The Thulakot Hill Day Hike is a more straightforward day trip from Pokhara to see full expansive Himalayan views without going on a multi-day hike. The trip starts with a brief drive to Kalikasthan at 1,370 meters and then the hike, which is along a trail that passes through traditional villages, tea houses, terraced farmlands, and up to Thulakot Hill.
The views from Thulakot are truly remarkable when the weather is clear. The majestic mountain ranges of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu will stretch out before you. This moderately difficult hike is great for families or those just starting out, and it typically takes around five or six hours round trip, giving you plenty of time to stop and take it all in. Begnas Lake is the last stop of the day, so you have some free time to enjoy the shore or go for a quick boat ride before heading back to Pokhara.
Starting the Journey: From Pokhara to Begnas Lake
The tour began with approximately a 30 - 40 minute drive from Pokhara to Begnas Lake, one of the region's lesser visited but beautiful freshwater lakes. At this location, the clear and calm Begnas water reflects the hills and sky which makes for a peaceful start to the day.
After Begnas, the hike begins by joining the trail near Kalikasthan which is a local village located on the ridge that separates Begnas and Rupa Lakes. Along the way, many beautiful scenic landscapes are seen, terraced farms, stone built houses, and likable local people.
Kalikasthan to Thulakot
The hiking expedition launches from Kalikasthan, a lovely starting point of about 1,400m. You will gradually make your ascent towards Thulakot Hill, which is around 1,800m.
The trek from Kalikasthan to Thulakot Hill takes about 2.5-3 hours, which will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sights and elevation. On those perfect clear days where you see the very best of the Annapurna region - some of the recognisable peaks from right to left include Annapurna South, Yakar Chuli (more popularly known as Machhapuchhre or Fishtail), the colossal Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himal off on the horizon.
Thulakot Hill is not only visually beautiful, it also has a fascinating historical significance. It is believed that this location acted as signal points for communication between fortresses during the reign of King Prithvi Narayan Shah and examples during his campaign to unite Nepal. When you traverse to the peak, you are presented with an epic mountain vista but you are also able to take a moment to contemplate the corridor of ancient strategies and conflicted climbing towards today's horizon.
Views from Thulakot
From Thulakot, you view the lakes and all of the mountains. On sunny days you can see five major famous lakes of the Pokhara Valley:Phewa, Begnas, Rupa, Maidi, and Khaste. With the combination of Himalayan peaks and lakes make Thulakot one of the magical viewpoints near Pokhara.
Thulakot has one of the most dramatic and inspiring viewpoints in the Pokhara region. From where you can see Himalayan peaks above and the serene valley lakes and you can enjoy some fantastic photographs of the panoramic view or to relax and watch the world go by at this amazing viewpoint.
Lunch is typically enjoyed at a small local tea house where you can warm up with friendly local people or have a delightful picnic on the hillside. Either way, you will enjoy authentic local food, in some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Nepal, and this makes the food taste better too.
Getting Back Down
After taking in the beautiful views of Thulakot, it's time to head back. You can return using the same trail you used to get up there, or you can go back using a different trail that passes through Kaule Kot village. The village option will provide you with a rural life as you descend down the mountain.
The trek now comes to an end at the lovely Begnas Lake, and you will have a chance to simply sit back down and soak in the peaceful lake environment.
Trip Details
Duration: The total time will be approximately 6 - 7 hours. That's for the pleasant drive there and then back again plus enough time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Hiking Time: You will be hiking for approximately 4 - 5 hours. This is not too far, not too hard. A sound workout with some good gains. Distance Hike: The hike will be approximately 10 - 12 kilometers in distance which should definitely provide you with the steps accomplished for the day. Height Gain: You will reach about 1,800 meters high. High enough to appreciate the mountain views but not excessively high. You will have no problems with altitude. Best Time to Go: Best done any time from September to May. This is to ensure you have the best chance of clear skies, which will allow for great postcard quality mountain views worth the trip.
What is special on this holiday?
The villages en route give you genuine insight into how people make their lives here. You will see Gurung and Brahmin families working their terraced fields of rice, millet, and corn, much the same way their ancestors have done for generations. If you are fortunate to come during a festival, like Maghe Sankranti or during Tihar, you will likely see incredible festivities involving lots of food, music, dancing, and colorful decorations that excite the entire village.
Nature and wildlife
Bird watching is awesome here. As you walk along the ridge between the two lakes, watch for bright kingfishers diving to catch fish, colorful barbets calling from the trees, and the charming songs of Himalayan bulbuls. The forests will change as you climb - you will travel through groves, sal trees, and if you are coming in the spring, you will see rhododendrons that flower with brilliant clusters of red blooms all over the hillsides.
Historical Importance
Thulakot was one of several fortified hilltop locations used as watchtowers during King Prithvi Narayan Shah’s campaign of unification. There are still visible remains of old stone walls and fortifications at the viewpoint side, so the hike was a combination of both natural and historical exploration.
Extended Options
Rather than turning around on the same day, you could extend the hike to an overnight homestay with families in Kalikasthan or local villages to experience true hospitality in rural life.You can also camp overnight at Thulakot which could include stargazing with the backdrop of the Himalayan range.
Access and Comfort
While most trails are safety-conscious, the path can be slippery during the monsoon (June-August) season, and proper footwear is always best.Using hiking poles can be helpful for extra confidence on steep sections of the hike.The tea houses do provide water refills along with light snacks, however, you are encouraged to carry your own re-usable water bottle to be more eco-conscious.
Perfect Photo Moments
The best time to capture perfect photos is during the early morning when you visit this place. The sun rising casts a magical light on the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges during the morning hours. The lakes at this location transform into reflective surfaces during sunset creating stunning orange and pink reflections so don't put your camera away after sunrise. Check whether there are any drone restrictions in place before you attempt aerial photography.
Wildlife You Might Spot
Try to maintain silence when you enter the forested area because you might encounter local residents which include monkeys swinging between trees and deer that feed in open areas and porcupines if you watch closely. The trail becomes lively with butterflies when the sun shines and you will find lizards warming themselves on rocks that receive direct sunlight.
Sustainability Notes
This location maintains its uniqueness because it remains mostly untouched by human activity. Bring back all your belongings which includes plastic items and materials that do not decompose naturally to protect this place from deterioration. Local families who sell tea and snacks and guide services directly receive support from your purchases.
Conclusion
The Pokhara to Thulakot Hill Day Hike is not as popular as other mountain hiking trail options, as most tourists hike more tourist-laden trails, yet near Pokhara, as day hikes go, you can find one of the most varied and serene day hiking experiences. This hike fits for time-limited visitors in Pokhara, who want to sample the best of both worlds a hike with Himalayan views, traditional villages, and the peaceful surroundings of nature.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this hike suitable for children, or for older adults?
Yes, Thulakot Hill is an easy hike for families. The hiking route is flat climbs. The children above 8 years old and older adults with average fitness levels are able to complete the hike comfortably.
2. Am I guaranteed clear Himalayan views?
Visibility of view will depend on the weather. The best views for hiking to see the Himalayas are autumn (October – November) and spring (March – April)
3. How hard is the trail?
The Thulakot Hill hike is a moderate hike. It requires little technical skill, you will take breaks during the journey, and as long as you are comfortable walking for a few hours with some uphill sections, you should be good to go.
4. Is lunch included?
Yes, a fresh local meal is typically provided, normally combining fish harvested from Begnas Lake with traditional Nepali side dishes.
5. Can I hike without a guide?
Yes, but please consider that for safety and navigation, a local guide will be useful, enriching and appropriate as you try and learn about the local culture.
6. Will we get to go boating at Begnas Lake?
Yes, normally a guided group will get to take a short boat trip at Begnas Lake after their hike.
7. Are there toilets along the trail?
Yes, there are tea houses every now and then that have toilets, as well as the viewpoint we will stop at to eat, which provides similarly basic toilet facilities.
8. How do we respond if the weather suddenly changes?
The guide can change routes or adjust timing if needed. Always carry a rain coat, umbrella with you.
9. Are there any cultural sites to see along the way?
Yes, there are some small shrines to spot along the hike, and also some traditional villages that are passed through. The guide will give background, history, and explanations for the cultural experiences you visit.
10. Can I swim in Begnas Lake?
Swimming is not part of any of the programs, but sometimes people like to dip their legs/feet into the lake.
11. Are hotel pick-up and drop-off included?
Yes, in most instances, pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Pokhara is included in the price for guided trips.