Hiking from Lakeside to Sarangkot: routes and times
The trail from Phewa Lake up to Sarangkot and the walks along the ridge: where they start, how long and steep they are, and whether to walk up in the dark for sunrise.
You can walk from the lake to the ridge. It is a steady climb of about 800 m, much of it on stone steps through forest, and it ends with the Annapurnas in front of you. These are the walks we know from the ridge, with times from published guides.
The walks at a glance
| Walk | Distance | Time | How hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeside up to Sarangkot, via Sedi Bagar | About 8 km, 800 m of climbing | 2.5–3 hours up | Moderate; long stone stairs |
| Sarangkot down to Lakeside | 6–8 km, 800 m of descent | 1.5–2 hours down | Moderate; hard on the knees |
| Sarangkot to Kaskikot | 5–6 km by trail | About 2 hours each way | Easy to moderate |
| Sarangkot to Naudanda, via Kaskikot | About 11 km | 3–4 hours | Moderate; back by bus or taxi |
Where does the trail start?
The signed trail starts near the cable car's bottom station at Sedi Bagar, on the north-west shore of Phewa Lake, 5–7 minutes' drive from Hallan Chowk in Lakeside. From central Lakeside it is about 8 km in all. Other paths climb the ridge too, but they are poorly mapped: ask us before you try one.
How long, and how steep?
Guides put the climb at 2.5–3 hours up and 1.5–2 hours down, for about 800 m of height. The shortest path from the bottom station to our lodge is about 3.3 km, but it is nearly all uphill. Start early in the warm months, and carry water.
Can I hike up in the dark for sunrise?
People do, but we would not make the first time a night walk: it is steep stone steps through forest. If sunrise is the point, ride the cable car's first run at 5 AM (see our cable car guide), or stay the night on the ridge and walk a few minutes. Ask us about the path when you book.
Cable car up, walk down
The kindest way to do it: ride up, then walk down to the lake in 1.5–2 hours. Your knees will notice the steps; walking poles help.
Is it safe to hike alone?
Walk in daylight, tell someone your plan, carry water and a charged phone, and start early enough to finish before dark. The main trail is signed; the ridge path to Kaskikot is rough and partly unmarked.
Do I need a permit?
Not for Sarangkot, Kaskikot or Naudanda: they lie outside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Australian Camp and Dhampus, across the valley, are inside it, and trekking agencies give the permit as NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors in 2026; check the current fee before you go.
After the walk
Walk up, then stay: our rooms are a short walk from the top, and the restaurant is ready when you are. The other ways up are on our getting here page.
Rest at the top
Five rooms in stone-and-mud houses, breakfast for two included. Call or WhatsApp +977 974 552 2082, or write to [email protected].
