Beyond trekking in Nepal, hiking is a fantastic alternative to experience breathtaking views and a perfect outdoor activity for all ages. The Kathmandu Valley boasts some of the finest trails, offering incredible Himalayan vistas. With at least 15 hiking routes in and around Kathmandu, there’s a diverse range of places to explore. Some of these hikes can be completed in a day, while others might take 2 to 3 days, providing a unique way to connect with nature and local culture.
1. Champa Devi Hiking
- Starting Point: Pharping
- Ending Point: Champa Devi Hill
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Nestled in the southwestern hills of Kathmandu, the Champa Devi hiking trails offer a fantastic escape into nature. This half-day hike takes you through dense jungles and forests, leading to Champa Devi Hill, the third-highest hill around Kathmandu at 2,285 meters. A revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, the hike begins with a short drive to Pharping. From here, the trail gradually ascends through lush pine forests, with well-maintained paths that wind around the hill, offering stunning views. After a relatively easy 2-hour hike, you’ll reach the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu Valley and the distant Langtang Range. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the central and western Himalayan ranges.
Highlights
- Dense pine forests
- Panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley
- Langtang Range and central Himalayan peaks
- Pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists
For those seeking more adventure, you can combine Champa Devi with Chandragiri Hill for a more extended hike.
2. Chandragiri Hiking
- Starting Point: Thankot
- Ending Point: Chandragiri Hill
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Considered one of the best hiking trips in Kathmandu, the Chandragiri hike is an ideal one-day adventure. The summit is home to an impressive Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, drawing both locals and tourists alike. The hike itself is relatively easy, with well-trodden paths leading through charming villages like Mache Goan, known for its annual fish festival. As you leave the roads behind, the trail takes you through forested hills, offering spectacular views of the Kathmandu Valley. Once at the top, you can either hike back down or take the cable car, which provides a unique aerial perspective of the city below.
Highlights:
- Cable car option for descent
- Chandragiri Hilltop with Lord Shiva temple
- Stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and Himalayas
- Local villages like Mache Goan
Note: The trail can get crowded on Saturdays as locals flock to the hill for a day out.
3. Ranikot Village Hiking
- Starting Point: Suryabinayak (Bhaktapur)
- Ending Point: Panauti
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
Ranikot Village offers an off-the-beaten-path experience, making it one of the more adventurous day hikes in Kathmandu. Starting from Suryabinayak in Bhaktapur, the trail takes you through traditional Newari villages and untouched nature trails. Depending on the season, the hike is a sensory delight, with blooming flora and sightings of local fauna. The hike can be challenging during the monsoon, as the trails can become slippery. The route passes through the Ranikot Hill Pass, leading to the historic village of Panauti. The views from Ranikot are breathtaking, with vistas of the Kathmandu Valley and distant snow-capped peaks. If you’re up for more exploration, consider extending your hike into a two-day adventure, spending the night in a traditional village house to catch a sunrise.
Highlights:
- Traditional Newari villages
- Ranikot Hill Pass
- Scenic views of the Kathmandu Valley
- Untouched nature trails
4. Kakani Hiking
- Starting Point: Kakani
- Ending Point: Budhanilkantha
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
- Duration: 6-7 hours
Kakani is famous for its strawberry and kiwi harvest, particularly from February to April. This hike is a delightful mix of cultural and natural experiences. As the gateway to the Langtang Valley, Kakani is also a popular stop for trekkers heading north. The village is rich in culture, with charming traditional houses and local delicacies like strawberry brandy. The hike takes you through the lush forests of Shivapuri National Park, with a rewarding 4-5 hour trek leading to the village of Budhanilkanta, where an ancient Hindu temple awaits. Along the way, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Valley, and the Manaslu ranges.
Highlights:
- Lush forests and rhododendron groves
- Stunning views of the Himalayas, including Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung
- Tranquil picnic spots
- Insight into local village life
5. Namo Buddha Dhulikhel Hiking
This short and pleasant hike offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and stunning mountain views. The hike begins in Dhulikhel, a picturesque hillside village known for its panoramic Himalayan vistas. From Dhulikhel, a 2-hour hike takes you to Namo Buddha, a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site adorned with colorful prayer flags and serene stupas. After exploring the area, you can either hike back to Dhulikhel or spend the night in one of the cozy family-run resorts before returning to Kathmandu.
6. Jamacho Peak Hiking (Nagarjun Hill Hiking)
For those who want to reach a high vantage point quickly, the Jamacho Peak hike, also known as Nagarjun Hill hike, is a must. Located in the Nagarjun Forest, part of Shivapuri National Park, this hike takes you to the second-highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley at 2,128 meters. The hike begins near Balaju, just a short distance from Thamel, and takes you through dense forests with well-paved stone steps. A guide is required for this hike, as it’s essential to preserve the national park. Along the way, you may spot various wildlife, so keep your camera ready. The summit offers stunning views of the Langtang Range and a small gompa (monastery) to explore.
7. Suryabinayak Nagarkot Hiking
Starting from Bhaktapur, this hike combines cultural exploration with natural beauty. Bhaktapur is known for its medieval charm, with royal Durbar squares, cobblestone alleys, and local handicrafts. The hike itself, however, skips the city center and heads directly to Suryabinayak, a traditional Newari village. From here, the trail leads through farmlands and forests to the hilltop temple of Changu Narayan, one of Kathmandu’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Continuing on, the path winds through forests and ridges, eventually reaching the hill station of Nagarkot, famous for its sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas.
8. Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hiking
One of the most popular hiking trails in Kathmandu, the Nagarkot to Dhulikhel hike is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Starting in Nagarkot, known for its incredible Himalayan views, this hike takes you through jungles, local farms, and traditional villages. The trail is easy-going, making it suitable for hikers of all ages. After exploring the area, you can either return to Kathmandu or continue your adventure by hiking to Namo Buddha and spending the night in Dhulikhel, known for its comfortable hotels and resorts.
9. Phulchowki Hiking
Phulchowki, meaning “Hill of Flowers,” is one of the most scenic hikes in Kathmandu. Starting at Godawari Park, famous for its botanical gardens, the trail ascends through dense jungles to the summit of Phulchowki Hill, the highest point in the Kathmandu Valley at 2,782 meters. The hike is a favorite among bird watchers and nature lovers, with diverse flora and fauna to be seen along the way. The summit is home to a temple dedicated to a Hindu goddess, attracting pilgrims throughout the year. The hike is more challenging than others but rewards you with stunning views over the valley and, on clear days, the distant Himalayas.
10. Sundarijal Hiking
The Sundarijal hike offers a mix of cultural, natural, and spiritual experiences. The hike begins in Budhanilkanta, a village at the edge of Shivapuri National Park, known for its sacred Vishnu temple. The trail then leads through jungle paths, traditional farmlands, and past waterfalls, making it a perfect day hike for families, couples, and solo hikers alike. Sundarijal is a haven for nature lovers, with a variety of bird species, flowers, and serene waterfalls adding to the peaceful ambiance.
11. Shivapuri Hiking
Shivapuri National Park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Kathmandu. The Shivapuri hike takes you through dense jungles to the summit of Shivapuri Hill, standing at 2,732 meters. The hike is challenging, with a steep ascent that rewards you with stunning views and rich biodiversity, including over 150 bird species, Himalayan black bears, monkeys, and even the elusive leopard. The hike also takes you to the origins of the Bagmati River and offers breathtaking views of the Langtang Range, including the Ganesh Himal.
Pro tip: Some pre-hike training or regular running will help you tackle this challenging but rewarding hike.
12. Lakuri Bhanjyang Hiking
Lakuri Bhanjyang, located east of Kathmandu in Lalitpur, is a popular picnic spot offering stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley. The hike is relatively easy, making it suitable for all ages. The trail passes through a forest that provides welcome shade on warmer days and opens up to panoramic views of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. During the winter months of January and February, the area occasionally sees snowfall, adding to its charm. The hike can be extended to include a visit to Bhaktapur, providing a full day of exploration.
13. Chisapani Hiking
Chisapani, meaning “cold water,” is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Kathmandu Valley. The trail starts in Sundarijal and takes you through the lush forests of Shivapuri National Park. The first few hours of the hike are steep, but the effort is worth it as you descend into Chisapani village, where a handful of hotels and resorts offer comfortable accommodations. Many hikers choose to spend the night here, enjoying a barbecue dinner and a sunrise view over the Himalayas the next morning. The hike can be extended to Nagarkot, making it a perfect two-day adventure in Kathmandu.
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