Champa Devi Hike is a perfect day hiking destination between two famous hiking trails, Phulchoki Hike and Chandragiri Hike. From the summit of the Champa Devi, one can see Phulchoki Hill on the right side and Chandragiri on the left side. Champa Devi Hill is the second-highest hill in Kathmandu, with an elevation of 2278m above sea level.
The breathtaking Mountain Views, such as Mt. Everest, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Annapurna, Langtang, Gauri Shankar, etc. Outstanding views of the entire Kathmandu valley, including Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. Walking into the green, lush forest on the perfectly paved and well-marked walking trails makes the Champa Devi Hike a perfect hike for hiking lovers.
As with the other hiking trails around Kathmandu. The Champa Devi hike is also for those who have a short time and want to have a real walking experience in Nepal. Hiking to Champadevi Hill is suitable for everyone who has a strong desire and ability to walk for 4 to 5 hours.
Champa Devi Hiking Overview
- Trailhead: Bhangyang, Raniban Resort, Machhe Gaun, or nearby White House
- Elevation gain: Almost 1000m from Kathmandu
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours, 3 to 4 hours ascending, and 1:5 to 2 hours descending
- Difficulty Level: Moderate, some part is steep climb and steps to reach the Champa Devi Temple
- Cost: Permit-free hiking route in Kathmandu valley. But need to manage basic necessities like food, transportation
This is a full-day hike into a part of the Shivapuri National Park. Nowadays, you can add the Champadevi hike together with Bhundole Chaur (Ground). Bhundole Chaur is a recently discovered and viral travel destination among local travelers near Kathmandu. Also, this has become the best camping destination near Kathmandu.
Champa Devi is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site located in the southeast part of the Kathmandu Valley. Near the Champa Devi Temple, there is a Buddhist shrine too. In fact, the view from the Champa Devi Temple side is not as fascinating as the view from another summit (Bageswori) near the Champadevi Temple hilltop.
While hiking to the summit of the Champa Devi, there are chances to encounter wild animals, various kinds of birds, and plants as well. That’s why Champa Devi Day Hike is one of the best hiking routes in Kathmandu.
How to get to the starting point of the Champa Devi Hike?
Champa Devi Hike can start in several places; among them, the popular starting point is the Bhangyang. From Bhangyang, walk for around half an hour to reach Hattiban Resort. Hattiban Resort is one of the good resorts in the area. To get to Bhangyang need to take a taxi. Where are you staying? Also, local buses are available from Ratnapark and Balkhu. You can even take a bike or a taxi to Hattiban Resort. There is the possibility to drive or ride a bit further from the Hattiban Resort as well, which will save around 30 minutes. But the road is not good enough to have a perfect drive or ride.
After submitting the Champa Devi Hilltop can walk down via Machhe Gaun and drive back to your home.
Important Note.
- Champa Devi Hill is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Dress modestly, especially near the shrine, no shorts, tank tops.
- When you make a trip to Champa Devi. You need to take some packed lunch, such as dry fruits, snacks, and, more importantly, extra water. There are no places to eat and no shops to buy any kind of food or snacks. But if you go there during the weekend, there may be someone who sells water and some snacks, such as instant noodles and drinks.
- Champa Devi Hiking is a fun and pleasurable adventure activity, although sometimes it might be tough. Therefore, my suggestion is to always travel with a companion or with a group. If you do a solo hike, follow other fellow hikers. Because the Champa Devi Hiking route goes through the dense forest, there might be encounters with wild animals and getting lost on the way.
- There are many different hiking trails connected to Champa Devi. From Champa Devi, you can continue the hike to Chandragiri and Phulchoki, and even vice versa.
Things to bring with you.
Champa Devi Hike is not a very tough or long hike, so you all need to travel light. But one must be well prepared for changing weather conditions, ready to walk for 4 to 5 hours in nature. Here is the breakdown of what to bring during this hike.
Items
- Daypack – Light backpack, 15 to 25 liters, to carry all the items
- Hiking Boots – Comfortable and grippy hiking and running shoe
- Snacks: Energy Bars, cookies, dry fruits, light pack lunch.
- Water: 2 to 3 Liters. No water sources on the trail (But sometimes, especially on weekends or public holidays, there will be someone who will sell water.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Strong sun and sometimes wind can be at the higher elevation.
- Trekking Pole: Will help to do ups and downs.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho – Especially if hiking in monsoon or early spring.
- Basic first aid kit: Band-aids, painkillers, antiseptics, etc
Conclusion – Champa Devi Hike
The Champa Devi Hike is one of the best day hikes near Kathmandu Valley, which blends nature, panoramic vistas, and spirituality within a couple of hours of hiking. This hiking route is suitable for families, travelers with a short time, and beginners. The route offers a refreshing escape from city life without long hours and days of travel and without paying for permits.
Overall, Champa Devi is the best hiking route for anyone who is seeking a scenic, peaceful, and easily accessible hiking experience near Kathmandu. This is perfect for the day hike and weekend adventure for the people who live in Kathmandu and the surrounding areas.
The Champa Devi Hie – Frequently Asked Questions (FQA)
1: Where is Champa Devi Located?
Champa Devi Temple is located in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley, and it is a part of Chandragiri Municipality.
2: What is the Elevation of Champa Devi Hill?
The highest point of the Champa Devi Hill is approximately 2285 meters (7497 feet) above sea level and offers a stunning view of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan range.
3: How long is the Champa Devi Hike?
Champa Devi Hike is an easy hiking route that takes around 4 to 6 hours round-trip, but it will depend on your walking ability, start and end point, and time spent on the top.
4: What are the common starting places for the hike?
The popular trailheads for the Chapa Devi include Pharping, Bhanjyang, Taudaha, Machhegaun, and Hattiban Resort. Pherping and Hattiban Resort are the most commonly used and scenic routes to start the hike.
5: Do I need a permit for the Champa Devi Hike?
No – There are some hiking routes near Kathmandu which do not need any permit and offer the best hiking experience. Champa Devi Hike is also one of those hike that do not requires any permits to enter and exit.
6: Is the Campa Devi Hiking Difficult?
This hike does not require technical skills; there are some steep climbs, especially near the summit. So it is suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness.
7: What is the best time to hike Champa Devi?
The best time to hike Champa Devi Hill is during the Autumn and Spring, at this time skies will be clear, and the mountain views will be perfect. Also, the winter season offers the best hiking experience, although it will be a bit chilly when there is no sun.
Spring Season – March, April, and May
Autumn Season – September, October, and November
Winter Season – December, January, and February
8: What Can I See from the Champa Devi Viewpoint?
While hiking to Champa Devi Temple, on a clear day, the entire view of Kathmandu Valley, the Mountain range such as Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurisanker, Lush hills, and forests.
9: Is Champa Devi a religious site?
Yes, Yes, Yes. Champa Devi Temple is a holy shrine dedicated to the goddess Champa Devi. Once a year, during the summer season, there will be a celebration, and many local people will be there for worship for a whole month.
10: Are there tea shops or food available on the trail?
No, en route to Champa Devi Temple, there are no proper tea shops and restaurants for food and other facilities. But sometimes there will be a seller who will sell water, snacks, chocolate, instant noodles, and dried fruits.
11: What should I pack for Champa Devi Hike?
The basic and essential items that should be carried while doing the Champa Devi Hiking are: Comfortable Hiking Shoes, Water, Snacks, Sun protection (Hat, Sunscreen), Light jacket or windbreaker, Camera or Phone to take photos.
12: Is This Trail Safe?
Champa Devi Hike is generally Safe, and the proper trail, which is well used by locals and hikers. It is always best to hike during the daytime and with a companion.
13: Is a Guide necessary?
The guide is not mandatory to do this hike, but having a guide can enhance your hiking experience with local insights, cultural stories, and navigation if you are hiking there for the first time.
