Overview

Out of the many hikes beginning from Kathmandu, the hike to Suryachaur is one of the lesser-known. The trail from Kakani is one of the most picturesque, and you’ll hike through densely forested parts of the Shivapuri National Park. This trip perfectly blends natural beauty and the region’s culture, making it a perfect escape from the busy Kathmandu. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the beautiful distant Himalayas.

Starting from the scenic Kakani, the trail leads you through small villages and dense parts of the Shivapuri National Park. As you cross the national park, the path opens up, and you’ll be blessed with amazing views of the valleys below. Once you reach Suryachaur, you’ll get unobstructed views of the Langtang, Gaurishankar, and Ganesh Himal. This moderately challenging hike is not only about the physical adventure but also a refreshing journey. In this article, let’s look into the amazing day hike to Suryachaur.

Some Facts About The Suryachaur Hike:

  • Hike’s Starting Point: Kakani, Nuwakot
  • Hike’s Destination: Suryachaur, Nuwakot
  • Maximum Elevation: 2000 meters above sea level
  • Hike’s Total Distance: 8-10 km
  • Hike’s Difficulty: Moderate (Suitable for all fitness level types)
  • Hike Type: Out and Back

Highlights Of the Hike To Suryachaur:

  1. Sunrise and Sunset at Suryachaur: This amazing day hike gives hikers a chance to witness the amazing sunrise and sunset views from Suryachaur. This place has been growing in popularity over the past few years. Many people also ride to this place for the amazing sunrise and sunset views. Suryachaur is an underrated hill station near Kathmandu. However, the lack of restaurants and cafes around this place makes it pretty underrated.
  2. Amazing Mountain Views: From Kakani as well as Suryachaur, hikers are blessed with panoramic mountain views. These mountains cannot be seen from Kathmandu. Hence, people often ride or hike for a short distance to glimpse the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Jugal, Ganesh, Langtang, and Gaurishankar are some of the mountains visible on a clear day from Kakani and Suryachaur.
  3. Accessible from Kathmandu: These places are easily accessible from Kathmandu, so many people find it easy to travel there. Without extensive traveling, people can get amazing views, which makes it a perfect weekend getaway.
  4. Birdwatching and Variety of Wildlife: As some parts of this hike cross the Shivapuri National Park, hikers can glimpse many species of animals and birds. However, animal sightings are rare around this region.
  5. Naturally gifted trail: The trail to Suryachaur crosses many streams and waterfalls, and hikers can enjoy changing landscapes as they ascend. Especially during the blooming season, the flowers around the trail make this one of the best hiking trails.
kakani
Kakani, Nuwakot (Source: Flickr)

 

Trail Information:

  • Starting From Kakani: To reach Kakani, you’ll need to drive or ride for about an hour. Kakani itself is a famous tourist destination. Known as a local viewpoint for the people of Kathmandu, Kakani is the hike’s starting point. It is a densely forested part on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley.
  • On the trail: The trail from Kakani to Suryachaur is well-marked, so you don’t need an offline map. The trail winds through pine forests and has gentle ascents. However, there are some parts with steep ascents. Overall, this hike is suitable for almost all fitness levels. The elevation gain is gradual, making it a manageable hike. The trail also crosses some small settlements of the Nuwakot district, where people can interact with the locals and gain insight into their culture and traditions.
  • Getting to Suryachaur: You can reach Suryachaur by walking for 2 hours. It is an open place perfect for viewing the valleys below and the distant Himalayas. Along the way, you’ll also cross an army check post, where you will have to fill out your credentials. Suryachaur is also a famous place for picnics. After spending some time at Suryachaur, you can head back to Kakani, which will take around 1.5 hours to descend.

What To Pack and The Best Time For The Hike:

  1. Food and Water: Stay hydrated throughout the entire hike. It is essential to stay hydrated so you can continue at a similar pace for a long time. Also, carry protein-rich foods that will power you through the entire hike.
  2. Carry a Light Backpack: This is a relatively shorter hike, so do not carry a heavy backpack that will weigh you down and decrease your walking speed. However, carry all the essentials required for the hike.

Best Time For The Hike:

This hike is suitable all year round. However, the best times for it are Autumn and Spring. The views become clearer, and the mountains become visible. Avoid the monsoon season, as the trail gets slippery, and the road to Kakani can also be disturbed.

Also Read: Trekking To The Untouched Wilderness: Shey Phoksundo Lake