Pokhara Peace Pagoda Hike

The Peace Pagoda hike is open all year. October to November and March to April offer the clearest views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range over Phewa Lake.

Early morning is the best time of day: the air is clearest, it is cooler for the climb, and the stupa is quieter. In the monsoon (June to September) the stone steps can be slippery and afternoon showers are common, so start early and bring a rain jacket.

The hike is easy to moderate and suits most fitness levels. The main effort is the steep, forested climb through Raniban to Ananda Hill, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours with rest stops.

No hiking experience is needed. The pagoda stands at about 1,100 m, and you can shorten the walk by crossing Phewa Lake by boat to the start of the trail.

• Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots with good grip
• A light jacket or fleece for the viewpoint and early mornings
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
• A reusable water bottle and a few snacks
• A rain jacket in the monsoon months (June to September)
• Some cash for tea stops and small purchases

As the Peace Pagoda is a religious site, please dress modestly and remove your shoes before walking around the stupa.

We are a 100% locally owned, Pokhara-based travel and trekking company, so the money you spend stays with the local guides, drivers and families who make your day special.

We are a government-registered agency and a member of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), so every tour is organized to professional, legally compliant standards.

We include a local guide, the boat crossing on Phewa Lake, snacks and water, and we can combine the hike with a Phewa Lake boat ride or a visit to the Tal Barahi Temple.

We keep our advice honest about weather, timing and what to expect, and we happily adjust the plan to suit your pace and interests.

Our travelers rate us 4.9/5 across global review platforms. Message us on WhatsApp (+977 9856016904) to check availability for your date.

This hike can be concluded within a half-day, so we have a lot of spare time in which we can opt to explore the Pokhara Valley. We can do a boat ride on Phewa Lake as well as pay homage to the Tal Barahi Temple situated in the middle of the lake. In addition to that, we can consider various adventure activities like Bungee Jumping, ultralight, and Paragliding.

From the pagoda, we can perceive the wholesome Lakeside along with astounding mountain views of the Annapurna range. Not only that, the hill is enriched with natural beauty.

Furthermore, just above the stupa is the newly built huge statue of Lord Shiva, which is gaining quick popularity in a short time. So, we can continue the journey to view the statue of Lord Shiva. If we take a bus, it is just 30 minutes ride from Pokhara. Lakeside is also renowned for its exotic nightlife, so we can have dinner sitting beside the large lake.

Route Option 1: Hiking Through Raniban Forest
(most popular )

Starting Point: Start your journey from the Lakeside and follow the route to reach Damside. And you will see Damside Park. From there, take the right path, split from the main road. The paved road leads you to the Phewa Lake Dam. Once you reach the Dam, you will see a hanging bridge. After crossing the bridge, you will ascend through the lush Raniban Forest. You will hike through the forest and enjoy the beautiful scenery. After visiting the Peace Pagoda, you can hike down to the bottom of Ananda Hill, which takes around 45 minutes to steep down through small villages and dense forests. From there, you can take a boat to cross the lake to reach Barahighat and visit the Talbarahi temple.

Trail Details: The trail is partially clear, with the rest winding through dense vegetation. It is advisable to hire a local guide due to the terrain and biodiversity of the area, for both safety and to gain insight into the local flora and fauna.

Wildlife and Ecosystem: The forest is home to various birds and wildlife, including deer, monkeys,s and Royal Bengal Tigers. Its proximity to Phewa Lake classifies it as a wetland ecosystem, making it rich in biodiversity.

Route Option 2: By Boat & Hike

Boat Ride: Hire a rowing boat from Barahi ghat, Gauri ghat, or Hallanchowk ghat, where we can hire a boat to cross the lake by rowingon ar paddle boat.

Hike Up: After crossing the lake, we will reach the bottom of the Peace Pagoda hill, a steep forest incline to the top that typically takes about 40 to 90 minutes to climb. Upon reaching the top, visit the World Peace Pagoda. Several small cafes are nearby where you can enjoy drinks and snacks, and there is an excellent viewing restaurant where you can see the Annapurna Mountain range.

Return Options:

By the Same Trail: Retrace your steps to the shore and hire a boat back to Lakeside.

Via Raniban: Continue hiking to the foot trail leading down to Damside through Raniban forest, which takes around 2-3 hours to reach lakeside Pokhara.

Public Transport: You can take a taxi or minibus from the taxi station below the Peace Pagoda and back to Pokhara.

Safety Tips:

Start Early: Begin your day early to catch the breathtaking mountain view from the Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda.

Preparation: Be sure to carry water, snacks, a rain cover, and wear appropriate footwear for muddy and slippery conditions.

Note: Combine your hike to the Santi Stupa with other popular attractions for a complete Pokhara day tour experience.

Start Early: Begin your day early to catch the breathtaking mountain view from the Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda.

Preparation: Be sure to carry water, snacks, a rain cover, and wear appropriate footwear for muddy and slippery conditions.

Note: Combine your hike to the Shanti Stupa with other popular attractions for a complete Pokhara day tour experience.