Kathmandu, the capital city, is the most vibrant and largest city in Nepal. Although people view Kathmandu as one of the most polluted and crowded cities in the country, very few visitors who have hiked the surrounding hills know how intoxicating the city is. Surrounded by Shivapuri hills in the north, Nagarkot in the east, Fulchowki in the south, and Chandragiri in the west, the valley alone offers dozens of enthralling hiking routes allowing visitors to even enjoy the sights of Mount Everest. Yes, you heard it right one can witness Mt. Everest from Kathmandu by just hiking to the viewpoint of Nagarkot and Chandragiri Hills.
Well, it is some exciting news for someone who loves the Himalayas but has limited time in Nepal or has any physical inabilities to summit the base camp to admire the beauty of the snow-capped pinnacles. And this is where we offer our visitors some great hiking options around Kathmandu valley that requires minimum physical fitness but grants you to enjoy every bit of nature. So, let’s discover the Top 10 Most Popular Hiking Places in Kathmandu that will make you fall in love with the city and the view.
Table of Content:
▪ 1) Nagarkot Hiking
▪ 2) Shivapuri Hiking
▪ 3) Kakani Hiking
▪ 4) Chandragiri Hiking
▪ 5) Chisapani Hike
▪ 6) Jamacho Hiking
▪ 7) Namo Buddha Hiking
▪ 8) Phulchowki Hiking
▪ 9) Champadevi Hiking
▪ 10) Amitabha Monastery/White Gumba Hike
▪ FAQ on Hiking in Nepal
1) Nagarkot Hiking:
Short Info:
✔ Starting Point: Sankhu
✔ Ending Point: Nagarkot
✔ Distance: 28 Km
✔ Duration: 5 hours
✔ Altitude: 2175m
Highlights of Nagarkot Hiking:
✔ Safe, short, and relaxing hiking route.
✔ Enjoy the remarkable sights of the Himalayas.
✔ Luxurious hotel offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
✔ Enjoy Sunrise view from Nagarkot view tower
✔ Explore the unique Newari lifestyle and culture.
Elevating at an altitude of 2175m, Nagarkot is one of the most scenic spots of the valley that offers a majestic sunrise view over the Himalayas including Everest. It is popular hiking destination in kathmandu among domestic and international travelers, Nagarkot is a perfect gateway destination for a refreshing weekend amidst the beautiful scenery of hills and the Himalayas.
The 5 hours hiking journey starts from the Newari village of Sankhu and covers around 28km till you reach Nagarkot. On the way, you will walk past Pine forest, terraced fields, farmlands, and Newari Kartik village. The journey ahead from Kartik village offers breathtaking sights of the Himalayas and greenery.
Visitors can spend their night in the luxurious hotel of Nagarkot or camp out as per their choice. If you plan to hike back down, the downhill journey from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Temple is another best route to explore and experience the hills and trails of the area. Early in the morning, you can witness the sunrise view and head on your next venture around the city.
2) Shivapuri Hiking:
Short info:
✔ Starting Point: Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu
✔ Ending Point: Shivapuri National Park
✔ Distance: 18km
✔ Duration: 4-5 hours
✔ Altitude: 2732m
Highlights of Shivapuri Hiking:
✔ Visit the renowned Hindu temple, Budhanilkantha, and Buddhist site, Nagi Gumba
✔ Rhododendron forests
✔ Walkthrough the wilderness of Shivapuri National Park
✔ Enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley and Langtang range from the top of the hill.
Elevating at an altitude of 2732m, Shivapuri peak is the second-largest peak of the valley and lies inside Shivapuri National Park. The national park was established in 2002 and is home to 177 species of birds, 19 species of mammals, and 150 species of butterflies.
The Shivapuri hiking starts from the holy Hindu site Budhanilkantha. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Budhanilkantha temple has a 5m tall sleeping shrine of Lord Vishnu. Every year thousands of visitors visit the temple on the occasion of Haribodhini Ekadashi. After a short visit to the site, you can commence your hiking journey to the peak passing through the woodlands of rhododendron, sal, and oak until you reach Nagi Gompa. The Buddhist nunnery is located at the top of the hill and offers stunning sights of the mountain range and city. Visitors can walk inside the monastery and meditate for a while. If you want a longer hiking days and explore more destinations then Kathmandu Shivapuri National Park and Nagarkot Hiking - 3 Days can be your best choice.
3) Kakani Hiking:
Short Info:
✔ Starting Point: Kathmandu
✔ Ending Point: Kakani hill
✔ Distance: 25Km
✔ Duration: 5 hours
✔ Altitude: 2000m
Highlights of Kakani Hiking:
✔ Popular picnic spot among locals
✔ Best for rock climbing, cycling as well as hiking
✔ Known best for strawberry farm, Trout fish, and authentic local cuisine
✔ Visit local monastery
✔ Enjoy the sights of Langtang, Annapurna, and Manaslu range.
Elevating at an altitude of 2732m, Shivapuri peak is the second-largest peak of the valley and lies inside Shivapuri National Park. The national park was established in 2002 and is home to 177 species of birds, 19 species of mammals, and 150 species of butterflies.
The Shivapuri hiking starts from the holy Hindu site Budhanilkantha. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Budhanilkantha temple has a 5m tall sleeping shrine of Lord Vishnu. Every year thousands of visitors visit the temple on the occasion of Haribodhini Ekadashi. After a short visit to the site, you can commence your hiking journey to the peak passing through the woodlands of rhododendron, sal, and oak until you reach Nagi Gompa. The Buddhist nunnery is located at the top of the hill and offers stunning sights of the mountain range and city. Visitors can walk inside the monastery and meditate for a while. If you want a longer hiking days and explore more destinations then Kathmandu Shivapuri National Park and Nagarkot Hiking - 3 Days can be your best choice.
Located in the southwest part of the valley, Chandragiri is one of the best hiking routes in Kathamndu to enjoy the sights of Everest and the entire valley. The hill is also known for the cable car ride that takes you to the hilltop temple, Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple.
The hiking journey to Chandragiri hills starts from Mata Tirtha and ascends along the evergreen ridges of Chandragiri Hill. All along the journey, you can enjoy the sights of the valley, surrounding hills, and the Himalayas. Once you arrive at the top, the grand panorama of Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and others awaits you.
After visiting the temple and enjoying the sights of the Himalayas, you can get down the hill or simply take a cable car ride to Chandragiri. The 10 minutes cable car ride offers breathtaking views of lush woodlands below.
5) Chisapani Hike:
Short info:
✔ Starting Point: Sundarijal
✔ Ending Point: Chisapani
✔ Distance: 13Km
✔ Duration: 3-4 hours
✔ Altitude: 2215m
Highlights of Chisapani Hiking:
✔ Hike through the lush woodlands of Shivapuri National park
✔ Remarkable waterfall of Sundarijal
✔ Canoeing in Sundarijal
✔ Enjoy the sights of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Annapurna, and many more.
✔ Local teahouses of Chisapani
3) Kakani Hiking:
Short Info:
✔ Starting Point: Kathmandu
✔ Ending Point: Kakani hill
✔ Distance: 25Km
✔ Duration: 5 hours
✔ Altitude: 2000m
Highlights of Kakani Hiking:
✔ Popular picnic spot among locals
✔ Best for rock climbing, cycling as well as hiking
✔ Known best for strawberry farm, Trout fish, and authentic local cuisine
✔ Visit local monastery
✔ Enjoy the sights of Langtang, Annapurna, and Manaslu range.
The Chisapani hike is one of the famous multi-day hiking destinations among local and international travelers. Located in the outskirts of Kathmandu, Chisapani is a beautiful ethnic village amidst the wild nature that offers enchanting sights of Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, and many more.
The hiking journey to Chisapani (2215m) starts from Sundarijal, the gateway to the Shivapuri National Park. The starting point Sundarijal is also popular for waterfall and canoeing. So if you have spare time, you can have some fun in the area as well. Ahead on the journey from Sundarijal, you will walk through the national park. After 5 hours long journey, you will finally reach Chisapani village, which offers outstanding sights of the Himalayas.
After exploring the village of Chisapani, visitors can spend the night in the and hike to Nagarkot the next day. The Nagarkot-Changu Narayan downhill journey is another best hiking route option for nature enthusiasts.
6) Jamacho Hiking:
Short info:
✔ Starting Point: Kathmandu
✔ Ending Point: Jamacho peak
✔ Distance: 25Km
✔ Duration: 5 hours
✔ Altitude: 2128m
Highlights of Jamacho Hiking:
✔ Hike through the rich landscape of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
✔ Visit the Jamacho Gumba located at the top of the hill
✔ Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and many more.
If your are looking for less crowded one day hike around Kathmandu, then Jamacho hill is the perfect hiking route for you. The Jamacho hill is famous for the Buddhist shrine and monastery located at the hilltop. Since the hill is located inside the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, the hiking route traverses through the wilderness of the national park itself.
The hiking journey starts from Phulbari gate, and soon you enter the jungle of lush woodlands. As you continue your walk, you will arrive at the hilltop location, where you will see a monastery adorned with prayer flags. You can also enjoy the sight of the valley from the hill.
7) Namo Buddha Hiking:
Short info:
✔ Starting Point: Dhulikhel
✔ Ending Point: Namo Buddha
✔ Duration: 6 hours
✔ Altitude: 2551m
Highlights of Namo Buddha Hiking:
✔ Explore the Newari village of Dhulikhel and Balthali
✔ Visit the Buddhist site Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery and monastic college
✔ Walkthrough the terraced field of the region while admiring the beautiful architectures of the Newari household.
Namobuddha is one of the sacred Buddhist sites and is the third-important holy site for the Buddhist religion after Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. Elevating at an altitude of 2551m, the site is perfect for yoga and meditation, while the views are incredible.
The location also carries a brief history of Prince Mahasatvya, who offered himself to the hungry cubs. Namobuddha has a monastery and a monastic college with hundreds of monks. On your hiking journey, you will walk through the peaceful green ambiance of the region while the vistas add beauty to the trail. On the way, you can also peek into the villages and lifestyles of the people living in the area.
8) Phulchowki Hiking:
Short info:
✔ Starting Point: Godawari
✔ Ending Point: Phulchowki
✔ Distance: 19km
✔ Duration: 5 hours
✔ Altitude: 2782m
Highlights of Phulchowki:
✔ Visit the botanical garden of Godawari
✔ Enjoy the sights of Annapurna, Gaurishankar, Manaslu, and many others
✔ The breathtaking sight of Kathmandu valley
Phulchowki is the highest and nearest hill station from the valley. From the hilltop of Phulchowki, you can enjoy the astonishing sights of mountains and the city. Another best part of Phulchowki is the Phulchowki Mai temple.
The hiking route is filled with rhododendron, oak, and orchids and is home to varieties of butterflies and birds. On a clear day, one can enjoy the sights of Annapurna and Gaurishankar. On your way back, don’t forget to visit the botanical garden of Godawari. The botanical garden alone covers an area of 82 ha and consists of varied thematic gardens like a physic garden, rock garden, fern garden, and many others while conserving 1000 plant species like ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. Apart from the plant species, you can find 256 species of birds, 300 species of butterflies, and moths.
9) Champadevi Hiking:
Short info:
✔ Starting Point: Hattiban
✔ Ending Point: Champadevi hills
✔ Distance: 20Km
✔ Duration: 5 hours
✔ Altitude: 2249m
Highlights of Champadevi Hiking:
✔ Stupas and Shrines located at the top of the hill
✔ Explore the nearby monastery and Padmasambhava cave
✔ Breathtaking sights of Langtang and Gauri Shankar
Elevating at an altitude of 2249m, Champadevi is the third highest hill and another best hiking place in Kathmandu. The hike to Champadevi covers around 20km and passes through the dense forest consisting of pine, bamboo, rhododendron, and ethnic Newari settlements of Khokana, Bungamati, Pharping. These Newari settlements are considered as the historical places of Nepal.
After hiking to the top point, you can see the Fulchowki hill on your right and Chandragiri on your left. While you are at the top, enjoy the panoramic sights of the Newari settlements, hills, and valleys. Visitors can also visit the monastery that carries detailed mythology.
✔ Read More: 1 Day Champadevi Hike Package
10) Amitabha Monastery/White Gumba Hike:
Short info:
✔ Starting Point: Swayambhu
✔ Ending Point: White Gumba/Amitabha Monastery
✔ Distance: 15 KM
✔ Duration: 3-4 hours
✔ Altitude: 1500m
Highlights:
✔ Dozens of Stupas and beautifully crafted murals.
✔ Panoramic sight of the valley
✔ The peaceful and serene surrounding
✔ Sunrise and sunset view
Locally known as White Gumba, Amitabha Monastery is located at the hill just opposite Swayambhunath. Its is perfect for short hike around kathmandu. The monastery has been a popular attraction among international and local travelers for its picturesque topography and the monastery that showcases beautiful Tibetan art. Inside the monastery, one can see several murals, statues, and painting that dates back to a century.
The Gumba area is supposed to be the second-best place to witness sunrise and sunset after the hill station, Nagarkot. The hiking journey starting from Halchowk traverses through the steep pitched roads while the greenery and the local settlements will accompany you. Once you are at the top of the hill, you will leave behind the settlement area and enter the forest and then finally to the Druk Amithaba mountain where the monastery is situated.
Things to know while hiking in Kathmandu:
✔ Always remember to carry your essentials like medicine and a first aid kit.
✔ Always Pack protein bars, water, snacks, knife, rope, flashlight, toiletries, charger, a pair of comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant.
✔ Carry necessary documents like permits or your ID.
✔ Check the weather before planning your hiking trips
✔ Get a local map and map it according to your travel plan so that you won't have any problems on the way.
✔ If you have not been to Nepal before, join a group hike rather than a solo trip.
✔ Remember to carry local currency if you are heading out on the journey.
✔ Camping gear is a must if you are planning for an overnight stay in any of the locations, or you can spend the night in a local tea house or homestay.
FAQ on Hiking in Nepal:
1)_What are the best snacks or food to take during hiking?
✔ In the context of Nepal, the best snacks while hiking is chowchow, chips, fruits like orange, apple, banana, or any other seasonable fruits along with juice, protein bars, cookies, roasted/fried beans, boiled eggs, bread, peanut butter.
2)_What are the most essential things to pack while going hiking?
✔ The essential things to pack while hiking are mentioned below:
• Hiking backpack including snacks, first aid kit, any necessary medications, insect repellants, sunscreen, navigation tool (map and compass), knife or multi-tool,
• Raincoat
• Sunglasses
• Water
• Lighter
• Hand sanitizer
• Toiletries
• Cash
• Personal ID
• Camping gear for overnight stay
3)_Is trekking stick really compulsory?
✔ There is no yes or no answer to this, as you can get several trekking sticks during the hike, but you may not exactly find the ideal one for you. So if you think you can not go on a hike without a stick, you can rent it from any shop in Thamel and use it when required.
4)_What can be the ideal breakfast during hiking to give us energy?
✔ To save our hikers from dehydration, we recommend them to have as much liquid food as possible before the hike. However, the ideal breakfast for any hikers will be Milk, Bread, Boiled egg, Pancakes, any Soup, Roti tarkari, Pulses, Beans, Omelet, Oatmeal, and Juice. You can eat any of these according to your preferences.
Other things to enjoy in Kathmandu:
✔ Best Foods in Kathmandu
✔ Kathmandu Valley Trek 3 days
✔ Cultural and Historical Tours in Nepal
✔ Best Cycling Trails in Kathmandu for Adventure
✔ Best Swimming Pools near kathmandu
