Best Day Hike Routes Near Kathmandu Valley

While the hustle of Kathmandu is undoubtedly challenging, the pleasant beauty of the hills around the city is pretty mesmerizing. A valley rich in history, Kathmandu sports hill stations guarantee elegance and enchanting sceneries. The peace and calmness that hiking offers are second to none, especially since they are easily accessible. The physical strain upon one’s body and the activity's span is favorable to those needing a quick getaway from Kathmandu.

View from Jamacho Hill

Top Hiking routes near Kathmandu

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking

Nagarkot Changunarayan hiking trail

Nagarkot Changunarayan Hiking is an invigorating day Hike Near Kathmandu. Nagarkot is a small village located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu. This place is famously admired for the panoramic views of the Himalayas and the mesmerizing views of the sunrise and sunset. The Hike starts from Nagarkot and gradually ends at Changunarayan Temple. Early morning after breakfast, you begin Hiking as you descend through Tamang villages. The walk is easy, mainly consisting of downhill and leveled roads. It takes almost 4-5 hours to reach the old, ancient temple of Changunarayan. This temple is also included in the UNESCO world heritage and is one of the oldest temples in the city. Upon arriving at the end of your destination, you will see an excellent view of Bhaktapur and Kathmandu cities.

Popular Day Hiking Routes:

Champadevi Hiking

Champadevi is a beautiful hill located at 2285m on the southern side of the valley. It is one of the best Day Hiking trips near the city. You can take many routes to Champadevi, but the easiest one is from the Hattiban resort. After getting Pharping, the Hike takes you to the Hattiban resort and continues to reach the top of Champadevi Hill. The trails are well-made and easy to walk on. This Hike can be completed within 5-6 hours. The Champadevi Hill provides awe-striking views of all three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Not only this, but you can also see views of the glorious mountains in the Ganesh and Gaurishankar Himal ranges.

Shivapuri Nature Hiking

Hikers on Shivapuri Hill

Shivapuri Nature Hike is another famous one-day hike near the Kathmandu Valley. Shivapuri Hill is the second highest hill at an altitude of 2563m and is 8 kilometers north of Kathmandu. The walk starts after visiting the Budhanilkantha Temple, from where you enter the Shivapuri National Park. Along with a diverse array of vegetation and wildlife, the hike gradually ascends through a well-developed trail. You hike south to see the national park's Nepal Army check post. While Hiking, you can also visit a Buddhist monastery named Nagi Gumba. From the army post, you will Hike to reach Bagdwar, followed by the Shivapuri peak. After observing the scenes of the surrounding landscapes, you descend to Budhanilkantha and drive back to Kathmandu.

National Park Nature Day Hiking Routes:

Jamacho Nagarjun Hike

Jamacho Nagarjun Hike is a short and easy one-day Hike and serves as a pilgrimage site for the Hindu and Buddhist followers. The walk starts from the Gate of Nagarjuna near the Balaju bypass and leads to the Jamacho viewpoint. You pass through pine forests and caves with religious values on the way. According to a legend, the hill is named after the God Nagarjuna, who meditated in one of the caves on the hill. Finally, upon reaching the Jamacho viewpoint, you can see beautiful views of the Swayambhunath Hill, Kathmandu Valley, and several mountain ranges. The Jamacho Monastery at the top of the hill is also a prominent Buddhist religious hub and dates back several centuries. Later, you descend back to the Nagarjuna Gate and return to Kathmandu.

Kakani Suryachaur Hiking

The Kakani Suryachaur Hiking is a relatively easy and adventurous journey for Hiking Enthusiasts. Situated 2 hours from the city, Kakani sits untouched by the urban influence preserving the nature surrounding it. The hike starts from Kakani, famously known for its sunrise and sunset views, and leads through Shivapuri National Park to Surya Chaur. Located at 1925m, the Suryachaur viewpoint lets you view the beautiful landscapes and mountains in Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. The Hike takes you through lush forests filled with a fantastic variation in wildlife and vegetation.

Hiking around Kathmandu poses as the perfect getaway from the city crowd. Even though it does not require a significant amount of time and resources, it still provides spectacular views of the glorious mountains. If you are seeking to avoid the exhausting treks but want to witness the beauty of Nepal, Hiking nearby Kathmandu is the best option. Contact us for a day Hike around Kathmandu Valley.