Kathmandu is the lively capital of Nepal. It has more than ancient temples and busy markets. For every amazing trek in Nepal, Kathmandu acts as a starting point as trekkers land to begin their adventure. However, Kathmandu can be an adventure option for people wanting to experience something different. Some of the Best Hiking Places Around Kathmandu are where trekkers can enjoy stunning landscapes without traveling far. These nearby trails are easy to reach and perfect for short hiking trips.
Kathmandu is the lively capital of Nepal. It has more than ancient temples and busy markets. For every fantastic trek in Nepal, Kathmandu acts as a starting point as trekkers land to begin their adventure. However, Kathmandu can be an adventure option for people wanting to experience something different. Some of the Best Hiking Places Around Kathmandu are where trekkers can enjoy stunning landscapes without traveling far. These nearby trails are easy to reach and perfect for short hiking trips. Trekking around Kathmandu is convenient and offers beautiful nature. You can see lush forests, scenic valleys, and stunning mountain views, all within a few hours of the city. So, if you want to learn about some of the best trekking or touring spots near Kathmandu, you are in the right place. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
9 Best Hiking Places Around Kathmandu
Nagarkot Sunrise Tour and Changu Hike
During the Nagarkot Sunrise Tour and Changu Hike, you will arrive early in the morning to watch the sunrise. After enjoying the view, you will hike to Changu Narayan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will pass through Brahmins, Tamangs, and Newari villages along the way. You will stop for breakfast and lunch at small restaurants to taste traditional food. Nagarkot is a popular spot for watching sunrises, trekking, and bird watching, making it a favorite among people of all ages.
You can see the Mahalangur range, Langtang, and Sagarmatha massifs from the mountain peak. Many residents of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur visit Nagarkot for picnics. The small towns along the hiking path have changed very little, still showing the traditional rural lifestyle close to the capital.
Shivapuri Hike
The Shivapuri Hill hike, which stands at 2,732 meters, takes about 6 to 7 hours and features a challenging uphill path through dense jungles and stone steps. Prior hiking or running preparation is recommended. As you progress, the scenery becomes increasingly beautiful, with over 150 bird species and wildlife like the Himalayan Black bear and monkeys. After reaching the summit of Shivapuri Hill, the travelers glimpse beautiful Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung. Hike Shivapuri for a rewarding and healthy outdoor experience in Kathmandu.
Nagarkot Sunrise and Dhulikhel Hike
The Nagarkot Sunrise and Dhulikhel hike involves viewing the Sunrise from Nagarkot Tower, 2175m, and hiking from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel. You will pass a small village and rice terrace. The hike is around 6 hours, and if you are a beginner, a licensed guide can make your navigation from place to place easy. Transportation is provided to Nagarkot and from Dhulikhel. For a more extended trip, you can spend the night in Nagarkot or continue to Namo Buddha, staying in one of Dhulikhel’s hotels or resorts. Overall, this hike offers a rewarding experience and is among the best short hikes in Kathmandu.
Champa Devi Bhasmasur Hike
Champa Devi Bhasmasur Hike is a popular choice in Kathmandu. From Champadevi and Bhasmasur Danda, you can enjoy majestic views of the entire Kathmandu Valley and the mountains surrounding it. This hike is an excellent option for an extra day in Kathmandu. The hike starts at Pharping Bhanjang, a 40-minute drive from Thamel. The Champadevi-Bhasmasur Danda Day Hike is refreshing, offering beautiful views and a nature walk. The trail, suitable for older hikers, uses stone steps and ridge walks. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang Lirung, Gangchenpo, Dorje Lakpa, and other mountain ranges. The hike goes uphill from Hattibat resort to Champdevie of 2285 meters.
Champa Devi Bhasmasur Day Hike
7-8 hours Days
Hike
USD40 per person
Jamacho Gumba Hike
Jamachu Gumba Hike is one of the closest hiking destinations to Kathmandu. The hike to Jamacho Hill takes you through a quiet jungle in the National Park, where you can see rare animals and birds. At 2,130 meters above sea level, Jamacho Hill is home to a Buddhist shrine, where you can find a stupa and a small monastery. If you climb the watchtower, you will see 360-degree views of the landscapes, mountains, and Kathmandu valley. Reaching Jamacho Hill brings a sense of peace in beautiful surroundings.
Start with a drive to Phulbari Gate, the entrance to Shivapuri-Nagarjuna National Park, leaving behind the busy Kathmandu Valley. After a 2.5-hour uphill hike, you arrive at Jamacho Peak, enjoying stunning views of hills and valleys. The return trip takes about 2 hours along the same path.
Dhulikhel Namobuddha Panauti Hike
Dhulikhel Namobuddha Panauti Hike is a beautiful hike. You will drive to Dhulikhel, hike from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha, 1750 m, hike down to Panauti, and drive back to Kathmandu. You will have a beautiful view of the Himalayas and valley. The hike is around 7 hours. The hike starts in Dhulikhel, a small Newari town located 30 kilometers from central Kathmandu. After about an hour’s drive from your hotel, you will reach Dhulikhel and begin the Namobuddha hike. The Namobuddha one-day hike begins at Nagarkot and takes you to Namobuddha monastery (1750m) and Namobuddha Viewpoint. The hike ends in Panauti (1340m), where you can explore Newari culture and temples before returning to Kathmandu.
Phulchoki Hike
Phulchowki Day Hike is an excellent choice for a day trip to Nepal’s stunning snow-capped Himalayas. As the highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley at 2,750 meters, Phulchowki is just 20 kilometers from the city and offers breathtaking views. Phulchowki Day Hike is an excellent choice for a day trip to Nepal’s stunning snow-capped Himalayas. As the highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley at 2,750 meters, Phulchowki is just 20 kilometers from the city and offers breathtaking views. The name Phulchowki itself means hill covered with flowers, which means this trip is best enjoyed during the Spring and Autumn seasons. In this hike, plants and flower lovers will feel treated by all the rhododendrons and magnolias covering the hiking trails. However, this trek is equally beautiful in winter, as it turns into a snowy city. This trip is perfect if you want to escape bustling city life.
Chandragiri Hike
Chandragiri hiking is a top one-day trek in Kathmandu Valley, featuring the beautiful Hindu temple of God Shiva at the summit. You can enjoy a cable car ride for stunning city views. The easy trail leads through the charming village of Mache Goan, known as Fish Town, which celebrates a yearly festival in August-September. The path winds through forests and open ridges, offering scenic views of the valley. Be aware that it can get crowded on Saturdays. After visiting the temple, you can hike down or take the cable car to Thankot for transport.
Kakani Suryachaur Hike
Kakani Suryachaur hike will start at Kakani 2030m and end at Suryachaur 1970m Hike. After lunch at Suryachaur, drive back to Kathmandu. 4 hours walk. The Kakani to Surychaur Hike offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, green hills, and valleys, making it suitable for children. Start by driving about an hour and a half from Kathmandu to Kakani. The trail enters a dense forest after passing through Kakani Village and an army base. You’ll enjoy views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang along the way. After about three hours, you’ll arrive at Suryachaur, which offers an unobstructed view of the Himalayas and nearby cottages for lunch. Following lunch, the hike continues to Jhonr, where you’ll drive back to Kathmandu.
Do we need Permits for Hiking around Kathmandu?
The hikers will need permits to hike around certain parts of Kathmandu. Hiking around Kathmandu often necessitates permits, primarily the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card, which aids in tracking trekkers for safety purposes throughout Nepal. You’ll require specific park entry permits if your chosen trail enters protected areas like Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
Beyond national-level permits, local rural municipalities are increasingly implementing their own fee structures. It is crucial to verify the specific permit requirements for your intended hiking route before departure. Consulting with local trekking agencies or park authorities is highly recommended to guarantee compliance and a smooth hiking experience. This approach helps you prepare for any fees or permits you might need to fully enjoy the natural beauty around Kathmandu.
Conclusion
Hence, the best hikes around Kathmandu are an alternative to long and time-consuming Himalayan trekking adventures. These hikes are also categorized for travelers of all ages and for travelers looking to enjoy decent adventures with their kids, parents, or loved ones. Kathmandu is primarily known for its city life, with lots of pubs, clubs, and noise all around; however, stepping outside Kathmandu can change your perception and get you close to nature.
We hope our nine best hikes around Kathmandu have helped you experience your best adventure to date. These hikes provide a chance to see the majestic natural beauty and give you a true physical essence of Nepal and its lovely people. Spend the day outside in Kathmandu. Explore ancient temples and Buddhist monasteries. Discover a variety of plants and animals, and enjoy the adventure all around.
