Best Hiking Places Near Kathmandu

1. Dhulikhel - Naumobuddha – Panauti Hiking

Namobudhha situated at the hill top of Panauti is very important Buddhist pilgrimage located in kavre district about 38 km east of Kathmandu.The one day hike start from Dhulikhel. Dhulikhel is a popular himalya view point and a quiet town.It is a easy 3 hour walk from here to Namobuddha which is a quite old and popular stupa among Buddhist pilgrims. The stupa and shrines build up in this lovely little hill has significantly enough mark a very ancient holy site where a legendary prince named Mahasttva offered himself to starving Tigress with its several underfed cubs. From Namobuddha after walking through lovely farm land and villages for another 3 hours to reach the quiet and artful town of Panauti.The burning ghats, the suspension bridge over the small river and the well preserved temples are difficult to pass without visiting.

2. Champadevi Hiking

Champadevi, situated at an altitude of 2285 m south - west of Kathmandu, is a pilgrimage site having a Buddhist stupa and a Hindu shrine commands many pilgrims visit this place on full moon day .One day hiking starts from Pharping . From Pharping we start our hiking gradually up for about half an hour along trail toward the north ridge and through pine forested area. Then continue hiking gradually up following the trail for about another 3 hours to CHAMPADEVI. Superb view of Langtang, Gauri Shankar, Jugal, Dorge Lakpa Himalayas are the major attraction of the hiking .Apart from it, we can observe the bustling Kathmandu city and spectacular village settlements from the top. Several return routes are possible. Then after continue hike down to Hattiban for about 2 hours.

3. Shivapuri Hiking

Shivapuri situated at an altitude of 2563m north of Kathmandu is second highest hill around Kathmandu valley. Baghdwar, Shivapuri locates near source of holy river Bagmati .A day hiking starts from Budhanilkantha. From Budhanilkantha walk through Shivapuri conservation area. This is the Government protected forest where over 500 species are found. Start our hike from the southern boundary of the area where the army check post is located. Nagi Gumpa situated at an altitude of 2330 m north of Kathmandu and above Budhanilkantha Temple is only Monastery for the Nuns practice Buddhism and foreigners often come there for meditation. It is a steep uphill hike through narrow and dusty trail for about half an hour and two hours gradual uphill trial to Shivapuri. Beyond the monastery, the trail goes steeply uphill through the oak, rhododendron and bamboo forest for another three hours.From here you can enjoy the beauty of snowy Himalayas such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang-Lirung, Dorji Lhakpa and you take a shortcut downhill to Budhanilkantha in about two and half hours.

4. Chisapani Hiking

Chisapani, often also called Chisopani, is located at 2,200 meters right at the edge of Shivapuri National Park and hikers often use the small village as a rest spot on their long hikes when crossing the park from either Budhanilkantha or Sundarijal. To be honest, the little village itself doesn’t have much to offer and has often been described as basically not much more than an insignificant truck stop on a hilltop. It is true that apart from a few less than pretty concrete houses and hotels, there isn’t much else, but then again, what draws people to Chisapani isn’t any fancy architecture but the views, which stretch all the way from the Everest in the east to the Annapurna in the west. Many hikers prefer to spend a night here over making only a quick stop, as sunrises and sunsets up in the little village are spectacular and offer an especially nice view over the valley during the famous golden hour, when the whole landscape is bathed in a soft, glowing light and the mists are lingering.

Hiking up to Chisapani isn’t easy though and the trails include many steep climbs and descents until one reaches the final destination at 2,200 meters. The name Chisapani means “cold water,” a name derived from the cool mountain streams having their origins in these mountains. The surroundings make all the sweat and workout to this chilly altitude worth it though and on the trek through the national park, hikers can see the varied plant life of the subtropical as well as temperate climates. Himalayan black bears, leopards, civets and many other species have found their home among the oaks and pines and observant visitors might even be able to spot some of the shy wildlife in the forests.

5. Phulchowki Hiking

Phulchowki (2782m) is the highest hill situated in the south of Kathmandu valley. This is one of the most beautiful hiking in terms of vegetation in Kathmandu valley. Hiking starts from Godavari ( Royal Botanical Garden ). From Godavari you hike gradually uphill all the way through sub - Tropical thick forest for about four hours. The magnificent view from eastern part of Annapurna range to Gaurishanker in the east can be seen from here on a clear day apart from the Breathtaking view of Kathmandu valley.

6. Nagarkot Hiking

Nagarkot is a popular hill famous for mountain vistas especially sunrise and sunset views in Himalayas. Hiking in Nagarkot is quick spot for nature trail lovers. Nagarkot hiking offers a break from bustling life of Kathmandu. Hiking starts from Sankhu.From sankhu it is a three and half hour walk to nagarkot . The continuation of the hiking goes from Nagarkot to Changunarayan which takes about three hours. The walk leads down from Nagarkot along a ridge to the temple of Changunarayan with views of Sankhu village to the right and Bhaktapur to the left. Changunarayan is situated at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the valley, it is said to have been built in 323 AD by King Hari Datta Varma. The temple, famous for its architecture is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings. It is said to be the oldest temple in the valley.

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