Kathmandu small but traditionally and culturally rich capital city of Nepal, is not the gateway to the high Himalayas. This is the starting point of the most stunning and amazing short treks near Kathmandu. If you are an adventure and nature lover and have just a short time, and are looking for a beautiful short hiking and trekking destination. Near Kathmandu, there are several scenic trekking routes ranging from day hikes to week-long treks to immersive 7 to 8-day treks.
These trekking routes offer spectacular Mountain views, local communities, rural lifestyle, cultural encounters, and an authentic Nepal experience. It is a perfect opportunity to experience a real trekking experience without the need for expensive trekking gear and a longer vacation of time.
This blog is a complete guide, where you can get quick information about the best short treks near Kathmandu.
Top short treks near Kathmandu
Here are the best short treks near Kathmandu.
1: Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
Max Elevation: 2175 meters
Difficulty level: Moderate
Best Season: Spring, Autumn, and Winter
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is one of the best short treks near Kathmandu. Which offers a great Mountain view, including Mt. Everest, dramatic landscapes, and an authentic Village life experience near Kathmandu. Starting from Sundarijal, just about an hour drive from the heart of Kathmandu. The trekking routes enter Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park, passing through the dense forest, typical villages, Army Check Posts, a man-made lake (Dhap Dam), and beautiful hilltops for Mountain views.
The trek starts from Sundarijal and can end in Nagarkot as well as Changunarayan – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, involving some ascents and descents.
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is ideal for beginners requiring no previous trekking experience. Special permits and guides are not mandatory, good accommodations are available, easily find the route; this trek is a perfect choice for travellers who have a short time on holiday.
2: Ama Yangri Trek
Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
Max Elevation: 3775 meters
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Season: Spring, Autumn, and Winter
Ama Yangri Trek is a spectacular short trek near Kathmandu, as the viewpoint of this trek is known as the highest viewpoint near Kathmandu. The elevation of the Ama Yangri View Point is 3775 meters above sea level, which offers the magnificent views of the mountain ranges on clear days.
While trekking to Ama Yangri, the altitude jumps very quickly; that’s why basic fitness and some trekking experience are helpful. So this trek is considered a moderate-level trek suitable for those seeking stunning vistas in a short time.
3: Sailung Trek
Duration: 2 to 4 days
Max Elevation: 3150 meters
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best season: Spring, Autumn, and Winter
Sailung Trek is another short and off-the-beaten-path trekking route near Kathmandu. Particularly, this trek is famous for its rolling ridges, Mountain views, and spiritual and cultural significance. Sailung Hill is believed to be surrounded by 100 small hilltops because the translation of the Sai means 100 and lung means hills.
This Trek is a culturally rich walk through the Tamang and Sherpa villages, ancient monuments, beliefs, and peaceful ridgelines. Sailung trekking Trail is moderate, with very few trekkers, suitable for those seeking authenticity and solitude.
4: Bethanchowk Trek
Trek Duration: 1 night 2 days
Max Elevation: 3000 meters
Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Season: Autumn, Spring, and Winter
The Bethanchowk Trek is the best short hike near Kathmandu for a quiet escape from bustling and hustling Kathmandu. Bethanchowk Narayanthan is the highest point of the Mahabharat Hilly Range, and it will offer dramatic views of the surroundings and snowypeaks in the distance. Nowadays, this place is gaining popularity among the local landscape photographers and hikers.
This trek is short but moderately steep to get to the top of the Bethanchowk Hill. Unfortunately, there is no accommodation available, so we must camp overnight. So this trek will give some elegant memories of camping in Nepal as well.
5: Helambu Trek
Trek Duration: 5 nights, 6 days
Max Elevation: 3650 meters
Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Season: Autumn, Spring, and Winter
Helambu Trek is a combination of nature and culture, just north of the Kathmandu valley. Trekking through the Hyolmo and Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, forests, and scenic Mountain landscapes. The highest point of the trek, Tharepati Pass, 3650 meters above sea level, offers stunning views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa.
Helambu Trek is a perfect choice for those who want to do a moderate adventure in Nepal, without extreme altitude. Tea houses and tea shops are available throughout the entire trekking route. The cultural and traditional experience is one of the strong highlights of the trek.
6: Tamang Heritage Trail Trek
Trek Duration: 5 nights, 6 days
Max Elevation: 3175 meters
Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Season: Autumn, Spring, and Winter
The Tamang Heritage Trail Trek is one of the short, sweet, and best cultural treks near Kathmandu. Trekking there will give an opportunity to understand the culture, religion, tradition, and lifestyle of the Tamang community. A trekker will trek through typical villages, hot springs, alpine forests, and stunning landscapes.
Tamang Heritage Trail Trek is a moderate-level trek in Nepal, and this trek is suitable for those who are looking for a cultural trek, especially of the Tamang Community.
7: Dhulikhel Namobuddha Balthali Trek
Trek Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
Max Elevation: 1750 meters
Trek Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Season: Spring, Autumn, and Winter
Dhulikhel Namobuddha, Balthali Trek is a short trek near Kathmandu that combines the spiritual sites, beautiful terrain, and a glimpse of the snowy peaks. Namobuddha is the holiest site for Buddhist followers, Panauti is a historical site, and Balthali offers a great view of the terraced farmland.
The highlight of this trek is the Namobuddha Monastery, the Traditional Village, Terrence Farmland, and the Spectacular Mountain views.
Why Choose Short Treks From Kathmandu?
Kathmandu Valley is surrounded by hills, and there is an opportunity to do treks and hikes. When we do those short treks near Kathmandu, those trekking routes will provide:
- Panoramic Himalayan View, especially during the clear days.
- Easily accessible trailheads. Doing those treks near Kathmandu does not require long drives, and start the trek.
- Cultural diversity. While trekking there, you will get close to the Newari, Tamang, and other people.
- Flexible options for all levels of people
- Affordable Adventure: These short treks are not very expensive to do because easy to get in and out of.
Whatever time you have, a full day or a long weekend, those short treks near Kathmandu allow you to enjoy the trekking experience without being in the high Himalayas.
Accommodation and Food on short treks near Kathmandu.
The great thing about these short trekking routes near Kathmandu is the availability of accommodation, almost like all destinations. Types of accommodations are Homestays, Tea House, lodges, and hotels, and even in some places, there are luxury resorts as well.
Home stays, and Tea Houses are mostly run by families staying there, which is more about an authentic experience.
Lodges and Hotels are mostly run by families as well, but it is more about commercial purposes.
Hotels and Resorts are more luxurious and expensive; such types of accommodation are available in very few places en route to the best short trekking routes near Kathmandu.
Food, in most places, especially homesats and tea houses, you can get Dal Bhat, MoMo, Noodle Soup, Sukha Roti (Chapati), Fried Noodles, etc. Lodges and hotels will offer menu-based foods that include International cuisines as well.
Always carry some snacks like dried fruits, cookies, energy bars (Snickers, Bountee, Kit Kat, etc), and an extra bottle of water. Some routes don’t have any refreshment points.
How to get started?
Most of the short treks in Kathmandu begin within a 30 to 60-minute drive from Kathmandu. Some of the routes required quite a long drive of 4 to 6 hours.
Are you staying in Thamel, Patan, or Bhaktapur?
Just have limited time, 1 or 2 days
Want to have a quick escape from the hassle and bustle of Kathmandu.
Wear your trekking gear, pack your backpack, take a taxi, bike, or bus to the starting point of the trek, and commence your journey.
Best time to do short treks near Kathmandu.
The worst time to visit Nepal and to do any treks is the rainy season or monsoon season, also called the summer season. Besides that, other seasons are good to visit Nepal and do trekking in the high Himalayas. Like other trekking routes in Nepal, the best time to do short treks in Kathmandu is also in the Spring, Autumn, and Winter seasons.
Spring Season- March, April, and May
Autumn Season – September, October, and November
Winter Season – December, January, and February
Monsoon Season – June, July, and August,
Conclusion – Why you should do the short treks near Kathmandu?
The short treks near Kathmandu offer a perfect trekking experience in Nepal because they are rich in adventure, nature, culture, and tradition. Those routes are 1 day to 1 week, all depending on which one you prefer. Chisapani Nagarkot to Bathanchowk, and Helambu to Ama Yangri Trek.
Those trekking trails are suitable for solo backpackers, family travellers, or weekend explorers. All the destinations are a perfect mix of panoramic Mountain views and Nepali hospitality. So tie you shoe laces, pack your bags, charge your camera and mobile phone, and touch the grandeur of the Himalayas – one short trek at a time.
