You can hire a car or jeep with a driver in Pokhara for a Sarangkot sunrise trip, a drop at the start of an Annapurna trek, a pickup at the end of one, or a transfer to Pokhara airport. Tell us the time and place, and we send a fixed price for the vehicle and driver.
Last checked: November 2026.
Get a quote on WhatsApp: +977 985-1022768
Pokhara trips and prices
Prices are per vehicle. Prices on request: send the form or WhatsApp us for a quote. Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic and the state of the road.
| Trip | Typical drive time from Lakeside | Car | Jeep or van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarangkot sunrise, return | About 30 to 45 minutes each way | On request | On request |
| Nayapul drop | About 1.5 hours | On request | On request |
| Kande drop | About 45 minutes to 1 hour | On request | On request |
| Siwai or Jhinu drop | About 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the road | Jeep recommended | On request |
| Phedi drop | About 30 to 45 minutes | On request | On request |
| Pokhara airport transfer | 15 to 30 minutes | On request | On request |
| Full day around Pokhara | Up to 8 hours | On request | On request |
Sarangkot sunrise
Sarangkot is the ridge above Phewa Lake with views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range on clear mornings, mostly October to April. The car collects you from your hotel before dawn, drives up to the parking area, and you walk the last part to the viewpoint. A small entry fee, paid in rupees, is charged at the viewing area. Most trips are back in Lakeside in time for breakfast. Your driver will suggest the pickup time based on the sunrise that week.
Trailhead drops and pickups
Most Annapurna region treks start a short drive from Pokhara. A private vehicle saves the wait for a local bus and leaves when you are ready. Roads to several trailheads have been extended in recent years: jeeps can now continue past Nayapul to Birethanti, and on seasonal rough roads towards Ulleri and Ghandruk, so the exact drop point depends on your route and the state of the road.
Nayapul
The traditional start for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and one route to Annapurna Base Camp. See our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Kande
The start for Australian Camp, Dhampus and the Mardi Himal trek. The drive is short and on a paved road.
Siwai and Jhinu
The road up the Modi Khola valley shortens the approach to Annapurna Base Camp. The upper part is rough, and a jeep is the better choice. See our Annapurna Base Camp Trek (12 days).
Phedi
The start for the walk up to Dhampus and Australian Camp, close to Pokhara.
All of these treks are inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP permit, NPR 3,000 for foreigners. The vehicle hire does not include permits.
For a pickup at the end of your trek, give us the date and the place, and confirm by phone or WhatsApp a day before you walk out. Ask us whether it suits you better for a vehicle to wait or to book separate drop and pickup runs.
Pokhara airport transfers
Pokhara International Airport opened in January 2023, east of the city, and most scheduled flights, including flights to and from Kathmandu, now use it. The old domestic airport, close to Lakeside, is still used for flights to Jomsom and for helicopter and ultralight flights. Send us your flight details and the driver will go to the right one. Flights to Jomsom usually leave early in the morning, before the afternoon winds.
A full day around Pokhara
With a car for the day you can combine the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, the International Mountain Museum, Begnas Lake and the old bazaar. The driver waits at each stop.
Going further
- To Jomsom, Muktinath or Manang by road: see jeep hire in Nepal.
- Back to Kathmandu by road: see Kathmandu to Pokhara by private car, which covers the route in both directions.
- On to Chitwan or Lumbini: see private car to Chitwan and Lumbini.
FAQ
What time does the Sarangkot sunrise pickup leave?
Usually about an hour before sunrise. The exact time changes through the year, and the driver will confirm it the evening before.
Do I need a jeep for trailhead drops?
For Nayapul, Kande and Phedi a car or van is fine. For Siwai and Jhinu, or to go beyond Nayapul on the rough roads, a jeep is safer.
Can you pick us up at the end of our trek?
Yes. Give us the date and place when you book, and confirm the day before you finish walking.
Can we hire a car in Pokhara for several days?
Yes, priced per day. This suits people who want to combine sightseeing with a short trek.
Which airport will my flight use?
Most flights use Pokhara International Airport; Jomsom flights use the old domestic airport. Send us your ticket details and we will confirm which airport the driver should go to.
For all vehicle types, see vehicle rental in Nepal. Send us your plans in Pokhara and we will price each trip.