Kathmandu City is surrounded by hills and that means there are a lot of hiking trails with amazing viewpoints. So in this blog we are gonna explore different hiking trails around Kathmandu valley.
FromEverest brings to you, Top 10 Hiking Places Around Kathmandu Valley – with route details.
Before we start, let’s understand what is considered hiking? Well simply referred to the act of walking around scenic locations, hiking is typically a one day activity with relatively less physical difficulty.
Tips For Hiking
- Choose a trail that is appropriate for your fitness level and experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for the terrain.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly.
With that said, let’s start hiking!
10. Chandragiri Uphill Hike
This hike lies in the west side of the valley, located in Chandragiri, Thankot area and features a popular tourist destination, Bhaleswara Temple. One can end this hike by reaching the Chandragiri hill top and return back via cable car. The cost of cable car one way is Rs 475 for Nepalese.
| Start Points | Chandragiri Bottom Station |
| End Points | Chandragiri Hill Top (Bhaleshwara Temple) |
| Distance | 4.8 KM (One Way) |
| Duration | 4-5 Hrs |
| Landmarks | Bhaleshwara Temple |
| Trail Type | All Jungle Trail , Start Point In City Area |
9. Kot Dada Hike
This hike is a short one, it can be considered a half day hike with the route going through lamatar area in lalitpur district. This hike may be short but it has picnic spots and goes through a beautiful sal forest, so it is well worth it. You will also be able to find many historically significant temples in this trail.
| Start Points | Godamchaur, Manakamana Temple |
| End Points | Kot Danda View Point |
| Distance | 4-6 KM (One Way) |
| Duration | 2-3 Hrs |
| Landmarks | Bishankhu Narayan Temple & Park , Caves |
| Trail Type | Sal Jungle Trail , Nearby Villages |
8. Khulekhani Dam Hike
This hiking trail will take you around the man-made Khulekhani lake where you can also visit a famous waterfall, Mohani Jarana and walk through suspension bridge. To start this hike you will have to reach Khulekhani, Markhu for which you can take a public bus or drive.
| Start Points | Khulekhani Dam Site |
| End Points | Khulekhani Dam Site |
| Distance | 16 KM |
| Duration | — |
| Landmarks | Markhu Resorts, Chitlang Village, Dam Site |
| Trail Type | Road + Mud Trails |
7. Nagarjun Jamacho Hike
This hike lies in the Nagarjun Forest Reserve, so you will need entry tickets and an id card to enter. Once inside the trails are well marked and this hiking distance is relatively short. You will be able to see plenty of monkeys in this trail and there is a stupa on the top of the hill. Likewise you can also buy snacks & water on the top. Road travel is also an option.
| Start Points | Nagarjun Forest Reserve Gate |
| End Points | Nagarjun Forest Reserve Gate |
| Distance | 11 KM |
| Duration | 4 hrs |
| Landmarks | National Forest Reserve, View Tower On Top |
| Trail Type | All Jungle Trail |
6. Tare Bhir
This is another near city hike, that is located in the shivapuri national park area, this hike can be completed in different ways, one of which is through Muhan Pokhari Shivapuri Gate via Nagi Gumba and then Tarenbhir. There are many routes till top but we suggest you take the newly constructed stairs trails. You can also bike till the trails start.
| Start Points | Budhanilkantha, Shivapuri National Park Gate |
| End Points | Tare Bhir To Budhanilkantha |
| Distance | 8 KM |
| Duration | 3-4 hrs (On Foot) |
| Landmarks | National Park, Muhan Pokhari, Nagi Gumba |
| Trail Type | Jungle Trail & Off-Road |
5. Phulchowki Hike
This hike is located in Godawari Jungle, which is a lush evergreen jungle with different small streams of rivers. This place is famous for two things, first that it is the highest point in the valley and second it snows here in winter. There is also an army camp on the top and you can see amazing mountain views and sunset.
| Start Points | Godawari Bus Park (Multiple Routes Shown In Image) |
| End Points | Godawari Bus Park |
| Distance | 12 KM (One Way- Main Road Trail) |
| Duration | 6-8 hrs |
| Landmarks | Road Side Rich Jungle Trail |
| Trail Type | Jungle Trail & Off-Road |
4. Sundarijal-Dhapdam-Chisapani Hike
This hiking route goes through 3 major attractions, one Sundarijal Waterfall, second Dhap Dam and Third Chisapani. In the map below you can see road trails, but there are hiking trails available that go through natural trails. This is a long hike and many people stay overnight but you can complete it in one day. Plus the mountain & dam views on this hike are just amazing.
| Start Points | Sundarijal Shivapuri National Park Gate |
| End Points | Sungarijal Via Dhap Dam |
| Distance | 13 KM (One Wa) |
| Duration | 8-9 hrs |
| Landmarks | Dhap Dam, Sundarijal Waterfall, Chisapani Mountain View |
| Trail Type | Jungle Trail & Off-Road |
3. Bishnudwar Hike
Arguably, this is one of the most recognized hiking routes, especially because it has a scenic wooden bridge and relatively short duration. This hike takes you through the rivers and waterfalls of Shivapuri Budhanilkantha area to Bishnu Dwaar. Entry tickets are required before you start your hike at Muhan Pokhari Shivapuri Gate.
| Start Points | Budhanilkantha, Shivapuri National Park Gate |
| End Points | Depends- Shivapuri National Park Gate/ Jhor / Tokha |
| Distance | 8-15 KM |
| Duration | 4-5 hrs. |
| Landmarks | Muhan Pokhari, Waterfalls & Small Rivers Streams |
| Trail Type | All Jungle Trail + Off Road |
2. Bagdwar Hike
This hiking route takes you through all the jungle trails inside Shivapuri National Park. You can also go to Shivapuri Peak or Thichuli after you reach Bagdwar for mountain view. In this route you will find one tea house at the end. You will need to get entry tickets at Muhan Pokhari Shivapuri Headquarters before you start your hike. If you decide to walk back via Nagi Gumba you will also be able to see Kathmandu city view.
| Start Points | Budhanilkantha, Shivapuri National Park Gate |
| End Points | Budhanilkantha, Shivapuri National Park Gate |
| Distance | 12-15 KM |
| Duration | 5-6 hrs |
| Landmarks | Muhan Pokhari, Small Rivers Streams, Bagmati River Origin, Mountain View Points |
| Trail Type | All Jungle Trail |
1 Champa Devi & Bhasmasur Hike
This is the hike everyone knows and talks about, it is packed on weekends and there are no tea shops or places to buy water, just one when you are about to start. This hike has multiple start points each offering their unique views. If you decide to go via Bhasmasur, it’s a bit more uphill but well worth the view. If you decide to go via Hattiban, the forest walk is good and provides shade. In the map below green are starting points and reds are ending points.
| Start Points | Hattiban Resort / Old Dakshinkali Temple / White House |
| End Points | Maitidevi / Chandragiri Hill Top |
| Distance | 16-25 KM (Depends on route) |
| Duration | 6-8 hrs (Depends on route) |
| Landmarks | Champa Devi Temple & View Points |
| Trail Type | All Jungle Trail |
Special Mention
Kathmandu Valley Rim Trails
If you are curious about the whole Kathmandu Valley Rim Trail, below is the trail route. You can zoom in and see the whole route in detail. Please note you cannot complete this in one day and it’s not a hike, you can attempt parts of it, one by one.
Also read: Top Experience of Kathmandu Valley
