Sarangkot

Sarangkot is a ridge at around 1,600 metres directly above Pokhara, and it does two things. Before dawn, vehicles bring people up for the sunrise: the Annapurna range fills the northern horizon far closer than from any valley-rim viewpoint in Kathmandu, with Machhapuchhre, the fishtail peak, directly ahead and the light moving down the faces as the sun comes up. Later in the morning the same ridge becomes the paragliding launch, one of the more reliable flying sites anywhere because of the consistent thermals over the warm valley, with tandem flights landing by the lake half an hour later. Phewa lake lies below with Pokhara around it. The ridge is developed with viewing platforms, cafes and lodges.

What you actually see

• Annapurna at sunrise - the range close and the light moving down the faces.
• Machhapuchhre - the fishtail peak directly north.
• Paragliding launches - tandem flights leaving through the morning.
• Phewa lake below - the water and the town from the ridge.

When to go

October to April for clear mountains; October, November and March are best. Paragliding runs when thermals allow, usually late morning to afternoon. Monsoon removes the views and grounds flights.

Honest expectations

Sunrise means leaving Pokhara around five and the ridge is crowded with vehicles and people. Views fail often in poor air. Paragliding operators vary in equipment and pilot experience, and choosing on price is unwise. The ridge is built up.

Nearby

Pokhara and Phewa lake lie below; Begnas is east.