Pumdikot Shiva Statue Hike

This is by far one of the best short hikes from a large city like Pokhara. You get to experience the Himalayan mountains without trekking for multiple days. The day hike includes a boat ride across the gorgeous Phewa Lake, a walk past dense jungle and rural settlements to Himalayan viewpoints, and explorations of Hindu and Buddhist sites. Just imagine you can experience the delights of the Himalayas in a day!

Your adventure begins with your guide picking you up from your hotel and head towards Pumdikot. The trail runs below the stupa to a Gurung village. On the way are small resorts and the rustic houses of villagers en route. The trail joins the main highway and again goes through a forested section. Follow an up-and-down trail to reach one of the biggest statues of Lord Shiva in Nepal.

Your hike ends at the colossal 51-foot statue of Lord Shiva, which stands on top of Pumdikot Hill at an elevation of 1,500 meters. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Himalayan mountains and the Pokhara Valley. From Pumdikot, you will be driven down to the city and your hotel.

Autumn, winter, and spring offer you the best conditions to do this hike. While this hike can be done any time of the year, summer is not recommended as the monsoon clouds obscure the views and the trails turn slippery and muddy due to incessant rainfall. However Pokhara is less crowded and the surrounding hills and mountains look verdant and fresh during the monsoon season.