Hiking Around Kathmandu

Overview:
Itinerary Detail

Overview:

With exceptional amount of natural beauty and unique traditional roots Kathmandu offers excellent hikes. Since, only very few people hike around here it offers the stillness and spirituality at its finest. It gives the insight to the lives people have lived, history, cultural practices, delightful landscape and regal mountains.
Some of the hiking trails around Kathmandu valley are

Champadevi Day Hiking

Overshadowing the historic city of Kirtipur lies Chamapadevi at the elevation of 2285m in the hilltop. Champadevi is regarded as a holy place by both Hindu’s and Buddhist since it has both temple and Stupa. Other than that it has many other places of interest accompanied by some charismatic view of Kathmandu valley.
There are many trails that lead to the summit of Champadevi. The main trail that leads up to the hill can be seen from Kirtipur. The climb takes about 3 hours. The trail winds around the pristine pine forest for the first half hour. From the top we can view the magnificent vista of central and western Himalayan range.

Nagarkot One / Two Day Hiking

Nagarkot situated in the very east of Kathmandu in the elevation of 1800m is one of the most happening and favorite destination for many tourist. Known for the spectacular mountain views and magical view of sunrise and sunset with the Himalayas in the backdrop, Nagarkot remains grounded inside the lap of nature. In a clear day one can witness the magical vista of grand Annapurna (8091m), Manaslu(8165m), Ganesh Himal(7446m) and Langtang Lirung(7245m).
Starting the hike from the traditional village of Sankhu we will continue the walk through the terraced slopes and serene villages which ultimately takes us to Nagarkot. The following day we will hike to watching tower to witness the mountains and sunrise. From the tower one can see the distant view of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. After that we will hike back to Kathmandu via Changunarayan.

Phulchowki Day Hiking

With the altitude of 2829m, Phulchowki is one of the highest hills that surrounds Kathmandu valley. Presence of numerous varieties of Rhododendrons in the top makes this trip even more magical and filled with mysticism. With the presence of diverse range of vegetation and wildlife the peak offers you the distant view of different snow clad mountains.
We will start with the 45min of drive from Kathmandu to Godavari where we will visit Royal botanical garden. From Godavari we will start to climb uphill along the dense sup tropical forest for approximately four hours. The view of Kathmandu valley and Himalayas seen from the top is magnificent. In the top you will also find one Buddhist shrine. After having some time in the top return back to Godavari and drive back to Kathmandu.

Shivapuri Day Hiking

Situated 25km away in the northern rim of Kathmandu valley, Shivapuri is a protected zone. Shivapuri being the second highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu valley is the source of fresh drinking water for the people of valley. Placed At the altitude of 2,732m the peak offers the spectacular view of Kathmandu valley. Much of the trail is through the pristine forest of oak, pine and cherry.
We will start with a30mins morning drive from Kathmandu to Muhan Pokhari. After completing the formalities in Shivapuri you will enter the conservation area. The trail passes through the rugged road to Nani gompa within one and half hour. Surpassing monastery the trail climbs uphill through the oak, bamboo and Rhododendron forest for another three hours. From here one can witness the magical Himalayan vista of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa. After having a moment climb downhill to Budhanilkantha and drive back to Kathmandu.

Nagarjun Day Hiking

Located 7km away in the western skyline of Kathmandu, Nagarjuna overlooks the famous stupa of Swoyambhunath. There is a Buddhist shrine in the top of the hill which is regarded holy for both Hindus and Buddhists. According to myth, it is said that the hilltop used to be the meditation ground of Buddhist sage Nagarjun. Here you still can find some meditation caves. With the altitude of 2128mThe summit offers the panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas and Kathmandu valley. The hike starts one kilometer away from Balaju on the road to Trishuli.

Kakani Day Hiking

Located 29km northwest of Kathmandu, Kakani is known for the spectacular mountain scenery from Ganesh Himal to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range it offers. Kakani is known for the fine blend of imposing mountain scenery, serene lower valleys, steep slopes with Rhododendron trees and traditional villages. The magical view of sunrise and sunset seen from here is really remarkable. Kakani is also known for the trout and strawberry beer it serves.

Dhulikhel One / Two Day Hiking

Dhulikhel situated 32km northeast of Kathmandu is one of the most popular tourist destinations nearby Kathmandu. The Newari settlement here still practices their ancestral traditions with loads of grace. The eye popping factors of Dhulikhel are regal mountain views, numerous temples and assortment of land topography. This popular Himalayan viewpoint is actually a fine blend of cultural diversity and natural beauty. Here you can witness the panoramic view from Karyolung in the east to Hiunchuli in the west.