Introduction
For those wanting to discover rural communities and diverse flora and fauna, the hike from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel will be perfect. Nagarkot attracts many domestic and international tourists due to its ideal location, which can be easily accessed from Kathmandu. Located just 25km from Kathmandu, Nagarkot has been an ideal place for tourists to witness breathtaking views of the Himalayas. At an elevation of 2195 meters, it is one of the most scenic spots around Kathmandu Valley. The Nagarkot to Dhulikhel is a short downhill hike encompassing many magnificent views of the Himalayan Range.
Highlights Of The Hike:
- Total Walking Time: 6-7 hours
- Maximum Elevation during the hike: 2195 meters
- Witness stunning panoramas of the Himalayan Range
- Pass through local villages showcasing local culture and tradition
- Hike through rice fields, scenic trails, and amazing landscapes.
- Visit Dhulikhel to learn more about Newari culture.
Starting From Nagarkot
This trek can be challenging to navigate without an offline map. It takes 6-7 hours to complete. The hike is moderately difficult and requires some hiking experience and a decent fitness level. The starting point for this hike is the small town of Nagarkot. It is advised to start early on the day, as it allows you to make stops along the way. Having breakfast before hiking is advised, as you may need enough energy to continue the hike. From Nagarkot, you will make some steep descents. For most hikes, you will make descents, and the trail will be enjoyable for most of the time.
The total distance for this hike is 15km. The trail descending from Nagarkot has some of the best scenic views of the Himalayas. From the trail, you can glimpse Everest, Kanchenjunga, Ganesh Himal, and Dhaulagiri. On a clear day, you can be lucky enough to see the complete panorama of the Mountain Range.
Stopping For A Break
At 12 pm in the afternoon, you shall reach a small village known as Kashi Bhanjyang. You can stop here for a lunch break. The traditional Nepali cuisine will be a perfect treat for you along the hike. After stopping for a small break, you can continue your descent. Along this part of the hike, you will see lots of farms and farm animals grazing in the green open fields. Around this part of the hike, the route gets very confusing as there are many twists and turns along the trail. Stay to your designated trail and rely on offline maps for directions. This trail has multiple shortcuts, and it is advised to stay on the main trail rather than take a shortcut, which can prove dangerous.
Reaching Dhulikhel
Follow the trail downhill until you reach the village of Rabi Bhanjyang. This village is a sign that suggests you are near Dhulikhel. Upon reaching this village, you will ascend slightly for about 15 minutes. This part of the hike goes through deep, lush jungles and rich wildlife. After walking for about 15 minutes, you will reach Dhulikhel City. This small town is a popular spot for hiking around Kathmandu. Dhulikhel is also the center point of the famous Nagarkot to Namobuddha hike. The town is an ancient town with a lot of cultural significance. Dhulikhel also has many cafes and restaurants to explore after a long, exhausting hike.
The Return Trip
There are two ways you can return from Dhulikhel. You can take the main road from Dhulikhel to Kathmandu via the Pushpalal Highway, which is 32km long. It usually takes about an hour and a half to reach Kathmandu. Along the way, you can visit the Sanga Mahadev Statue, which is a renowned statue of lord Shiva.
Another way you can return to Kathmandu from Dhulikhel is to return to Nagarkot. This usually takes a lot of time as you have to hike for an additional 5-6 hours. The trail is pretty difficult and takes significantly longer. If you want to return to Nagarkot, you may choose this route. You can return to Kathmandu pretty easily from Nagarkot. The distance is around 30km, and it takes about an hour to reach Kathmandu. From Nagarkot, you can take multiple routes to return, like the Suryabinayak route or the shorter Sankhu route. The choice of the route completely depends upon you and you may choose the one which is more accessible to you.
Best Time For This Hike
October- March: This time of the year is most suitable to hike this trail. As the monsoon will have passed during this time, you can witness many mountains around this time of the year. The skies are much clearer around this time, and the weather becomes much more pleasant.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Nagarkot to Dhulikhel hike offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and a touch of adventure to the hikers. With breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, serene landscapes, and charming local villages, this hike provides an immersive experience of Nepal’s unique environment. This trail promises a unique experience to hikers as they can witness two beautiful Nepali towns. Remember to pack well, stay hydrated, and enjoy every moment of this unforgettable hiking experience.
Also Read: Chasing Sunrise: The Nagarkot Hike
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