Dhulikhel Day Hike with Namobuddha is an ideal choice for one day hike near Kathmandu. This hike blends cultural aspect, panoramic Himalayan views, and natural trail perfectly. The hike takes you from the historic town of Dhulikhel to the sacred Namobuddha Monastery. You will be passing through terraced farmlands, traditional Newari villages, and peaceful forests.
Dhulikhel is a well-known destination for tourists located about 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu. The hike starts from Dhulikhel all the way up to Namobuddha monastery. This day hike takes a little over 5 to 6 hours covering around 12-14 kilometer on average. It is considered an easy hike as you won’t have to scale high mountains as the maximum altitude you will reach is 1,750 meters.
Along the Dhulikhel Day Hike, you will encounter centuries old temples and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze. You will aslo get to see some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas like Mount Annapurna (8,091m), Mount Lhotse (8,516m), Mount Gaurishanker (7,134m), Mount Langtang Lirung (7,234m), and many more.
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Overview of Dhulikhel Day Hike
Dhulikhel Day Hike’s biggest selling point would be the panoramic views. You can watch the mountains glory, with peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Gaurishankar dominating the sky. The town itself is filled with charming old streets, small temples, and local markets, providing hikers a view of authentic Nepali town life before they even start the trek.
The Dhulikhel Day Hike with Namobuddha Monastery is a mix of natural, cultural, and spiritual aspect. As you hike along the route, you will pass through forests, farmland, and villages where you will meet locals tending to their fields or doing traditional crafts.
The best thing about the hike though is the fact that it ends or at least takes you to one of the most popular places in Nepal- the Buddhist pilgrimage named Namobuddha, which has a legend about compassion and sacrifice.
The Dhulikhel Day Hike is easy for beginners with fitness of moderate level. This makes the hike suitable and easier to families, solo travelers, and people interested in photography.
Places You’ll Visit on Your Dhulikhel Day Hike
The places you will be visiting during your time on the Dhulikhel Day Hike with Namobuddha is the peace garden of Dhulikhel, the Kali temple, Kavre bhanjyang, and namobuddha monastery. Each with their own unique charm.
Dhulikhel Peace Garden
Dhulikhel Peace Garden is the first major stop along the trail. It is a quiet spot perfect for a short rest, where you can enjoy a wide range of views of the Himalayan range. The Peace Garden is a great place for meditation, stretching your legs, or taking photographs of the valley below.
Kali Temple(Devisthan)
After travelling a short distance from the peace garden is the Kali Temple. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, making it a significant religious site for the local Newari and Nepali communities. Visitors can observe traditional rituals and offerings.Also a wooden carvings characteristic of Newari architecture. This stop allows hikers to experience the spiritual side of Dhulikhel.
Kavre Bhanjyang
Next on the trail is Kavre Bhanjyang, a scenic ridge offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and farmlands. From this view-point, you can see the patchwork of terraced fields and small villages that fill the landscape. This place is ideal for taking a rest and some photography right before reaching the main destination of the hike.
Namobuddha Monastery
Dhulikhel Day Hike ends at the Namobuddha Monastery, which is one of the most significant pilgrimage places of Buddhists at 1,750 meters. According to legend, a prince (Lord Gautam Buddha) sacrificed his life to rescue a starving tigress and her cubs and this deed will be remembered at this monastery. Tourists are able to see the prayer halls, stupas and meditation centres located in the monastery. The peaceful environment makes it a perfect place to relax, meditate, or simply soak in the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Best Time for Dhulikhel Day Hike
The best time for Dhulikhel Day Hike with Namobuddha will depend on the preference you have. The hike can be enjoyed year round but your experience will depend on the season you choose.
If you want the best weather and climate for the hike then spring and autumn would be the best. If you want a less crowded hike with crisp view for photography then autumn is the best. Monsoon season is generally not recommended as the hike traverses through the forest and the trails gets slippery with leeches everywhere.
Spring (March - May)
Spring is a vibrant and colorful season for this hike, with wildflowers in full bloom and the hillsides filled with rhododendrons. The moderate temperature and fresh air make walking comfortable.
- Blooming rhododendrons, and flora & fauna
- Mild temperatures are ideal for hiking without heavy winter gear
- Crisp morning and evening views of the Himalayas
Autumn (September - November)
Autumn offers crystal-clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. This season is considered the peak season for hiking due to excellent weather and unbeatable mountain vistas.
- Clear skies for the best views of the panoramic Himalayas
- Mild and comfortable daytime hiking temperatures
- Dry trails, reducing the risk of slips during the hike
- Excellent lighting conditions for photography
Winter (December - February)
Winter is quieter on the trail, with fewer hikers and peaceful surroundings. The cold air brings exceptional clarity to mountain views, though mornings can be chilly.
- Minimal crowds for a more peaceful hiking experience
- Superb visibility of distant snow-covered peaks
- Cool and fresh air, especially pleasant for those who enjoy crisp weather
Monsoon (June - August)
Monsoon brings lush greenery and fewer tourists, but also rain-soaked trails and cloudy skies. It’s the least popular time for this hike unless you enjoy solitude and don’t mind wet conditions.
- Green, vibrant landscapes after rainfall
- Very quiet trails with minimal tourist traffic
- Opportunities to experience a more local, rural atmosphere
Come experience the culture and panoramic Himalayas. Book your hike with Abound Holidays.
Dhulikhel Day Hike with Namobuddha Cost
The cost of the Dhulikhel Day Hike to Namobuddha mainly depends on your group size, as larger groups can share transportation and guide expenses. Our package includes essential services like a professional guide, transportation, lunch, and entry fees.
Group Size | Price per Person | Inclusions |
2 to 4 Pax | USD ... | Guide, lunch, transportation, entry fees |
5 to 8 Pax | USD ... | Guide, lunch, transportation, entry fees |
9+ Pax | USD ... | Guide, lunch, transportation, entry fees |
Value for Money: Considering the package covers guide expertise, comfortable transport, entry fees, and a hearty lunch, this hike offers excellent value. You avoid the stress of arranging logistics yourself and gain insightful commentary from local guides, making the experience richer and more memorable.
Want to get an estimate for the total cost with additional expenditure? Contact us now.