Introduction

Many people consider Kathmandu a suitable hiking destination due to its abundance of hiking trails. Situated at an altitude of 1400 meters, the surrounding hills of Kathmandu are perfect for nature lovers, as there are numerous hiking trails and waterfalls around this place. Some famous hikes around Kathmandu are the Jamacho, Shivapuri hike, Phulchowki, and Champadevi. However, if you want an off-the-beaten-path experience, the Jagdol-Tarebhir hike is a prominent option.

The Tarebhir-Jagdol hike is a quick and scenic getaway near Kathmandu. Perfectly suited for beginners, this day hike can be completed in less than 5 hours. You don’t have to be very well-prepared for this hike, as it doesn’t have any steep climbs. Located near Budhanilkantha, on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, this hike has recently gained a lot of popularity as it falls inside the Shivapuri National Park‘s forest; this hike mainly falls in the dense jungles. This article revolves around the Tarebhir-Jagdol hike and discusses some of its key information.

Getting To The Trail Head

This hiking trail is ideally located near the outskirts of Kathmandu, so you can easily reach it in less than an hour. This place is easily available on Google Maps, so you can also rely on it. You can also do that if you want to hike before the trailhead. The trailhead begins at Jagdol, a small settlement located approximately 10 km northeast of Kathmandu’s center. Once you reach Jagdol, you’ll find small shops and vendors selling snacks and water. You can purchase items such as water bottles, snacks, and other essentials. The trail from here is well-marked and is easily navigable up until Tarebhir.

Some Facts About Jagdol-Tarebhir Hike

  • Location: Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu
  • Duration: 3-5 hrs
  • Hike’s Difficulty: Easy
  • Hike’s Starting Point: Jagdol
  • Hike’s Ending Point: Tarebhir

Hike Details (Trail’s Information)

The Jagdol-Tarebhir hike offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, moderate difficulty, and rewarding views. The trail begins with a gentle ascent and a few steep sections. Suitable for most fitness levels, this hike offers panoramic views of the distant Himalayas. Near the trailhead, you’ll encounter small settlements and some open farmlands. After walking for some time, you’ll enter the dense parts of Shivapuri National Park.

As you approach Tarebhir, the trail opens up, and from that viewpoint, you can witness the entire Kathmandu Valley. Located in the northern parts of Kathmandu, this place offers views of Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal. You can spend some time at the top enjoying the view and enjoying some of the snacks you brought.

Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri National Park (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Some Highlights of this hike:

  • Tarebhir Ridge: Known for its peaceful environment and stunning views, this is an ideal spot for photography or a quiet break. The forested area is home to various birds, making it a delight for birdwatchers. The ridge offers breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley. On a clear day, you can also see the mountains in the backdrop.
  • Serene Forest Trail: This hike takes you through the dense forested parts of Shivapuri, where you can glimpse wildlife and different plant species. It is moderately challenging and can be completed by most people.
  • Cultural Insights: The trail passes through various traditional villages, where you can witness the simple lifestyle of the locals. The people around this place are usually friendly, and you can experience their warm hospitality.
  • Photography and Birdwatching opportunities: This scenic hike provides hikers with ample amount of photography opportunities. The forested trail is home to many bird species that fly over from different parts of Nepal. As this hike rewards visitors with beautiful mountain scenery, it is equally photogenic.
  • Accessibility: Located ideally from the city, this place is easily accessible. You can travel here by a private bike, car or a taxi. Be careful, as taxis might charge you a hefty amount. You can choose to hike in this place if you’re near Kathmandu.

Some Tips For The Hikers:

  1. Plan Ahead: You should plan your hike well ahead of the actual day. This saves time and makes you prepared for any situation that may arise. You can discuss the members and the meeting point before the actual hike.
  2. Monitor the weather pattern: Avoid the monsoon, as the trails get slippery and make hiking extremely difficult. Choose the winter or summer season instead, as you’ll get panoramic views from the trail, and the weather is also a lot more stable.
  3. Carry all essentials: During a hike, you may need various essentials such as hiking poles, rainproof clothes, water, snacks, etc. These essentials will help you enhance your hiking experience.

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