Top 10 Hiking Routes Around Kathmandu Valley

Last updated on 2024-03-29
Top 10 Hiking Routes Around Kathmandu Valley

Nepal is a magnificent traveller's paradise brimming with natural beauty. A perfect place to detoxify yourself in order to achieve peace of mind and insight into yourself. Hiking is a fantastic way to spend the holidays. You may have few options for hill hiking if you live in a busy city anywhere in the world. But, if you're only in Kathmandu for a short time and want to get a whiff of the fresh mountain air, a hike is your best bet - they're cheap, interesting, beautiful, and good for your health. Below mentioned are the top 10 hiking routes around Kathmandu valley.

*The ranking is done based on the research done by The Everest List with the help of Everest Uncensored.

10. Hiking from Besisahar to Ghale Gaun

Hiking from Besisahar to Ghale Gaun
Image Source: Everest Uncensored

Ghale Gaun trekking is the ideal trek for seeing stunning views of snow peaks and the extraordinary way of life of the Gurung people, who are known as Gurkha soldiers. Ghale Gaun trekking is located northwest of the Annapurna trail. Ghale Gaun trek begins in Besisahar after a 6- to 7-hour drive from Kathmandu. We walk on a flat path that crosses the Marsyangdi, Midim, and Khudi rivers, as well as through rhododendron forests where we can see twittering birds and wild animals. The Besisahar to GhaleGaun hike is approximately 48.2 kilometres long and takes 7 to 8 hours to complete.

  • Number of Hikes : 1
  • Estimated Time : 7 Hr 30 Min
  • Walk Distance : 48.2 Km
  • Route : Besisahar-Ghale Gaun

9. Hiking from Phulbari Gate to Jamacho

Hiking from Phulbari Gate to Jamacho
Image Source: Holy Mountain Treks

The Jamacho Gumba Hike is an ideal day hike from Kathmandu. Only a few minutes drive from Kathmandu's heart and tourist hotspot Thamel. And spend 2 to 3 hours walking through the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Fulbari Gate is the starting point for the Jamacho Gumba Hike. Purchase an entry ticket to the National Park at Fulbari Gate and begin climbing the steps. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to walk through the dense forest to reach the beautiful Buddhist shrine on top of the Hill. Jamacho Gumba sits at an elevation of 2150 meters above sea level. The hike via ring road is approximately 12.7 kilometres long.

  • Number of Hikes : 2
  • Estimated Time : 2 Hr 48 Min
  • Walk Distance : 12.7 km
  • Route : Ring Road

8. Hiking from Budhanilkantha to Sundarijal

Hiking from Budhanilkantha to Sundarijal
Image Source: Everest Uncensored

This is an ideal one-day hiking trip that begins with a drive to Budhanilkantha via Maharajgunj and continues with hiking to Nagi Gumba, Tarebhir, and Sundarijal bus park. Budhanilkantha temple and Krishna temple in Budhanilkantha, as well as Nagi Gumba (Monastery) along the hiking route, are important places to visit. Sundarijal is home to 2,122 plant species, 129 mushroom species, 24 mammal species, 106 moth and butterfly species, and 318 bird species. It is also one of the best and closest hiking trails in Kathmandu, located within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. From here, you can see a spectacular view of the Kathmandu Valley. The Sundarijal hiking tour is approximately 15.1 kilometres long and takes 3 to 4 hours to complete.

  • Number of Hikes : 3
  • Estimated Time : 3 Hr 47 Min
  • Walk Distance : 15.1 Km
  • Route : Jorpati-Sundarijal Road

7. Hiking from Taudaha to Champadevi

Hiking from Taudaha to Champadevi
Image Source: Nepal Sanctuary Treks

The Taudaha to Champa Devi Day Hike is a beautiful day trip to the top of Champa Devi Hill to see the Himalayas and the Bagmati River Valley below. Taudaha Lake is teeming with fish and is a popular tourist destination. Champa Devi Hill, at 2278 meters, is the third-highest of the hills that surround Kathmandu valley. The hike starts near Taudaha Lake, the last surviving remnant of the massive lake that once covered this area. As you enter the beautiful, lush pine forests, the ascent is simple. Exit the dense forest and look up to see eagles soar above you. A small temple site on the summit serves as a focal point for pilgrims. The hike takes about 2 hours and 42 minutes and covers 10 kilometres via the Champadevi trail.

  • Number of Hikes : 4
  • Estimated Time : 2 Hr 42 Min
  • Walk Distance : 10.0 Km
  • Route : Champa Devi Trail

6. Hiking from Panauti to Namo Buddha

Hiking from Panauti to Namo Buddha
Image Source: Orphaned Nation

Namo Buddha, located at an elevation of 1740m, is a small village atop a beautiful hill with a well-preserved Buddhist monastery, Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Nepali Buddhists. Walking there from Panauti can be considered a pilgrimage in and of itself. Panauti, another ancient Newari village, is located in the Kavre District, approximately 35.0 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu. Namo Buddha has a variety of lodging options, and staying at the monastery itself is an unforgettable experience. It takes nearly 4 hours and 10 minutes from Panauti to reach Namo Buddha via Panauti-Namobuddha Rd which is about 14.1 kilometres.

  • Number of Hikes : 5
  • Estimated Time : 4 hr 10 Min
  • Walk Distance : 14.1 Km
  • Route : Panauti-Namobuddha Rd

5. Hiking from Palung to Daman

Hiking from Palung to Daman
Image Source: Everest Uncensored

Daman-Palung is the most beautiful and pristine area of Nepal close to Kathmandu. Palung, on the way to Daman, is well-known for its vegetable cultivation. Daman, a popular tourist destination, is well-known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. You pass through many small Gompas with thousands of prayer flags on the way to Daman, and you can also visit the sacred Shiva temple Shree Rikheshwar Mahadev Mandir. This is a beautiful hike that allows you to experience the culture as well as explore the natural sightseeing area. The hike takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes and covers around 11.0 kilometres.

  • Number of Hikes : 6
  • Estimated Time : 3 Hr 10 Min
  • Walk Distance : 11.0 Km
  • Route : Tribhuvan Highway

4. Hiking from Godavari to Phulchowki

Hiking from Godavari to Phulchowki
Image Source: Everest Uncensored

The hike from the Godavari to Phulchowki is the best option for hikers. Phulchowki is located approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city. Furthermore, Phulchowki Hill is regarded as a vantage point for viewing birds as well as Himalayan ranges such as Annapurna, Gaurishankar, and others. Similarly, this location provides breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley. Your Nepal Hiking adventure begins with a short drive to the lovely town of Godawari. It's a garden full of unique flowers. It takes nearly 4 hours from there to reach the resort area on top of Phulchowki via a trail to Phulchowki Mai which is about 12 kilometres.

  • Number of Hikes : 7
  • Estimated Time : 3 Hr 55 Min
  • Walk Distance : 12.0 Km
  • Route : Trail to Phulchowki Mai

3. Hiking from Budhanilkantha to Shivapuri

Hiking from Budhanilkantha to Shivapuri
Image Source: Sanket Thodge Blogspot

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is located in the northern part of Kathmandu valley, about 12 kilometres from the capital city. At 2563m, the Shivapuri hill is the second highest hill near Kathmandu valley. It is home to 177 species of birds, including at least 9 threatened species, 102 species of butterflies, including a number of rare and endangered species, and 129 species of mushrooms spread across 159 square kilometres of dense forest. This park also has a hiking trail that is popular not only with tourists but also with locals. It is an excellent location for hiking, cycling, bird watching, picnicking, and other activities. This hike begins at the National Park entrance in Budhanilkantha. It's a 3-4 hour hike up and a 2-3 hour hike down from here. The hike takes about 6 hours and 55 minutes and covers 28.0 kilometres along F082, Tarakeshwor.

  • Number of Hikes : 8
  • Estimated Time : 6 Hr 55 Min
  • Walk Distance : 28.0 Km
  • Route : F082, Tarakeshwor

2. Hiking from Changu Narayan to Nagarkot

Hiking from Changu Narayan to Nagarkot
Image Source: Abbey Int’l Treks

Changu Narayan to Nagarkot Hiking is a one-day itinerary for exploring Kathmandu Valley's hilly terrain. This hiking adventure begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Changu Narayan Temple, followed by the actual hike to Nagarkot. Hindu devotees revere Changu Narayan, a sacred temple. And Nagarkot, at an elevation of 2,195 meters, has the most beautiful sunrise view and upside-down Kathmandu valley scenery. The hike takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes via Telkot-Nagarkot Rd, which is about 14.8 kilometers long.

  • Number of Hikes : 9
  • Estimated Time : 4 Hr 30 Min
  • Walk Distance : 14.8 Km
  • Route : Telkot Nagarkot Rd

1. Hiking from Sundarijal to Chisapani

Hiking from Sundarijal to Chisapani
Image Source: Adventure Outdoor

This hike from Sundarijal to Chisapani combines the best of nature with some typical local life, gorgeous Himalayan views, captivating sunset and ethereal sunrise from Chisapani and Nagarkot, and makes for an ideal vacation in one to three days. The journey begins with a short drive to Sundarijal, a popular hangout and busy picnic spot in Kathmandu's northwestern outskirts. Within the boundaries of Shivapuri National Park, this is a place of cool shade, tall trees, beautiful streams, and a serene atmosphere, all in stark contrast to the city's noise and crowd. Chisapani is a multi-ethnic community of Brahmins, Gurungs, and Sherpas. The village also commands a stunning view of the Himalayan range, which emits an ethereal glow. The hike takes about 2 hours and 39 minutes and covers 6.2 kilometres along Chisapani Rd.

  • Number of Hikes : 10
  • Estimated Time : 2 Hr 39 Min
  • Walk Distance : 6.2 Km
  • Route : Chisapani Rd

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10. Hiking from Besisahar to Ghale Gaun

Hiking from Besisahar to Ghale Gaun
Image Source: Everest Uncensored

Ghale Gaun trekking is the ideal trek for seeing stunning views of snow peaks and the extraordinary way of life of the Gurung people, who are known as Gurkha soldiers. Ghale Gaun trekking is located northwest of the Annapurna trail. Ghale Gaun trek begins in Besisahar after a 6- to 7-hour drive from Kathmandu. We walk on a flat path that crosses the Marsyangdi, Midim, and Khudi rivers, as well as through rhododendron forests where we can see twittering birds and wild animals. The Besisahar to GhaleGaun hike is approximately 48.2 kilometres long and takes 7 to 8 hours to complete.

  • Number of Hikes : 1
  • Estimated Time : 7 Hr 30 Min
  • Walk Distance : 48.2 Km
  • Route : Besisahar-Ghale Gaun

9. Hiking from Phulbari Gate to Jamacho

Hiking from Phulbari Gate to Jamacho
Image Source: Holy Mountain Treks

The Jamacho Gumba Hike is an ideal day hike from Kathmandu. Only a few minutes drive from Kathmandu's heart and tourist hotspot Thamel. And spend 2 to 3 hours walking through the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Fulbari Gate is the starting point for the Jamacho Gumba Hike. Purchase an entry ticket to the National Park at Fulbari Gate and begin climbing the steps. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to walk through the dense forest to reach the beautiful Buddhist shrine on top of the Hill. Jamacho Gumba sits at an elevation of 2150 meters above sea level. The hike via ring road is approximately 12.7 kilometres long.

  • Number of Hikes : 2
  • Estimated Time : 2 Hr 48 Min
  • Walk Distance : 12.7 km
  • Route : Ring Road

8. Hiking from Budhanilkantha to Sundarijal

Hiking from Budhanilkantha to Sundarijal
Image Source: Everest Uncensored

This is an ideal one-day hiking trip that begins with a drive to Budhanilkantha via Maharajgunj and continues with hiking to Nagi Gumba, Tarebhir, and Sundarijal bus park. Budhanilkantha temple and Krishna temple in Budhanilkantha, as well as Nagi Gumba (Monastery) along the hiking route, are important places to visit. Sundarijal is home to 2,122 plant species, 129 mushroom species, 24 mammal species, 106 moth and butterfly species, and 318 bird species. It is also one of the best and closest hiking trails in Kathmandu, located within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. From here, you can see a spectacular view of the Kathmandu Valley. The Sundarijal hiking tour is approximately 15.1 kilometres long and takes 3 to 4 hours to complete.

  • Number of Hikes : 3
  • Estimated Time : 3 Hr 47 Min
  • Walk Distance : 15.1 Km
  • Route : Jorpati-Sundarijal Road

7. Hiking from Taudaha to Champadevi

Hiking from Taudaha to Champadevi
Image Source: Nepal Sanctuary Treks

The Taudaha to Champa Devi Day Hike is a beautiful day trip to the top of Champa Devi Hill to see the Himalayas and the Bagmati River Valley below. Taudaha Lake is teeming with fish and is a popular tourist destination. Champa Devi Hill, at 2278 meters, is the third-highest of the hills that surround Kathmandu valley. The hike starts near Taudaha Lake, the last surviving remnant of the massive lake that once covered this area. As you enter the beautiful, lush pine forests, the ascent is simple. Exit the dense forest and look up to see eagles soar above you. A small temple site on the summit serves as a focal point for pilgrims. The hike takes about 2 hours and 42 minutes and covers 10 kilometres via the Champadevi trail.

  • Number of Hikes : 4
  • Estimated Time : 2 Hr 42 Min
  • Walk Distance : 10.0 Km
  • Route : Champa Devi Trail

6. Hiking from Panauti to Namo Buddha

Hiking from Panauti to Namo Buddha
Image Source: Orphaned Nation

Namo Buddha, located at an elevation of 1740m, is a small village atop a beautiful hill with a well-preserved Buddhist monastery, Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Nepali Buddhists. Walking there from Panauti can be considered a pilgrimage in and of itself. Panauti, another ancient Newari village, is located in the Kavre District, approximately 35.0 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu. Namo Buddha has a variety of lodging options, and staying at the monastery itself is an unforgettable experience. It takes nearly 4 hours and 10 minutes from Panauti to reach Namo Buddha via Panauti-Namobuddha Rd which is about 14.1 kilometres.

  • Number of Hikes : 5
  • Estimated Time : 4 hr 10 Min
  • Walk Distance : 14.1 Km
  • Route : Panauti-Namobuddha Rd

5. Hiking from Palung to Daman

Hiking from Palung to Daman
Image Source: Everest Uncensored

Daman-Palung is the most beautiful and pristine area of Nepal close to Kathmandu. Palung, on the way to Daman, is well-known for its vegetable cultivation. Daman, a popular tourist destination, is well-known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. You pass through many small Gompas with thousands of prayer flags on the way to Daman, and you can also visit the sacred Shiva temple Shree Rikheshwar Mahadev Mandir. This is a beautiful hike that allows you to experience the culture as well as explore the natural sightseeing area. The hike takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes and covers around 11.0 kilometres.

  • Number of Hikes : 6
  • Estimated Time : 3 Hr 10 Min
  • Walk Distance : 11.0 Km
  • Route : Tribhuvan Highway

4. Hiking from Godavari to Phulchowki

Hiking from Godavari to Phulchowki
Image Source: Everest Uncensored

The hike from the Godavari to Phulchowki is the best option for hikers. Phulchowki is located approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city. Furthermore, Phulchowki Hill is regarded as a vantage point for viewing birds as well as Himalayan ranges such as Annapurna, Gaurishankar, and others. Similarly, this location provides breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley. Your Nepal Hiking adventure begins with a short drive to the lovely town of Godawari. It's a garden full of unique flowers. It takes nearly 4 hours from there to reach the resort area on top of Phulchowki via a trail to Phulchowki Mai which is about 12 kilometres.

  • Number of Hikes : 7
  • Estimated Time : 3 Hr 55 Min
  • Walk Distance : 12.0 Km
  • Route : Trail to Phulchowki Mai

3. Hiking from Budhanilkantha to Shivapuri

Hiking from Budhanilkantha to Shivapuri
Image Source: Sanket Thodge Blogspot

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is located in the northern part of Kathmandu valley, about 12 kilometres from the capital city. At 2563m, the Shivapuri hill is the second highest hill near Kathmandu valley. It is home to 177 species of birds, including at least 9 threatened species, 102 species of butterflies, including a number of rare and endangered species, and 129 species of mushrooms spread across 159 square kilometres of dense forest. This park also has a hiking trail that is popular not only with tourists but also with locals. It is an excellent location for hiking, cycling, bird watching, picnicking, and other activities. This hike begins at the National Park entrance in Budhanilkantha. It's a 3-4 hour hike up and a 2-3 hour hike down from here. The hike takes about 6 hours and 55 minutes and covers 28.0 kilometres along F082, Tarakeshwor.

  • Number of Hikes : 8
  • Estimated Time : 6 Hr 55 Min
  • Walk Distance : 28.0 Km
  • Route : F082, Tarakeshwor

2. Hiking from Changu Narayan to Nagarkot

Hiking from Changu Narayan to Nagarkot
Image Source: Abbey Int’l Treks

Changu Narayan to Nagarkot Hiking is a one-day itinerary for exploring Kathmandu Valley's hilly terrain. This hiking adventure begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Changu Narayan Temple, followed by the actual hike to Nagarkot. Hindu devotees revere Changu Narayan, a sacred temple. And Nagarkot, at an elevation of 2,195 meters, has the most beautiful sunrise view and upside-down Kathmandu valley scenery. The hike takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes via Telkot-Nagarkot Rd, which is about 14.8 kilometers long.

  • Number of Hikes : 9
  • Estimated Time : 4 Hr 30 Min
  • Walk Distance : 14.8 Km
  • Route : Telkot Nagarkot Rd

1. Hiking from Sundarijal to Chisapani

Hiking from Sundarijal to Chisapani
Image Source: Adventure Outdoor

This hike from Sundarijal to Chisapani combines the best of nature with some typical local life, gorgeous Himalayan views, captivating sunset and ethereal sunrise from Chisapani and Nagarkot, and makes for an ideal vacation in one to three days. The journey begins with a short drive to Sundarijal, a popular hangout and busy picnic spot in Kathmandu's northwestern outskirts. Within the boundaries of Shivapuri National Park, this is a place of cool shade, tall trees, beautiful streams, and a serene atmosphere, all in stark contrast to the city's noise and crowd. Chisapani is a multi-ethnic community of Brahmins, Gurungs, and Sherpas. The village also commands a stunning view of the Himalayan range, which emits an ethereal glow. The hike takes about 2 hours and 39 minutes and covers 6.2 kilometres along Chisapani Rd.

  • Number of Hikes : 10
  • Estimated Time : 2 Hr 39 Min
  • Walk Distance : 6.2 Km
  • Route : Chisapani Rd

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