Introduction
Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, offers an abundance of hiking destinations within its proximity. Surrounded by hills from all four sides, Kathmandu stands out as a primary hiking destination. Kathmandu is a hiker’s dream; you can find everything from lush green forests to towering hills. The landscape of Kathmandu Valley offers some of the most challenging hikes. In this article, let’s dive into some of Kathmandu’s most popular hiking destinations.
Top 9 Hiking Destinations Around Kathmandu
- Baghdwar Hike
- Phulchowki Hike
- Sundarijal Hike
- Namobuddha Hike
- Jamacho Hike (Nagarjuna)
- Kakani Hike
- Chandragiri Hike
- Changu Narayan Hike
- Champadevi Hike
Baghdwar Hike
Description:
Shivapuri is the second-highest hill near Kathmandu. Located 12km north of Kathmandu City, Shivapuri offers some of the most unique and challenging hiking experiences. The starting point of this hike is the Budhanilkantha temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site. You can reach here by a local bus or private vehicle. The trail leaves you up the Shivapuri National Park, where you can enjoy the fantastic view of the Kathmandu Valley alongside green lush forests and unique wildlife.
The trail is pretty modest, and most people do not find it difficult. It usually takes 6 hours to complete, but that may depend entirely on your speed. This trail features a variety of bird species that can be seen all along the way. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Nepal.
Phulchowki Hike
Description:
Phulchowki is another popular hiking destination near Kathmandu. The trek encompasses 14km of excellent trail and unique landscape. Located 18km southeast of Kathmandu City, it is the highest hill surrounding Kathmandu Valley, standing at 2762 meters. The starting point for this hike is Godavari, where you will encounter traditional villages. Reaching the summit is the highlight of this hike, which takes up to 4 hours.
This hike offers a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas and allows hikers to see rare bird species like the Himalayan Monal. Along the way, you will also encounter some traditional monasteries and temples. This hike may be challenging to some during winter due to the cold climate and challenging terrain.
Sundarijal Hike
Description:
Over the past few years, this trail has become the choice of many hikers. Beautiful waterfalls and streams along the way provide an experience one will never forget for a long time. The starting point for this hike is Sundarijal, and Chisapani marks the end of the hike. The hike is around 15km and usually takes 4-5 hours, depending on your speed.
This trail is moderately difficult, but most hikers do not find it challenging. It is also located in Shivapuri National Park, which hosts some of the most unique flora and fauna. Along this hike, you will encounter small villages where you can stop and take a breather. The Sundarijal hike is also considered the starting point for the famous Langtang Trek, which many can only dream of. This hike will provide you with terrain and landscape that no other hike encompasses.
You may also read :Chisapani-Nagarkot Hike: A Beautiful Trek Near to Kathmandu
Namobuddha Hike
Description:
Considered by many as one of the easiest and shortest hikes near Kathmandu, the Namobuddha hike consists of an 18km walking trail. Along the hike, you will witness some of the most stunning views of the Himalayan Range. The main highlight of this hike is the Namobuddha Monastery, a sacred Buddhist site known for its fantastic architecture. This place is very significant to the Buddhist community and is well-kept.
The summit is around 1750m in altitude and generally takes around 5 hours to complete. This is one of the easiest hikes around Kathmandu Valley. Offering some of the best views of the Himalayan range, this hike remains many people’s favorite.
Jamacho Hike
Description:
Nagarjuna, also known as the Jamacho hike, is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Kathmandu. Located 5km northwest of Kathmandu Valley, this hike is known for its stunning views of the Valley and the surrounding Hills. The trail is approximately 7km and usually takes about 3 hours to complete. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful forests and traditional villages.
The Jamacho peak, at an altitude of 2135 meters, is the highlight of this trek, which is pretty moderate in difficulty and offers some of the best views of the Himalayan range.
Kakani Hike
Description:
Kakani is another easy hiking destination near Kathmandu Valley. Located 23km northwest of the city, it is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan range. Mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal can be seen along the trail. The hike’s starting point is Kakani, and Bhanjyang marks the ending point of the hike. The trail is only 8km in length and takes somewhere around 3 hours to complete.
This hike’s highlight is witnessing sunrise and sunset views over the snow-capped mountains. A one-day hike to Kakani can be refreshing and will keep you far away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.
Chandragiri Hike
Description:
Popularly emerging as one of the best Hiking spots near Kathmandu Valley, the Chandragiri hike provides a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan Range. The hike trail is only 3km and is easily completed within 3 hours. Along the hike, hikers will encounter lush green forests and small villages.
The Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple is the main highlight of this hike, which has the highest altitude of 2511 m. The trail you choose has two options. You can choose the Machegaun Trail, which is comparatively shorter. The longer trail for this hike is the Dakshinkali Trail, which takes about 6 hours to complete. You can choose the trail according to your convenience.
Changunarayan Hike
Description:
Nagarkot has been a popular tourist destination for years. Numerous internal and external tourists visit this place on a regular basis. The hike encompasses some of the best views of the Himalayas in the whole country. Located 28km east of Kathmandu City, this hike has been popular among hikers for many years.
The hike consists of a total of 12km of walking trail. The starting point for this hike is Nagarkot, and reaching the Changunarayan Temple will end the hike. Along the way, you can witness the rural life of Nepalese villages. The scenic beauty this hike offers is simply breathtaking. The Changunarayan temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the country, and it holds cultural significance for the locals.
Champadevi Hike
Description:
Last but not least, the Champadevi Hike offers a unique experience. At 16 km, the trail is comparatively longer and moderately complex. You can start the hike at Pharping, an ancient Newari town 15km from Kathmandu.
The Champadevi Hill is the ending point of this hike, which sits at an altitude of 2250m. This place is famous for the Champadevi Temple, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. The trail passes through beautiful forests and deep green forests along the way. This trek is easily accessible from the city and offers stunning views of the Himalayan Range and the Kathmandu Valley. This hike will be perfect for those who are seeking a moderate but rewarding hiking experience
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