Nepal is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering incredible trekking and hiking experiences that cater to everyone, from those seeking short hikes to those looking for challenging treks. With eight of the world's top ten highest mountains, Nepal is a hotspot destination for mountaineers, hikers, and people seeking adventure.
Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, is located at around 1300m above sea level and is surrounded by four mountain ranges: Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri, providing various hiking routes. Kathmandu, covering 220 sq. km and including the districts of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, is not only a cultural and political hub but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.
Near Kathmandu, beautiful spots like Shivapuri National Park, Sundarijal, and Chandrigiri offer stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding countryside, making them perfect for day hikes or short getaways away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Most travelers spend time in Kathmandu exploring sacred and historical attractions, as well as hiking in the outskirts, before starting treks to different parts of the country. Popular trekking areas include Annapurna, Everest, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Nepal's numerous trekking routes are major tourist attractions, offering breathtaking scenery and exotic wildlife. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city, there are several places to hike around Kathmandu Valley.
Hiking in Kathmandu is a unique blend of culture and adventure, allowing opportunities to explore local villages, meet friendly people, and immerse oneself in their way of life. Cultural activities, traditional ceremonies, local cuisine, and rich traditions make this experience truly unique.
Hiking not only benefits physical health but also serves as a therapeutic escape for the mind. The rhythmic sounds of nature, the fresh mountain air, and the lush greenery contribute to a sense of peace, promoting overall well-being.
The trails near Kathmandu are easy to reach, making them suitable for both experienced trekkers and beginners. Whether you're looking for a short day hike or a longer trek, these trails provide opportunities to quickly immerse yourself in nature or begin on a more extended journey through the hills.
Top 10 Hiking Destinations in Kathmandu Valley
Phulchoki Hike
Phulchowki Hill, situated at an elevation of 2,781m, is the highest hill near Kathmandu Valley. It is a popular destination for a day hike and bird watching in the Lalitpur district, southeast of Kathmandu Valley. Known for its challenging route, Phulchowki Hill offers a panoramic view of mountains such as Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Ganesh, Langtang Lirung, and others. The trek typically takes around 5-7 hours to complete.
Phulchowki Hill is among the top hikes for its lush vegetation in Kathmandu Valley. Phulchowki is home to over 300 bird species and a variety of flora, including rhododendrons, wild orchids, bamboo forests, magnolias, jasmine, and more. Situated above the lively city of Kathmandu, Phulchowki offers a unique escape from the city, allowing hikers to enjoy the beautiful green surroundings of the Himalayas fully.
The journey starts at the base of Godawari Hill, where charming villages and terraced fields showcase rural life. As you ascend, the temperature cools down, and the noise of the city disappears, replaced by the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. The lush forests, filled with various plants and animals, create a refreshing change from the city.
Trip Facts
- Distance: approx 18km
- Trip Grade: Easy to moderate
- Starting point: Godawari
- End point: Godawari
- Best season: February to May and early October to December
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest house
- Permit: Not required
Nagarkot Hike
Nagarkot, located at 2100 meters above sea level, is a well-loved mountain viewpoint surrounded by pine forests and green terrace farms. Many consider it the best destination for hiking and biking adventures from Kathmandu. The breathtaking single-day hike to the hilltop village of Nagarkot offers a chance to experience Nepali hospitality and stunning mountain views. This hike is easily accessible from Kathmandu, suitable for nature lovers of all ages and experience levels, and serves as a great place for acclimatization before more challenging treks. Nagarkot, despite being close to Kathmandu, provides a a peaceful escape to a small village where you can relax, appreciate beautiful views, and feel far from the busy city life. Known as one of the best spots for sunrise and sunset in Nepal, Nagarkot is the only place offering a close-up view of Mount Everest. It's a renowned highland destination showcasing the beauty of the central Himalayas, including the Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Rolwaling Range, Mahalangur range (Everest range), and more. With various starting and ending points, a popular route begins from the Nagarkot bus stand or Nagarkot View Tower, leading to the Changunarayan Temple.
Trip Facts
- Distance: approx 12 kms
- Trip Grade: Easy to moderate
- Starting point: Nagarkot Hill station
- End point: Changunarayan Temple
- Best season: September to November and march to May
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest house
- Permit: Not required
Chandragiri Hike
Among the hiking destinations in Kathmandu valley Chandragiri hill, located on the southwestern edge of the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of 2551 meters, is another popular hiking spot in Nepal. The journey begins at the base of Chandragiri, with the option of taking a cable car for a quicker ride up. The trail leads you through lush forests, charming villages, and open landscapes, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna on clear days. Upon reaching the top, you'll enjoy stunning views of the nearby mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. It's an excellent choice for a day hike, providing a refreshing nature escape that's conveniently close to Kathmandu. Biking is another way to reach Chandragiri Hills in Nepal. If you decide to use the cable car to reach Chandragiri Hills, there is a specific fee required for the cable car ride.
Trip Facts
- Distance: approx 7 km
- Trip Grade: moderate to difficult
- Starting point: Thankot
- End point: Chandragiri Hills
- Best season: September to November and March to May
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest house
- Permit: Not required
Shivapuri Hike
The Shivapuri Hike is a well-known hiking place near Kathmandu, Nepal. Starting from the city's edge, the trail leads you up the hill of Shivapuri, situated north of the Kathmandu Valley. As you climb through green forests and picturesque landscapes, you might spot wildlife and various bird species. Shivapuri, being a hill, provides stunning views of the nearby mountains and the city below. On clear days, the sight is truly amazing, showcasing mountain ranges like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje Lapka, Sisapangba, Mt. Everest, and Annapurna. However, you'll need a permit to enter Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, with fees set at 1,000 rupees for foreigners, 600 rupees for SAARC country nationals, and 100 rupees for Nepali citizens—all payable in Nepali Rupees. The trek comes to an end at Shivapuri Peak, which stands at an altitude of approximately 2,732 meters (8,963 feet). It's an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Trip Facts
- Distance: approx 7 km
- Trip Grade: moderate to difficult
- Starting point: Bhudanilkantha
- End point: Shivapuri Peak
- Best season: march to May
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest house
- Permit: Required
Jamacho Hike
The Jamacho hike is a popular hike leading to Jamacho Gumba, located in the northeast of Swayambhu in Kathmandu, Nepal which stands at an elevation of approximately 2080 meters above sea level. It is one of the shortest hike in Kathmandu, providing a serene walk through the rich forests of Shivapuri National Park, away from the busy city life. Ideal for a quick escape, it's a paradise for nature enthusiasts, particularly those interested in observing wildlife and birds, and it's all achievable in just one day. The hike offers breathtaking views of Kathmandu, Swayambhu, the Nagarkot area, and the nearby mountains. Along the way, you'll encounter prayer flags, butter lamps, and charming stupas, leading you to the serene Jamacho Monastery, also called Jamacho Gumba, located within Shivapuri National Park. Though the path is somewhat steep, it's about a 2-hour journey to reach the top of Jamacho, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area.
Trip Facts
- Distance: approx 7.4 km
- Trip Grade: moderate with some steep sections along the route
- Starting point: Swayambhunath stupa
- End point: Jamacho Gumba/ monastery
- Best season: March to May and September to November
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest house. However, the Jamacho hike can be completed within a day so overnight accommodation may not be required.
- Permit: Not required
Sundarijal Hike
Sundarijal Hike is a quick one-hour drive from Kathmandu, making it a perfect short trek for a refreshing experience and views of the Himalayas. The hike provides stunning views of waterfalls, greenery, and a famous water reservoir. This reservoir supplies drinking water to Kathmandu Valley and serves as the source of the Bagmati River.
Located 15 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, Sundarijal is easily reachable by road. Many people either hire a taxi or use public transportation to get there. Before starting the hike, visitors must enter Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, and there's an entrance gate where a fee is paid, and details are registered.
The Sundarijal hike suits both beginners and experienced hikers. The trail goes through a thick forest, and sometimes hikers come across Mulkharka, a lovely village where they can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and chat with local people. Throughout the hike, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, green valleys, and terraced fields. The scenery changes, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural elements.
Trip Facts
- Distance: approx 19 km
- Trip Grade: easy-moderate
- Starting point Kapan Gumba/ monastery
- End point: Sindhupalchowk
- Best season: March to May and September to November
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest house.
- Permit: Required
Kakani Hike
Hiking in Kakani Dadha is the best hike near Kathmandu which is just an hour's drive, located at an elevation of 2070m. The journey to Kakani is delightful, taking a scenic route through the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park via Balaju. The hike is a pleasant walk through oak and pine forests, green hills, villages, and comfortable guesthouses. You can see the mesmerizing view of mountains in Kakani village, like the Annapurna and Rolwaling Ranges. Kakani is famous not just for its views but also for special Japanese strawberries, tasty rhododendron-flavored liquor, and delicious trout dishes. Kakani is also a top picnic destination among the locals, seamlessly blending natural beauty with cultural significance.
Trip Facts
- Distance: approx 26 km
- Trip Grade: moderate- difficult
- Starting point Kakani bus park
- End point: Suryachaur or Gurje Bhanjyang
- Best season: March to May and September to November
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest houses.
- Permit: Not required
Bethanchowk Narayanthan Hike
Bethanchowk, the highest hill in the Mahabharat range, is located in the southern part of Kavre district, standing tall at 3000m above sea level. From Bethanchowk, you can see some places from Makwanpur and Janakpur. The entire mountain, known as Bethanchowk Narayanthan, is named after a small temple called Narayanthan at the hilltop. Bethanchowk, offering captivating views of tall hills, rich local culture, delicious food, and green landscapes, all complemented by beautiful mountain scenery, has become a popular hiking destination near Kathmandu. This place is gaining popularity among nature enthusiasts as a peaceful retreat from the busy urban lifestyle.
Bethanchowk also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, showcasing mountains like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang range, Dorje Lakpa, and even Mt. Everest on clear days. Recently discovered, this hill is becoming well-known as one of the best camping spots near the Kathmandu Valley.
Trip Facts
- Distance: approx 26 km
- Trip Grade: moderate
- Starting point: Dhungkharka
- End point: Bethanchowk hill
- Best season: March to May and September to November
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest houses.
- Permit: Not required
Champadevi Hike
Champadevi hike is a short and easy day hike on the third highest hill in the Kathmandu valley, situated in the southern part with an elevation of 2180m above sea level. The hike provides lovely views of Kathmandu Valley, covering the districts of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. Champadevi Hill is a great spot to admire the breathtaking landscapes, including Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, Langtang, Gaurishankar, Jugal, Dorge Lakpa, and more.
The Champa Devi hike typically lasts about 5-6 hours, starting from Pharping and ending in Kirtipur. The trail takes you through forests filled with rhododendron, pine, and oak trees, creating a calm and refreshing environment. Along the way, you might spot various plants and animals, adding to the natural beauty of the hike. As you trek, you'll also encounter a beautiful Buddhist stupa, bringing a cultural and religious touch to your journey.
Trip Facts
- Distance: approx 19 km
- Trip Grade: moderate
- Starting point: Pharping
- End point: Bhanjyang
- Best season: March to May and September to November
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest houses.
- Permit: Not required
Jagadol-Tarebhir Hike
Jagadol-Tarebhir hike is a great choice for those wanting to explore nature without leaving Kathmandu city, with an elevation of 2100m. It is often an easy and navigable hiking destination in Kathmandu, making it suitable for beginners, even those without prior hiking experience. Located on the northern side of Kathmandu in the Gokerneshowr area, Tarebhir is situated on the bank of Shivapuri National Park and is predominantly inhabited by the Tamang community. The hike to Tarebhir begins from Jagadol, where you can stroll through the trail and experience a pine forest along with various picnic spots. Considered the easiest and shortest hike, Tarebhir is often preferred for family outings, providing a delightful outdoor experience.
Trip Facts
- Distance: approx 12 km
- Trip Grade: easy
- Starting point: Jagadol
- End point: Tarebhir
- Best season: all season except monsoon
- Accommodation: Hotels and guest houses.
- Permit: Not required
Conclusion
These are the top 10 hiking destinations near Kathmandu Valley, offering fantastic places to explore. From the breathtaking mountain views of Kakani Dada to the rich history of Bethanchowk Narayanthan, each spot is special. Whether you prefer the easy-going Tarebhir hike or the iconic Champadevi Hill, there's something for everyone. These hiking spots not only let you enjoy nature but also offer glimpses into Nepal's culture and religion. When you're in Nepal and have a short time for treks, these are the best hiking options for you.
