Sarangkot View Tower: Your Guide to Pokhara's Ultimate Vantage Point - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Perched high above the Pokhara Valley on Sarangkot Hill, Sarangkot View Tower is one of Nepal’s most iconic viewpoints. It offers panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range, and the sprawling city below. This viewpoint is especially famous for its breathtaking sunrise views, and to a lesser degree its sunset views, making it a must-visit for photographers and Pokhara visitors. Mount Everest is not visible from here.

Origin of the Name Sarangkot

The name ‘Sarangkot’ is derived from two Nepali words: Sarang, which refers to a kind of mythical or symbolic bird often associated with the skies, and Kot, meaning fortress or high point.
In Nepali folklore and poetry, the Sarang bird is often portrayed as:

• A mysterious high-flying bird, associated with freedom, vision, and longing.

• A metaphor for spiritual search or romantic yearning.

• Linked to nature, often imagined as soaring over mountains or calling out for rain, like the mythical chatak bird.

The Sarang bird has also been interpreted as a spiritual traveler, representing the human soul or seeker who rises above the mundane in pursuit of something higher — an ideal metaphor for Nepal's mountainous geography and spiritual heritage.

History of Sarangkot Viewtower

Historically, Sarangkot was used as a strategic lookout point due to its elevated location. Over time, as Pokhara developed into a tourism hub, Sarangkot transformed from a military outpost into a beloved scenic destination, especially popular among travelers in search of Himalayan views.

Technical Data of Sarangkot View Tower

The Sarangkot View Tower is a well-constructed platform located at the summit of Sarangkot Hill, about 5,250 ft (1600 m) above sea level.

What to Expect at Sarangkot View Tower

Sunrise is the most popular time to visit. As the first rays of sunlight hit the snowcapped peaks, the mountains glow with hues of pink, gold, and orange - an unforgettable experience. On clear days, you can see as far as the horizon stretches, with mountain layers fading into the sky.
Here you can find the sunrise time of Pokhara.
You cannot drive up to the tower, but you will need to park near the narrow trail that leads up the hill. The hike up takes about 10min if it is not busy.
Unfortunately, seeing sunrise means getting up early, and if there are clouds in the sky then you may not see anything of interest. That’s why we visit Sarangkot View Tower in the afternoon. The afternoons are typically not very busy, and you may only be one of a handful of visitors.

Admission

Walking up the trail to the Sarangkot Shiva Temple, from which you don’t have a good view of the Annapurna Mountain Range is free. To take the final set of stairs that brings you up to the Sarangkot View Tower, you will need to pay Rs 60 per person (at the time of writing) in cash.

Back to your self-guided tour

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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