Champadevi Hill is a popular hiking trail located just 17.8 km southwest of Kathmandu. It is one of the best day-trip destinations near the city. With a height of 2,285 meters (7,495 feet), Champadevi is the third-highest hill around the Kathmandu Valley, after Phulchowki Hill (2,762 meters) and Shivapuri Hill (2,732 meters).
Champadevi Hill is named after the Champadevi Temple. This temple is located at the top of the hill. Champadvei is a god who is in various forms of Goddess Parvati or Durga. So this place is a sacred site for the Hindu religion. According to the legend, it is believed that the Hindu goddess Champadevi guards the village people and the valley against evil eyes.
There are two starting points from where you can start your hike: Chandragiri – Naga Dhunga and Bhanjyang/Hattiban. Both routes take you to the summit, but the Chandragiri route is longer and challenging than the Hattiban route. So people often loved to start their hike from this Bhanjyang/Hattiban route.
On this day tour also you will also start your hiking from the Hattiban Resort. The hiking trail is well-maintained, with stone-paved sections along the way.
The hiking trail takes you through beautiful, chilly alpine woods and rhododendron forest all the way to the Champadevi hill. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy a clear and wide view of the entire Kathmandu Valley, including Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts. Also, some sights of Kirtipur, Pharping village, and Dakshinkali Temple can be seen. On clear days, you can see the mountain peaks such as Mt. Ganesh, Mt. Langtang Lirung, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Gaurishankar, and Mt. Everest. You will also enjoy fantastic views over the villages of Bungmati and Khokana, Patan Durbar Square, Lake Taudaha, and Swayambhunath Stupa.
The Champadevi overall hike duration is 10-15 km(round-trip). You can complete the hiking in 4-6 hours. This hike is perfect for anyone looking for a light physical challenge, a peaceful spiritual break, or a relaxing day in nature. Our Champa Devi one-day hike itinerary from Hattiban is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families who want a memorable outdoor experience.
Hiking in Champadevi is possible throughout the year. In fact, each season offers a variety of experiences that are unique and pleasing. However, the months of spring and autumn (March, April, May, September, October, and November) and December to early January are considered the best. The weather is clear, days are lovely and warm, mornings and evenings are cool, and the views of the mountains and surroundings are spectacular during these months. The hiking can be done in the monsoon months of June, July, August, and early September too. But, be ready for cloudy and rainy days with slick trails and obstructed views.
The right gear and clothing items for the hike help to make your trip comfortable and easier. So we have brought this packing list you can follow for your Champadevi day hike:
The cost of the Champadevi day hike package depends on several factors, including the size of your group, the type of transportation, the level of service, and the inclusions in the package. Keep in mind that larger groups often receive discounts, and hiking with friends or family makes the journey even more enjoyable. Here is the package cost based on group size from Peaceful Nepal:
| Group Size | Package Cost per Person (USD) |
| 1–2 people | USD 85 |
| 3–5 people | USD 80 |
| 6–10 people | USD 75 |
| 11+ people | USD 65 |
Your journey of the Champdavei hike starts early in the morning. A peaceful Nepal tour guide will come to receive you directly from your hotel. You will take a ride in our private vehicle arranged for you to take you to the starting point of the trail. Leaving the busy streets of the city area, you will ride toward the scenic Dakshinkali Road.
Note: We request all our hikers to get ready before 7am. Pack all the essentials that you need for the hike.
After driving about 40-45 minutes, you will arrive at the Parping. There are plenty of restaurants here. You can have a light breakfast here or enjoy a cup of tea/coffee. Our tour guide will give a brief of today’s hike. If you need to buy anything like snacks, energy drinks, then this is the last place to buy because there are no shops on the hiking trails.
A short drive from Pharping, you will reach the Hattiban Resort, from where today’s hiking journey starts. After parking our vehicle here, your uphill walk begins.
The trail starts gently and slowly turns steeper as you move through:
While walking on this route, you will enjoy the peaceful and fresh environment. Your tour guide will share the information about the local area, nature, and the hill’s importance. You can stop during the hike for rest and take photos, or enjoy the view whenever or wherever you want. Walk according to your pace and make sure to remain hydrated.
After walking for around 2 – 2.5 hours, you will reach the top of the Champadevi hill. Now you will be at an altitude of 2,278 meters (7,474 feet). You will see the Champadevi temple decorated with prayer flags and local offerings. You will take enough time to explore the beautiful view from this top viewpoint. From this viewpoint, you can see a clear view of Kathmandu Valley, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur as well. Also, the rolling hills surrounding here are fascinating to see. On a clear weather day, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, and even Mount Everest. Also Jugal Himal and Manaslu ranges can be seen from here. If you have a drone, you can fly it to capture amazing aerial shots of the mountains, lush hills, and valleys below.
After completing the exploration, it’s time for you to enjoy your lunch. You will enjoy your packed lunch here while enjoying the scenery.
After spending a wonderful time on the Champadevi hill, it’s time for you to return. You will return to the same path that you climbed before. Downhill walking is faster and easier, and you will reach the Hattiban resort parking zone in around 2 hours.
Once you reach the Hattiban Resort, your hiking journey ends. Now you will take a ride in our private vehicle and take a drive toward the hotel where you were staying.
After riding for around 1 hour, you will arrive back at your hotel in Kathmandu, concluding your memorable Champadevi Day Hike.
Champadevi Hill is located southwest of the Kathmandu Valley and is part of the southern rim hills. It lies in the Lalitpur district.
The common starting point of Champadevi is near Pharping, which you can reach by using the local bus from Ratnapark or hiring private vehicles with the help of tour operators.
Normally, it takes 4 to 6 hours to complete the Champadevi hike.
For Champadvei hiking, no any kind of permit is required.
Champadevi hike difficulty is easy to moderate, so normal people can easily join this hike.
The summit of Champadevi Hill stands at an altitude of 2,285 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level.
Yes, the trail is well marked, and if you want, you can also hike alone
You won't find any permanent shops on the trail, and there are no water sources. Hikers must carry their water and food from the beginning of the trails.
The forest trail is close to the city, so the chances of encountering wildlife are rare.
Since you will hike below 3,000 m, there will be no chance of altitude sickness in this hike.
Since you will hike below 3,000 m, there will be no chance of altitude sickness in this hike.
Naga Dhunga is another route that people take to reach the Champadevi hill. This route is less travelled and quieter compared to the Pharping route.
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