When it comes to hiking or trekking, Nepal never disappoints the traveler. People around the world are mesmerized by the beauty of nature. Nepal has some of the fascinating places to visit and is often regarded as the real “Shangri-La”. But some of our travelers and trekkers may not always have the time needed to travel and fully discover most places in Nepal. So, this is the list of the best trails where you can hike in a relatively shorter amount of time and still get the most of the hike and the environment one is in.
Without further delay, We present the top 10 hiking trail choices in and around Kathmandu.
1. Namobuddha Hike
Namobuddha is a pleasantly beautiful hilltop which is extremely famous for Buddhist
Pilgrimages as it was where Lord Buddha sliced his flesh to feed the hungry Tigress. Namobuddha is 45 km east of Kathmandu. The Stupa, Monasteries, and altars develop in this exquisite little slope are delightful and worth visiting.
Get up promptly toward the beginning of the day to drive via vehicle or transport to Panauti, an old social Newari town. You will hike around 4-5 hrs through wonderful towns, paddy farms, and terrific green hills around just as the view of mountain peaks not too far off. Explore Monasteries, temples, and Stupa around then drive back to Kathmandu or stay overnight at Namobuddha or Dhulikhel.
Beginning point: Kathmandu
Finishing point: Namobuddha
Distance: 38 kilometers
Hike: 5 – 6 hours
Elevation: 1800 m/5900 ft
Features:
- Beautiful monasteries and sculptures
- The curious town of Panauti
- Suspension connect
- Buddhist Stupa and sanctuaries
- View of Mt Everest and Langtang Mountain Range
2. Sundarijal Hike
The name Sundarijal was derived from the Hindu goddess Sundarimai, which is fifteen kilometers north-east from the Kathmandu valley. Sundarijal is acclaimed for Canyoning and Canyoneering. It is taken as an entryway for some climbers going towards Chisapani. The enormous cascades and hurrying stream; vast sloping edges, valleys, frigid ranges, and green pinnacles; and the water repository site are the significant fascinations for the guests.
Sundarijal is itself situated at the focal point of an ancient forest, having a place with the Shivapuri National Park, and is profoundly different in vegetation like pine, oak, rhododendron, and natural life-like Himalaya Black bear, panther, wilderness feline, and rhesus monkey. The territory is pinpoint to 177 types of winged animals, 102 types of butterflies, and 129 types of mushrooms. Sundarijal is a finished bundle of situations, climbing, and canyoning for any nature adoring explorer.
Beginning point: Budhanilkantha Finishing point: Sundarijal
Distance: 22 kilometers
Hike: 5 – 6 hrs
Elevation: 100 m/4930 ft
Finishing point: Sundarijal
Distance: 22 kilometers
Hike: 5 – 6 hrs
Elevation: 100 m/4930 ft
3. Nagarkot Hike
The Nagarkot Day Hike is one of few ways that you can see Mount Everest from inside the Kathmandu Valley. This beautiful one day hike takes you to the lovely peak town of Nagarkot. At 2195 meters (7201 feet), you will stand up to with eye-popping views of indisputably the greatest peaks on earth. The excursion to the top is similarly as stunning as the view when you arrive!
From the valuable terraced hillsides that slope down the rolling hills, the path takes you on a remarkable mountain viewpoint where the Himalayas appear to be only an arm’s reach away. From the perspective, your scene grows from Dhaulagiri(8167 meters/26,795 feet) in the west to Mount Everest (8848 meters/29,029) in the east, just as the grand Kanchenjunga (8586 meters/28,169 feet). See three of the most noteworthy tops on the planet in one clearing view.
Beginning point: Sankhu
Finishing point: Nagarkot
Distance: 28 kilometers
Hike: 5-6 hours
Elevation: 2175 m/7135 ft
Hiking highlights:
● Get an exclusive taste of Newari culture and cuisine at Sankhu
● Sunrise and sunset is a marvel to witness from here
● Nagarkot Tower
● Witness the mesmerizing views of Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, Mt Everest, Mt Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang
4. Phulchowki Hike
Phulchowki is the most elevated hill in the Kathmandu valley, which implies that the views from the top make it certain to be astonishing! You will undoubtedly discover climbers with you as you attempt to scale this hill. Your hike will be paused by snow-topped mountains, fascinating birds, and transcending mountains on all sides. When you arrive at the village, save a visit to the Botanic Garden to see some brilliant, varied plants. You can likewise remain in lodgings or camp at assigned areas.
Beginning point: Kathmandu
Finishing point: Godawari
Distance: 19 kilometers
Hike: 3 – 4 hours
Elevation: 2782 m/9130 ft
Hiking Highlights:
- Outstanding views of Kathmandu valley
- Vista of Annapurna and Gaurishankar mountains, Mt Everest, Mt Manaslu
- Get to visit the well known Botanical nursery/garden
- Diverse vegetation, particularly fowls, orchids, butterflies and rhododendrons
5. Amitabha Monastery Hike(Seto Gumba)
Amitabha Monastery is likewise called Seto Gumba, which signifies ‘White Monastery’ in the local language. The amazing religious monastery is made of white stones, giving it a flawless façade. The walls of this magnificent gumba are covered with beautiful paintings and murals that portray the life of the Buddha and the Buddhist culture. The landmark is additionally home to holy sculptures made of medicinal clay. The Stupa looks stunning during nightfall! The course is highly frequented, so you will undoubtedly locate some trusty climbing colleagues too.
Beginning Point: Swayambhu
Finishing point: Seto Gumba
Distance: 15 kilometers
Hike: 3 – 4 hours
Elevation: 1500m/4920 ft
Hiking Highlights:-
- Observe beautiful Stupas and wall paintings
- Witness mesmerizing sunset and sunrise
- A panoramic view of Kathmandu valley
- Able to observe Clay sculptures up close
6. Shivapuri Hike
Shivapuri Hiking offers an honorable perspective on the Langtang Himalayas, brilliant natural beauty, birds-eye view on Kathmandu valley. It is a consistent hike up and up to the top of the Shivapuri hill. During the hike to Shivapuri, you can see the root of the Bagmati River, Bagdwar, which is a flawless source.
You will be hiking in Shivapuri National Park towards the beginning of the day. You have to drive around 30 minutes to Nagi Gumba toward the north of Kathmandu. At the point when you reach Nagi Gumba you can investigate the Gumba. In the wake of getting the grant to enter the public park, your climbing starts. It is a government protected area, protecting in excess of 500 creature species. The climb goes up through the rhododendron woods. The tune of trilling birds and gazing monkeys make your climbing incredible. The Shivapuri hill at the rise of 2732 meters above ocean level is a decent view of the all-encompassing Langtang landscapes. The climb restores a similar path back in the wake of arriving at the top and drives back from Nagi Gumba to your destination.
Beginning point: Kathmandu
Finishing point: Shivapuri
Distance: 10 kilometers
Hike: 5 hours
Elevation: 2560 m/8400 ft
Hiking Highlights:
- Shivapuri National Park and protection territory
- Budhanilkantha sanctuary
- Nagi Gompa
7. Champa Devi Hike
Champa Devi Hiking is one of the celebrated climbs around Kathmandu Valley. This is the third most noteworthy hill around Kathmandu valley, which is at the stature of 2278 meters. Champa Devi day hike is a standout amongst other locations to see Kathmandu valley including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur regions, Beautiful eye-catching mountains, for example, Mt. Everest, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, Langtang, Gaurishanker, and so on. Anyone who has not had the chance to spend time in Nepal discovering various majestic mountains and panoramic views then Champa Devi can be the best destination.
During ChampaDevi Hiking you likewise can see Bagmati stream, Bungamati, Khokana, Pharping which are authentic spots of Nepal. You can see Phulchowki hill to your right side, Chandra Giri which is the most elevated hill around Kathmandu Valley to your left side.
Beginning point: Kathmandu
Finishing point: Pharping
Distance: 20 kilometers
Hike: 4 – 5 hours
Height: 2249 m/7380 ft
Hiking Highlights:
- Stupas and places of worship
- Monastery
- Pine timberlands
- The mesmerizing view of Langtang and Annapurna
8. Nagarjuna Hike
This area holds incredible ancient and historical importance since this is the area that
Manjushree, a Chinese holy person, first laid eyes upon at what was to become
Kathmandu Valley. A previous record shows that the Buddha likewise came to Nagarjuna cavern. The Water Garden, somewhat south of Nagarjuna, is additionally an absolute necessity visit. This dazzling area offers an extraordinary scope of history, nature, and stylish magnificence! The Padmasambhava Monastery is a little cave where climbers can rest and address the priests on a wide assortment of subjects.
Beginning point: Kathmandu
Finishing point: Nagarjuna
Distance: 20 kilometers
Hike: 4 hours
Elevation: 1950 m/6400 ft
Hiking Highlights:
- Padmasambhava religious community
- Balaju Water Garden
- Nagarjuna’s cavern
- Mahasiddha cavern
- Manjushree Cave
9. Chisapani Hike
The Chisapani climb is a nearby most frequented hike that takes you through the Shivapuri National Park, Chisapani town and thick timberlands, all under four hours. You are certain to be mesmerized by the small village, which is set against the great setting of the transcending snow-topped heaps of the Himalayas. You may even have the option to spot creatures in the woods!
Beginning point: Sundarijal
Finishing point: Chisapani
Distance: 13 kilometers
Time: 3 hours
Elevation: 2215 m/7270 ft
Hiking Highlights:
- The wonderful Chisapani village
- Shivapuri National Park journey
- Views of the subtropical woodlands
- Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, Gaurishankar Himal ranges
10. Kakani Hike
This lovely trail takes you directly through the high elevation forests, to Kakani – a little town close to Kathmandu. The path is simple, gravely and has a slight incline, making it simple to climb. In the event that you need to rest, there are various rest spots and roadside shops to buy any supplies or to take a rest. Remember to try the local cuisines at Kakani!
Beginning point: Kathmandu
Finishing point: Kakani
Distance: 25 kilometers
Time: 5 hours
Elevation: 2000 m/6560 ft
Highlights of the hike:
- A trip across sub-elevated woods
- Astounding views of Kathmandu valley
- Forests loaded with oak, pine, and rhododendron trees
- Langtang Mountain Range, Shisha Pangma Range, Annapurna Range, Mt Manaslu can be witnessed during the hike