Overview

Kathmandu Day Hiking is a popular activity for those visiting the capital city of Nepal. It offers an opportunity to escape the bustling city and explore the surrounding hills and countryside.

There are several hiking routes to choose from, each offering a unique experience and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some popular options include Nagarkot, Chisapani, and Dhulikhel.

Nagarkot is a popular destination for day hiking, located just 30 km from Kathmandu. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, and is a great destination for sunrise and sunset views.

Chisapani is another popular destination, located just a few hours' drive from Kathmandu. It offers stunning views of the Langtang Range and is a great destination for those looking for a moderate hike with cultural experiences.

Dhulikhel is a charming and traditional Newari town, located just 30 km from Kathmandu. The town offers several hiking routes, including a scenic hike to the nearby hills for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

Kathmandu Day Hiking is a great way to escape the city and immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region. It is suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, and provides a great way to stay active and explore the surrounding countryside.

In conclusion, Kathmandu Day Hiking is a popular activity for those visiting the capital city of Nepal. There are several hiking routes to choose from, each offering a unique experience and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is a great way to escape the city, stay active, and immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region.

10 best day hiking routes in Kathmandu

1.Amitabha Monastery (white Gumba) Hike
2.Kakani Hike
3.Godawari - Phulchoki (Fulchoki) Hike
4.Sakhu - Nagarkot Hike
5.Shivapuri Hike
6.Nagarjun (Jamacho) Hike
7.Nagarkot – Chagunarayan Hike
8.Namobudhha – Panauti Hike
9.Champadevi – Chandragiri Hike
10.Nagarkot - Saga hike

Details Itinerary

1. Amitabha Monastery (white Gumba) Hiking
Amitabha Monastery, also known as the White Gumba, is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts in Nepal. The monastery is located in the northwest corner of Kathmandu Valley and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.
Hike starting/ ending point: Swayambhu
Distance: 12 kilometers
Duration: Minimum 3 -4 hours
Altitude: 1500m/4920 ft
Highlights: - Buddhist Stupa and murals, Sunset and sunrise view, A panoramic vista of Kathmandu valley, Clay statues.

2. Kakani Hiking
The Kakani hike is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture of Nepal. Just be sure to bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and warm clothes, as the temperature can get quite chilly at the higher altitude.
Hike Starting/Ending point: Kakani/Kathmandu
Distance: 12 kilometers Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 2073m/6801ft
Highlights: -A hike Though sub -Alpine Forest of Shivapuri national park, stunning views of Kathmandu valley, oak pine and rhododendron trees, View of mountain range like Langtang, Shisha Pangma, Manaslu and Annapurna.

3. Godawari - Phulchoki (Fulchoki)
Godawari - Phulchoki (Fulchoki) Hike is a popular hiking destination located in the southern part of Kathmandu Valley. Here's some more information about the hike:
Hike Starting/Ending point: Godawari Botanical Garden
Distance: 14 kilometers
Duration: 5/ 6 hours
Altitude: 2782m/9121ft
Highlights: Stunning view of Kathmandu valley, Vista of Himalayan ranges, Godawari Botanical Garden, Diverse of Birds, Butterflies and plants.

4. Nagarkot Hiking
The hike starts at Sakhu, which is a small town located about 20 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu. From there, you'll follow the trail that winds through the lush forests and past small villages. As you ascend towards Nagarkot Hill, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding mountains. The forests are full of oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, and you'll have the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, such as deer, monkeys, and birds. At the top of Nagarkot Hill, you'll reach the highest point of the hike, where you'll be able to see panoramic views of the Himalayas, including peaks such as Mount Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. There are also several viewpoints and restaurants where you can rest, enjoy a meal, and take photos.
Hike Starting/Ending point: Sakhu / Nagarkot Tower
Distance: 12 kilometers
Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2175m/7133ft
Highlight: Newari town Sakhu, Sunrise or sunset points, Nagarkot view point with view of Himalayas.

5. Shivapuri Hiking
The hike starts at Budhanilkantha, which is known for its impressive statue of Lord Vishnu lying on a bed of snakes. From there, you'll follow the trail that winds through the lush forests and past small villages. As you ascend towards Shivapuri Hill, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding mountains. The forests are full of oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, and you'll have the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, such as deer, monkeys, and birds. At the top of Shivapuri Hill, you'll reach the highest point of the hike, where you'll be able to see panoramic views of the Himalayas, including peaks such as Mount Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. There is also a small temple and a communication tower at the summit.
Starting/Ending point: Budhanilkantha
Distance: 12 kilometers
Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2563m/8403ft
Highlights: Flora and fauna, Budhanilkanta Bishnu temple, Nagi Gompa

3. Nagarjun hill (Jamacho) hiking
The hike starts at Balaju, which is a residential area located about 5 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. From there, you'll follow the trail that winds through the lush forests of Nagarjun Hill.As you ascend towards Jamacho Peak, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding mountains. The forests are full of oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, and you'll have the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, such as deer, monkeys, and birds. At the top of Jamacho Peak, you'll reach the highest point of the hike, where you'll be able to see panoramic views of the Himalayas, including peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Dorje Lakpa. There is also a small temple and a viewpoint at the summit. The hike is relatively short and easy, making it a great option for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Nepal without spending all day on the trail. Just be sure to bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothes, and plenty of water and snacks, as the hike can still be quite steep and strenuous in some sections.
Hike Starting/Ending point: Balaju
Distance: 5 kilometers
Duration: 2-3 hours
Altitude: 2095m/6870ft
Highlight: Padmasambhav Gumba, view of Kathmandu valley and Himalayan range, Nagarjuna, Manjushree and Mahasiddha cave.

7. Nagarkot – Changunarayan Hiking
The Nagarkot-Changunarayan hike is a popular trekking route in Nepal, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley. The hike typically takes around 4-5 hours and covers a distance of about 12 kilometers. The trek starts from Nagarkot, a popular hill station located about 32 kilometers from Kathmandu. Nagarkot is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on a clear day. From Nagarkot, the trail descends through small forests and agricultural fields to the histocical town of Changunarayan. Changunarayan temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Nepal, dating back to the 4th century. The temple complex also features a museum showcasing various artifacts and statues from the Lichhavi and Malla periods.
Hike Starting/Ending point: Nagarkot / ChanguNarayan
Distance: 28 kilometers
Duration: 5 hours
Altitude: 2175 m/7135 ft.
Highlight:Oldest temple ChanguNarayan, Sunrise or sunset points, Nagarkot view point with view of Himalayas.

8. Namobuddha – Panauti Hiking

The Namobuddha-Panauti Hike is a popular hiking trail in Nepal that takes you through beautiful scenery and ancient cultural landmarks. Here are some important details about the hike:
Hike Starting/ ending Point: Namobuddha Stupa/Panauti
Distance: 8 kilometers
Duration: 2 -3 hours
Altitude:1750 meters/5742 ft.
Highlights: Namobuddha Stupa, Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, terraced farmlands, traditional Newari architecture in Panauti.

9.Champadevi – Chandragiri hiking
The Champadevi-Chandragiri Hike is a challenging trek in Nepal that rewards hikers with stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding Himalayan range. Here are some important details about the hike:
Starting /ending point: Pharping/ Fhamkot                                                                                                                                                                                 
Distance: 15 kilometers, Duration: 6-7 hours                                                                                                                                                                          Altitude: 2275 meters/7464 ft.                                                                                                                                                                                               
Highlights: Champadevi Hill, Bhasmeshwor Mahadev Temple, Hattiban Resort, Bhaleswor Mahadev cave, cable car trip, panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan range

10. Nagarkot to Saga hiking
The Nagarkot-Saga Hiking Trail is a beautiful and scenic route that takes you through lush forests, traditional villages, and stunning mountain vistas. Here are some important details about the hike:
Hike Starting Point/ending : Nagarkot /saga                                                                                                                                                                                Distance: 12 kilometers                                                                                          
Duration: 4-5 hours                                                                                                 
Altitude: Starts at 2175meters /7135 ft.                                                                 
Highlights: Stunning views of the Himalayan range, traditional villages and terraced farmlands, ancient temples and monasteries

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