Hiking is one of the thrilling experience in Nepal and top hiking trails around Kathmandu has been attracting tourist for centuries. One can hike single day in and around Kathmandu valley and observe panoramic view of snowcapped mountains. The breathtaking views of the high Himalayas are indeed a sight to behold. Hikes are comfortable walking or climbing trips, usually ending in a day or two. You will hike gently through terraced rice or potato or barley field, past Hindu shrines and colorful Buddhist monasteries, prayer flag fluttering visible from miles. This will be always keep in your mind. In addition, our patrons can hike in and around Gorkha Village and Pokhara City etc. while touring.

 Top Hiking trails around Kathmandu are:

1. Changunarayan – Telkot

The hike typically starts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Changunarayan Temple. One can explore the temple complex and enjoy its historical and architectural significance before beginning your hike.

The hiking trail from Changunarayan to Telkot offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside and the Kathmandu Valley. The trail goes through forests, farmlands, and local villages. It’s a relatively moderate hike, suitable for people with basic hiking experience. The hike from Changunarayan to Telkot is approximately 5 kilometers and can take around 2 to 2.5 hours. It will depend on your walking speed. As you hike, you’ll have beautiful views of the valley, terraced fields, traditional Nepali houses, and possibly even glimpses of the Himalayan mountains on a clear day. This short hike end at Telkot. It is a small village located at a higher elevation than Changunarayan. There are small local shops or stalls where you can buy refreshments

2. Nagarkot – Telkot

The hike from Nagarkot to Telkot is a popular hiking route around the Kathmandu valley in Nepal, known for its scenic beauty and relatively moderate level of difficulty. Nagarkot is a hill station located about 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, offering stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including famous peaks like Mount Everest and Langtang. Telkot is a smaller village situated to the southeast of Nagarkot. The hike between these two places takes you through picturesque landscapes, traditional villages, and terraced fields.

The distance between Nagarkot and Telkot is around 9 kilometers, depending on the specific trail you choose. The hike generally takes about 3–4 hours to complete, but it depends on your walking speed. The Nagarkot-to-Telkot hike is moderate in type and suitable for most individuals with a basic level of fitness. Even though it is recommended to wear proper hiking shoes, taking your time is important.

3. Nagarkot – Dhulikhel

Hiking from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel in Nepal is a popular trekking route that offers stunning views of the Himalayas, picturesque landscapes, and the chance to experience the local culture and lifestyle. It’s a full-day hike. The distance between Nagarkot and Dhulikhel is approximately 16 kilometers. The hike usually takes around 5–6 hours, depending on your walking speed. There are a few different routes you can take for this hike, but a common one involves starting from Nagarkot.

There are a few different routes you can take for this hike, but a common one involves starting from Nagarkot. From Nagarkot, heading southeast towards Dhulikhel. Throughout the hike, you’ll have views of the Himalayan mountain range, including peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and more. The viewpoints along the way are perfect for capturing stunning photographs. The trail takes you through several traditional Nepali villages, allowing you to experience the local culture, interact with villagers, and observe their way of life. The route passes through lush forests, terraced fields, and rhododendron forests (especially in spring when they’re in bloom). You might also spot various species of birds and other wildlife. If you time it right, you can catch spectacular sunrise or sunset views from Nagarkot, which is famous for its panoramic views of the Himalayas.

4. Nagarkot – Banepa

Nagarkot to Banepa trail offers a mix of terraced fields, lush forests, charming villages, and occasional viewpoints. The route allows you to experience the rural life of Nepal and offers opportunities to interact with locals. The Nagarkot to Banepa hike is a day hike. This is relatively easy to moderate in terms of difficulty, making it suitable for individuals with a basic level of fitness. However, it’s still important to be prepared with proper hiking gear, comfortable footwear, and essentials like water and snacks.

The trail offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and even Mount Everest on clear days. As you descend towards Banepa, you’ll also get to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Kathmandu Valley. Along the way, you might encounter small monasteries, temples, and traditional Nepali houses. It’s worth exploring the old town area and interacting with locals to learn about their way of life. The hike concludes in Banepa, a town with its own historical importance. Banepa is known for its ancient architecture, local markets, and cultural attractions. It’s a good place to explore before heading back to Kathmandu or continuing your journey to other destinations.

5. Dhulikhel – Namo Budha

Hiking from Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha is a popular trekking route in Nepal around the Kathmandu Valley, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, lush landscapes, and an opportunity to explore Buddhist monasteries and cultural sites. Dhulikhel is a town located about 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city. Namobuddha, on the other hand, is a sacred Buddhist site about 10 kilometers southeast of Dhulikhel. The hike connects these two places and typically takes around half a day to a full day, depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains from Dhulikhel before you start your hike. The trail from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha is mostly uphill. It passes through small villages, terraced fields, and forests. The trail can be steep at times, so be prepared for some uphill walking. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Nepali villages where you can observe local life. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the region. After a few hours of hiking, you’ll reach Namobuddha. The main attraction here is the Namobuddha Stupa and Monastery, an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The stupa is located on a hilltop with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Take some time to explore the monastery, stupa, and peaceful surroundings. You can also enjoy a meal at local restaurants that serve traditional Nepali cuisine.

6. Chapadevi Hill

Champa Devi is a popular hiking destination located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Champa Devi Hill is situated to the south of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It’s easily accessible and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The hill has an elevation of approximately 2,285 meters (7,497 feet) above sea level. This hike is moderately difficult. While it’s not extremely challenging, it does involve some uphill sections and uneven terrain, so be sure about your physical condition. The duration of the hike can vary depending on your pace and fitness level. On average, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete the round-trip hike, including time for breaks and enjoying the views.

The trailhead is located in the Machchhe Gau, Kirtipur area of Kathmandu. The hike begins with a gradual ascent through forests. As you ascend, the views of the surrounding mountains and the Kathmandu Valley become more impressive. On a clear day, the summit of Champa Devi Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Langtang, Gauri Shankar, and Everest. The best time to hike Champa Devi Hill is dry seasons from October to December and from March to May. The weather is more stable during these months, providing clear views and pleasant hiking conditions.

7. Nagi Gumba

Nagi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park in Nepal. The term “Gumba” is often used to refer to monasteries or temples in the Nepali language. This hike is a popular trekking route near Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. This hike offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, lush forests, and an opportunity to explore the serene environment of the monastery. The trail takes you through the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, and it’s a relatively moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.

The Nagi Gompa hike usually starts from the outskirts of Kathmandu, and it takes a few hours to reach the monastery. The monastery itself is a peaceful place for meditation and offers visitors a chance to experience the local Buddhist culture. Remember to respect the local customs and traditions while visiting religious sites like Nagi Gompa.

8. Sundarijal – Chisapani

Sundarijal is a small town located on the northeastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. It’s about an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. The trekking trail begins from here, and Sundarijal is also known for its beautiful waterfall and as the entry point to the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. The trek from Sundarijal to Chisapani takes you through lush forests, charming villages, and occasionally steep ascents. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making it accessible for trekkers with varying levels of experience. You’ll pass through different landscapes and get a chance to observe local flora and fauna. This hike usually takes about two days to complete. The first day involves a moderate hike to Chisapani, where you can stay overnight. The second day involves a descent to either Sankhu or Nagarkot, depending on the route you choose.

The trek is moderate type in terms of difficulty, but some uphill sections can be a bit challenging. It’s recommended to have a basic level of fitness and be prepared for changing weather conditions, as temperatures can vary at different elevations. Chisapani is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and other peaks. On a clear day, you can witness stunning sunrise and sunset views from here. The surrounding landscapes are also picturesque, with terraced fields, forests, and traditional villages. Throughout the hike, you’ll pass through local villages inhabited by Tamang and Sherpa communities. This provides an opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their way of life, and immerse yourself in the local culture. You might also come across small monasteries and temples along the way.