The Best Hiking Routes In Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is surrounded by hills, and it’s a flat valley in the lap of these hills. Those high hills offer a day hike to a multi-day hike, and we called those Hiking routes around Kathmandu Valley. Most of these hiking trails are inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. This National park is for preserving and protecting the flora, fauna, culture, and tradition of those areas.

Inside this National Park variety of Hiking trails, hiking trails offer the best adventure experience. The richness of the flora and fauna inside the National Park is the main attraction of this area. As well as the panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and snowy mountain peaks. Those mountain peaks include the top of the world, Mt. Everest, and many more.

In the buffer zone of the National Park, there are some ethnic groups of people. Those people have their own unique style of culture and tradition; so, take one of the hiking routes around Kathmandu Valley for a day to more. It is a great opportunity to explore nature and the daily lifestyle of the people living in the hilly region. And there are many popular hiking trails near Kathmandu that stand like this.

Shivapuri Peak Hiking – One of the most popular hiking trails around Kathmandu.

Shivapuri Peak Hiking is a day hike near Kathmandu and one of the hiking routes around Kathmandu. This is the best hiking option for those who want to escape from the busy life of Kathmandu for a day. The natural beauty of this walking route is outstanding and easily accessible. Because to reach Shivapuri Peak there are different routes.

The popular one starts from the Budanilkantha side. From this site, you can go by vehicle for some distance and then start the hike. It is possible if you have a private automobile. Perfectly marking and paving walking trails inside the dense forest. Birds-eye views of Kathmandu and a picturesque mountain view from the peak.

During this hike, you will reach Bagdwar, which is a holy place because it’s the source of the Bagmati River. After the Bagswar reaches Shivapuri Peak, the height of the peak is 2732m above sea level. It’s around a 4 to 5-hour hiking trail around Kathmandu, but the time will depend on your walking ability.

The biggest challenge of this hiking route is that there are no tea shops and restaurants along the way. Therefore, need to take enough water, snacks, and pack a lunch; otherwise, there may be difficulty. Wild animals can be dangerous because it’s a protected national park there are many species of wild animals.

Jamacho Gumba Hike – spiritual walk inside the Shivapuri National Park.

Jamacho Gumba is one of the holiest places inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. Located at an altitude of 2128m above sea level. And offers the best views of Kathmandu Valley, and this top is decorated with prayer flags. On top, there is a beautiful Buddhist Gumba and stupas, so this place is not only for amateur hikers; this is the place for Buddhist pilgrimages too.

This hike starts from the Fulbari Gate on the way to Kakani. At Fulbari Gate, there is an army post, and they control the ticket office of the National Park. Need to buy a ticket before climbing up to Zamacho Gumba. A perfectly paved walking trail and the checkpoint along the way will make your journey pleasant. Walking in the shade of the dense forest will make your walk to the top.

As usual, panoramic views of the snowy mountain peaks such as Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and many more from the top and along the way. It will make your hike to the top of the Jamacho a lifetime memory. This is another hiking route around Kathmandu for a day hike.

Phulchoki Hill Hike – Hiking to the highest point of the Kathmandu Valley.

Phulchoki Hill is the highest point of the Kathmandu Valley with an elevation of 2782m above sea level. The walk to this highest point is called the Phulchoki Hill Hike. This hiking trail is one of the most popular hiking trails around Kathmandu, because of the mountain views and the vistas of the Kathmandu Valley. Also, this place is religiously famous among the local people of this area, as at the top there is a Phulchoki Mai Temple. And each year, there will be a month-long festival that celebrates

This hike starts with a drive to Godawari, which is another popular public place. Because of the Botanical Garden is and picnic spot for the people around the Kathmandu Valley. The botanical garden is the study center for the youth who are interested in the plant’s life cycle. Other things which are famous in Gadawari are the Hindu Temples, Buddhist Monasteries, and popular schools.

Godawari is the base camp of the Phulchoki Hiking, so you need to purchase an entry ticket at Godawari. And then walk to the Phulchoki Hilltop. Hiking trails are mostly on the road, and there are shortcuts as well, so always better to take shortcuts. Again, need to walk into the wilderness, and there are problems with water along the way; take enough water.

However, on top, there is a little tea shop run by the Army, and there you can have some little items. The view of the mountain peaks, landscapes, and Kathmandu Valley from the top is spectacular. From the top, you can observe the mountain peaks such as Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, and many more

Tarebhir Hiking

Tarebhir is another short hiking trail in Kathmandu Valley, offering amazing valley and Mountain Views. It’s the best hike for a day hike into nature to have the best hiking experience. Walking through the pine forest at the first part and then the mixed jungle all the way up to the top of the Tarebhir. It’s more about family hiking because short and easy hike compared to other hiking trails in Kathmandu. 

Because of the short and easy walking trails, Tarebhir hiking is one of the best hiking trails in Kathmandu. Especially during the weekends, this place is full of people walking through ups and downs. Even this hiking trail can be combined with Shivapuri Hiking because these places are near each other. Also, an available night stays on top of Tarebhir with outstanding Kathmandu valley and surrounding mountain view. So the Tarebhir hike is a chill-out hiking route near Kathmandu Valley. 

Champa Devi Hiking 

Champa Devi Hiking is another great hiking route in Kathmandu, and this can be combined for both half and full-day hikes. Again, this hiking trail also offers spectacular views of Kathmandu city and, during clear weather, stunning mountain views. Follow the trail to the top of the Champa Devi Danda, and at the top of the Danda, there is a Hindu Temple. That temple is also one of the attractions of this hike. 

Champadevi Hiking is a full-day hiking route in Kathmandu Valley; however, it can be combined with other popular hiking trails. The best combination will be the Chandragiri Hiking. Again, walking in the dense forest, a good walking trail will give the perfect hiking experience. The best experience will come if you travel with friends and colleagues, because traveling with kids might be very tough. 

Marvel Danda 

This hike is just a little hike near Phulchoki Hill, the highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley. Marvel Danda is named after this place that was left open space by a Marvel production company that used to make Marvel. And that hill was the source of the marvel. When that company left that place, it became a hiking destination for the local people. It’s just a few hours’ hike from Godawari; therefore, it can be combined with Phulchoki Hiking for a longer hike. 

Chandragiri Hiking 

Chandragiri Hill is one of the historical sites in the Kathmandu Valley. In the history of Nepal, the Gorkha King Prithvi Narayan Shah visited Kathmandu Valley. And arrived in Chandragiri, then he decided that he wanted to have his kingdom in Kathmandu. The best valley view is from Chandragiri, and the king is also lured by the view. Nowadays, this place is famous for day hikes, and the Chable car is also famous for overnight stays in the expensive resorts. 

Like other hiking routes in Kathmandu Valley, Chandragiri Hike also offers breathtaking mountain views. Picturesque valley views of the Kathmandu valley from a 360-degree angle. The famous temple on top of the hill is another attraction for visitors and mostly for pilgrimage tourists. This hiking trail is also very good for families, groups, and solo hikers. 

The best seasons for hiking around Kathmandu’s hiking trails.

Nepal has four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. These seasons are the best to hike in Shivapuri Peak, Phukchoki, and Jamacho Gumba. Among these four seasons, my favorites are Spring, Autumn, and Winter.

Spring season – March, April, and May

Autumn season – September, October, and November

Winter season – December, January, and February

During the Spring and Autumn seasons, normally the weather is clear, and the temperature is perfect for a hike. Rhododendron flowers will bloom during the spring, and autumn flowers will bloom during the autumn season. And during the winter, it’s a bit cold, but all the hiking trails in Kathmandu will offer amazing views of the mountains and the surrounding areas.

Special Note

All these hiking trails are inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park and near Kathmandu. So, when hiking inside this national park, you have to be aware of wild animals and the waste you produce. When you hike there, try to travel with a group of companions. And collect all the garbage that comes from the food you eat and drink water from the water bottle. Shivapuri Peak, Jamacho Gumba, and Phukchoki Hill are popular. And there are many other hiking routes around Kathmandu too, such as Naagi Gumba Hike, Chandragiri Hike, Champa Devi Hike, etc.

Conclusion: Choose Your Perfect Kathmandu Valley Hike

The Kathmandu valley is not only the capital city of Nepal and also it is not only a transit point for bigger trekking routes. This is the living museum, temples, UNESCO Heritage sites, surrounded by hills, from which the best hiking experience is offered. Whether you prefer the iconic view of Nagarkot, the spiritual calm of Jamacho Gumba, and the biodiversity of Shivapuri, Phulchoki, and Lakuri Bhangyang, there is a hiking trail for everyone, every place, and interest. 

If you want to have a real Nepal experience in a short time, these day hike routes around Kathmandu offer a remarkable experience. 

Lace up your hiking shoes, step beyond the city, and discover Nepal – one trail at a time.