Nepal is an incredible, naturally beautiful haven for anyone with wanderlust. It is an ideal location to cleanse for mental clarity and self-understanding. There is no better option than going on spectacular hikes in Nepal if you’re eager to take a day off from the hustle and bustle of your routine life. You don’t have to go to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Trek to get away from busy city life and view the Himalayas. As Kathmandu is surrounded by many hills, there are many options to make a short journey to some of those hilltops and enjoy the serenity along with Himalayan Views.
The hiking journeys to those sub-alpine forests around Kathmandu valley are perfect for those who don’t have the time or energy to trek further afield. From these hikes, you can enjoy a day and small settlements for a day around Kathmandu Valley and have a great short break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Most of the hikes around Kathmandu Valley can do in a single day, and are suitable for children and older people. Here, we offer the top 5 hiking trails close to Kathmandu.
Phulchowki Hike
Phulchowki is the highest hill near Kathmandu and is situated to the south of the city.It is ata height of 2,782m.To get there, a drive to Godawari is needed which is 14km south of Kathmandu where the hike is started. During the hiking journey, you will be able to see the sub-tropical forest filled with rhododendrons and oak trees as well as several species of orchids,butterflies,and birds.From the top, you get a breathtaking view of the Kathmandu valley and on a clear day, you can see the eastern parts of the Annapurna range to Gaurishankhar in the east. The hike duration from Godawari to Phulchowki is about 6.5 to 7 hours.
Champadevi is in the southeastern corner of the Kathmandu valley and is technically located in Makwanpur District ata height of 2,249m.There are several routes to reach the summit, but the most popular and easiest to access is the one that goes along the Dollu valley through pine forests and along the grassy ridge top.This route starts from Hattiban Resort and the trail is well-trodden and easy to follow.From the resort,the trip will take around 3 hours,there and back. If you want to take a less traveled and lengthier route, then it is available beyond Taudaha Lake. This route sees you walk along dirt roads through fields until you reach the forest where the trail climbs steeply through the forest to reach the ridge above Hattiban Resort.This will take around 4 to 6 hours.
Hike around Nagarkot
Nagarkot itself is 32km east of Kathmandu in the height of 2,195m and can be visited for a day but in order to really appreciate the beauty of the area and mountain views,it is a good idea to hike around the area and,if possible,stay overnight.To start hiking drive approximately one hour to Sakhu,an ancient Newari town on the northeast corner of the Kathmandu Valley. The hike takes approx. four hours through the pine forest. On reaching Nagarkot you can watch the sunset spectacularly over the Himalayas. During the hiking, you will able to see the surrounding hills and mountain ranges including Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Everest.
Chisapani Hike
Chisapani is the small settlement of Brahmin,Gurung, and Sherpa with fantastic views and good hiking around it.It is ata height of 2,215m.The hike starts from Sundarijalwhich is around an hour away from central Kathmandu.During the hiking,you will pass through Shivapuri National Park’s sub-tropical forest.You will be also able to see the Langtang Himal,Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, and Gaurishanker Himal ranges.Hiking duration will be about 4 to 5 hours.
Shivapuri Hike
Shivapuri is situate inside the Shivapuri National park. The only national park near the capital), in the northeast of Kathmandu valley. It is another best place for short hiking around the capital city. The trail leads you through luxurious rhododendron and oak forest where you will hear the sounds of the whistling of water, and the chirping of birds clearly. The waving of colorful Buddhist flags in the middle of the jungle marks the presence of Nagi Gumba where only female monks reside.
After a few hours of ascending from the hike start point, we will reach the Shivapuri Peak at the 2732 m elevation that offers a captivating view of Langtang Mountain and Kathmandu valley on a clear day. The Shivapuri Hilltop will also reward you with the priceless beauty of nature. If you are already in Nepal, have an extra day, and would like to go on a short hike, then Shivapuri can also be a superb choice for the short-day hike near Kathmandu.
Apart from the above listed places, there are many more beautiful and interesting hiking trails around in Kathmandu Valley such as:
- Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Hike
- Kathmandu – Chisapani – Nagarkot Hike
- Kakani to Suryachaur&Bhanjyang hike
- Chandragiri to Chitlang Hike
- NagarjunJamacho Hike
- Monastery to Monastery Hike
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