Highlights:
- Go on a lovely gateway from Kathmandu and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city
- One of the best day activities for travelers in Kathmandu
- Follow the tranquil trail, relishing the rich vegetation, soothing Earthy smell, and fresh air
- Witness the wonderful aerial views of Kathmandu Valley, beautiful landscapes, and mountains like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, etc, from the top of the hill
- Explore the Champadevi Temple and learn about its religious importance
- De-stress and rejuvenate
- Ideal for all ages of travelers
Overview
1 day Champadevi hike is a lovely gateway from Kathmandu. It will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city to a serene setting. There are many day hiking programs around Kathmandu.
What makes the Champadevi hike special is the attached religious factor to the journey?
Champadevi is one of the goddesses worshiped by Nepali people. On the top of the hill, there is a temple dedicated to the goddess. We will share more about the temple and the history behind it below. During the Champadevi hiking, you will follow a forested hill, relishing the rich vegetation, soothing Earthy smell, fresh air, and peace.
The hike starts in the morning, around 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel around this time. We will send a private vehicle with a skilled driver to travel to/from the trailhead.
What to expect during the Champadevi hike?
The Champadevi hike is famous among locals. It is located in the southwest part of Kathmandu Valley and takes you 2,278 meters above sea level. Among all-day hiking destinations in Kathmandu, Champadevi Hill is one of the highest. You can see a stunning aerial view of Kathmandu Valley, the surrounding hills, and the Himalayan range from the top of the hill. Even though Champadevi is famous among locals, the hiking route is not crowded, so you will enjoy a tranquil hike.
There will be ample time to de-stress and rejuvenate. If the weather remains clear, you will be rewarded with grand views of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m) and Mt. Everest (8,849 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Dorje Lhakpa (6,966 m), Langtang Himal (7,234 m), Jugal Himal (6,095 m), etc, from the top of the hill.
Champadevi temple & history
Champadevi is a Hindu goddess who is believed to have lived on this hill, as per the legends. Therefore, the hill was named after her, and locals built a small temple on top of the hill. The Champadevi Hill also holds religious importance for Buddhists. There are several stupas, chortens, and prayer flags on top of the hill. Many locals visit here to meditate.
Champadevi hike from Bhanjyang
We will start the Champadevi hiking from Bhanjyang. It is a short and comfortable drive to Bhanjyang. From here, you will gear up and start walking, following uphill. As the trail continues, you will enter a densely forested hill. As you ascend high, you will see an aerial view of Bungmati, Bagmati River, Khokana, and Pharping. The trail is well-made and easy to follow. Take frequent small breaks along the way and maintain your pace.
Upon reaching the top, spend some time resting and enjoying the views. Later, descend to Puspalal Park and drive back to Kathmandu.
Alternative routes to Champadevi Hill:
Champadevi Hill via Chandragiri Route
You can also do the Champadevi hiking via the Chandragiri route. It will allow you to enjoy a cable car ride up Chandragiri Hill, explore Chandragiri Temple, and witness the lovely landscape from the top.
- From Chandragiri, you will hike to Bhasmasur Hill at 2,496 meters and walk for another hour to reach Champadevi Hill.
- From the Champadevi Hill, descend for a couple of hours to Hattiban Resort and drive back to Kathmandu. It is a long route and involves around four to five hours of walking.
- Drive to Pharping & Hike to Champadevi Hill
Another possible route to Champadevi is via Pharping. You will leave your hotel early in the morning and drive to Pharping or Hattiban Resort. Start hiking from here.
Following a pine forest, it gradually ascends to the top of the Champadevi ridge. You will follow rugged hillsides, enjoying heartwarming landscapes and mountain views of Gaurishankar (7,134 m) in the east and Manaslu (8,163 m) in the west.
After spending some time on the top of the hill, retrace the same trail and descend to Hattiban Resort to end the trek.
*The beautiful Taudaha Lake is located nearby. We highly recommend stopping here, briefly, on the way to Kathmandu.
Is 1 day Champadevi hike suitable for you?
The Champadevi hike is doable for all ages. You do not need any preparation to do this hike. If you are in Kathmandu for a day and do not have anything planned, Champadevi hiking is a great option. Trekking with our friendly guide will make your hike even more fantastic. No need to worry if you are a solo traveler and want to do this hike. We organize private hiking trips as well.
1 day Champadevi hiking difficulty and altitude sickness
Champadevi's hike is not difficult. It is a beginner-friendly hiking program that takes you 2,278 meters above sea level. The Champadevi hiking route is well-established. You will follow an uneven trail via a forested hill and ascend to the top of the hill.
While returning, you will follow the same trail and descend down the hill. You do not have to be very fit to do Champadevi hiking. Anyone who is fine walking uphill for a couple of hours will be fine. Talking about altitude sickness, it is not that much of an issue on this day hike. The highest point you will touch is under 2,500 meters, so there is no risk of altitude sickness.
You may get out of breath and tired while climbing uphill, but there is nothing else to worry about. We recommend maintaining your pace and enjoying the journey. Keep yourself hydrated and take frequent small breaks to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
The best time to do the Champadevi hike
Spring - March to May and autumn—late September to November are the best times of the year to enjoy Champadevi hiking in terms of weather and climate. Winter—December to February is also a great time to hike to Champadevi and release some sweat in the cold weather.
In spring, Champadevi Hill and surrounding hills are covered with seasonal flowers. The trail is lush and beautiful. In the summer/monsoon season (June to August), the vegetation on the hill is quite lush, but frequent rainfall makes the trail slippery and muddy.
The neutral colors of autumn are incredible. And winter snow covers the hill, making the hiking magical. Every season has its pros and cons. Spring and autumn are best but also can be crowded. Summer/monsoon and winter have a few weather challenges, but the trails are empty, and the views are incredible.
Transportation
The starting point of the Champadevi hike is approximately 45 minutes away from Thamel. According to the group size, we use a private four-wheeler to travel to/from the hotel.
Our guide will pick you up from the hotel and drop you back after the hike ends. We provide a standard, clean, and comfortable vehicle for the day. However, if your budget allows, feel free to upgrade to a premium car.
Guide
We provide a friendly and experienced guide for the Champadevi day hike. Our strong team of hikers knows the Champadevi hiking route and the surrounding area very well. Hiking with them will make your time memorable, fun, and informative.
The guide will pick you up from your hotel. He will be with you throughout the day (until the hike ends) and safely drop you back at the hotel as well. Our hiking guides are licensed and trained, so you do not have to worry about anything.
Personal expenses
The 1 day Champadevi hike cost covers a guided hike, permit, and transportation. The package does not include food, drinks, or souvenir expenses. We recommend travelers budget USD 15 to USD 25 to buy food, water, or snacks while hiking.
Make sure to carry cash in Nepali currency. You will also need some money to tip your guide and driver. You can tip whatever amount you wish.
Champadevi Hike Packing:
Follow the below list to pack for Champadevi day hiking:
- Comfortable clothes (dress in layers so that you can remove clothes as needed)
- Windcheater
- Comfy hiking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Daypack
- SPF, lip balm, tissue paper, hand sanitizer
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Mobile and Camera
- ID Card, permit, and cash
1 Day Champadevi Hike Cost 2025/2026:
The Champadevi day hike cost ranges from USD 100 to USD 120 per person. If you are in a group of 2 to 6 hikers, you can do this hike for USD 90 per person with us. It is one of the most affordable hikes in Kathmandu.
Bookings are open for 2025 and 2026 departures. We are also taking the Champadevi day hike booking for December 2024.
Why hike with Trekking Guide Team Adventure?
We organize 1 day Champadevi hiking any time of the year. You do not necessarily have to book the hike in advance. We also take last-minute bookings and provide flexibility to our guests to customize the hike.
We understand that you may have a sudden urge to hike, so our team is always ready to organize the hike for you. You can also do a solo Champadevi hike with us. Our guides are reliable and trustworthy. They are also very funny, so you will have a great time.
Enjoy the best service and Champadevi hiking price with us. Our friendly and professional team will make this short trip hassle-free and memorable. Get in touch with us if you have any questions related to Champadevi day hiking.
