A Complete Guide about
Jamacho Gumba Hiking
- John Bipra
10 minute read
Destination Jamacho
3-6 hours
Estimated Time
Fulbari gate, Balaju
Starting Point
3.4km
One way distance
1377m - 2091m
Elevation
Moderate
Difficulty
Oct- Dec &
Mar-Apr
Difficulty Level
3-6 hours
Estimated Time
Fulbari gate, Balaju
Starting location
5km
One way distance
1340m - 2128m
Elevation
Moderate
Difficulty
Oct- Dec &
Mar-Apr
Best Seasons
Embark on a venture to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek while exploring and experiencing the diverse terrain and the enthralling mountain vistas
Trip Highlights
- Panoramic mountain views.
- A serene Buddhist monastery perched atop the hill, offering spiritual solace and cultural insights.
- Shivapuri Nagarjun National park
- Lush forests teeming with wildlife, including monkeys, deer, and a variety of bird species.
- Ideal for everyone (Family picnic, day hike, research..)
Trip Overview
The Jamacho Hike is a captivating journey located within the lush beauty of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, just 5 km northwest of Kathmandu. Starting from Phulbari Gate (Balaju Bypass), the trail leads you through a peaceful forest of rhododendrons, pine trees, and vibrant wildlife, making it an immersive nature escape.
At the summit, you’ll find the serene Jamacho Monastery, believed to be connected to the legendary Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who meditated here. The monastery, with its golden stupa, prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and detailed Buddhist carvings, offers a deeply spiritual atmosphere. From this sacred perch, you’re treated to stunning, 360-degree views of the Kathmandu Valley, along with sweeping sights of the Langtang, Ganesh, and Annapurna ranges on clear days.
The hike is best experienced during October–December for clear skies and pleasant weather or March–April when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. This 3–6 hour round-trip hike is the perfect blend of nature, culture, and amazing views, ideal for adventurers, spiritual seekers, and anyone craving a peaceful retreat from the hustle of city life.
Short Itinerary
- Start: Begin at the Fulbari Gate.
- Checkpoint : Reach the checkpoint after about 45 minutes of hiking.
- Snack point: Continue for another 30-45 minutes from the checkpoint, and you'll arrive at a snack point
- Summit : From the snack point, it's a 45-minute ascent to the Jamacho Gumba.
- Return: After enjoying the summit, begin your descent to Fulbari Gate, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.


The adventure begins at the Fulbari Gate, where you present your ID and pay the national park entry fee. The air is fresh, filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls. Take a deep breath, there’s no rush. Ease into the trail, warm up your muscles, and find your rhythm.
Within minutes, you might spot playful monkeys swinging through the trees, their curious eyes following your movement. But remember, no matter how close they get, resist the urge to feed or tease them. They are best admired from a distance.
As you continue along the trail, the path gradually leads to a checkpoint. Here, you’ll need to present the paper document you received at the Fulbari Gate. This ensures that every visitor is accounted for, adding a layer of safety to your journey.
The trail moves ahead, going through the green trees. Hydration is key, so take frequent sips of water to keep your energy levels steady. Eventually, you’ll reach the snack point, a well-earned break. Take this moment to refuel, perhaps with some nuts, fruit, or an energy bar, because the next stretch is steep uphill.
Pace yourself. With each step, the hill gets steeper making the climb more difficult, but the views become more rewarding. Listen to your body, take short breaks if needed, and push forward at a steady pace.
As you prepare for the descent, step carefully. Slow your pace, bend your knees slightly to cushion each step, and be mindful of loose rocks. Downhill can be trickier than uphill, so focus on balance and stability.
Reaching the checkpost, make sure to check in for your descent, an important safety measure. Then, as the trees thin and the trailhead comes into view, a sense of accomplishment washes over you. The journey comes full circle. At the gate, present yourself to the army officials and retrieve your ID, a final step before heading back, carrying with you the memories of the trail.
Gears & Equipment
Item
Quantity
Remarks
Base layer-trekking shirt
1
Quick dry (avoid cotton)
Hiking pant/shorts
1
Quick dry (avoid cotton)
Mid-layer (upper)
1
fleece/synthetic down
Outer layer (upper)
1
windstopper/ waterproof
sun hat/woolen cap (if cold)
1
–
sunscreen
1
SPF 30+
sunglasses
1
UV protected
lip balm
1
SPF 30+
Hiking shocks
1
wool/synthetic
Hiking shoe
1
Ankle high and sturdy
trash bag
1
–
buff/mask
–
–
electrolyte packets
3-5
BCAA / jeevan jal
snacks
3-5 bars/servings
energy bars/packed lunch
water bottle
1ltr
BPA free
GPS device/map/compass
1
–
Cell phone
1
–
hiking backpack
1
35-50ltr bag
First aid kit
trash bag
include blister care, pain relievers, bandages
umbrella/rain poncho
1
–

John Bipra
John Bipra, a certified mountain guide, has conquered peaks like Thorong Peak and Mera Peak. With expertise in climbing, ski touring, and rescue, he leads daring expeditions into the wild.