Top Hiking Trails Around Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu valley is a treasure of natural beauty and cultural heritage. while the bustling streets of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur are renowned for their historical significance, culture and art. The valley also offers several beautiful hiking trails that lead you to breathtaking Landscapes. Kathmandu valley is surrounded by beautiful hills which are rich in varieties of flora and fauna And varieties of ethnic people with their unique culture, traditions, customs and language in those areas and from each top of the hills will offer you a beautiful landscape view of the whole Kathmandu valley.
1. Shivapuri Day Hiking
Trip Summary
Distance: Approx. 14 kilometers
Duration: 5to 6 hours
Altitude: 2560 m/8400 ft
Shivapuri Peak is a perfect day hike near the Kathmandu Valley, offering the best views of the Langtang Himalayan Range. Situated at an elevation of 2732 meters, it is the second-highest hill around the Kathmandu Valley and typically takes around 5-6 hours to complete. The hike begins at the gate of Shivapuri National Park, where you’ll need a permit card to enter the national park. Along the way to Shivapuri Peak, you’ll pass through a place called Nagi Gompa, which is home to hundreds of monks who live and study there. After hiking for about an hour, you’ll reach Baghdwar, the source of the Holy Bagmati River. During the hike, you can enjoy the lush forest surroundings and may even spot some wildlife. From the summit of Shivapuri Peak, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Ganjala Peak, and a stunning landscape view of the Kathmandu Valley. This hike provides an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and witness the majestic beauty of the Himalayas while being just a short distance from Kathmandu.
2. Phulchowki Hike
Trip Summary
Distance: 19 kilometers
Duration: Minimum 4 hours
Altitude: 2782 m
Phulchowki Hill is the highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley, at an elevation of 2782 meters. It offers outstanding views of the Kathmandu Valley, and on clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the eastern part of the Annapurna Range extending to Gaurishankar in the east. To reach Phulchowki Hill, you’ll need to drive to Godawari, where your hiking trail commences. Along the way, you’ll hike through a thick forest filled with Rhododendrons and Oak trees. The entire hike can typically be completed in approximately 7 hours, making it a rewarding day trip for nature enthusiasts and those seeking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and beyond.
3. Nagarkot Hike
Trip Summary
Distance: 15 kilometers
Duration: Minimum 4 hours
Altitude: 2164 m
Nagarkot hike is one of the easiest hiking routes inside Kathmandu valley. The total hiking distance is approx. 15kms. The hike starts from the ancient temple of Changu Narayan and ends at Nagarkot. In between, the trail passes through Trishul danda, telkot, Muhan pokhari and Kalamashi dam (also called Bojine dam). From the top of the Nagarkot hill you can see several mountain ranges including Annapurna, Ganesh himal, Langtang and on a clear day during sunrise you can see Mt.everest from the view tower.
4. Chisapani Hike
Trip Summary
Distance: 13 kilometers
Duration: Minimum 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2215m
The Chisapani hike is one of the most famous hiking trails, attracting both foreigners and locals alike. The trail begins at Sundarijal and takes you through the dense forests of Shivapuri National Park. Along this route, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the Bagmati River, the rich flora and fauna of Shivapuri National Park, local villages, and the panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Just before reaching Chisapani, you’ll come across a place known as Dhap Dam, which has gained popularity on social media platforms. From there, it takes approximately half an hour of hiking to reach Chisapani. This destination offers stunning panoramic views of mountain ranges and beautiful landscapes, making it a rewarding experience for all who venture along this picturesque trail.
5. Champadevi Hike
Trip Summary
Distance: 10 kilometers
Duration: Minimum 4 hours
Altitude: 2285m
Champadevi hill is a popular hiking destination. It lies in southern Kathmandu at an elevation of 2285m. It is one of the top hiking trails around Kathmandu valley.There are several routes to reach the summit but the popular one is from Hattiban resort. From there the trail passes through a mix of forests and terraced fields and it will take around 3 hours to reach the summit. The trail passes through lush forest filled with Rhododendron, Pine and oak trees. at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, the Langtang range, and even glimpses of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges on a clear day.
6. Jamacho Hike
Trip Summary
Distance: 10 kilometers (from entry point to entry point)
Duration: Minimum 4 hours
Altitude: 2128m
The Jamacho hike ranks among the popular and best hiking trails around Kathmandu Valley. It is situated in Nagarjun Hill, and its accessibility from the Kathmandu Valley is quite convenient. A half-hour drive will take you to Phulbari Gate, which marks the starting point of this hike. Upon arrival, obtaining a permit at the entrance gate is necessary before entering the national park area.
The trail goes through the pristine wilderness of the woods, under the guardianship of the Nepalese Army. As you hike through this natural haven, you’ll hear a sound by the melodious chirping of birds, and you might even have the opportunity to spot various wildlife species. At the summit of the hill, you’ll encounter Jamacho Gumpa, a renowned Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, where a small statue of Nagarjun Buddha is revered and protected. From the pinnacle of this hill, you can see stunning panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.