Bethanchowk Hill – The King of the Hill

Bethanchowk Hill is known as the King of the Hills, which is the highest point in the Mahabharat Range. The elevation of the Bethanchowk hill (danda) is around 3000m above sea level. From where you can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views including Mount Everest, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Makalu, Langtang, and Dhaulagiri, etc. And the views of the surrounding areas with the southern Tarai (the Plains) region of Nepal, such as Janakpur or Makwanpur, are clear on a clear day. 

Bethanchowk is also a very important religious place in the region. Every year during the Falgun Purnima (Holi Purnima), local people will summit the peak and worship. Local people believe that  Bethanchowk Hill is a powerful Energy point, and it is considered the place where wishes are fulfilled after sincere prayers. On top of the hill, there is a small shrine of a Hindu Temple – the temple of Vishnu Narayan, which is why this place is called Bethanchowk Narayanthan as well. 

Bethanchowk Narayanthan is the best place for overnight camping near Kathmandu. So if you are looking for hassle hassle-free weekend, then this place is the perfect place for your weekend. Remember that there are no hotels or facilities at the top of the hill. So you must bring your own tent and sleeping bag. But it will give you the Into the Wild Experience. Also, offers the best sunrise and sunset experiences. 

How to reach Bethanchowk Hill

To reach Bethanchowk, first need to be in Banepa, Panauti, Khopasi, and then Dhunkharka. Dhunkharka is around 60 Km from Kathmandu in the southeast direction. The road condition is mostly blacktopped up to Khopasi Village, then a bumpy and jumpy road to Dhungkharka. It will be around a 4 to 5-hour drive. There an alternative ways as well, from the Makawanpur side, Baluwa and Markhu/ Chitlang, from this side, it might be a multi-day trek. 

Travel and Trek Summary 

Route	Details
Kathmandu to Panauti	It is approximately 2 2-hour drive
Panauti to Dhungkharka	2 to 3 hours drive
Dhungkharka to Summit	3 to 4 hours hike
Trip duration	A 1-day hike, a 2-day trek is the best

Hiking trail feature 

Hike / Trek duration – 3 to 4 hours 

Distance – 10 to 12 KM, depending on the trail. 

Elevation gain – From 1700 m (Dhungkhark to 3000 m Bethanchowk Hill. 

Begins – Throughout the villages and the terrace fields. 

Enters – Dense pine and rhododendron forest. 

The final part is steep and rocky, but well-marked

When to do the Bethanchowk Hill Hiking?

Conquer the King of the Hill, the Bethanchowk Danda is not that hard; however, if you don’t hike during the right season, you might have a bitter experience. The best time to do the Bethanchowk hike is during the spring (March, April, and May ), Autumn (September, October, and November), and Winter (December, January, and February) 

The Spring Season is vibrant with blooming Rhododendron flowers and clear skies, usually; however, though haze sometimes, the views may be affected in late spring. 

Autumn Season offers clear skies and outstanding visibility of the surroundings and the Himalayan peaks. So the autumn season is the best time to visit Bethanchowk Hill. 

The winter season is cold but rewarding because of clear vistas, and might be light snowfall at the summit. 

However, locals always suggest that the best time of the year to visit Bethanchowk Narayanthan is during Mangsir (around late November). During this time can enjoy a 360-degree glimpse of the mountains and the surroundings. 

Essential Packing List for Bethanchowk Hill Hike.

Personal Gears – Hiking Backpack, Hiking shoes, Hiking pants, and shirts, Sunglasses, Cap/Hat, light jacket, extra pair of socks, warm gloves, Scarf/buff, Thermal, warm jackets (down or Insulated), power bank, 

Camping Gear – Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Mat, Portable Camp stove, cooking utensils, headlight, matchbox or Lighter. 

Safety Gears – Basic first aid kit, Hand Sanitizer, Insect repellent, Swiss knife, 

Food items – Ready-to-eat or cookable meals such as instant noodles, soup, energy bars, water, and some fruits and vegetables. 

Extras:  Camera, Portable speaker, book, Tripod, etc. 

Weather conditions of the Bethanchowk Narayansthan Hill

Visiting Bethanchowk is a dream come true for all adventure lovers. But you must choose the perfect season for the best and unforgettable experience. For that, many factors are there, and the most important thing to know is the weather conditions. As it is located above 3000 meters, the weather varies significantly in different seasons. 

Spring season (March to May) – this is one of the best seasons to visit Bethanchowk. During this season temperature will be around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius during the daytime and at nighttime around 0 to 5 degrees Celsius. Skies will be clear and excellent visibility. 

Autumn season (September to November) visit Bethanchowk during the autumn season will be the perfect time, and the weather conditions during autumn will be great. The temperature during the daytime is around 12 to 22 degrees Celsius, and nighttime might be 2 to 10 degrees Celsius. 

Winter (December to February) is the cold season and will be a bit chilly, especially at night time and cloudy and snowy weather. The temperature during the day is approximately 2 to 10 degrees Celsius, and nighttime might be -5 to -15 degrees Celsius. High chances of having snow on top of the Bethanchowk Hill

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FQA) about Bethanchowk Hill.

1: Where is Bethanchowk Hill Located? 

Bethanchowk Hill is located in Kavrepalanchok District, Bagmati Province, Nepal. It lies in the southeast of the capital city Kathmandu and is the highest point of the Mahabharat Hill Range. 

2: How high is the Bethanchowk Hill? 

The top of the Bethanchowk is approximately 3000 meters and 9842 feet above sea level. 

3: How long is the hike or Trek? 

The hike or Trek from Dhungkharka to the summit will be around 4 to 6 hours. It depends on your pace and route. 

4: How do I get there from Kathmandu? 

First drive to Panauti bus park and again change bus or Jeep to Dhungkharka and Trek to Bethanchok from there. It will take around 4 to 5 hours in total. If you are going by private transportation then directly drive to Dhungkharka and start the Trek / Hike to the top. 

5: Is the trail difficult?

Easy to quite difficult in some sections, especially near the summit, because of the steep climb and rocky trails. Although everyone can complete it with proper packing and breaks. 

6: Are there any food or accommodation options at the top? 

No, there are no hotels, tea houses, or shops at the top; you must carry your own tent, food, and water for overnight staying. 

7: Is there any religious significance? 

Yes, on top of the Hill, there is a small Narayanthan Temple, which is a Lord Vishnu shrine. 

8: Can I do Bethanchowk Hill as a day trip from Kathmandu? 

Yes, but it requires a very early start and professional hiking and trekking experiences and ability to walk and drive for a long time. 

9: What mountains can I see from the Bethanchowk Hill (Danda) 

On clear days, you can see these major or the world’s peaks, such as Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and many more. 

10: Is it safe to Camp at the top?

Yes, it is safe to Camp at the top of the Bethanchowk Hill in groups, but you must bring warm clothes, enough food, and be cautious about wild animals. 

11: Do I need a guide/porter or permit? 

A permit is not necessary to do the Bethanchowk Hike, but having a guide or porter is helpful for a successful and memorable trip. 

12: Is Bethanchowk crowded? 

Usually, it is not crowded; however, during the weekends of the best season and festival days will be a bit crowded. 

13: Is the mobile network available at the Bethanchowk Narayansthan?

It depends on the service provider, Ncall or NTC, but do not rely on it for emergencies. 

14: Is this suitable for beginners? 

Yes, but better to have some previous trekking and hiking experience, and most have good stamina. Also need to take regular breaks and carry essentials during the hike. 

15: What is the best time to visit Bethanchowk Hill?

The best time of the year to visit Bethanchowk Hill is during the spring and autumn seasons.