Sarangkot sunrise: times by month, how to get there and what you see
The classic Pokhara sunrise, 1,600 m above the lake.
Sarangkot is the hill above the north shore of Phewa Lake, about 1,600 m high and 35 to 40 minutes by car from Lakeside. On a clear morning you watch the first light touch Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre while the lake is still dark below. In October the sun rises about 06:05, so you leave Lakeside around 5. Our early-morning car with the driver waiting is NPR 2,400, and our Sarangkot sunrise tour is US$ 80 per person.
Sunrise times at Sarangkot, month by month
| Month | Sunrise, about | Leave Lakeside | The sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 07:03 | 05:55 | Crisp, clear mornings: mist in the valley till nine, sharp mountains all day |
| February | 06:45 | 05:40 | Dry and clear, warming up; hazy afternoons late in the month |
| March | 06:15 | 05:10 | Warm days and spring haze; the peaks show at dawn |
| April | 05:45 | 04:40 | Hot and hazy; mountains at dawn only |
| May | 05:25 | 04:20 | Hot, humid and hazy; pre-monsoon storms |
| June | 05:12 | 04:05 | The monsoon arrives mid-month: a green valley, cloud on the peaks |
| July | 05:20 | 04:15 | Full monsoon: lush and warm, the mountains hidden |
| August | 05:35 | 04:30 | Monsoon continues, with bright breaks between showers |
| September | 05:50 | 04:45 | Rain easing; the peaks return by the end of the month |
| October | 06:05 | 05:00 | The clearest skies of the year: warm days, cool nights |
| November | 06:25 | 05:20 | Clear, dry and perfect |
| December | 06:50 | 05:45 | Clear and crisp: cold mornings, warm sun |
Leave times allow for the drive and the short walk to the viewpoint, with a little time before the first light. We confirm the pickup time when you book.
The light show starts 20 to 30 minutes before the sun itself: the highest summits turn pink first, then gold. Stay until the sun is well up.
How to get up to Sarangkot
By car
About 37 minutes up a winding road, then steps to the viewpoint. Our sunrise car, with the driver waiting and bringing you back, is NPR 2,400 by car, NPR 3,600 by SUV and NPR 4,200 by van.
By cable car
The Annapurna Cable Car rides from Sedi, near the north end of Lakeside, to the Sarangkot ridge in about 10 minutes. Check its hours: for the sunrise itself most people drive.
On foot
A steep climb of about 2 hours from Lakeside, by head torch for the sunrise, or about 90 minutes from the Baglung road at Miruwa. Walking down through the villages is lovely in daylight.
On a tour
Our Sarangkot sunrise tour (US$ 80 per person) includes the return car; our Sarangkot sunrise with breakfast adds a guide and breakfast, NPR 4,500 per person.
What you see from Sarangkot
From west to east on a clear day:
- Dhaulagiri (8,167 m)
- Annapurna South (7,219 m)
- Annapurna I (8,091 m)
- Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6,993 m)
- Lamjung Himal (6,983 m)
- Manaslu (8,163 m)
Machhapuchhre, the Fishtail, is the closest and looks the tallest, though it is the lowest of the big summits. Below you lie Phewa Lake, Lakeside and the whole Pokhara valley. Everest is not visible from Sarangkot or anywhere in Pokhara: it is far to the east.
Sarangkot by day
- Paragliding: the take-off field is just below the ridge; watching the wings launch is a show in itself. See paragliding in Pokhara.
- The zipline runs steeply down from Sarangkot: Pokhara Zipline Express, NPR 7,500 per person.
- The ridge walk west to the old Kaski fort at Kaskikot: Sarangkot–Kaskikot ridge walk, NPR 7,500 per person.
- The sunset: quieter than the sunrise, with the lake glowing below.
Tips for the Sarangkot sunrise
- October to February gives the best chance of clear mountains; from March, haze builds and the views are best right at dawn.
- Look at the sky the night before: a sky full of stars usually means a clear morning.
- Bring a warm layer and a hat: at 1,600 m before dawn it is cold, even when Lakeside is warm.
- Carry a torch for the steps, and some cash for tea and the viewpoint ticket.
- In October and November the main viewpoint is crowded. For a quieter sunrise, try Kahun Danda, east of town (Kahun sunrise and village tea, NPR 4,500 per person).
Staying the night on Sarangkot
There are lodges and small hotels along the ridge. Sleeping up there means a short walk to the sunrise instead of a 5 o’clock drive, and quiet evenings above the lights of the valley. We can take you up in the afternoon and bring you down after breakfast.
How to book
- Send us your tripYour date, pickup place, number of people and bags, on WhatsApp.
- Get a written priceWe reply with the vehicle and the price in writing.
- ConfirmA small advance, around 10 to 20 percent, may be asked for some trips. There is no online payment.
Ask on WhatsAppQuestions people ask
What time is sunrise at Sarangkot?
It moves through the year: about 05:12 in June, 06:05 in October and 07:03 in January. Leave Lakeside about an hour before.
How far is Sarangkot from Lakeside?
About 37 minutes by car, about 10 minutes by cable car from Sedi, or about 2 hours on foot.
How high is Sarangkot?
About 1,600 m above sea level; the main viewpoint is at about 1,592 m, some 850 m above Phewa Lake.
Is there a cable car to Sarangkot?
Yes, the Annapurna Cable Car from Sedi near Lakeside, about 10 minutes up. Check its hours if you want the sunrise; most people drive for that.
Can you see Everest from Sarangkot?
No. You see Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal and, far to the east, Manaslu. Everest is much further east.
How much is a taxi to Sarangkot for the sunrise?
Our sunrise car, with the driver waiting and bringing you back, is NPR 2,400 by car and NPR 3,600 by SUV.
Is the Sarangkot sunrise worth it?
On a clear morning, yes: it is the best easy viewpoint in Pokhara. Go between October and February for the best chance of clear skies.