19 Jul 2022 Outdoor Himalayan
Blog-Most Popular Hiking Routes Around Kathmandu Valley. Hiking is a popular outdoor activity carried out by many people around the world. Hiking is done in natural environments. A pleasant and adventurous activity mostly carried out in the hills, mountains, or scenic terrains. Hiking trails are another popular route for hikers. Hiking has many health advantages and in many countries, hiking culture is growing. Post-COVID-19, many people have become aware of their health and started participating in hiking.
Types of Hiking
Hiking is of various types and some types are Day Hike, Overnight Hike, Weekend Hike, Distance Hike, Fast and Light Hikes, Trail Runs, and Thru-Hikes. All hiking types have their specialty depending on their nature and time duration.
Day Hiking
Day Hiking in a simple word means a hike that can be completed in a single day. A hike that is done at short distances and usually covers 10-12 km depending upon the hiking route. It takes a maximum of 7-8 hours to complete a hike. Hikers need to carry water, some snacks, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for day hiking. Keeping yourself hydrated while hiking is the key element.
Benefits of Hiking
Hiking has several benefits. The benefits are not only limited to physical growth but also improved mental health. The physical benefits of hiking are: good for the heart (cardiovascular health), improves physical balance, shapes body muscle & boosts bone density, and helps in weight loss.
Mentally and emotionally hiking plays a key role in human life. It helps to de-stress and maintain comfort mentally. It helps to release insomnia and improves sleep quality. Good sleep means proper functioning of the brain and improvement in memory. One of the best parts of hiking is it provides an opportunity to get close to nature. It encourages us to disconnect from the world of technology for a while and enjoy, learn, and grow in the lap of nature. Hiking is also good for building strong bonds and relationships with family and friends. A great way to spend quality time with dear ones and a better close chance to know each other.
Hiking boosts self-esteem and makes one adventurous. Hiking helps to meet new people and introduces them to new cultures, traditions, lifestyles, and languages. Hiking encourages building community and brings a sense of teamwork, networking, and leadership to the individual. In a nutshell, hiking is advantageous to growing you physically and mentally and makes you value the importance of nature. Hiking is the best way to learn more about nature and diverse cultures.
List of Day Hiking Equipment
Backpack, Snacks/Lunch pack, Water, First Aid Kit, Sunscreen, Hat/Cap, Sunglass, Trekking poles (optional), Raincoat/Umbrella
Popular Hiking Places
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. The city is culturally impressive as well as natural. Hiking is the best way to explore the Kathmandu valley. Many amazing places can be explored through hiking in Kathmandu Valley. Hiking around Kathmandu Valley is perfect for people who have less time but want to travel around. Kathmandu Valley offers you breathtaking scenery, lovely green hills, diverse flora, and fauna, and stunning landscape in the vicinity of wonderful snow-capped mountains. The short hiking around the Kathmandu Valley far from the crowds of a bustling city walking on the peaceful path is a heavenly experience.
Hiking around the Kathmandu Valley can be performed by any age group as it is easily reachable, economical, and comfortable. We’ve listed some of the popular hiking places around Kathmandu Valley that have salient features, awesome views, and are convenient.
1. Nagarkot –Changu Narayan Hike
Start/End: Nagarkot/Changu Narayan
Duration: 4-6 hours
Max. Elevation: 2195 m (Nagarkot)
Permit: Local Permit fees
Nagarkot Changu Narayan Hike is one suitable option in the suburbs of Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot is a famous hill station well-known for sunrise and sunset and the sight of the snow-capped mountains of Nepal. The hike commences from Nagarkot after enjoying the fascinating sunrise. An easy downhill walk on the gravel roads admiring the green hills, lovely villages, and fascinating mountains. A comfortable walk as the trail is wide and the amazing terraced fields are on the way. Visit the oldest Changu Narayan temple in Kathmandu Valley which is listed in UNESCO World Heritage. The temple is artistically impressive. The hike ends and drives back to Kathmandu enjoying a scenic ride.
Nagarkot -Changu Narayan Hike Highlights
- Closest hill station-Nagarkot
- Magical sunrise and sunset views
- Lush greenery and fascinating mountain ranges
- Amazing Terraced Fields
- Artistically beautiful and the oldest-Changu Narayan Temple
2. Champadevi Hike
Start/End: Hattiban Resort/ Machhegaun
Duration: 6-8 hours
Max. Elevation: 2285 m (Champadevi)
Champadevi hike begins from the Hattiban resort ascending uphill comfortably on a wide trail. Though the trail is single-track, steep, and graveled it is not much that tough to walk on it. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, stunning landscapes, blooming forests, and green hills surrounded by amazing mountains. A pleasant walk and hearing the chirping of birds in the jungle is magical. Encounter different species of birds too. Continue walking in the northwest direction and reach the summit of Champadevi temple. A sight of flapping prayer flags near the Champadevi temple. Relax at the top, enjoy the surrounding scenery, and eat a lunch pack. Descend downhill and reach Machhegaun. From there, drive back to Kathmandu.
Champadevi Hike Highlights
- Breathtaking scenery and stunning landscapes
- Blooming forests, and green hills
- Panoramic mountain vistas
- Champadevi Temple
- Bosan Village
3. Bhuwaneshwori Temple-Tarakeshwor Hike
Start/End: Tinpipale/Kavresthali
Duration: 4-6 hours
Max. Elevation: 2600 m (Tarkeshwor)
An uphill walk begins with sightseeing small houses and cultivated lands within the beautiful landscape. Witness various cash crops and vegetables growing while walking. Visit the pagoda-designed Bhuwaneshwori Temple. Ascend uphill further to reach Panch Mane. Relish the wonderful scenery of Kathmandu valley from there. A glimpse of historic Manes on the way. Hike further on the steep trail in the vicinity of tall pine, rhododendron, and oak forest. A sight of a board showing Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
Walk inside the trail of the park, enjoying birds chirping and the sounds of wild crickets. Leaving the pine forest, hike through the deciduous forest in the green environment to reach Tarkeshwor. Climb up the metal ladder and visit the Lord Shiva temple fondly called Tarkeshwor Mahadev. Rest, relax, and enjoy the packed lunch. Walk down to Kavresthali village and drive back to Kathmandu.
Bhuwaneshwori Temple-Tarakeshwor Hike Highlights
- Small houses, cultivated lands, and beautiful landscapes
- Pagoda-designed Bhuwaneshwori Temple
- Wonderful scenery of Kathmandu Valley
- Tall pine, rhododendron, and oak forest
- Tarkeshwor Mahadev Temple
4. Jamachowk/Nagarjun Hike
Start/End: Phulbari Gate/Balaju Bypass
Duration: 3-5 hours
Max. Elevation: 2128 m (Jamachwok)
Permit: Nagarjun Federal Entrance Permit
Jamachwok Hike is one of the most popular hiking routes around Kathmandu Valley. Also, one of the best places to get an amazing view of Kathmandu Valley. Jamachwok is the nearest hill situated northwest of Kathmandu. It is also called Nagarjuna Hill which falls under Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. Ascend uphill passing the verdant forest abundant with pine, oak, rhododendron, bamboo, and some species of flora. Upon reaching the top, get a glimpse of many prayer flags flapping. Ancient caves, Buddhist Gompa, and a view tower are the main highlights.
Visit the Gompa and observe a Nagarjuna Buddha statue. Climb the view tower to get superb views of Ganesh, Jugal, and Lamjung Himal along with the splendid Kathmandu Valley. There are two big picnic spots around the hill. Have some rest and munch a lunch pack. Descend the same trail to Balaju Bypass and drive back to a hotel in Kathmandu.
Jamachowk/Nagarjuna Hike Highlights
- Nearest hill- Jamachowk
- Diverse flora and fauna in the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park
- View Tower, Ancient Caves, Buddhist Gompa
- Nagarjuna Buddha Statue
- Superb views of Ganesh, Jugal, and Lamjung Himal
5. Phulchowki Hike
Start/End: Godawari/Godawari
Duration: 6-8 hours
Max. Elevation: 2782 m (Phulchwoki)
Permit: Need to register detailed information, Entry fee for Botanical Garden
A hike begins from the foothill of Phulchwoki in the Godawari (Royal Botanical Garden). Ascend uphill on the gravel trail through the lush green forest. A gradual climb maintaining pace and coming across decorated prayer flags. Provide details at a check post to the army members near Phulchowki Hill. Visit the Phulchowki Mai Temple. A wonderful scene of snow-capped mountains like Ganesh, Langtang, Gaurishanker, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Everest on a clear and bright day. An awesome view of Kathmandu Valley from the top of the hill. Have your lunch pack and descend to the foothill of Phulchowki. If time permits a quick visit to the Royal Botanical Garden. Else, drive back to Kathmandu.
Phulchowki Hike Highlights
- Royal Botanical Garden, Godawari
- Awesome views of Kathmandu Valley from Phulchowki Hill
- Phulchowki Mai Temple
- Ganesh, Langtang, Gaurishanker, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Everest mountain views
6. Shivapuri Hike
Start/End: Nagi Gumba/Nagi Gumba
Duration: 6-8 hours
Max. Elevation: 2732 m (Shivapuri Peak)
Permit: Entry permit for Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
A hike commences from the Nagi Gumba famous for nuns practicing Buddhism and meditating. A pleasant walk amidst the peaceful trail far from the busy city of Kathmandu. Shivapuri is home to diverse flora and fauna and can get sight of bird species. An amazing experience passing through the diverse landscapes within the same vicinity and feeling different climatic conditions. A steep walk takes us to the Baghdwar. One can see a tiger-faced faucet and water coming out of it. The main source of the Bagmati River is said to be the Baghdwar. Hike a little further and reach the top of Shivapuri.
A mesmerizing view of Kathmandu Valley and surrounding Langtang and other mountain ranges is breathtaking. Stay there for a while admiring the natural beauty and have your lunch pack. Return following the same trail on the stone steps to Nagi Gumba. Drive back to Kathmandu from there.
Shivapuri Hike Highlights
- Nagi Gumba
- Peaceful trail
- Sight of diverse bird species
- Diverse landscapes
- Changing climatic condition
- Baghdwar and Tiger-faced faucet
- Breathtaking Langtang Mountain ranges and Kathmandu Valley view
7. Panauti-Namobuddha Hike
Start/End: Panauti/ Namo Buddha
Duration: 6-8 hours
Max. Elevation: 1750 m (Namo Buddha)
The hike starts from the ancient and beautiful Newari village of Panauti. Panauti village has still maintained its authentic culture, tradition, and lifestyle despite being close to the capital city. The village is culturally rich and artistically impressive. Explore some ancient landmarks like Indreshwor Temple, Unmati Bhairav Temple, Panauti Durbar, and Museum before hiking to Namo Buddha. Following the trail of asphalt roads admiring breathtaking sceneries, passing terraced fields, cultivated lands, and ancient villages ascend uphill.
Upon reaching, visit the cave where one can see a stone carved with a picture in it. It explains the story of the greatness of Buddha in one of his life where he was cutting his body meat with a knife to offer a weak tigress. From there, a little walk further to reach Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery. The lovely green scenery from the top is refreshing. The monastery is home to 200 monks. The huge monastery is artistically wonderful. Rest there for a while. Enjoy some food at nearby cafes. If one wishes to stay at Namo Buddha, one can stay in as many lodging options are possible. Else, drive back to Kathmandu.
Panauti-Namobuddha Hike Highlights
- Ancient and beautiful Newari village of Panauti
- Ancient landmarks like Indreshwor Temple, Unmati Bhairav Temple, Panauti Durbar, and Museum
- Cultivated Lands, Terraced Fields, and Lush greenery
- Views of Everest, Langtang Mountain Range
- Buddhist Stupa and Beautiful Caves
- Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery
8. Sundarijal-Chisapani Hike
Start/End: Sundarijal/Chispani
Duration: 6-8 hours
Max. Elevation: 1384 m (Chisapani)
Permit: Entry permit for Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park
The hike commences from the foothill of Sundarijal. Hike the uphill climb adoring the huge rocks, flowing river, and lush green forest. Continue climbing and reach a big reservoir. The main source provides a water facility to the inhabitants of Kathmandu city. Continue climbing to the Shivapuri ridge and get a glimpse of the attractive Kathmandu Valley. Walk further to the army camp and pay an entry permit to enter the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. Continue walking inside the jungle trail in the vicinity of tall pine, and oak trees.
Passing Mul Kharka, continue to descend through the dense forest of oak, and rhododendron and finally reach Chisapani. Admire the stunning sceneries and get a sight of snow-capped Langtang ranges. Have a packed lunch or some food at nearby teashops. Return following the same trail and drive back to Kathmandu. Alternatively, if one has time stay at Chisapani and hike to Nagarkot from there. Also, one can opt to hike down from Chisapani to the beautiful Newari village of Sankhu.
Sundarijal-Chisapani Hike Highlights
- Huge rocks, flowing rivers, and lush green forest
- Big Reservoir
- Stunning Kathmandu Valley View
- Dense forest of oak, and rhododendron
- Snow-capped Langtang Ranges
- Beautiful Chisapani Village
9. Chandragiri Hike
Start/End: Machhegaun/ Machhegaun
Duration: 3-5 hours
Max. Elevation: 2551 m (Chandragiri)
The hike commences from Machhegaun. Alternatively, one can hike from Tribhuvan Park, Thankot, or Mata Tirtha to Chandragiri. Walking past the inhabited villages and admiring the green forest on the zigzag trail. Walking through the jungle trail, one can witness various medicinal herbs. As one ascends uphill enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the valley. Upon reaching the top, visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple.
From the view tower, get a superb view of the panoramic snow-capped mountain ranges of Mt. Everest in the east to Mt. Dhaulagiri in the west. Enjoy lunch at the cafes or the packed lunch. Relax for a while in the beautiful green park. Descend the same trail to Machhegaun and drive back to Kathmandu. Else, one wishes to return from the cable car and drive back to Kathmandu.
Chandragiri Hike Highlights
- Green forest and zig-zag trail
- Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple
- Breathtaking scenery of the Valley
- Panoramic snow-capped mountain ranges of Mt. Everest in the east to Mt. Dhaulagiri in the west
10 Pataleban -Switzerland Park Hike via Kalu Pandey Samadhi (Cremation Spot)
Start/End: Nagdhunga Check Post/ Switzerland Park
Duration: 4-6 hours
Max. Elevation: 1552 m (Pataleban)
The hike begins from Nagdhunga Check Post. An uphill ascending through the verdant forest in the vicinity of green hills is delightful. In clear and bright weather, superb views of panoramic mountains can be seen. From the top, one can get a sight of Dhading, Kathmandu Valley, and Kirtipur. Hike further till one reaches Dahachwok. The place is culturally significant and holds great historical importance. Indradaha (small pond) is believed to have been in existence since Satya Yuga. Lord Indra was believed to have taken bathed in that pond to remove his curse. To bathe in this pond at the present is believed good to get free from several diseases.
Walking a bit further, reach the historic important Kaji Kalu Pandey Samadhi (Cremation spot). There is a graveyard of brave soldier Kaji Kalu Pandey and his huge statue beside it. Nearby there is a small Manakamana temple (wish-fulfilling goddess) built in memory and as the last wish of Kaji Kalu Pandey. The original Manakamana temple is in the Gorkha district.
From there, hike to Switzerland Park. The Park is famous for its picnic spots. The beautiful forests of pine, blackberries, and rhododendrons look attractive on the premises of the park. Enjoy the time with your packed lunch inside the park. Spend some quality time listening chirping of birds in a pleasant natural environment. Return following the same trail to Nagdhunga Check Post. Drive back to Kathmandu. Alternatively, one can wish to stay at Pataleban Vineyard Resort for refreshment. Likewise, return to Kalanki from Switzerland Park and drive back to a hotel in Kathmandu.
Pataleban -Switzerland Park Hike Highlights
- Verdant forest, green hills
- Amazing mountain views
- Cultural and Historical Places (Indra Daha, Kaji Kalu Pandey Samadhi)
- Beautiful forests of pine, blackberries, and rhododendrons
- Switzerland Park and its peaceful surroundings
Hike around most of the popular routes around Kathmandu Valley gives you different insights. You get closer to nature as well as understand the importance of nature. At least once a month, try to hike and feel nature in a better way.
Updated: Dec 15, 2023
TAGS: Bhuwaneshwori Temple-Tarakeshwor Hike Champadevi Hike Chandragiri Hike Jamachowk/Nagarjun Hike Nagarkot -Changu Narayan Hike Panauti-Namobuddha Hike Pataleban -Switzerland Park Hike Phulchowki Hike Shivapuri Hike Sundarijal-Chisapani Hike