Best Day Hiking in Kathmandu Valley
Best Short Hikes in Kathmandu Valley | Day Hiking in Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal’s historical and cultural heart, is surrounded by beautiful hills and lush greenery, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. For beginners or those looking for short hikes that offer a taste of adventure and a connection with nature, the valley offers numerous trails, perfect for day hikes. We count down the best places for day hiking in Kathmandu Valley.
1. Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Hike
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Starting Point: Nagarkot
- Ending Point: Changu Narayan Temple
- Max Altitude: 2,100m
Nagarkot is famous for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Nagarkot to Changunarayan hike is a beautiful day trek. This hike offers breathtaking views of peaks like Mount Everest, Dhaulagiri, and Kanchenjunga. The trail starts from Nagarkot through small villages, fields, and forests. On a clear day, hikers can enjoy the stunning views of the valley with peaks and observe the traditional life of the Nepalese.
Spanning approximately 12 kilometers, the trek takes around 5-6 hours and provides a peaceful escape from the hustle of Kathmandu. The best time to embark on this hike is from September to December or March to May when the skies are clear and the mountain views are at their best. The journey ends at the ancient Changunarayan temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricate carvings and rich history. The temple is a great spot to explore Nepal’s rich history and architecture. This hike offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history, making it a great choice for those new to hiking.
Highlights:
- Sunrise views of the Himalayas from Nagarkot
- Exploring Changu Narayan Temple
- Passing through local villages and farmland
2. Shivapuri National Park Hike (Sundarijal to Chisapani)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Starting Point: Sundarijal
- Ending Point: Chisapani
- Max Altitude: 2,300 m
Shivapuri National Park, located just north of Kathmandu, is a paradise for nature lovers. The Sundarijal to Chisapani hike is a popular short hike, perfect for beginners who want to experience the peacefulness of the national park without a multi-day commitment. The Sundarijal to Chisapani hike is a scenic day trek through Shivapuri National Park, offering stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Jugal Himal. This journey is ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those looking to experience local culture and spiritual sites like the Shiva Parvati temple and Buddhist Gompa.
The hike starts from Sundarijal, known for its waterfalls and the Bagmati River. As you climb uphill, you’ll pass through dense forests filled with oak, rhododendron, and pine trees. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills, and if the weather is clear, you can catch glimpses of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Chisapani is a small village, and you can rest here with a cup of tea before heading back or staying overnight to extend your experience. The hike is considered easy to moderate, with gradual elevations and well-maintained stone stairs, making it accessible to most trekkers. The round trip can be completed in a day, though hikers can extend their stay if desired.
Highlights:
- Lush forests and waterfalls
- Breathtaking views of the Himalayas
- Quiet, tranquil environment away from city life
3. Phulchowki Hill Hike
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Starting Point: Godawari
- Ending Point: Phulchowki Hilltop
- Max Altitude: 2,761m
Phulchowki stands for ‘hill of flowers,’. The place is one of the highest points in the Kathmandu Valley, offering a beautiful hiking trail rich in diverse vegetation and birdwatching opportunities. Starting from Godawari Bus Stop, the hike takes you through dense tropical forests and offers stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant Himalayas, including Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Gaurishankar Himal.
Hikers should pack lunch as there are no eateries along the way, though an army canteen near the summit offers refreshments. The top of Phulchowki, adorned with prayer flags and home to a Hindu temple, rewards hikers with panoramic views and a sense of peace. The hike is best undertaken between March to May or September to November. The trip is moderately difficult and can be strenuous for novice walkers.
Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding hills. On a clear day, you can even see the distant Himalayan ranges. It’s a peaceful, refreshing hike that lets you escape the hustle of city life for a few hours.
Highlights:
- Rich biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities
- Spectacular views from the top of Phulchowki Hill
- Easy access from Kathmandu
4. Champadevi Hike
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Starting Point: Pharping
- Ending Point: Champadevi Hilltop
- Max Altitude: 2,278m
The Champadevi Hike is a short yet rewarding day hike near Kathmandu, ideal for those with limited time but looking for a quick gateway. The trail takes you through serene forests and offers breathtaking views of the Langtang, Ganesh, and Gauri Shankar mountain ranges. Along the way, hikers pass by the Bagmati River, traditional villages like Bungmati and Khokana, and several Buddhist monasteries before reaching the top of Champadevi Hill, home to a sacred Hindu temple.
At the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills, including Phulchowki and Chandragiri, and explore the Champadevi Temple, a prominent Hindu shrine. The hike combines cultural exploration with scenic beauty, making it a perfect escape for travelers looking to experience the Kathmandu Valley’s diverse landscape in just one day.
The highlight of the hike is reaching the Champadevi summit, which offers a 360-degree view of the Kathmandu Valley below and the Langtang range in the distance. At the top, there is a small shrine dedicated to the goddess Champadevi, where locals often come to pray. This hike is perfect for those looking for a spiritual journey combined with the beauty of nature.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of the valley and mountains
- Peaceful surroundings with religious significance
- Moderate elevation gain, suitable for beginners
5. Jamacho Gumba (Nagarjun Forest Reserve Hike)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Starting Point: Balaju Bypass
- Ending Point: Jamacho Gumba (Monastery)
- Max Altitude: 2,130m
of oak and pine. The path is relatively moderate, with a gradual incline, making it accessible for those new to hiking.
The Jamacho Peak Hike is a serene and short day hike located near Kathmandu, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Situated in the Shivapuri-Nagarjuna National Park, this hike takes you through lush forests with rich wildlife, bird songs, and stunning mountain views, including Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and more. Hikers can enjoy the panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley and the snow-capped peaks.
This hike is also known for its rich biodiversity, as the Nagarjun Forest is home to various species of birds and wildlife, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The short duration and proximity to the city make the Jamacho Gumba hike an excellent option for a half-day escape into nature. This hike is perfect for travelers with limited time and seeking a short and easy adventure in nature. While it’s an easy-grade hike, hikers should bring water, snacks, and packed lunches, as there are no tea houses along the way. Jamacho gumba easily is one of the best places for day hiking in Kathmandu valley
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and distant Himalayas
- Visit to Jamacho Monastery, a serene spiritual site
- Easy to moderate hike through lush forests
- Opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation