Local Area

Jamacho Gumba Hike: A Must-Visit Hiking Destination In Kathmandu

Inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park, there are many hiking trails; one of the most beautiful is the Jamacho Gumba Hike. Jamacho Gumba is situated at an elevation of 2,150 m above sea level. From the top of Jamacho Peak, we can enjoy stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the magnificent Himalayan view during clear weather. Mountain Peaks such as Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Annapurna Range, Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal etc.

Jamacho Danda Hike is a perfect day hiking route in Kathmandu. A few minutes’ drive from the heart of Kathmandu and tourist hub Thamel. Walk for just 4 to 5 hours inside the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Walking through the dense forest to reach the beautiful Jamacho Hill and enjoy a glimpse of the Buddhist Shirin Mountain and its surroundings is a lifetime hiking experience. Jamacho Hikes offers all the elements that you need to experience during a hike.

Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park is home to various types of Flora and Fauna. Hiking inside this park allows you to see various species of animals, birds, and plants. Animals like the Himalayan Black Bear, Jungle Cat, Rhesus Monkeys, and even the Leopard. Plants such as Pine, Chestnut, Silver Birch, Bamboo, Oak, Rhododendron trees, and many more. Himalayan Griffon, Mountain Bulbul, Bar-Winged Flycatchtershirk are the major birds can see during the Jamacho Gumba Hike.

On top of Jamacho Hill, there is a beautiful little Monastery, many stupas, and beautifully hanging colorful Buddhist prayer flags. This is one of the most significant places for the Tamang community. They believed this is the place from which a dead soul could go to heaven. So that they will bring ashes and put them there. All these elements will make your Jamacho Gumba Hiking a very peaceful, mindfull and pleasant day hike in Kathmandu.

How to get to the top of Jamacho Gumba Hill?

The Mountain and Kathmandu Valley view from Jamacho Gumba

First, take a bus to Machhapokhari or Balaju Baies Dhara to start your hike to Jamacho Gumba. From there, again, take a bus to Fulbari Gate, but no bus goes that way regularly. So it is better to walk for around 20 to 25 minutes to the Fulbari Gate. If you have your private vehicle, then drive to Fulbari Gate and park nearby. Unfortunately, there is no parking space near the gate area. So please find a parking place nearby before embark on your journey to Jamacho Gumba.

Fulbari Gate is the place from where Jamacho Gumba Hike begins. At Fulbari Gate, you need to buy an entry ticket to Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park, then begin your hike to Jamacho Hill Top. Before you enter the national park, an Army officer will check your bag because there are certain items that are not allowed to be taken with you while hiking inside the national park.

From there, you have to follow the signs of Jamacho Gumba and steps inside the Jungle will ultimately take you to the final destination. From the top, you can walk down the same way or follow the other hiking trails.

Hiking Route of Jamacho Gumba Hike.

It depends on where you stay. If you are in Thamel, take the way to Balaju, Machhapokhari, and the way to Kakani to reach Fulbari Gate. From Fulbari Gate need to climb up to Jamacho Danda (Hill). Along the way, there is another army check post where you need to show your permit or entrance ticket, which you bought in Phulbari Gate.

The hiking route is well-marked and easy to follow. Start with steps and a steep climb up, and some parts are a bit flat too. Just follow the one trail which goes up and follow the signs of Jamacho Gumba. To end this hike, you can take the same way down or combine this hike with other hiking routes like Shivapuri Peak Hike and Chandragiri Hill Hike. For that, you’d better have a group of experienced hikers. Because it will take quite a long time and days as well.

What should you bring with you?

This hike stands on top of the hill and routes from inside the Jungle. So the first important thing to bring with you is enough drinking water. Some pack lunch (highly recommended) because there is no place to buy and eat any food. Some dry fruits, cookies, and energy bars (chocolates) are the best choice. And if possible, some fruits such as apples, pomegranates, etc. However, during the weekends on top, there will be small stalls, will sell some basic things. Such as Biscuit, Water, Pani Puri, Chatpate, ChauChau etc.

If you are traveling alone, bring a little Swiss knife, which is very useful. Clothing depends on which season you are doing Jamcho Gumba Day Hike but don’t forget to bring anti-insects if you are traveling there during the summer season. Because there are so many leeches that will come everywhere. Another medicine you can take is a little bit of salt to avoid leeches.

The first aid kit is always handy to take with you. Walking inside the jungle and the small hiking trails of Kathmandu Valley is sometimes tough. You may fall, twist your ankle, bank somewhere, and get wounded.

When to do the Jamacho Gumba hike?

Jamacho Gumba Hike is all season hike. However, the Spring, Autumn, and Winter are the best times for this hike. Because during these seasons, the views of the surroundings and snow-capped peaks are spectacular, especially during spring and autumn.

The Winter season is also good for doing the Jamacho Hill Hike, because of the majestic vistas of the surroundings, and the eye-catching view of the giant mountain peaks. Sometimes, there might be snow as well. But it is a bit colder than the other two seasons.

I don’t recommend doing the Jamacho hike during the summer season because at that time, rain and leeches will make your hike unpleasant. Also, the hiking trails are slippery, which is very dangerous.

Require a Permit for the Jamacho Hike

This hike is inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. Everyone who goes there must buy a ticket before checking in. The Jamacho Gumba Hiking Permit cost as follows.

Nepali CitizenSAARCE NationalityOther Nationality
Nepali Rupees: 100 Nepali Rupees: 600Nepali Rupees: 1000

This is the price for hiking; however, if you want to do mountain biking and other activities, the permit cost will be different. To know how much it will cost, please click here.

Safety tips for the Jamacho Gumba Hike

Nature is always beautiful and offers many things for us. Our activities in nature must be respectful and thankful to nature. Otherwise, it can be very dangerous to us. So here are the safety tips for the Jamacho Gumba Hike. 

Start your hike early – Begin your hike by around 8:00 am, which will allow you enough time for resting and exploring, and get down slowly. 

Always stick to the trail – while hiking up to Jamacho Gumba always stick to the trails. The trails there are properly marked; however, there can be confusion, especially near the top. Avoid getting lost in the dense forest. 

Travel in a group or with a guide – if you are doing it for the first time, please go with friends or hire a local guide. 

Wear Proper Hiking Gears – As this is a hiking trail with ups and downs trail can be slippery and uneven, so better to take good hiking shoes with a good grip. And don’t forget to take a trekking pole. Also, bring a light Jacket or a Raincoat. 

Check Weather Forecast – Before start your hike to Jamacho Gumba please check the entire day’s weather forecast. If rain or thunderstorms don’t go. 

Carry anti-insect spray – if you are traveling during the monsoon, don’t forget to take anti-insect spray or salt. And wear long pants and full socks. 

Bring basic First Aid Supplies – together with anti-insect protection, take basic first aid supplies such as antiseptic, bandages, painkillers, and antihistamines. 

Power Bank and Cable – Taking photos and capturing videos can empty your phone’s battery, so always take a power bank and cable to have a battery backup for your phone; you never know when you will need your phone to call anyone during an emergency. 

Avoid Provoking Wildlife – Jamacho Gumba Hike is inside the Shivapuri National Park so there is high chances to witness with some wild animals. Do not approach them and try to feed them something. 

No Littering – Mother Nature for all of us so that while hiking up and down please carry out all trash and help preserve the natural, environmental, and spiritual purity of the Jamacho Gumba. 

In the end,

Jamacho Gumba Hike is a perfect day hiking route in Kathmandu which is suitable for everyone who seeking a day hiking route in Kathmandu. This hike will offer a mindblowing view of the Kathmandu Valley and snow-capped Mountains. Also, allows witnessing the various species of flora and fauna. Alongside, it is a Buddhist Pilgrimage site to observe the Buddhist rituals and traditions.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Jamacho Gumba Hiking which may helpful to plan your hike to there. 

1: Where is Jamacho Gumba Located ? 

Jamacho Gumba is located at the top of Jamacho hill, northwest of Kathmandu inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. 

2: How Long is the Hike? 

The total distance of the Jamacho Gumba Hiking is around 10 to 12 Kilometers, depending on where you start your hike. So total hiking duration around 4 to 6 hours depending on your pace. 

3 What is the difficulty level of the Hike? 

This hike is moderate level of hiking trail with steep ups and down with stairs and jungle. It is doable for most of the health people with average fitness. 

4: Do I need entree permit to hike? 

Yes you need a Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entree permit, which you can get in the Phulbari Gate. 

5: How much Jamacho Gumba Hiking Permit Cost? 

The permit cost accordingly – Nepali Citizens – NPR 100, SAARC Nationals – NPR 600, Other Countries Citizens – NPR 1000. Student discount may apply with a valid ID. 

6: Where is the starting point of the Jamacho Hike? 

Phulbari Gate is the common hike starting point of the Jamacho Hill, which is near Balaju Bypass en route to Kakani. 

7: Is it safe to hike solo? 

Yes, it is, but I recommend hiking with a group or a companion if you are unfamiliar with the hiking trail. 

8 Are there any shops or restaurants on the way to Jamacho Gumba? 

No No No, you have to bring water and snacks. There are no shops or restaurants along the way or at the top. However, on some occasions at the are top chances to have some stalls. 

9: What is the best time to hike Jamacho? 

The best time to do this hike is during the spring, autumn, and winter seasons. 

10: Are there toilets along the trails? 

There are very basic toilets near the top and at the army checkpoints. 

11: Can I enter the monastery? 

Yes, you can, but please remove your shoes before going in and be quiet inside the sacred Buddhist site. 

Raby Dong

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