Reasons to Hike around Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal surrounded by beautiful hills with dense forest and an amazing spot at the top of the hills. The reasons to hike around Kathmandu Valley are given below:

1. Experience interest away from hectic city life

You might have experienced laziness and got bored with everyday life. Hiking will give you an interesting and adventurous moment for a day in nature. Passing through the dense forest by observing birds and animals of the forests and the mind-blowing view from the top of the hills gives you great pleasure in life.

2. Short and Easy Trail

The hiking trail of Kathmandu Valley is short and easy. No higher altitudes and hiking-friendly routes will make your hike easier. The hiking trail around Kathmandu Valley is not so long and can reach the top of specific destinations within 3 to 4 hours. Only in some cases does hiking takes more than 1 day.

3. View of Kathmandu Valley from the top of the hills

As you know Kathmandu valley is surrounded by hills and those hills have created an amazing route to hike. After hiking along the forest and local villages the trail leads you to the top of hills that gives you a fabulous scene of Kathmandu valley.

4. A Great Exercise

It is very good to hike once in a while. The hiking trail passes through rugged roads or steeped ways to the top of hills. As you are walking a whole day on such a trail then your body will be warmed up. Hiking provides great exercise for your body and keeps you healthy.

5. Being in touch with nature

Hiking is a perfect decision to be in touch with nature. Hiking around the beautiful villages and hills will give pleasure to your eye and freshen up your body. The hiking trail passes through the dense forest or along the forest with a view of the Himalayas panorama.

6. Make new friends along the way

Hiking is the best short trek that can be finished within a day. As Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, the hiking routes are fully crowded with many people. You can meet lots of people along the way during hiking around Kathmandu Valley. You can make new friends during the hiking.

7. Cheap and finished within a day

Hiking doesn’t require lots of money. You can do hiking casually with your friends to make an amazing memory for a lifetime. Hiking can be finished within a day after experiencing the scenic beauty of the place. Only in some cases does hiking takes more than a day to complete.

Best Hiking around Kathmandu Valley

1. Nagarkot Chisapani Multiday Hiking

The Chisapani to Nagarkot hiking trail is the most popular hiking trail around Kathmandu Valley. It is also considered as 3 days tea house hike. Chisapani Nagarkot hiking starts from Sundarijal after a 45-minute drive from Kathmandu.

In the beginning, you will experience the taste of Shivapuri National Park passing through a big watershed that provides 40 percent of drinking water to Kathmandu valley. The first destination of this trek is Chisapani after walking about 4-5 hours from Sundarijal.

The second destination is Nagarkot after walking about 7-8 hours from Chisapani. The trail passes along the beautiful nature, and views of the stunning Himalaya panorama of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Gaurishankar Himal, and Mt. Everest but at a far distance. You will be taking the route through Changunarayan Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square while returning from Nagarkot.

2. Phulchowki Day Hiking

Phulchowki is the tallest hill located in the south of Kathmandu Valley. Phulchowki Hill offers a pleasant one-day hiking experience with an excellent view of Kathmandu Valley and a grand panoramic view of the Himalayas from Annapurna to the west to Gaurishankar and Dudhkunda mountain range to the east. The hike starts from Godawari after driving about 15 kilometers from the center of Kathmandu.

There are Bhairab Temple and nine water spouts at the bottom of Phulchowki Danda. The trail ascends through the subtropical dense forest so that you can hear birds singing or may spot wild animals like Boar, Deer, Monkey, Leopard, and Marten.

3. Shivapuri Jamacho Day Hiking

Shivapuri Jamacho Day hiking is all about visiting the Jamacho monastery located at the top hill in Shivapuri National Park. This hike spreads the vibe of spirituality and natural beauty.

Hikers can explore the area and encounter the flora and fauna of Shivapuri National Park. The hiking trail traverses through Shivapuri National Park with panoramic Himalayas views of Manaslu, Ganesh, Jugal, Dorje Lakpa, and Langtang Lirung Himal.

Throughout the hiking, you are accompanied by chirping birds. It is an easy day of hiking with an exploration of the statue of Nagarjuna Buddha placed at the Jomacho monastery. The hike escapes you from the crowd and pollution of Kathmandu city and leads you to explore nearby hilly areas in Kathmandu Valley.

4. Nagarkot Dhulikhel Multiday Hiking

Nagarkot to Dhulikhel hiking is one of the most popular hiking packages around Kathmandu valley with superb Himalayan views including the top of the world Mt. Everest (8848.86m), Langtang, Gaurishankar Himalayan range, beautiful landscapes, mixed culture, and terraced fields.

The hiking begins from Kathmandu to Nagarkot and Nagarkot to Dhulikhel. Beautiful sunrise and sunset view can be observed from Nagarkot. Ascending towards Dhulikhel with panoramic views of the Rolwaling and the Gaurishankar Himalayan range will mesmerize your hiking.

You can experience Local Newar culture and the Hindu goddess temple at Dhulikhel. Nagarkot Dhulikhel is a multiday hiking package that takes about 4 to 6 days to complete and is also suitable for people of any age group.

5. Chandragiri Day hiking

Chandragiri day hiking is one of the best trending days hiking around Kathmandu valley that starts from the Hindu temple at Matatirth or Hotel Outlook INN. You can observe the panoramic view of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal range and the clean environment around the trail will make you feel relaxed. You will walk for 4 hours through a stone staircase and forest to reach Chandragiri at an elevation of 2729 meters.

You can view the spectacular mountains view west to east including Mt. Api, Saipal to Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Gaurishankar mountains range.

The Chandragiri is inhabited by auspicious medicinal herbs and birds including Grey Wagtail, Steppe Eagle, Kingfishers, Common Myna, Oriental Turtle Dove, Bulbul, House crow, House sparrow, and so on. The trail continues two and half hour descent to the Hattiban resort. Hereby, your Chandragiri day hiking ended.

6. Sundarijal Chisapani day Hiking

Sundarijal Chisapani is a day hiking around some typical local life, gorgeous Himalayan views, a captivating sunset, and ethereal sunrise from Chisapani. The trip starts with a short drive to Sundarijal or you can begin your hike from central Kathmandu.

Falling inside the boundaries of Shivapuri National Park, this is a place of cool shades, tall trees, beautiful streams, and a serene atmosphere-all in striking contrast to the noise and crowd of the city.

Chisapani is a mixed settlement of Brahmins, Gurung, and Sherpas. So you can experience the mixed culture and tradition as well. The trail passes through small settlements and forests and the hiking is graded as easy. Chisapani also offers a beautiful view of the Himalayan range, which emits an ethereal glow in the setting sunlight.

7. Nagarkot Changunarayan Day Hiking

Nagarkot Changunarayan day hike is the best day hike for refreshing your soul around Kathmandu Valley. It is an easy trip that is suitable for any age group who loves hiking. The trip starts with a drive to Nagarkot Hill to see the breathtaking sunrise view over the snowy peaks.

The ending point of this trip is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley “Changu Narayan Temple. The pagoda-style ancient temple surrounded by forest with Champak trees and a small village is famous among Hindu Devotees.

The panoramic Himalayan ranges including Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Sishapangma, and Gaurishankar can be observed from this hike. The trail passes through green hills, forests, ethnic villages, and scenic garden paths.

8. Dhulikhel Namobuddha Balthali multiday Hike

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Balthali Hiking is one of the best hikes near Kathmandu Valley that offers an enthralling experience combined with the best view of the mountain range and flora fauna. It is an easy hiking trail that includes two nights and three days to complete the hiking.

The hike starts after driving to Nagarkot which is 27 kilometers far from Kathmandu.

Hiking through Dhulikhel, Namobuddha, and Balthali on the last day with the delightful experience of the artistic monuments and ancient cultures of Newars in Dhulikhel, Dome-shaped stupas, peaceful setting, and prayer flags flickering with the direction of winds at Namobuddha, and modern accommodation and delicious cuisines at Balthali. A different specialty of each village will make your hiking amazing and memorable for a lifetime.

9. Champadevi Day Hike

Champadevi is one of the best and easy hiking trails that can be done by any age group that lies in the southern part of Kathmandu. Champa Devi hill is one of the highest hills in Kathmandu valley situated at an elevation of 2,278 meters. The journey starts from central Kathmandu with a drive towards the southwestern end of the city.

The walk starts from the gate of Hattiban Resort and leads you through a dense pine forest decorated with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. The path is well marked with well-placed stone steps going all the way to the top.

Panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and Taudaha Lake along the Champa Devi trail will add fragrance to the gold. The Autumn and winter season are considered the best times to visit Champadevi because magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks such as Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, and Langtang Lirung can be observed on a clear day.

10. White Gumba Day Hiking

White Gumba is a Buddhist monastery situated on the top of a hill in the southern part of Kathmandu Valley in the Nagarjuna municipality just outside the Ringroad. White Gumba is a cultural site influenced by Buddhism so the hike will refresh your soul in a peaceful environment.

You can experience the beauty of Himalayan forests and it is a great way to get out from the hustle and bustle of the city and get closer to nature. The whole place is surrounded by green villages with a quiet and blissful view of the whole Kathmandu valley.

Beautiful paintings, murals, and statues also reflect the Buddhist culture, along with prayer sounds, flags, and aroma from incense creating tranquility. Many people visit here to view the sunrise and sunset from the hill as it gives the second-best view after Nagarkot. The architecture and the beauty of white Gumba force people to snap pictures.

11. Kakani Day hike

Kakani Day hiking is the best day hike around the Kathmandu valley which is just 26-27 kilometers from Kathmandu. Kakani Day hiking offers you a magnificent view of the numerous peaks in a row including the Annapurna range to the Rolwaling range. Annapurna II, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Langtang Lirung, Langtang RI, Gaurishankar, Gosaikunda peak, Jugal, and Rolwaling peaks can be observed from the top of Kakani village at an elevation of 2000 meters.

Kakani hike is also a great opportunity to see how local people are living in the countryside, you can get to know about the lifestyle culture, and traditions of the Tamang people. Hiking is easy and suitable for people of any age group and is also good for your family and friends. Spring and Autumn is the best season to do hiking in Kakani village as Kakani village is also famous as a picnic spot.

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1) Shivapuri Hike

Hiking Starting and Ending point: Kathmandu and Shivapuri National Park

Hiking Distance: 18 kilometers

Hiking Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2,732 meters

2) Kakani Hike

Hiking Starting and Ending points: Kathmandu and Kakani respectively

Hiking Distance: 25 kilometers

Hiking Duration: 5 to 7 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2,000 meters

3) Nagarkot Hike

Hiking Starting and Ending points: Sakhu and Nagarkot respectively

Hiking Distance: 28 kilometers

Hiking Duration: 5 to 7 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2175 meters

4) Sundarijal Hike

Hiking Starting and Ending points: Budhanilkantha and Sundarijal respectively

Hiking Distance: 22 kilometers

Hiking Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2050 meters

5) Champadevi Hike

Hiking Starting and Ending points: Hattiban and Lalitpur/Pharping respectively

Hiking Distance: 20 kilometers

Hiking Duration: 5 to 7 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2,249 meters

6) Phulchowki Hike

Hiking Starting and Ending points: Kathmandu and the Godavari respectively

Hiking Distance: 19 kilometers

Hiking Duration: 4 to 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2,782 meters

Hikers also ask about Kathmandu Valley Hiking

What is the best month for hiking around Kathmandu Valley?

Every season is best for hiking around Kathmandu Valley with its drawbacks and advantages. The best month to hike in Kathmandu Valley are May, June, July, August, December, January, and February. During May, June, July, and August air is warm and the mountain snow has melted and fresh natural air comes from the forest to cool your body. December, January, and February is the month of snowfall, the weather is a cooler and less crowded season on the trail.

Which is the highest hill around Kathmandu Valley?

Phulchowki is the highest hill around Kathmandu valley situated 20 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,762 meters. It is popular for its majestic views of the Himalayas, grand views of the entire Kathmandu valley, and picnic spot.

What mountains can see from Kathmandu Hiking?

Mountains can be seen from Kathmandu hiking are Mt. Manaslu (8,156m), Himal Chuli (7,893m), Pabil GIV (7,102m), Ganesh II (7,150m), Ganesh V (6950m), Gang Chhenpo (6,297m), Langtang (7,246m) and Sishapngma (8,027m).

Why should we go hiking around Kathmandu Valley? 

• Reasons to go hiking around Kathmandu Valley are:

• Short and Easy hiking trails

• Panoramic view of different mountains and Kathmandu Valley

• Escape from the crowded and polluted city

• Exploring the hills, and forests nearby Kathmandu and their flora and fauna.

• Explore the cultures and traditions of people at the top of the hill station.

• Freshen yourself and do great exercise for the body.

• Less expensive and doesn’t require more days to complete.

How long is hiking around Kathmandu Valley?

The hiking trail around Kathmandu Valley is usually short and can be finished within a day. However, some trails like Nagarkot Chisapani, Nagarkot Dhulikhel, and Dhulikhel Namobuddha Balthali hiking trail require more than one day to complete. The long hiking trail around Kathmandu Valley is of 3 days.

What packing list need for hiking around Kathmandu Valley?

The packing list needed for hiking around Kathmandu Valley are:

1. Hiking pants or shorts

2. Moisture-wicking

3. T-shirt

4. Long sleeve shirt

5. Hiking shoes

6. Socks

7. Hiking Day Pack 

8. Jacket 

9. Warm hat (for winter)

10. Raincoats (rainy season)

11. Gloves (for winter)

12. Snacks First aid kit

13. Hand sanitizer

14. Menstrual products (for women)

15. Sunscreen Sunglasses

16. Sun hat

17. water bottle 

18. Headlamp or flashlight

19. Camera, Phone Credit card, or Cash

What is the top high hill around Kathmandu Valley?

Blessed with the extremely beautiful creation of nature and blooming with the majestic scene of the Himalayas, Kathmandu Valley possesses enthralling and mesmerizing high hills. Some of the top high hills around Kathmandu Valley are given below:

a) Chovar Hill

Chovar is an attractive hill station located on the outskirt of Kathmandu on the way to Dakshinkali and is popular for its scenic views of the surrounding hills of Kathmandu Valley.

Chovar arrests those in the valley who seek a one-day excursion from the busy schedule of daily life. The Chovar Gorge is another main attraction of this hill. Alongside there is the Jal Vinayak Temple, an important pilgrimage site for the valley residents.

b) Nagarkot

Nagarkot is located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu at an elevation of 2,175 meters which is one of the most beautiful spots in the Bhaktapur district. The scenic site is popular for its breathtaking sunrise view of the Himalayas.

Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mt. Everest as well as other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal as well as the magical view of sunset and sunrise. The short hiking around the green forest and picturesque Nagarkot surroundings sites extend the delights of a unique hiking experience.

c) Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Kathmandu Kodari Highway. From Dhulikhel, one has a panoramic view of the Himalayan range.

From the main town, a short visit to Namobuddha, with the stupa and Buddhist monastery, will be rewarding. The visitors who are seeking short and mesmerizing hiking then Dhulikhel is the best place to hike.

d) Kakani

Kakani is another fantastic site for viewing the mountain scenery that is only two hours northwest of Kathmandu. Hikers can visit and observe the mountain landscape of central Nepal, and a vast collection of majestic peaks stretching from Ganesh Himal to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Rhododendrons growing wild on the mountain slopes begin to bloom in late winter and stay in bloom for several months, giving the village more charm. If you are hiking at this time you will fall in love with the beauty of the rhododendron flowers blooming in the forest. This spot is more famous for picnics and distance spectacular views of the Himalayas.

e) Shivapuri 

Shivapuri is an exciting one-day hike that passes through the Budhanilkantha temple. An uphill climb from Budhanilkantha towards the Shivapuri hill is endearing among the blooming rhododendrons in the spring season and mountain views are rarely missed.

Hikers may be able to spot deer and monkeys in the Shivapuri area as well. Different species of birds and animals and the lush forest can be observed within Shivapuri National Park.

At the top of the hill, you will be at a Buddhist monastery and you can observe the comprehensive views of the Northeast side of Kathmandu as well as the majestic Himalayas in the north.

f) the Godavari

Godavari is located 14 kilometers to the south of Kathmandu and is a small village below Phulchowki where the Botanical Gardens and the Department of medicinal plants are located.

Several species of plants including mountain views and ancient Newari and hill tribe culture can be observed. The surrounding is an extreme form of peaceful living as well as this place gives the feeling of paradise on earth.

g) Phulchowki

Phulchowki is located 20 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. It is the highest among the hills surrounding Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of 2,782 meters. Phulchowki means “hill of flowers” that specially erupts during springtime.

When this hilltop station erupts dazzling blooms of rhododendron and orchids, hikers thrill with nature. Furthermore, Phulchowki is also popular for its majestic views of the Himalayas, grand views of the entire Kathmandu valley, and picnics.

What mountains can be seen from Kathmandu?

Himalaya (Mountains Ranges) lies north of Kathmandu. Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu ranges can be seen very closely from Kathmandu together with Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Mount Everest, Gaurishankar, Hiuchuli, and Lamjung Himal can be seen from around Kathmandu Hiking.

What are the benefits of hiking around Kathmandu Valley?

• The benefits of hiking around Kathmandu Valley are given below

• Experience the beauty of the hill station near Kathmandu Valley.

• Get panoramic views of mountains like Manaslu, Ganesh, Gaurishankar, Himal Chuli, and Langtang Lirung.

• Observe the best view of Kathmandu Valley beneath your foot.

• Great exercise for the body and gain the trekking experience.

• Walking along the trail that is less crowded and covered by forests or small settlements. Meet new friends along the way. 

Is it possible to see Mount Everest from Kathmandu by Hiking?

Yes, it is possible to see Mount Everest from the Kathmandu Valley hilltop, Nagarkot, Jamacho, and Chandragiri are the best points to see Mount Everest from around Kathmandu Valley on a clear day.