Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and is surrounded by spectacular green hills, therefore, refreshes the residents and visitors with the cool breeze all the time. Kathmandu is located at an elevation of 1400m above the sea level and, probably, no such a beautiful climate like in Kathmandu can be experienced anywhere in Nepal. So, everyone wants to live in and work in Kathmandu.
Not only had the local people, but every outsider/visitor/tourist also found Kathmandu an ideal city with perfect weather to spend a week. Many of the World Heritage Sites are located in Kathmandu and Kathmandu itself is an ancient city with a myriad of historical and religious highlights. Besides, Kathmandu also ways out to various exciting hiking trips to the nearby areas. These hikes will be day hiking to a week hiking trip. These popular hiking areas around Kathmandu are Shivapuri National Park, Chisapani - Nagarkot, Changunarayan - Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Namobuddha, Nagarjun, Kakani, Chandragiri, Champadevi, Hattiban. These hiking areas are connected with various hiking packages including Kakani Hiking, Shivapuri Hiking, Chisapani- Nagarkot Hiking, Nagarjun Hiking, Changunarayan - Nagarkot Hiking, Chandragiri - Hattiban Hiking, Champadevi Hiking, and Dhulikhel - Namobuddha Hiking. Now, let’s discuss every popular hiking area around Kathmandu in detail.
Nagarkot offers a number of hiking opportunities to the visitors who are looking forward to seeing magnificent mountain panoramas during their stay in Kathmandu. Nagarkot is the most popular hill station located near Kathmandu to see Mt. Everest and other towering peaks. Nagarkot is located amid green hills and magnificent landscapes. People have a few options for hiking to experience Nagarkot and dramatic mountain views. These popular hiking packages are Chisapani-Nagarkot Hiking, Changunarayan - Nagarkot Hiking and both in a reversed way. Some people directly drive to Nagarkot and trek back to either Changunarayan or Chisapani and some do in the other way like trekking to Nagarkot from Chisapani or from Changunarayan. Nagarkot receives the hikers with serene hill stations and luxury hotels for overnight stay.
Chandragiri Hill provides us an incredible hiking opportunity. The hilltop is popular for witnessing Mt. Everest in the distant horizon. Along with Mt. Everest, we can see other fabulous mountain panoramas from Chandragiri Hill. Most of the people choose cable car to get to the top of the Chandragiri Hill these days, nonetheless, hiking is equally popular. This 3-4 hours hiking takes us to the top of the hills and unveils spectacular Kathmandu valley and stupendous mountain summits. We see a beautiful temple on the hill. The temple is Bhaleswor Mahadev Temple where both Hindu and Buddhist followers pray for better life and fulfillment of wishes. The serene hill receives cool air all around the year. We also get a restaurant at the top and have our lunch and some other snacks. This day hiking up to Chandragiri hill is popular as Chandragiri Hiking. Also, Champadevi Hiking can be extended up to Hattiban where you can find luxury resorts.
Both Dhulikhel and Namobuddha are prominently spectacular for day hiking. People like to undertake a day hiking from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha and stay overnight there at Namobuddha. Dhulikhel is also popular among the domestic tourists for refreshing day outs. And Namobuddha is a holy Buddhist site near Kathmandu. The day hiking from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha is a beautiful walk through rural settlements, landscapes, and lush forests. On the way, we witness magnificent mountain peaks. Arriving at Namobuddha will surprise you with magnificent vast landscapes and incredible mountain panorama. The monasteries, Buddhist School, Museum, and the colorful prayer flags will make this visit more spectacular. It is 3 hours drive from Kathmandu to get to Namobuddha.
These above mentioned are the most popular hiking areas around Kathmandu. You can go hiking during your holiday stay in Kathmandu. These day hiking or multi-day hiking will, definitely, bless you with magnificent experiences of witnessing mountain panorama and the landscapes. If you know more hiking trails near Kathmandu, please let us know and we will organize your hiking trip accordingly.
The nearest national park from the Kathmandu valley, Shivapuri National Park offers you spectacular hiking experience. Mostly, this is a day hiking up to the top of the Shivapuri Hill through Shivapuri National Park. We pass through deep woods and natural waterfalls of the national park and finally arrive at the top. The top of the Shivapuri Hill provides an opportunity to capture mesmerizing Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. In the background, you will be able to witness numerous snow-fed mountain peaks. This easy walk into the wild nature lets experiences complete refreshment taking you away from the busy city life. This day trip is popular as Shivapuri Hiking.
If you are looking forward to a longer hiking trip, you can connect it with other popular hiking areas like Chisapani and Kakani.
Chisapani is 4-5 hours walk from Sundarijal, one of the entry points of Shivapuri National Park. We get the entrance and walk up to Chisapani through the lush forest of the national park. On the trail, you can experience various species of plants, birds, and wildlife. You ascend up to Chisapani and can witness the spectacular Langtang range, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The serene hill of Chisapani is located on the way to popular Gosainkunda and Helambu Trek. Chisapani hiking is, normally, connected with the popular hillside, Nagarkot. Chisapani-Nagarkot Hiking or Chispani Hiking is one of the best hiking packages around Kathmandu.
Kakani hill is located at an elevation of 2030m above the sea level offering magnificent mountain panorama including Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and many other alluring mountain peaks. Kakani is 1.30 hours drive from Kathmandu. First, we drive to Kakani with a private vehicle and begin hiking along the ride of the green hills of Shivapuri National Park. Kakani is also a very popular destination for organizing a day outing for local people. People love to enjoy trout fish in Kakani.
Kakani hiking offers you some breathtaking views of mountain panorama and an opportunity to experience a spectacular walk through the lush forest of Shivapuri National Park. These 4-5 hours hiking either ends at Syauchatar or Budhanilkantha. Budhanilkantha is popular for a massive statue of Lord Vishnu. Kakani hiking is popularly known as Kakani-Syauchatar Hiking or Kakani- Budhanilkantha Hiking.
Nagarjun Hill is a part of Shivapuri National Park. The top of the hill offers us magnificent Jugal Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Langtang ranges. We also experience some sacred sites like temples, monasteries, and ancient caves on the way. Walking through deep woods and enjoying melodious chirping birds into the wild nature will be an incredible moment for the hikers. This 4-5 hours hiking takes you to the top of the hills and provides a fabulous view of Kathmandu valley too. This day hiking begins from the base of the Nagarjun hill located near Bypass. Since there are no tea shops on the hiking trail, hikers are to carry their lunch or some snacks to satisfy their hunger during this hike. This day hiking up to the top of the Nagarjun hill is popular as Nagarjun Hiking.
Located at an elevation of 2730m above the sea level, Champadevi Hill provides an opportunity of witnessing Mt. Everest, Annapurna range, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu. Also, the top of the hills offers the hikers astonishing views of the entire Kathmandu valley including beautiful Phulchoki Hill. The beginning point of Champadevi Hill Hiking is a 1.30 hours drive from Kathmandu. You will celebrate this magnificent hiking through deep forest and finally get a Hindu Temple at the top. The top delights you with complete freedom to capture and see in the vicinity. You trek all the way down to the same point and take a short drive again to end this day hiking near Kathmandu. If you are interested, you can ask the local travel or trekking operator to book it for you as Champadevi Hiking.
Located in the southeast of Kathmandu Valley Phulchowki is the highest point around the hills of Kathmandu. The height of Phulchowki hill is in 2782 meters and the hiking starting point Godavari to the top of the hill is about 13 KM. You can take a private or public bus from Kathmandu which is about 16 KM to reach the Godavari then you can walk to the top of the hill through a forested path. The Godavari is a popular place for botanical garden and water resources and Phulchowki is popular for a day hiking to experience natural beauty. You can experience the jungle walk as well as the view of snow-capped mountains and Kathmandu valley. This is one of the best hiking areas in Kathmandu valley.
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