Thinking about taking short hiking break around Kathmandu but not sure where to go? No worries, we have come here with the complete information about popular hiking around Kathmandu valley. There are some beautiful hiking trails around Kathmandu valley, surrounded by the green hills and traditional rural villages.
To see the beautiful mountain peaks, to see the Nepalese countryside, to experience the panoramic mountain views, you don't have to plan for weeks long trekking. You don't have to trek high for this all. Hiking around Kathmandu valley offers everything. To experience hiking around Kathmandu valley, you don't need weeks of time. Even you are traveling with limited time, You can still enjoy the beauty of the Kathmandu valley and hiking here.
Nagarkot, Chisapani, Kakani, Champadevi, Phulchoki, Chandragiri, Nagarjun, Dhulikhel etc are the most popular hill stations and hiking destinations near Kathmandu that offers beautiful mountain views. Those villages are near from capital city but these villages are still not affected by modernity so hiking around Kathmandu valley offer a chance to see traditional village life. Some of the hiking around Kathmandu possible to do in a single day, and are suitable for travelers from every age group and for all seasons.
Some of the beautiful hiking trips near Kathmandu valley are mentioned below.
Hiking startting and ending point: Kathmandu / Namo Buddha
Max. Elevation: 1800m
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Namobuddha is an exciting hiking destination, 38 km east of Kathmandu provides a oppertunities to spend your day enjoyable hike and visit a beautiful Namobuddha monastery at the height of 1800 m. On a clear day you can also see the beautiful snow-capped mountains peaks from the Everest and Langtang mountain range. Beside this amazing glimpses of Himalayas, local Newari villages, temples, Gumba and Chaityas are the major attractions of Namobuddha hiking.
Hiking startting and ending point: Kathmandu/ Pharping
Max. Elevation: 2,249
Hiking Duration: depending on the route, 3 to 6 hours.
Champadevi (2285m) is the third highest hill station in Kathmandu valley that offers the magnificent view of the Kathmandu valley and beautiful mountains from ranges such as Mt. Everest, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, Langtang, Gaurishanker etc. Champdevi is also popular as a pilgrimage so when you hike to Champadevi hill station you can also visit some Buddhist Stupas and hindu shrine. Champadevi hike is an exciting and enjoyable beautiful Pharping village which is 19 km form Kathmandu. The trail goes through the dense forest which is rich in flora and fauna. This hike is highly recommended for those who are in Kathmandu with limited time but willing to explore more of Kathmandu valley, enjoy with the panoramic mountain views and traditional rural lifestyle.
Hiking startting and ending point: Kathmandu / Shivapuri
Max. Elevation: 2563m
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Shivapuri Hill (2563 m) is the second highest hill around Kathmandu. This is one of the closest hiking trails in Kathmandu that offers beautiful view of the mountains. The hike starts from Buddanilkantha and trail takes us to the Bagdhwar which is the nearest source of the Bagmati River. Visit to Nagi Gumba (monastery) is another major highlight of this hike. It is a beautiful hike that is suitable for hikers from all age group. Shivapuri that is rich in both flora and fauna.
Hiking startting and ending point: Kathmandu / Godawari
Max. Elevation: 2,750m.
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5 hrs
Phulchowki (2782m) is the highest hill station near Kathmandu lies in the south of Kathmandu valley and it offers breathtaking view of the Kathmandu valley. When it is clear you can also enjoy the view of the Annapurna and Gaurishankar. Hiking to Phulchowki hill station starts and ends at Godawori which is 14 km south of Kathmandu. Phulchowki hiking is probably the best hiking near Kathmandu where you can experience the beauty of vegetation, several species of orchids, butterflies and birds. It is an exciting hiking that goes through the sub-tropical thick forests filled with rhododendrons and oak trees.
Hiking startting and ending point: Kathmandu / Kakani
Max. Elevation: 1990m
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Kakani itself is 26 km northeast to Kathmandu valley, a perfect place for day hiking with your family and friends. Kakani (1990 m) offers the amazing views of the Himalayas and famous for its breathtaking scenery. The major mountain peaks can be seen from Kakani are mountain peaks from Langtang range, Shisa Pangma range, Annapurna range, Gaurishanker Himal, and Manaslu. Kakani is all about the picturesque view of lush hills, oak and pine forests, trees and pristine peaceful environment so if you are in search of day hiking for relaxation, Kakani is a perfect destination for your day hiking break.
Hiking startting and ending point: Sankhu / Nagarkot
Max. Elevation: 2,175m.
Hiking Duration: Approx. 6 hrs
Nagarkot hill station (2,175m) is the most popular hill stations that lies about 25 miles east of Kathmandu. It is probable the best view-point in Kathmandu valley that offers beautiful sunrise, sunset and the breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas. Nagarkot offers different hiking options such as hike from Changunarayan temple to Nagarkot, hike from Nagarkot to Sankhu town or hike from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel. All the hikes are equally exciting and enjoyable.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
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