You’ll hop on an ATV in Pokhara with a local guide, learning as you go before tackling forest trails up Sarangkot hill. Expect quick stops for photos above Fewa Lake and a relaxed lunch with mountain air all around you. The ride is just challenging enough to be fun — and those views might stick with you long after.
“You sure you’ve never done this before?” our guide grinned at me, handing over the helmet. I could smell a bit of petrol and dust in the air, mixed with that green, earthy scent you only get near forests after rain. We started right by Pokhara Lakeside — honestly, I was nervous but also kind of buzzing. The engine rumbled under me as we learned the basics (I stalled once or twice — nobody seemed to mind). Li, our guide, kept things light and made us laugh when he tried to teach us a Nepali phrase for “let’s go” — I still can’t pronounce it.
The trail up Sarangkot hill is wild — not scary, just bumpy enough to make you feel alive. You get these flashes of Fewa Lake through the trees that almost don’t look real. Sometimes it’s quiet except for birds and the crunch of tires on gravel; other times you hear distant voices from tiny hillside farms. We stopped halfway for photos at this spot where the whole valley opens up below you. My hands were shaking a little (from excitement? nerves?), but I remember thinking how blue the lake looked from up there.
Lunch was simple but hit the spot — dal bhat and sweet milky tea on a terrace overlooking everything. There’s something about eating outside after riding for an hour that makes food taste better, you know? On the way down, I felt more confident — even caught myself grinning like a kid when we splashed through a puddle. The whole thing took maybe two hours but felt longer in a good way. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home in traffic.
No prior ATV experience is needed; training is provided at the start.
The tour begins at a lakeside location in Pokhara.
The tour lasts about two hours including stops.
Yes, lunch at a scenic spot overlooking Fewa Lake is included.
A valid driver’s license is required; comfortable clothes are recommended.
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.
Yes, guides take professional photos at scenic stops along the route.
Bottled water is included as part of your tour package.
Your day includes all ATV rental fees, bottled water throughout the adventure, professional photos at scenic spots along Sarangkot hill, plus lunch overlooking Fewa Lake before heading back down toward Pokhara Lakeside in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Do you need help planning your next activity?