Introduction
With a growing population of almost 2 million, Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is one of the busiest cities. Its poor air quality is renowned globally. However, within just a few kilometers of this city, you can find some of the best hiking trails that offer scenic beauty and natural landscapes unlike any other. Let’s explore the top trails that promise an unforgettable adventure. In this article, let’s look at five of the most popular short hikes in Kathmandu.
Here are our picks of the top 5 best hiking trails in Kathmandu:
Jagdol-Tarebhir Hike
The crisp mountain air greets you as soon as you reach Jagdol via Gokarneshwor. The road leading up to Jagdol is perfectly fine, and it takes about half an hour to reach the beginning point on a bus. It covers a total distance of 12 kilometers. You can complete the hike in about 5-6 hours. The hike is moderately difficult, and anyone with a basic level of hiking experience can complete the hike easily.
You hike through Shivapuri National Park, ascending steep concrete stairs. The trail through the park is a blend of natural beauty and serene forest landscapes. You may also encounter some of the Park’s wildlife along the way. After hours of hiking, you will reach the summit of Tarebhir, where you will be greeted with a breathtaking view of Kathmandu City. The descent back to Jagdol is relatively easy. You will get to Jagdol in about an hour.
Banasur Danda Hike
This is a relatively easier trail at just 10km long. Most hikers complete this hike in 4-5 hours, making it a perfect destination for beginners. The journey to this hike starts in Lamagaun, leading you to Dadikhel. Lamagaun is easily accessible from Kathmandu, which makes this a convenient starting point for the hike.
As you ascend up the hill following the trail, you will come across local villages. As you approach Dadikhel, the trail ascends more steeply. The final ascend from Dadikhel up to the Peak is the most challenging, with few steep ascends along the way. However, the scenic landscapes around this place will make you fall in love with this place. This hill is also famous for meditation and reflection due to its tranquil surroundings. The descent back to Lamagaun can be quicker, and you can reach Lamagaun in about an hour and a half.
Budhanilkantha-Baghdwar Hike
Unlike any other hike, the Budhanilkantha to Baghdwar hike offers a unique and challenging experience. The 15km trail of this hike has some of the best and most unique landscapes and offers a unique variety of wildlife to explore. Along the way, you will cross places like Panimuhan and Deurali and eventually reach Bagdwar. The hike up to Bagdwar usually takes around 5 hours to complete. This hike is pretty challenging, and beginners may find it difficult.
Bagdwar, which is the source of the Holy Bagmati River, is also a center of faith for many. It is located at an elevation of 2490 meters above sea level. A tiger’s head has been carved onto one of the streams in Bagdwar. Many people continue their journey up to the Shivapuri Peak, which is considered more challenging. However, the scenic beauty that Shivapuri Peak offers is second to none. The descent back to Deurali and eventually to the Budhanilkantha Temple is a lot quicker than the ascent and takes around 2 hours to reach the bottom.
Kakani Hike
Kakani is one of the most well-liked locations and a favorite travel destination for tourists. The greatest time to see the sunrise and sunset is in the morning and evening. Kakani boasts a beautiful view of the valley and mountains, as well as a variety of unique species and plants. The Kakani Day Hike offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas from a number of overlooks. During a day trip, hikers may see the mountains in the Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu ranges. The walking distance for this hike takes around 5-6 hours to complete.
Along the hike, you will reach a maximum elevation of 2030 meters. The ascent is not challenging, and people with novice experience can complete it easily. The local Tamang culture can be explored around this area, which has been living here for a very long time. This hike offers many views that are simply breathtaking. Upon reaching the top, the descent back to Kathmandu is easier.
Ranikot Village Hike
The Ranikot Village Hike is one of the most underrated hikes around Kathmandu. This village is an ideal place for you to see the unchanged rural Nepali lifestyle. On a clear day, you can witness many mountains. This hiking trail is yet to be discovered by many people.
The maximum elevation for this hike is a mere 1900 meters. The starting point is Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur and upon reaching the Ranikot Village you shall have reached the end point of this underrated hike. The total walking time for this hike is around 5 hours. Snowy Mountain peaks, Local people’s lifestyle, temples, cultural experience, forest, and hills are some of the highlights of this hike. The ascent and descent of this hike are not challenging, and anyone with a little knowledge of hiking can complete this hike easily.
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