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Top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley

Rajan Jung Adhikari

Top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley

  • 3 years ago

Are you in short vacation and still want to have lifelong experience of hiking or trekking in Nepal? Do you want to explore the natural and cultural beauties of Nepal just in a few hours or days? If yes, we recommend you to book Top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley.

Nepal stands as one of the popular tourist destinations in the world because of its nature, culture, and adventure. Besides world famous trekking regions, Nepal houses various tour and trekking packages attracting thousands of tourists every year.

Tourists choose a destination to spend their holidays so as to enjoy natural beauty and cultural diversity. Nepal houses ten World Heritage Sites, over a dozen of protected areas, and eight of the 8,000ers of the world.

Trips - Top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley

Although extended in 147,512 sq. km, all types of climatic variations are found here. Tour, trekking, and hiking in Nepal is meant for witnessing the soaring peaks, wonderful biodiversity, and ethnic villages.

To enjoy these natural and cultural beauties, it is not necessary to trek to the Himalayas or the trans-Himalayan Region. Tourists can enjoy all the attractions just around the Kathmandu Valley just in one-day hikes or multi-day treks.

This blog includes the Top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley. Tourists can experience all they do during Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, or Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking

Starting: Telkot

Ending: Changunarayan

Duration: 4 – 5 Hours

Trip Type: Hiking plus Driving

Max. Altitude: 2,195 metres

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking Highlights

  • Panoramic view of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Gaurishankar Ranges
  • Walk along the ethnic villages of Newar Community
  • Stunning view of the Kathmandu Valley surrounded by Shivapuri National Park
  • Explore one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Nepal
  • Cultural museum of Changunarayan

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking is one of the top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley.  This one-day hiking in and around Kathmandu is a wonderful experience of snowy mountains, green hills, and cultural villages.

You will experience hiking and driving at the same trip around the Capital City of Nepal. You drive up to Changunarayan Temple from Thamel via Telkot.

Changunarayan Temple is one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Nepal. You will have a wonderful view of the Kathmandu Valley and snowcapped peaks surrounding the valley.

Besides religious landmarks, you will explore a historical museum that has been protecting the scriptures and artifacts of the Lichhavi Dynasty. It is the oldest Hindu temple of Nepal standing above a hilltop surrounded by Champak trees.

Hiking to Nagarkot Changunarayan Temple is one of the closest one-day hikes in and around Kathmandu.

Kakani Hiking

Starting: Balaju

Ending: Balaju

Duration: 5 – 6 Hours

Trip Type: Hiking plus Driving

Max. Altitude: 2,030 metres

Kakani Hiking Highlights

  • Hike through subalpine forests of Shivapuri National Park
  • Picturesque view of the Kathmandu Valley
  • Astounding view of Shishapangma, Langtang, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu Himalayan Ranges
  • Tamang ethnic villages

Kakani Hiking takes you towards the eastern part of the Kathmandu Valley a little above the Shivapuri National Park. The Kakani is a famous picnic spot and tourist destination close to the Capital City.

Especially, on holidays, students and officials from various offices travel to Kakani for celebrating picnics. The local tour operator organizes a popular day-out hiking tour for their international clients.

You will walk through the tranquil trail that moves along the pine, oak, and rhododendron forests. You will have occasional glimpses of birds and animals of the Shivapuri National Park.

Shivapuri National Park is one of the best sites for bird watching tour and research on biodiversity. On the way, you will observe the ethnic villages of Tamang community reflecting classic panorama.

Once in Kakani, you will witness the picturesque view of the Kathmandu Valley surrounded by the green forests. On clear days, the snowcapped peaks from Gaurishankar Range to Annapurna Massif are seen.

Due to its cultural and natural rewards, Kakani Hiking is one of the top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley.

Phulchowki Hiking

Starting: Godawari

Ending: Godawari

Duration: 4 – 5 Hours

Trip Type: Hiking plus Driving

Max. Altitude: 2,780 meters

Phulchowki Hiking Hightights

  • Botanical Garden of Godawari
  • Amazing view of the Kathmandu Valley
  • Traverse through the tranquil trail
  • Panoramic view of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Manaslu, and Annapurna Himalayan Ranges
  • Snow fun in the winter

Phulchowki Hiking Overview 

The Phulchowki Hiking takes you around the southeastern part of the Kathmandu Valley across the Godawari Botanical Garden. From Thamel, you will be driven up to Godawari, from where your Phulchowki Hiking officially begins.

After observing various plants, birds, and animals of the Godawari Forests, you will move along the peaceful trail. Phulchowki Hill is one of the vantage points that show the mesmerizing view of the entire Kathmandu Valley.

Phulchowki Hill Station is one of the places that people visit for playing with the snow in the winter. From the top, you will enjoy the astounding vistas of the snowcapped peaks from the Annapurna Massifs to Gaurishankar Himal.

Hiking to Phulchowki Hill is the best way to feel peace of mind moving away from the hustling-bustling city life.

Nagarjuna Hiking

Starting: Nagarjuna Durbar Gate

Ending: Nagarjuna Durbar Gate

Duration: 5 – 6 Hours

Trip Type: Hiking plus Driving

Max. Altitude: 2,095 meters

Nagarjuna Hiking Highlights 

  • Bird’s eye view of the Kathmandu Valley
  • Birds and animals of Shivapuri National Park
  • Traverse through the tranquil trail
  • Spectacular view of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Gaurishankar, and Annapurna Himalayan Ranges
  • Explore the natural caves and ancient monasteries

Nagarjuna Hiking is one of the most done one-day hiking tour in and around the Kathmandu Valley. It begins from the historical Nagarjuna Durbar Gate and ends at the same place.

Traversing through the tranquil trail inside the pine, oak, and rhododendron forests, you will reach Jamacho Peak (2,100m). Once you’re at the top, you will see the lovely view of the Kathmandu Valley.

The snowcapped peaks of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Manaslu, and Annapurna Himalayan Ranges unleash their beauties at fullest.

Hiking to Nagarjuna Hill or Jamacho Peak rewards you with the residential cave of Philosopher Nagarjuna. Besides, you can see Buddha Cave and Mahasiddha Cave including Jamacho Gompa.

The occasional sights of birds and small animals of the Shivapuri National Park make this one-day hiking tour in Nepal more memorable.

Nagarjuna Hiking is a perfect day-tour around Kathmandu for those preferring solace to crowded city life.

Shivapuri Hiking

Starting: Budhanilkantha Temple

Ending: Kapan Monastery

Duration: 3 – 4 Hours

Trip Type: Hiking plus Driving

Max. Altitude: 2,563 meters

Nagarjuna Hiking Highlights

  • Visit Budhanilkantha Temple, Nangi Gompa, and Kapan Monastery
  • Walk through the tranquil trail
  • Occasional glimpses of birds and animals of Shivapuri National Park
  • Stunning view of the Kathmandu Valley
  • Tamang ethnic villages
  • Panoramic vistas of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Annapurna Himalayan Ranges

Nagarjuna Hiking Overview 

Shivapuri Hiking takes you towards the top of the Shivapuri Hills from where the Holy River Bagmati originates. The 3 – 4 hours’ hiking offers you wonderful blend of biodiversity and Hindu and Buddhist shrines as well.

A private or public bus drives you up to Budhanilkantha, a place named after one of the Hindu shrines, Budhanilkantha Temple. Budhanilkantha Temple is recognized for the largest stone statue of Lord Shiva in Nepal.

After visiting Budhanilkantha Temple, you gradually ascend towards the Shivapuri Hilltop. Listening to the birds’ chirping from behind the thick pine, oak, and rhododendron forests, you continue the hiking.

Shivapuri Jungle is a perfect site for bird watching tour and botanical researches. You will visit the Nagi Gompa, a nunnery where over 100 nuns of age from 12 to 90 years are residing.

Built in the mid-1960s, Nagi Gompa hiking is a perfect option to get rid of the crowded city life. The view from the gompa premises is beyond explanation! The looming mountains from  Gaurishankar Himal to Annapurna Massif are visible from this vantage point of the Kathmandu Valley.

Then, moving along the Tamang ethnic villages inside the Shivapuri National Park, you will reach Kapan Monastery. Kapan Monastery is one of the most popular Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Nepal. Once you reach there, you feel the peace of mind and witness the beautiful views all around.

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Balthali Panauti Hiking

Starting:  Dhulikhel

Ending: Panauti

Duration: 4 – 5 Hours

Trip Type: Hiking plus Driving

Max. Altitude: 1,740 metres

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Balthali Panauti Hiking Hightlights

  • Amazing view of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Gaurishankar Ranges
  • Classic villages of Newar and Tamang Communities
  • Walk through rhododendron forests
  • Explore the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery of Namobuddha
  • View of most of Kavrepalanchowk District
  • Explore the historical Newari town of Panauti

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Balthali Panauti Hiking Overview

The Dhulikhel Panauti Namobuddha Balthali Hiking is one of the Top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley. This trip rewards you with a wonderful mixture of modernity, culture, religion, and nature at the same time.

It takes you across Dhulikhel, an aspiring town, Panauti, a historical Newari town, Namobuddha, a Buddhist pilgrimage site, and Balthali, a cultural village.

If you have enough time and extend your trip around the Kathmandu Valley, book Dhulikhel Namobuddha Balthali Village Trek.

Balthali Village provides you a real experience of organic food and country life. Explore the village to get the firsthand knowledge about Tamang culture, tradition, and lifestyle.

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Balthali Village Trek 2 Nights 3 Days Itinerary

Champadevi Hiking

Starting: Hattiban

Ending: Machchhegaun, Kirtipur

Duration: 4 -5 Hours

Trip Type: Hiking plus Driving

Max. Altitude: 2,249 meters

Champadevi Hiking Highlights

  • Snowcapped peaks of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Gaurishankar Ranges
  • Explore Hindu and Buddhist shrines
  • Walk through the tranquil trail

The Champadevi Hiking is one of the day hikes around the Kathmandu Valley. Doing this trip is the best way to get rid of the crowded city life and enjoy the solace of the Mother Nature.

You begin Champadevi Hiking from Hattiban, Lalitpur and moves up to the hilltop. Champadevi Hill is the third highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley.

From the top, you will witness the snowcapped peaks of Gaurishankar, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Annapurna Himalayan Ranges. The entire Kathmandu Valley fits in a single frame of your camera and eyesight.

While moving along the thick Champadevi Forest, you will see birds and animals playing hide and seek with you. On the way back, there is a Buddhist monastery that adds to your peace of mind.

You can extend Champadevi Hiking up to Taudaha, Chobhar, and Dakshinkali Temple. Taudaha is a key spot for bird watching tour around the Kathmandu Valley.

Chobhar is one of the most popular one day hike destination of Kathmandu. You can see some natural caves called Chobhar Caves including a Milarepa Cave. However, to explore these caves,  you need special guide and safety measures.

It is more famous for the Chobahr Gorge associated with the Bodhisatva Manjushree, who cut the edge to let the water pass out.

Atop the Chobhar Hill is Aadinath Temple, from where the view of Kathmandu seems extraordinary.

Amitabha (White Gumba) Monastery Hiking

Starting: Swayambhu

Ending: Swayambhu

Duration: 3 -4 Hours

Trip Type: Hiking plus Driving

Max. Altitude: 1,500 metres

Amitabha (White Gumba) Monastery Hiking Highlights

  • Picturesque view of most of the Kathmandu Valley
  • Explore White Gumba, murals, Buddhist scriptures, artifacts, etc.
  • Birds of Shivapuri Jungle

Amitabha (White Gumba) Monastery Hiking Overview

White Gumba Hiking takes you to one of the prominent Tibetan Buddhist shrines in Nepal. This monastery is situated to the north of the Monkey Temple that you can explore both the shrines at the same trip.

Also called Druk Amitabha Mountain, this monastery is made of the white stones and local murals. As it is situated atop of a foothill, you can enjoy excellent panorama of the Kathmandu Valley.

Amitabha Monastery day hiking is often done for recreational purpose and solace of mind. Here, you can see beautiful Tibetan thankas, Buddhist arts and artifacts painted on the walls. The whirling prayer flags in the wind give you a sense of musicality while on White Gumba Excursion.

White Gumba is often compared with Nagarkot for sunset and sunrise view points around Kathmandu. On clear days, you can see the amazing peaks from Gaurishankar, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and many more.

Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking Trekking

Starting: Sundarijal

Ending: Sundarijal

Duration: 5 – 6 hours/ 2 Nights 3 Days

Trip Type: Hiking plus Driving

Max. Altitude: 2,215 metres

Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking Trekking Highlights

  • Peaks of Langtang Range, Dorje Lakpa, and Gaurishankar Range
  • Birds and animals of Shivapuri Jungle
  • Walk through ethnic villages

Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking begins from Sundarijal after 2 hours’ drive from Thamel. Walking along the pine, oak, and rhododendron forests of the Shivapuri National Par, you continue up to Chisapani.

Doing Chisapani Hiking in spring is a wonderful experience of watching birds and animals as well as colorful rhododendron flowers. This trip is customizable that you can do it as a one-day hiking around Kathmandu or short trek around Kathmandu.

You can also extend this hiking as Sundarijal Gosainkunda Lake Trek or Gosainkunda Langtang Valley Trek as well.

While traversing along the Tamang ethnic villages, you can talk with the villagers to know more about their culture and tradition.

Next day, you do Chisapani Nagarkot Trek to witness sunset and sunrise view from Nagarkot Hill Station.

On the third day, you trek to Changunarayan Temple from Nagarkot. From here, you enjoy the stunning views of the snowcapped peaks and the Kathmandu Valley.

Then, you catch a public bus or a private jeep to drive back to the hotel. In this way, Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking Trekking itinerary depends upon your choice.

2 Nights 3 Days Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking Trekking Itinerary

Sundarijal Chisapani Gosainkunda Lake Trek Itinerary

Helambu Circuit Trek

Starting: Kathmandu

Ending: Kathmandu

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Trekking & Driving

Max. Altitude: 3,300 meters

Helambu Circuit Trek Highlights:

  • Cultural villages of Tamang and Sherpa
  • Biodiversity of Shivapuri National Park
  • Alluring peaks of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Gaurishankar Ranges
  • Apples and apple orchards

Helambu Circuit Trek Overview:

Of the Top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley, Helambu Circuit Trek is a multiday hiking trek in Nepal. Named after the Hyulmo people of the Tibetan Origin, Helambu Trek is popular for nature, culture, and adventure.

Trekking to Helambu Langtang Valley is the ultimate way to explore the Sherpa and Tamang culture. Helambu is one of the apple production areas of Nepal. “Helambu’s Apple” is a brand name in the Nepalese fruit market.

Helambu Circuit Trek rewards you with the diverse flora and fauna of the Shivapuri National Park.

Traversing along the pastoral villages, you will also witness the Tamang Shamanic culture and tradition. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, chortens, and mani walls are obvious shrines of this Langtang Trekking Region.

The clear and close up view of the gorgeous peaks of Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himalayan Ranges make this trek a lifelong memory.

Helambu Circuit Trek 8-days Itinerary

Conclusion: Top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley

There are dozens of one day and multi day hikes and treks in and around Kathmandu. Among them, we have included only the Top 10 Hikes and Treks around the Kathmandu Valley in this blog. To know more about the tailor made hikes and treks in Nepal, click

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