7 Hiking Trails In The Picturesque Outskirts of Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley is home to some of the most exciting hiking trails. Hiking in Nepal is the ideal way to explore the hills of Nepal, but when you go hiking in Kathmandu, you take the activity to the next level. One of the best things about Nepal hiking is the fact that you can be done with it in no time. So, no matter your purpose for a Nepal visit, you can definitely squeeze in a few Kathmandu hiking trips to your itinerary. Hiking around Kathmandu allows you to explore major natural and cultural attractions around Kathmandu. Kathmandu offers some of the most famous Hiking Trails in Nepal.

1. Chisapani Hike

Starting Point: Sundarijal

Ending Point: Chisapani

Altitude: 2,215m

Hike Duration: 4 to 5 hours

The Chisapani Hike package covers one of the most interesting hiking trails in Kathmandu. The journey starts and ends at Sundarijal, which is a naturally gifted place. It is one of those locations that is preferred mostly for picnic activities and days outs. Needless to say, you’ll be making your way up to Chisapani, which is yet another naturally attractive place. The trip takes you through thick forests, and if you happen to be lucky enough, you might even get to spot rare and endangered wildlife. During the hike, you’ll reach spots that are possible mostly for activities such as rock climbing and canyoning.

Altogether, Chisapani Hike is a 2 days long journey. On the first day, you go from Sundarijal to Chisapani, and on the second day, you follow the same route back. On the second day, before heading back, trekkers make sure to enjoy amazing sunrise views. Chisapani is situated at an elevation of 2215m. You also get to explore waterfalls and springs.

2. Champadevi Hike

Starting point: Pharping

Ending point: Pharping

Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Altitude: 2249 m/7380 ft

Champadevi Hike is among the exciting hiking trails around Kathmandu Valley, as it takes you to the top of magnificent Champadevi. It is a hill that is rich not just when it comes to natural spectacles, but also in religion and culture. The hill is considered holy, and the region is religiously significant not just for the Hindus, but also for the Buddhists. Altogether, the journey lasts for a duration of 6 to 7 hours.

The Champadevi Hike package starts from Pharping, which is a beautiful village overall. The village is only a couple of hours away from Dakshinkali temple, which is one of the major religious heritages of Nepal. From Pharping, you make your way toward Hattiban, which happens to be the end of the journey. During the tour, you will get to enjoy magnificent views of peaks such as Jugal Himal, Langtang, Gauri Shanker, Dorge Lakpa, and so on. All of them belong to the Langtang Mountain Range. You also come across numerous flora and fauna.

3. Phulchowki Hike

Starting point: Kathmandu

Ending point: Godawari

Duration: Minimum 3.5 hours

Altitude: 2782 m/9130 ft

Phulchowki Hike is one of those hiking trails that everyone gets excited about especially when there is rain, or during winter. It is one of the closest places to Kathmandu Valley that receives snowfall. However, it’s mostly random, so, the season is not certain. Phulchowki is actually a hill with a height of 2782 m. The Phulchowki Hike journey starts and ends at Godawari. Altogether, it lasts for a duration of a couple of hours, and during this time, the hikers cover a distance of 20 to 25 km.

Before you head towards Phulchowki from Godavari, you tend to spend a considerable amount of time in the Godavari Botanical Garden, which is one of the major attractions of the hike. The garden is known for the variety of species of birds and insects, mainly butterflies that consider the garden their home. It is also an amazing picnic spot and an ideal getaway spot.

4. Namobuddha Hiking

Starting point: Panauti

Ending point: Namobuddha

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Height: 1750 m

Namobuddha Hiking is yet another exciting activity to be a part of, especially if you love nature and religion. It covers one of the most amazing hiking trails that start from the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. Namobuddha Hiking is a journey that lasts for a duration of 6 to 7 hours, and during this time you get to explore Namobuddha Monastery, which happens to be the main attraction of the hike.

It is a Buddhist school, and it also serves as a gompa that welcomes worshippers and tourists all around the year. Namobuddha Monastery is situated around 45 km away from Kathmandu City, on the top of a hill, at the height of 1750 m. The journey starts in Panauti which is a beautiful village, and it comes to an end at Namobuddha. Needless to say that the hike allows you to explore amazing fauna, and lets you enjoy outstanding views of the hills.

5. Nagarjun Hiking

Starting point: Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park

Ending point: Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Altitude: 2095 m

Nagarjun Hiking takes you on one of the naturally pleasing hiking trails. The journey allows you to explore Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park, which is one of the richest protected areas of Nepal. The hike starts and ends at the entrance gate of Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park.

Since Nagarjun Hiking trails are a one-day hike, it lasts only for a duration of 6 to 7 hours. There is also a religious curve to the journey, as you get to explore a couple of temples and gompas during the hike. One of the most significant ones among them is Jamacha Gompa. There are also natural spectacles in the area like Nagarjuna and Mahasiddha Cave. The national park is famous for flora such as pine, oak, and rhododendron trees, and fauna such as Himalayan Black Bears, Leopards, Jungle Cats, Rhesus Monkeys, Wild Boars, Deer, and so on. Provided that you’re lucky, you might get to spot these animals at a distance. It’s a beautiful hike overall.

6. Chitlang Hiking

Starting point: Chandragiri Cable Car station

Ending point: Kulekhani Hydropower dam

Duration: 3 – 4 hours

Altitude: 2,300m.

Chitlang is one of the most amazing holiday destinations in Nepal, and a perfect getaway spot for people living in the valley. Chitlang Hiking is one of the many hiking trails that you should definitely try during your stay in Nepal. The journey starts from Chandragiri Cable Car station, from where you take a 15 min long cable car ride to the top of Chandragiri. The hike ends at around the Kulekhani Hydropower dam.

One of the main attractions of the journey is Indra Sarovar lake, where you can go for many water-based activities. The main attraction however is the village of Chitlang. Here, you will explore the rural Nepali lifestyle. Also, you get to take a tour of the local cheese factory. They prepare amazing goat cheese and other milk products.

7. Nagarkot Hiking

Starting point: Sankhu

Ending point: Nagarkot

Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Altitude: 2175 m/7135 ft

Nagarkot Hiking covers one of the most scenic hiking trails and takes you to the interesting town of Nagarkot. When it comes to getting away during the weekend, it is the number one spot for the people living in and around Kathmandu city. The place is beautiful with so many resorts that offer you amazing services. They are situated in the heart of nature, so, you will be able to enjoy amazing views on a clear day.

There is a viewpoint at Nagarkot that allows you to enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The journey starts from Sankhu, which is yet another beautiful village, and it ends at Nagarkot. It is a one-day long journey, lasting only for 6 to 7 hours, however, quite like many tourists, you can spend the night in one of these resorts and enjoy a full Nagarkot experience. It is a hike that you should definitely go for in Nepal.

One of the best things about choosing hiking trails around Kathmandu during Nepal hiking is that they are so convenient. Tourists who come to Nepal on a flight generally tend to spend the maximum amount of their time in Kathmandu. Hiking in Kathmandu, therefore, makes more sense. You can experience hiking in Nepal in other parts of the country, but Kathmandu hiking is the most fun. You can go hiking around Kathmandu, without having to travel long distances before the activity. If you’re looking for a fun-filled activity during your stay in Nepal, go for hiking.

About Great Nepal Treks

Great Nepal Treks is a reliable and affordable travel and trekking agency that operates in Nepal. They specialize in trekking and expedition, however, they also offer holiday packages that include activities such as jungle safari, adventure sports, food and cultural tours, and so on. One of their most sought-after activities is hiking. The activity covers the major hiking trails in Kathmandu.

Great Nepal Treks offers exciting itineraries that feature the most popular and off-beaten travel destinations from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The company takes pride in its staff members. The roster includes a few highly experienced individuals who have worked in the sector of tourism for decades.

They know exactly what can make or break your holidays, so they are able to offer you the best. Their priority is client satisfaction, and to achieve that, they even allow their clients to make changes to their itineraries. If you’re looking to visit any of these places or try any of these activities, during your holidays, make sure to choose Great Nepal Treks as your travel partner. Your vacation won’t be the same without them.