Best hiking routes around Kathmandu | Top day hike in KTM valley

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 or 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 nearKathmanduthat 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.

Nagarkot Hiking – Hiking Junction of Kathmandu

Nagarkot is a hill top, from where a hiker can enjoy the panoramic mountain view, sunrise, sunset dramatic landscapes, and best view of the Kathmandu. Doing hike to Ngarkot hill also offers the cultural and religious beauty of the region. Walk thorough the typical villages, peacefull forest trail, experience authentic village life, etc makes Nagarkot Hiking route is one one of the best hiking routes near Kathmandu.

Nagarkot is the junction of the hiking routes in Kathmandu. Here people can go by doing various of hiking such as Changunarayan Nagarkot Hike, Shanku Nagarkot Hike, and Chisapani Nagarkot Hike. Also Nagarkot is one of the commercile hiking routes in Kathmandu becasue there are better faclilites of lodging and fooding for hikers.

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 willmake your hike to the top of the Jamacho a lifetime memory. Jamacho Gumba is also another best hiking route around near Kathmandu for a day hike.

Phulchoki Hill Hike – A Hike 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 route is one of the most popular hiking trails around the Kathmandu Valley. This place is religiously famous and important among the local people of this area; at the top of the hill, there is Phulchoki Mai Temple. And each year, there will be a month-long festival that will be celebrated between August and September.

The Phulchoki hike starts with a drive to Godawari, which is another popular public place. The Botanical Garden is a popular picnic spot for 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 Phulchowki 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 it’s 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 – Perfect Family Hiking Routes Near Kathmandu

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 – The Best Day Hiking Routes in Kathmandu.

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 – Short Refresh Place to Be Near Kathmandu

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 – Recently Modernized Hiking Route Near Kathmandu With Cable Car.

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.

Lakuri Bhangyang Hike

Lakuri Bhangyang is a beautiful hill top located in the eastern edge of Kathmandu valley. A day hike to Lakuri Bhangyang offer great views of the snowy peaks, calm and peaceful forest trail, traditional village paths, and panoramic views of the valley and surrounding hills. Elevation of the Lakuri Bhangyang is around 2000 meters above the sea level.

Lakuri Bhangyang Hiking is a refreshing day hike near Kathmandu valley suitable for beginners to pro hikers. Normally it will take around 5 to 6 hours for round trip and no require prior trekking and hiking experience. This hike starts at Lamatar or nearby places, trail will passes through typical villages, farmlands, and rhododendron forest to get in top.

Surya Chaur Hiking – Quiet and Unspoiled hiking routes near Kathmandu.

Suryachaur is located at the north part of Kathmandu valley just above Tokha and Jhor waterfall, at the elevation of 2400m above sea level. If you are looking for short but scenic and less cordeded hiking routes near Kathmandu, Suryachaur Hiking is the best option. Suryachaur is the best view point of the Langtang Himalaya Range and sunrise and sunset .

Compare to other popular hiking routes like Shivapuri, Jamacho, and Nagarkot, Suryachaur is peaceful and less crowded. That’s why this hiking route is perfect for those hikers who are seeking fresh air, beautiful nature, panoramic mountain view and dramatic landscapes view of surroundings.

The best seasons for hiking around Kathmandu’s Hills.

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 – Be a Responsible Hiker

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 Hiking Routes Near Kathmandu Valley.

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.

Frequantly Asked Questions – Hiking Routes Near Kathmandu

1: Are there good hiking routes near Kathmandu?

Yes, there are several hiking routes near Kathmandu for 1 day to multi days hike. Where a hiker can experience, spectacular glimpse of the Mountains, authentic villages, peaceful forests trail, religious harmony, various flora and fauna. The hiking trails in Kathmandu is ideal for short adventure.

2: What are the most popular hiking routes near Kathmandu which?

Near Kathmandu Valley, there are some renowned hiking routes such as

Nagarkot Hiking
Shivapuri Peak Hiking
Champa Devi Hike
Chandragiri Hike
Tarebhir Hike
Phulchoki Hike
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
Jamacho Gumba Hike
Marvel Danda Hike
Suryachaur Hike
Bethanchowk Hike

3: How difficult are hikes around Kathmandu valley.

Most of the hiking routes are easy to moderate, but some of the hikes require Camping skills as well. These hikes are suitable for beginners to pro hikers.

Easy hikes – Nagarkot Hike, Marvel Danda Hike, Jamacho Gumba Hike, Tarebhir Hike etc

Moderate Hikes – Shivapuri Peak Hike, Phulchoki Hike, Chisapani Nagarkot etc.

4: Can these hike done in a day?

Yes it is. Almost like all the hiking routes near Kathmandu are day hikes. Which can do in between 4 to 8 hours including stops and sightseeing.

5: Is a permit required for Hiking Routes near Kathmandu?

Some of the hiking routes required permit and some of hike doses not required.

Permit Required Hiking Routes Near Kathmandu: Shivapuri Peak Hike, Phulchoki Peak, Chisapani Nagarkot Trek etc.

Permit not needed hiking routes near Kathmandu – Champa Devi Hike, Tarebhir Hike, Chandragiri Hike etc.

6: Which Himalayas can see from near by Kathmandu’s hiking routes?

Most of the hiking routes offer majestic view of the Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal, Gaurisakhar. And some of the hiking routes like Nagarkot offer Everest, and Manaslu Mountain View as well.

7: What is the best season for hiking near Kathmandu?

The best time for hiking near Kathmandu is Spring, Autumn, and Winter.

Spring Season – Best weather, perfect temperature, Rhododendron Flower, and excellent Mountain View.

Autumn Season – Great weather, suitable temperatures, stunning Mountain View.

Winter Season – Clear skies, magnificent mountains view, sometime snow on top as well.

8: Are hiking routes near Kathmandu safe?

Yes, Yes, Yes, usually all the hikes are safe near Kathmandu. If you follow basic precautions.

Start early
Stay on marked trail
Carry enough water and food
Check weather forecast
Avoid hiking alone in the remote area.
Hike with guide if alone
Use proper hiking gears

9: Can beginners hike near Kathmandu?

Absolutely, hikes near Kathmandu are beginner friendly, suitable for first time hiker, families, students, and weekend travelers.

10: Which hike is best for sunrise and sunset?

The best sunrise and sunset hiking routes near Kathmandu are Nagarkot hiking, Jamacho Gumba, Suryachaur Hike and many more.

11: Are there food stops or tea houses during the hike?

Some hiking routes have the food stops point and tea houses for overnight stay. And some of the hiking routes don’t have tea shops and lodges for overnight sleep.

Hiking routes with Lodge and lunch spots – Nagarkot Hiking, Lakuri Bhangyang Hike, Chisapani Nagarkot Hike, Tarebhir Hike etc .

Hiking routes in Kathmandu without lodge and lick spots – Shivapuri peak hike, Jamacho Gumba Hike, Champa Devi Hike etc.

12: Do I need guide to do any hike near Kathmandu?

Guide is not mandatory for any hikes near Kathmandu, however having guide is always good to know more inside about the places, culture, and traditions of the region.