Nepal fosters the most magnificent mountain ranges stretched all over the country. One who travels in Nepal gets rewarded with the Himalayas' grandeur, even around the bustling cities and towns. Being naturally rich and home to the most elevated peaks on the planet, hiking is the best thing you can do if you don't have time for trekking. There are excellent short hikes around Kathmandu Valley that take a day or more to finish, which presents you with the implausible spots worth visiting.
Kathmandu Valley is the perfect destination for short hiking tours, surrounded by a circular green belt of hills with rich forests. Regardless, a peaceful hike in the tranquil jungle paths gives you a soothing experience away from hectic city life. Usually, hiking in and around Kathmandu is more accessible, and any age group can attain them without much stress.
You can try these listed destinations to do short hikes around Kathmandu Valley. These quick, easy, and budget-friendly hikes are our top picks that are most gratifying compared to all other walks. Considering the best places, features, and trail views, we've enlisted the best hiking destinations around Kathmandu Valley.
Chisapani Nagarkot Hike: A popular multi-day hike!
Start/Finish: Sundarijal/ Changu Narayan
Duration: 3 Days
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2,195 m
The hike to Chisapani is the most famous multi-day hike in Kathmandu Valley outskirts. This trip perfectly suits those who want to take a short tour in Nepal with totally comforting itineraries. Chisapani Nagarkot Hike comprises a walk through lovely villages, the verdant forests of Shivapuri National Park, and phenomenal sights of peaks like Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, and even Everest in the far-off north.
Moreover, the hike commences at Sundarijal, a beautiful gateway to the Shivapuri National Park. Walking through the sub-tropical forests alongside sparkling springs takes around 5 hours to reach Chisapani. The location astounds travelers with an exceptional panorama of the Himalayas and Mother Nature. Likewise, the second-day hike to Nagarkot is an enthralling and pleasant experience. Nagarkot, known for the stunning Himalayan views with striking sunrise and sunset, is the best part of the ramble. The next day from Nagarkot is a 3-hour descent to the Changu Narayan via terraced fields and small Tamang hamlets. Before returning to Kathmandu, you can stroll around Changu Narayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bhaktapur.
Nagarkot Day Hike: The Best 1-Day Trek near Kathmandu!
Start/Finish: Sankhu/ Nagarkot
Duration: 6 Hours
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2,195 m
Nagarkot Day Hike is an exciting, quick escape from busy city life. Nagarkot is a popular viewpoint to relish the astonishing vista of major Himalayan ranges and lavish hills with minimum effort. It is indeed the best place for a day hike in Kathmandu Valley.
Starting the hike from the Newari village of Sankhu, the trail passes through small villages, terraced fields, and peaceful pine forests. Subsequently, it is 4 hours of an easy walk up to the Nagarkot, where the mountains await to overwhelm you with the warmest welcome you ever had. Similarly, the panoramic sunset over the stretching Himalayan ranges before driving back to Kathmandu is a spectacular sight. You can't get that many delights anywhere from other hikes near Kathmandu Valley in such a short time.
Kakani Day Hike
Start/Finish: Kathmandu/ Kakani
Duration: 6 Hours
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2,100 m
Kakani is one of the best hiking destinations in Kathmandu for rewarding views and scenic strolls. It is a beautiful village and a popular viewpoint near Kathmandu. Generally, getting there takes an hour's drive. Specifically, this quick ramble through lush hills, forests, and still atmosphere to the spot makes an incredible journey.
The incredible sceneries of the Himalayas and ease of access made this place famous for family trips and picnics. The view tower's panorama of peaks, counting Langtang, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Gaurishanker, etc., are true natural beauties. Likewise, hikers can taste strawberries and Japanese trout fish while Kakani hiking. In the meantime, visit the Thai Memorial Park in Kakani, commemorating 113 victims of the 1992 Thai Air crash. As we take lunch and hike around Kakani, we drive back to Kathmandu, descending with the beautiful sunset views over the hills.
Chandragiri Day Hike
Start/Finish: Mata Tirtha Temple/ Thankot
Duration: 7 Hours
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2,551 m
Chandragiri Hills lies on the southwest edges of Kathmandu Valley. A hike to Chandragiri is simply the best getaway to get panoramic views of the Himalayas from Annapurna to Everest. However, this freshly started short trek around Kathmandu provides a wholesome panorama of the valley and the bewildering Himalayas.
Taking 45 minutes of drive to Mata Tirtha, the hike goes upwards along with evergreen forests and ridges following the top of Chandragiri Hill. Within 3 hours of walk-in backwoods, it ends with the grand panorama of Everest, Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many more dazzling peaks on the horizon. Bhaleshwor Temple at the top hill is a temple of the Hindu god Lord Shiva, with a myth that he appeared in the same spot. After visiting the temple and the quaint brilliance of the location, we get back via cable car to the base of a hill. Further, this 10-minute cable car ride presents great aerial perspectives of Kathmandu Valley. All in all, the trip ends with a return drive to Kathmandu from Thankot.
Dhulikhel-Namobuddha-Balthali Hike
Start/ Finish: Dhulikhel/ Khopasi
Duration: 2 Days
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2,551 m
Balthali Namobuddha Hike is a pleasant trip from Dhulikhel to Balthali village and Namobuddha Monastery. It is another beautiful multi-day hike in a tranquil location to get phenomenal views of glistening Himalchuli and Karyolung Himal. Meanwhile, exploring green countryside landscapes around Dhulikhel and Balthali village is enthralling. Moreover, visiting the imposing monastery of Namo Buddha makes it a truly remarkable experience.
An hour-long drive to Dhulikhel takes us to the hiking trail. After that, the track incorporates various off-beaten paths passing small villages of ethnic locals like Tamang and Newars. Whereas visiting the Namobuddha Monastery is remarkable as well. The monastery holds great religious significance as there is the grave of Prince Shemchen Chenpo. According to the old legend, Lord Buddha, in his previous life as Prince Shemchen Chenpo, died feeding himself to save a hungry, dying tigress and its cubs. Henceforth, the monastery reflects the sign of sacrifice and kindness.
Overall, staying overnight at Balthali Village Resort with comfy lodging is another best part of this short hike. Indeed, a warm breakfast with a glorious sunrise view from the resort is mesmerizing in the morning. After hiking around Balthali village, we will take a lunch break and walk through terrace fields, temples, and the Panauti River to Khopasi. After that, crossing a suspension bridge, we take a one-and-a-half-hour drive back to Kathmandu.
Phulchowki Hiking
Start/ Finish: Godawari/ Godawari
Duration: 6 Hours
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2,791m
Phulchowki (hill of flowers) is the tallest hill south of Kathmandu Valley. Firstly, getting there takes an hour of drive to Godawari and hiking uphill through the dense Rhododendron forest with chirping exotic birds. Likewise, the hike includes exploring the Botanical Garden at the foothill of Phulchowki. The tallest hill in the valley offers a marvelous panorama of Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Gaurishanker, and Ganesh Himal. At the same time, Kathmandu Valley's view is genuinely worthwhile from the top. Besides, Phulchowki Mai Temple is above the hill, a pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees.
Phulchowki hiking trails have no teahouses or shops, so it is essential to pack something for lunch before leaving Godawari. The hike follows the same way to Godawari and rides back to Kathmandu. Then strolling up the lush hills amidst the diverse flora and fauna of Phulchowki is sure to astonish anyone interested in hikes near Kathmandu Valley.
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Furthermore, there are more exciting hiking trails all around the beautiful cities of Nepal. However, engaging in these best hikes around Kathmandu Valley lets you shortly meet Nepalese locals and learn about their culture. Every hiking destination in Nepal is fascinating in its unique aspect. Above all, Escape Himalaya urges to organize an enjoyable trip for travelers from worldwide. Contact us to plan your trip to Nepal.
