone steps along winding roads that offer gorgeous valley vistas. A bit challenging though. Some of those footpaths pass right through villages, that being the case, affording amazing insights into the area’s authentic lifestyles.
Oh and, seriously, if you consider yourself pretty brave: this area happens to be rather esteemed among those who fancy paragliding, right. Very few activities compete with the rush of hovering over Pokhara from above with sprawling landscapes underneath. Numerous companies do provide paragliding adventures operating in Sarangkot and their prices differ depending on the bundle being availed. Also, keep an eye out to enjoy zip-lining adventures as well. Basically, a combination of so, just a variety of activities await tourists.
Another important aspect is cultural experiences. Very, very few things actually beat connecting with local communities. And the opportunity may very well prove exceptional. Should you stay there a bit longer, that is? Engaging respectfully through the consumption of the neighborhood’s unique cuisine at local eateries proves not just delicious, plus very educating about local ways. Should they coincide during one’s tour then there’s hardly a match for participation through their indigenous celebratory customs because they truly offer something wonderful regarding tradition from this special Himalayan kingdom!