Hiking around Kathmandu Valley

Hiking around Kathmandu Valley is the perfect way to escape from the chaos of the city and enjoy the beauty of the natural scenery. The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu surrounded by beautiful greenery hills offers you a unique blend of culture, ancient history, and natural beauties. Kathmandu Valley is surrounded by Nagarkot in the east, Chandagiri in the west, Shivapuri hills in the north, and Fulchowki in the south. So there are many amazing hiking trails with amazing viewpoints from where you can even witness the world’s highest Mount Everest and other various mountain ranges. Hiking around Kathmandu Valley can be perfect to explore some of the highlights of Nepal in a short period with minimal fitness.

Here are some of the most popular and widely visited hiking places near Kathmandu.

Jamacho Nagarjun Hike

Starting/Ending Point: Fulbari Gate/ Fulbari Gate

Hiking Route: Macha Pokhari – Fulbari Gate – Jamacho Gumba- Retrace to Fulbari Gate

Duration:3-4hours
Distance: 10-15 KM (Approximately)

Max Altitude: 2,128 m/ 6982 ft

Difficulty: Easy

Permits & Entrance: Required

The Jamacho Nagarjuna Hike is a popular and quick hiking spot located near Kathmandu. It's only a 15-minute drive from the center of Kathmandu, Thamel. It could be the perfect half-day hike to take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hiking to Jamacho Hill, elevated at 2128 m is a less crowded jungle walk inside the youngest Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park.

Jamacho Nagarjuna Hike is the perfect half-day hiking route for nature lovers. As the hiking route goes through the dense forest, you can hear the melodious chirping of birds and also witness different flora and fauna. Jamacho Hill is a Buddhist shrine with a beautiful little Monastery adorned with payer flags creating a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere. From the view tower, you can enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Kathmandu Valley and 360-degree panoramic Himalayas views during clear weather.

To access the starting point of the hike, Fulbari Gate, you can take a local bus from Machapokhari, or drive there if you have a private vehicle. Two-wheelers have parking space available, but four-wheelers do not. At Fulbari Gate, you must purchase tickets to enter the National Park. Visitors from Nepal and other countries require an entry permit. Before starting the hike, an Army officer will inspect your bag to ensure certain prohibited items are not taken along for safety reasons.

Champadevi Bhasmasur Hike

Starting/Ending Point: Hattiban / Puspalal Park

Hiking Route: Balkhu – Chobar – Hattiban- Champadevi Temple-Bhasmasur Hill- Deurali -Puspalal Park

Duration:5-6   hours
Distance: 20-25 KM (Approximately)

Max Altitude: 2,496 m/ 8189 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits & Entrance: Not required

Champadevi Bhasmasur Hill is renowned for its stunning and picturesque hiking route near the Kathmandu Valley. Situated in the southwest part of the valley, Bhasmasur Hill stands as the third highest peak, elevated at 2496m. Just a 20 km drive to Hattiban to start your hike through the well-managed trail inside a green lush pine forest decorated with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. Along the way, you can spot various bird species and wildlife, adding to the natural beauty of the journey. Undoubtedly, it is the most picturesque trail near Kathmandu Valley as you are greeted with awe-inspiring vistas of the Kathmandu Valley and other breathtaking landscapes at every turn.

The main attraction of the hike is the sacred Hindu site Champadevi Temple, elevated at 2285m. Upon reaching Bhasmasur Hill, on the right, you’ll catch the sight of Fulchoki Hill and Chandragiri Hills on the left. On clear weather days, you’ll be greeted with a superb view of the World’s Highest Mt Everest, and other Himalayan peaks like Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, etc during clear weather. The hike not only offers stunning views of Kathmandu Valley and mountain ranges but also provides glimpses of Nepal's historical places such as Kirtipur, Bungmati, Khokana, Pharping, and Taudaha Lake.

To reach the starting point of the hike at Hattiban, you can take a local bus from Balkhu. After completing the hike and returning to Puspalal Park (Macchegaun) from Bhasmasur Hill, you can easily find a local bus for your journey back.

Note: There are no shops and water taps along the way, so bring your supplies.

Phulchowki Hike

Starting/Ending Point: Godawari /Godawari

Hiking Route: Lagankhel – Godawari – Phulchowki Hill via Jungle Trail– Back to Godawari via cemented stairs path

Duration:5-6   hours
Distance: 20-25 KM (Approximately)

Max Altitude: 2,782m/ 9127 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits & Entrance: Not required

Phulchowki hill, elevated at 2782m stands as the highest hill encircling Kathmandu Valley and is a popular hiking destination. Also known as ‘Hill of Flowers’ is just 20km away to the southeast part of the Kathmandu Valley. Perfect gateway for nature and adventure enthusiasts, as the hiking trail follows the dense green tropical forest with varieties of vegetation, birds, and wildlife. During winter, it offers the closest opportunity for people in Kathmandu to enjoy snowfall.

Phulchowki Mai Temple, located on a hilltop, is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site. It offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, and the Annapurna range. The surrounding landscapes, such as Panauti, Lele, Lakhuri Bhanjyang, Kot Danda, Godawari, and Nagarkot, are equally breathtaking. The Phulchowki hike allows you to explore the rich natural scenery and biodiversity while enjoying a peaceful and memorable holiday.

To access the starting point of the hike, Godawari, you can take a local bus from Lagankhel or Satdobato, or drive there if you have a private vehicle. For both two-wheelers and four-wheelers parking space is available.

To reach the starting point of the Phulchowki hike at Godawari, you have several options. You can either take a local bus from Lagankhel or Satdobato or if you have a private vehicle, you can drive there. Both two-wheelers and four-wheelers have parking spaces available at the starting point.

Note: Apart from the occasional roadside seller on the weekend, there are no shops along the way, so bring supplies. However, at the top, there is an army barrack with an army-run canteen where you can restock if needed.

Chandagiri Hill Hike

Starting/Ending Point: Chandagiri Cable Car Station /Godam

Hiking Route: Chandragiri Cable Car Bottom Station- Bhaleshwara Mahadev Temple - Godam

Duration:5-6   hours
Distance: 15-20 KM (Approximately)

Max Altitude: 2,551m/ 8369 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Permits & Entrance: Not required

Chandagiri Hill is one of the tallest hills encircling the Kathmandu valley from the south with an elevation of 2551 m. This hill station offers a birding eye view of Kathmandu Valley and provides one of the finest views Himalayan range during clear weather. At its peak, the famous and sacred Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Chandagiri Hill marks the border between Kathmandu and Makawanpur districts, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the beautiful and renowned Chitlang Village.

Chandagiri Hill hike is the most popular hiking destination around Kathmandu Valley for nature enthusiasts and holds significant religious importance. The hike commences at the base of the Cable Car station. As you venture through the dense, lush forest, you'll pass by the Chandragiri cable car pillar. This hiking trail is teeming with natural beauty, flora and fauna, scenic mountain vistas, wildlife, diverse plant species, and a breathtaking view of the entire Kathmandu valley.

To reach the starting point of the hike, the Chandagiri Cable Car Station, you have a couple of options. You can take a local bus from Kalanki, or if you have a private vehicle, you can drive there. Parking space is available for both 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler. If you opt for the local bus, you'll need to walk for approximately 10 minutes to reach the Cable Car Station from Chandagiri Check Post. From the left side of the Cable Car station, you can commence your journey. While returning you can easily get a local bus from Tribhuvan Park.

Note: While going up there is no water source and any other shops But, on the top, there are shops and cafes for food. If you find the hike challenging, an alternative option is to take a one-way cable car ride.

Shivapuri Hill Hike

Starting/Ending Point:

Hiking Route: Muhan Pokhari- Shivapuri Peak- Baagdwar- Nagi Gumba –Muhan Pokhari

Duration: 7-8  hours
Distance: 20-25 KM (Approximately)

Max Altitude: 2,732 m/ 8963 ft

Difficulty: Medium to Hard

Permits & Entrance: Required

Shivapuri Hill Hike is undoubtedly a popular and demanding hiking destination near Kathmandu Valley, offering nature enthusiasts a refreshing and adventurous experience. Located in the northwest of the Kathmandu Valley, Shivapuri Hill stands as the second tallest peak around Kathmandu Valley. This hiking trail takes you through the lush and diverse Shivapuri National Park, which is renowned for its exotic flora and fauna and also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and majestic mountain ranges.

The Shivapuri Hill hike is an absolute delight for nature enthusiasts offering pure forest trails to explore. Shivapuri National Park is renowned as a prime bird-watching site around Kathmandu Valley, providing a habitat for an impressive 177 species of birds. Along this fascinating trail, you will encounter Baghdwar, the origin of the Holy Bagmati River, and the serene Buddhist monastery of Nagi Gumba. Shivapuri Hill Hike offers a well-rounded experience blending nature, adventure, culture, and spirituality.

To access the starting point of the hike, Muhan Pokhari gate, you can take a local bus to Budhanilkantha, or drive there if you have a private vehicle. Parking space is available for both 2-wheelers and four-wheelers. If you opt for the local bus, you'll need to walk for approximately 15 minutes to Muhan Pohari gate from Budhanilkantha Bus Station. At Muhan Pokhari Gate, you must purchase tickets to enter the National Park. Visitors from Nepal and other countries require an entry permit. Before starting the hike, an Army officer will inspect

Note: Since Shivapuri Hill is located within the national park, you won't find any teahouses along the trail, so it's essential to bring your supplies. The hiking trail can be completed in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, offering flexibility to hike