Top 10 Hikes in Nepal Near Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a bustling metropolis that is home to almost 2 million people. The city is a mixture of ancient architecture and modern construction, making it a fascinating place to explore. There are also plenty of activities to keep tourists busy, whether trekking, biking, shopping, or enjoying the local cuisine.
The Kathmandu Valley is a natural wonderland that’s home to some of the world’s most stunningly beautiful mountain ranges. It’s easy to spend days hiking among the peaks and valleys, and there are plenty of great hike in Nepal that will fit just about any level of experience. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek up a steep mountain peak or a relaxing walk through rolling hills, these trails will have you exploring the Valley like never before.
About Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu valley is a world-famous tourist destination that spans the hills and valleys of Nepal. This valley is home to many Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, and other attractions. The valley is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal and is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Himalayas”. Kathmandu Valley has much to offer hikers of all levels, as well as nature lovers.
It offers a diverse range of trails that are perfect for all types of hikers, from those looking for an easy walk through lush forest to those who want a more challenging experience with lots of elevation gain and loss. The trekking routes go through dense forests with a plethora of flora and fauna, before descending into the valley floor and opening up to views of the surrounding peaks. There are plenty of trails for beginners and more experienced hikers alike to find their perfect itinerary.
When I hike in Nepal, around the Kathmandu Valley, it was an amazing adventure that changed my life. The valley is a beautiful and unique place, full of stunning vistas and friendly people. I was lucky enough to experience this beautiful place while hiking with my friends. The views were absolutely breathtaking and I can’t wait to go back and explore them again.
Top 10 Hike options near Kathmandu Valley
Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days
Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking routes globally. It offers a wonderful opportunity to explore one of the most stunning and inaccessible places on earth. Climbing Everest Base Camp is an arduous but rewarding journey, offering breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the Himalayas. Standing at an altitude, it’s no wonder mountaineers love this hike in Nepal.
Located in the Himalayas, this trek offers stunning views of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. The route to Everest Base Camp takes you through a variety of landscapes, from rugged mountains to peaceful valleys. As you hike, you’ll also have the chance to see Buddhist monasteries and villages tucked into the hillsides.
The best part of the trek is undoubtedly the feeling of accomplishment you’ll get when you reach Everest Base Camp. After hiking through some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth, you’ll be able to stand at the foot of Mount Everest and take in the awe-inspiring view. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, be sure to add Everest Base Camp Trek to your list!
Start/Finish: Kathmandu/ Kathmandu
Duration: 14 Days
Hiking Grade: Difficult
Max. Elevation: 5550 m
Nagarkot Sunrise View and Day Hiking from Kathmandu
Nagarkot is one of the most popular day hike in Nepal. Located in the Nagarkot District, it offers stunning views of Mount Everest and other peaks in the area. The hike can be completed in a day and is relatively easy to follow. There are plenty of trails to choose from, so hikers can find one that fits their skill level and interests. The views along the way are simply beautiful, and hikers will have plenty of chances to see wildlife as they make their way through the hills. There are several rest stops along the way and a few small villages that can be visited if you feel like taking a break.
The Sunrise viewpoint offers an amazing view of the Himalayas and the Annapurna Range. The Himalayas mountain range stretches across the entirety of Nepal and offers some of the most stunning views in the world. At sunrise, the view from Nagarkot is simply unforgettable. The snow-capped peaks are illuminated by the morning sun, and the sky is a kaleidoscope of colors. It’s an amazing experience to watch the world come to life before your eyes.
Start/Finish: Sankhu/ Nagarkot
Duration: 6 Hours
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2195 m
Day Hike to White Gumba in Kathmandu
If you’re looking for a moderate day hike that offers incredible views of Kathmandu, the White Gumba trek is perfect. This hike in Nepal begins at the base of Swayambhunath Stupa and winds its way up through a series of temples and monasteries. After about an hour and a half of hiking, you’ll reach the White Gumba, where you can take in stunning views of the valley below. Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no shops or restaurants en route. The hike is fairly easy, but it can be quite strenuous in the summer months when the temperature reaches upwards of 40 degrees Celsius. Regardless of the time of year, though, the White Gumba trek is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon in Kathmandu.
There’s nothing quite like a good day hike to clear your head and get some fresh air. The best part of this hike is that it’s not too crowded, so you can really enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. I felt so refreshed after a hike at White Gumba – it’s the perfect way to start or end the day.
Start/Finish: Swayambhu/ Swayambhu
Duration: 1 day
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 1450 m
Shivapuri Hiking Trip from Kathmandu
The Shivapuri Hiking Tour from Kathmandu is a great way to hike in Nepal and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The tour takes you through a variety of landscapes, from forests to riverside trails, and provides plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxation. Best of all, it’s a relatively easy hike that anyone can do with a minimum amount of preparation.
The hike begins in the foothills of the Shivapuri National Park, just north of Kathmandu. After a brief walk through the forest, you’ll reach the banks of the Bagmati River, where you can take a break and enjoy the view. From there, it’s up to Ratna Bazaar, where you can buy snacks or lunch before continuing on your way.
The hike itself is relatively easy, with only a few moderate hills along the way. But that doesn’t mean it’s without its rewards; the views of the Himalayas are simply breathtaking. As you walk, take time to enjoy the fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature all around you. If you’re lucky, you may even see some wildlife grazing or birds flying by.
Start/Finish: Kathmandu/ Budhanilkantha
Duration: 1 day
Hiking Grade: Moderate
Max. Elevation: 2560 m
Kathmandu Best Scenic Day Hiking to Champa Devi Hill
There are plenty of trails to choose from in Kathmandu, but one of the most popular is the hike in Nepal to Champa Devi Hill. This route offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding mountains, and it’s not too difficult, making it a great option for beginner hikers.
The hike begins at Thankot, which is about a 30-minute drive from Kathmandu. From there, the hike is about 4 miles round-trip and takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your level of fitness, to the summit of Champa Devi Hill. As you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Everest.
The trail is well marked and relatively easy to follow, although there are a few steep sections and there are occasional rest stops along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the view. It’s important to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there’s no place to buy food or drinks along the way. And be sure to dress in layers; even in summer, it can get cold near the top.
Start/Finish: Thankot/ Pharping
Duration: 1 day
Hiking Grade: Moderate
Max. Elevation: 2249 m
Full-Day Nagarkot and Changunarayan Hiking Tour from Kathmandu
If you’re looking for a hike in Nepal that will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Nepal, look no further than the Nagarkot and Changunarayan Hiking Tour from Kathmandu. This tour will take you to Nagarkot, a village known for its stunning mountain views, and Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be able to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery as you hike through the mountains, and you’ll also get to see some of the best temples and monasteries in Nepal. This is a great tour for those who want to experience all that Nepal has to offer, and it’s a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.
The Nagarkot and Changunarayan hiking tour from Kathmandu is a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Nepal. The tour begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, where hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas. After spending some time in Nagarkot, the tour continues to Changunarayan, where hikers can explore the ancient temple complex. The hike concludes with a return trip to Kathmandu. This hike in Nepal is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of Nepal while also getting some exercise.
Start/Finish: Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Duration: 1 day
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2000 m
Chandragiri to Taudaha Nature Day Hiking from Kathmandu
Chandragiri hill is located about 17 kilometers from Kathmandu and is a popular hike in Nepal for nature lovers. A hiking trail leads from Chandragiri to Taudaha, a pristine lake located at the foot of the Mahabharat range. The hike offers stunning views of the valley and the Himalayas. The trail is not too difficult, but it can be quite strenuous in the summer heat. The hike takes around four hours, and it’s a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature at the same time.
It’s a really good feeling on the nature day hike from Kathmandu to Chandragiri and Taudaha. The hike was beautiful and it was great to be outside in nature. The views were stunning and it was really peaceful. I really enjoyed the hike and it was a great way to spend the day.
The hike from Chandragiri to Taudaha is mostly downhill and takes around 3-4 hours. The trail winds through a forested area, offering occasional glimpses of the Himalayas, before descending to the banks of the Trishuli River. From there it’s a short walk to Taudaha, a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. The hike is popular with locals and offers a great opportunity to experience Nepali nature and culture.
Start/Finish: Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Duration: 1 day
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2520 m
Day Hike - Sanga to Panauti
If you’re looking for a hike in Nepal that will take you through scenic landscapes and provide a moderate level of difficulty, consider the Sanga to Panauti hike. The hike begins in Sanga, crosses a suspension bridge over the Trishuli River, and winds its way through terraced rice fields and forests before ending in Panauti. The total distance is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) and takes around 4-6 hours to complete, making it the perfect day trip. This moderate hike is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without feeling too challenged.
If you’re looking for a day hike with incredible views, consider the Sanga to Panauti trek. The hike takes you through dense forests, across rushing rivers, and up steep mountain ridges, all while providing breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are very few places to buy food along the way. And don’t forget your camera!
The trailhead can be reached by car, and the hike is mostly downhill, making it an easy trek. The best time to do this hike is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are milder. The trail starts out with a few steep sections, but soon levels out and offers great views of the valley below. The hike passes through traditional Nepali villages and provides a glimpse into rural life in Nepal. There are several river crossings along the way, so be sure to have a good pair of shoes that can get wet. The highlight of this hike is reaching Panauti, a beautiful medieval town perched on a hilltop.
Start/Finish: Kathmandu/ Panauti
Duration: 1 day
Hiking Grade: Easy
Distance: 6.2 miles
Chisapani Nagarkot Hike: A Multi-Day Hike!
The Chisapani Nagarkot Hike is a popular trekking route and hike in Nepal that offers hikers stunning views of the Himalayas. The Chisapani Nagarkot hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without having to go too far from Kathmandu. The ascent is gradual and offers wonderful views of the mountains as you climb. Once you reach Nagarkot, be sure to take in the stunning panorama of the Himalayas before beginning the descent back to Chisapani.
The hike begins in the village of Chisapani, located high in the mountains near the border of Tibet. From there, hikers make their way to Nagarkot, a village known for its beautiful panoramic views of the Himalayas. The hike is moderately challenging and takes 3 days to complete. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, and hikers often report feeling an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness while trekking through the Nepalese countryside.
The hike is not too difficult, but it can be strenuous at times, so make sure you are in good physical condition before attempting it. If you’re looking for a rewarding and scenic hike close to Kathmandu, be sure to check out the Chisapani Nagarkot hike!
Start/Finish: Sundarijal/ Changu Narayan
Duration: 3 Days
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2,195 m
Phulchowki Day Hiking
Phulchowki day hiking is a great way to spend a day in the spring or fall. The hike in Nepal is not too difficult but offers great views of the Kathmandu Valley. The best time to go is early in the morning when the air is still cool and the sun has not yet heated up the slopes. The air is clean and fresh, and the views are stunning.
Phulchowki is a hill located in the southern part of Kathmandu Valley. It rises to a height of 2732 meters. Phulchowki is popular for its natural beauty and serenity. The hill offers a great view of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding mountains. Phulchowki is also a popular spot for day hiking. A hike up Phulchowki is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy some beautiful scenery. It’s also a great way to escape the noise and pollution of Kathmandu for a few hours.
The trail starts at the Phulchowki National Park Headquarters, about an hour and a half from Kathmandu. From there, the hike to the summit of Phulchowki takes around 3-4 hours, depending on your fitness level and pace. The views from the top are spectacular, with Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks visible on a clear day. There are also several temples located on top of Phulchowki, which make for a pleasant stop on the way down. The return trip is mostly downhill, making it easy on your knees.
Start/ Finish: Godawari/ Godawari
Duration: 6 Hours
Hiking Grade: Easy
Max. Elevation: 2,791m
Safety Measures while Hiking
Hiking in Nepal can be a rewarding and breathtaking experience, but it is important to take some necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike in Nepal. The first step is to familiarize yourself with the terrain you will be hiking. Nepal is home to a wide variety of landscapes, from lush green valleys to towering snow-capped peaks, so make sure you are aware of the potential dangers posed by each area. Some of the dangers include altitude sickness, avalanches, landslides, and getting lost.
There are a few things that can be done to help minimize the risks. First and foremost, make sure to take the time to acclimate to the high altitude before starting a trek or hike in Nepal. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and eat light meals. In addition, be aware of weather conditions and forecasts, dress appropriately, and plan your route accordingly. Make sure you are properly equipped with sturdy shoes, a map, a compass (and know how to use them), a first-aid kit, a headlamp, and plenty of food and water. If possible, go on a guided hike with a reputable company that knows the area well.
A good rule of thumb is to always hike with a partner, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Hiking in Kathmandu, Nepal is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings. There are many different hiking trails to choose from, so there is something for everyone. The views are amazing and the people are friendly and welcoming. Visitors can also enjoy some of the best Nepalese food and culture while on their hike. The views are breathtaking, and the hikes are challenging yet rewarding. I highly recommend a hike in Nepal around Kathmandu valley to anyone who loves nature and wants to experience a unique and beautiful part of the world.
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