Top 10 Hiking Trails in Kathmandu

John Bipra

10 minute read

Kathmandu is more commonly known for ancient temples such as Pasupatinath Temple, Boudha Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa, as well as rivers and lakes, which provide a gateway to some peaceful scenic hikes in Nepal. Being surrounded by lush hills and beautiful monasteries, the valley provides an incredible opportunity for thrill seekers, nature lovers, or to escape from the city buzz. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, here are the top 10 amazing hiking places near Kathmandu valley that are fit for you.

Here are the top 10 hiking trails around Kathmandu you can visit to enjoy nature, get a breath of fresh air, and enjoy a stunning view

Dhap Dam Hike

Dhap Dam, a relatively unknown reservoir that blends its beauty of human innovation with untouched natural surroundings, is located close to the Kathmandu Valley. The region provides a tranquil setting perfect for a day hike and is encircled by forested hills. The tranquil Dhap Dam itself, which reflects the hills and sky, is the main draw. It provides a serene and picturesque setting. It’s ideal for people who prefer to be alone.

Trail Info

The Dhap Dam Hike starts from Sundarijal, a popular starting point is about an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. On the way, you can also see the Tamang village of Mulkhara, which has traditional Nepali homes built with red brick and a slanted roof. You can rest in the town and try the local tea with a snack of your choice. After a 1-hour walk, you will reach a junction point and need to take a left turn.

After a 30-minute walk from the junction, you will see the scenic view and tranquillity of Dhap Dam and you will be surrounded by magnificent views of the hill. The descent back will take you approximately 90 minutes with a relaxed pace. The hike, including the descent back, takes you around 5-6 hours at a comfortable pace, including the needed rest.

Highlights: The merging of manmade dams and nature meets forest trails.
Unique Experience: Visit the Tamang village for local snacks and tea.
Photography Tip: Take a picture at the dam with the reflection of the sky and hills.

Champa Devi Hike

Champa Devi is a revered hilltop located southwest of Kathmandu, known for its cultural and religious importance. The summit houses a shrine visited by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. The hike is a popular weekend adventure for locals, combining a physical challenge with spiritual significance. The main attraction is the Champa Devi Temple and the sweeping view of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding peaks, offering both a cultural and scenic experience.

Trail Info

The Champa Devi Hike starts from Pharphing, Hattiban, passing through stone paths and dense pine forest. Despite the paths occasionally merging with vehicular roads, you will be taking a dedicated hiking trail through the rich forest. Your first stop is going to be at the Hattiban Resort, where you’ll encounter a checkpoint. Enter the necessary details as it’s a routine part of the hike. After a short time, you will reach another checkpoint. This is a great spot to rest and hydrate before continuing.

After this point, the trail briefly descends before starting a steady uphill climb, then you’ll reach a snack point where you can take a quick break and refuel before taking on a steep ascent to Champa Devi Temple and the summit. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the view. The descent back will take you around 2 hours with a relaxed pace.

Highlight: A mindful journey leading to a Hindu-Buddhist Shrine.
Unique Experience: Encounter prayer flags fluttering in the final stretch.
Challenge: A steep climb testing your endurance.

Bhasmasur Hike

Bhasmasur Hill lies beyond Champa Devi and is steeped in mythology. Named after a legendary figure who sought power through devotion, the location is considered spiritually powerful. The trail extends past the Champa Devi summit and rewards hikers with greater elevation and a wider range of views. The main attraction is the Bhasmasur summit, from where you can see a broader panorama, including Everest on clear days, making it a rewarding spot for seasoned hikers.

Trail Info

The Bhasmasur Hike starts from Pharphing, Hattiban. Similar to the Champa Devi Hike, you’ll need to follow the same route as the Champa Devi Hike to reach Champa Devi Temple. After around 50 minutes from Champadevi, you’ll arrive at a resting point where you can refuel and hydrate yourself for the rest of the hike. As you walk for around 1 hour until you reach the peak named Bhasmasur Hill.

The place you’re standing has an old story of Bhasmasur, who once prayed for power to destroy lord shiva. From the peak, you’ll be able to see the whole Kathmandu valley. On a clear day, you can witness multiple mountain ranges such as Lantang, Gaurisankar, Ganesh Himal, and even Everest. The descent back will take you around 3 hours, depending on your pace.

Highlight: A relatively unique adventure leading to the summit.
Unique Experience: Learn about the story of Bhasmasur and its legend.
Viewpoint: A greater range compared to Champadevi, as you can see Everest on a clear day.

Bishnudwar Hike

Bishnudwar, meaning “Gate of Lord Vishnu,” is a spiritually significant site nestled within the peaceful Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Believed to be the origin of the sacred Bishnumati River, it attracts both pilgrims and nature lovers. The main attraction is the sacred river spring, where visitors often come to make offerings. The gentle trail, rich in flora and fauna, makes it an ideal destination for a calm, reflective hike.

Trail Info

The Bishnudwar Hike starts from the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park headquarters. If you start early in the morning, you might stumble upon langur monkeys swinging from trees. After around 30 minutes, you’ll find a clearing which is a perfect spot for a break, to hydrate, enjoy a snack, or relax your body. As you keep going, the trail starts to get steeper, and sunlight occasionally shines through the leaves.

After about 2 hours, you’ll reach the Bishnumati River, a peaceful place where pilgrims often come to make offerings. You can rest for about 20-30 minutes before descending back down. The descent back will take around 2 hours, depending on your pacing.

Highlight: A magical journey leading to the origin of the Bishnumati River.
Unique Experience: May encounter langur monkeys in the early morning hours.
Best Time: In the morning, start with a serene walk in the forest, enjoying nature.

Bagdwar Hike

Bagdwar, meaning “Tiger’s Gate,” is the mystical source of the Bagmati River, one of Nepal’s most sacred rivers. Located in the Shivapuri Forest, it is revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike. The hike passes through moss-covered trails and spiritual landmarks. The main attraction is the spring believed to be the source of the river, surrounded by ancient carvings and offering a deeply spiritual atmosphere for reflection and photography.

Trail Info

The Bagdwar Hike starts from Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park headquarters, where you’ll notice the dense forests and a breath of fresh air compared to city life. You will be walking for almost 3 hours, so you need to rest occasionally to hydrate, refuel for energy, and relax your body.

After another 50 minutes to an hour, you will reach Bagdwar, the sacred source of the Bagmati River. You can take pictures and fill your water bottles for the descent back. Once you reach Bagdwar, you have two choices: either descend back or go further into the Shivapuri Peak. The descent back will take you around 3 hours, depending on your pacing.

Highlight: The Trail leading to the source of the Bagmati River.
Unique Experience: Rocky resting area covered in moss.
Photography Tip: A cave for clicking experimental pictures with a group or solo.

Lakuri Bhanjyang

Lakuri Bhanjyang is a scenic hilltop destination located on the southeastern rim of Kathmandu Valley. It is well-loved for its tranquil atmosphere and panoramic views. The hike combines lush forests with open viewpoints that offer clear sights of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. The main attraction is the summit view, especially at sunrise or sunset, making it a perfect destination for photographers and nature lovers.

Trail Info

The Lakuri Bhanjyang Hike starts from Treebones Resort, surrounded by thick trees and the serene, gentle sounds of nature, it provides a tranquil beginning to the hike. After roughly twenty-five minutes of hiking, you will reach the rest spot, where you may take a break, collect your breath, and take in the elegance of the natural world. An hour later, the path opens out to a stunning vantage point of the Kathmandu Valley.

On a clear day, you can spot the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges, and the sight looks heavenly. After 40 minutes of climbing from the viewpoint, you will reach the summit of Lakuri Bhanjyang. The 360 view spanning the valley and the mountain makes you question reality itself, creating a moment of tranquillity and accomplishment. The descent back to Treebones Resort takes around 3 hours, depending on your pace.

Highlight: A glamorous 360 view of the sunrise or sunset.
Unique Experience: The feeling of living inside a painting, admiring its beauty.
Accessibility: Perfect for intermediate hikers looking for a challenge.

Nagarkot Hike

Nagarkot is one of Nepal’s most iconic hill stations, located northeast of Kathmandu. Known for its sunrises and views of the Himalayas, including Everest on clear days, it’s a favorite among tourists and locals alike. The trek is beautiful, winding past villages and woodlands. The Nagarkot View Tower provides an amazing view of the valley and the Himalayan peaks.

Trail Info

The Nagarkot Hike starts from Mulpani Pokhari, where breakfast is enjoyed before the tour begins. It’s best to go slowly because the hike is a gradual ascent. You will arrive at Rani Jhula, a suspension bridge that offers views of the city and lush jungles ahead. After climbing for around 25 minutes, take the trail that leads to the left after you reach the bridge. You’ll come across an abandoned view tower in the middle of the jungle as you. The track eventually comes to an end and becomes a paved road.

Before the final ascent to Nagarkot Tower, you’ll find food stalls lined up on the road. This is a great spot to enjoy the snacks and the local foods before the last push to the summit. Once you reach the top, you will be immersed in the panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley. The descent back to Mulpani Pokhari takes around 3 hours from the peak, depending on your pace.

Highlight: The Rani Jhula for traversing from the jungle to the city.
Unique Experience: Interact with locals and enjoy the lively moments with them.
Viewpoints: Reach one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Nepal.

Jamacho Gumba Hike

Jamacho Gumba is a monastery located within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and is said to be a meditative retreat used by Guru Rinpoche. The area offers hikers a serene experience with rich biodiversity. The main attraction is the monastery itself and the viewpoint nearby, which offers stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and distant mountain ranges, including Langtang and Annapurna.

Trail Info

The Jamacho Gumba Hike starts from Fulbari Gate, where you present your ID and pay the entry fee for the National Park. You’ll also stumble upon monkeys swinging through the trees. As you continue, the path leads to a checkpoint where you’ll have to show the document you received back at the gate, which ensures an extra layer of safety and security for the visitors. You need to remember to take sips of water to keep your energy levels steady.

After a short while, you will find a snack point, so take the time to refuel as there is a steep hill ahead. Walk further for around 45 minutes to reach the summit. At the peak, you’ll find the Jamacho Monastery, which is said to be connected to the legendary Guru Rinpoche, who meditated here. On a clear day, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Annapurna mountain range, the Langtang, and the Ganesh, as well as the Kathmandu valley. Depending on your pace, the descent to Fulbari Gate will take around 3 hours.

Highlight: Visit the monastery for an enlightening experience.
Unique Experience: Blend of cultural serenity and the wilderness.
Wildlife: Encounter playful monkeys swinging between trees, as well as birds.

Nagi Gumba Hike

Nagi Gumba is a peaceful Buddhist nunnery situated in the northern hills of Kathmandu. It serves as a retreat for nuns and welcomes visitors interested in meditation and spiritual learning. The hike passes through quiet pine forests and offers excellent chances for birdwatching. The main attraction is the monastery itself locally called Gumba, with its peaceful environment, prayer flags, and views of both the valley and nearby peaks.

Trail Info

The Nagi Gumba Hike starts from Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, within 10 minutes of walking you’ll reach a forked road, pick the right side road as it leads to Nagi Gumba, while the left leads to Bishnudwar. After about 30 minutes of walking, you’ll be able to see a rest spot for hydrating, resting, and refuelling.

After waking for around 40 minutes, you’ll reach Nagi Gumba, as the forest clears you’ll be able to see the white walls of Nagi Gumba. Take your time and explore the monastery. The viewpoint here has a breathtaking panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley. The descent to Shivapuri takes around 2 hours, depending on the pace.

Highlight: Visit the nunnery for peaceful meditation.
Unique Experience: Learn about the history of the monastery and the forest with the nuns.
Environment: The perfect mix of nature, culture, and spirituality.

Shivapuri Hill Hike

Shivapuri Peak is one of the highest hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley and offers a rewarding day hike filled with natural beauty, cultural spots, and wide Himalayan views. Located within the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, the trail takes you through dense forests, quiet monasteries, and up to a summit with a 360° view of the surrounding ranges, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and, on clear days, even Mount Everest.

Trail Info

The Shivapuri peak hike begins at the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Headquarters, where you’ll need to present your ID or passport and pay the entry fee (NPR 500 for foreigners, NPR 100 for Nepali citizens). The early part of the trail is peaceful, with the scent of pine trees and birdsong all around.

After 30 minutes, you’ll reach a viewpoint overlooking Kathmandu Valley, followed by a grassy clearing perfect for a snack. The trail then climbs steadily through rhododendron forests, which burst into vibrant colour during spring. After 1.5 hours, you reach the summit of Shivapuri peak at 2,732 meters. The peak offers a stunning 360° view of Kathmandu valley along with mountain views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even Everest on clear days.

The descent back to the headquarters takes around 1.5 hours and passes through the same scenic forest.

Highlight: Reach the summit for a sweeping Himalayan panorama.
Unique Experience: A scenic mix of natural beauty and spiritual landmarks like Nagi Gompa.
Wildlife: Spot monkeys, birds, deer, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a red panda.

Preparing for Your Hike in Kathmandu

It is your first time going on a hike. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your next hike

Wear seasonally appropriate clothing.
Carry a first-aid kit, extra bottles of water, and energy bars.
Carry insect repellent for safety against bugs.
Avoid littering in the jungle.
Carry a battery backup for phones in case of an emergency.
Carry necessary permits in case of check-ups.
Avoid going off the trails to avoid being lost.

So, pack your favourite snack and essentials and venture into one of the scenic trails provided by BeThere to connect with nature to witness the magical landscape surrounding Kathmandu.

Conclusion

Kathmandu has a rich culture as well as rich vegetation, which makes it the perfect spot for hiking. This Valley offers some of the most remarkable hiking trails such as Dhap Dam, Bhasmur, Nagarkot, Jamacho Gumba. If you’re a beginner looking to escape the busy lifestyle of the main city or an experienced hiker looking for a challenge, the trails around Kathmandu valley have it for everyone. These hiking trails immerse you in nature’s beauty and unforgettable experiences that could only exist once.

Thinking about escaping the city buzz? Contact us via WhatsApp. We would love to help you plan your next hike to be perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Hiking and Trekking?

Hiking and Trekking both involve nature, but they differ in terrain, duration, and required preparation.

Hiking typically involves shorter day-long walks on established terrain with minimal preparation.
Trekking involves longer multi-day journeys in more rugged and untamed areas with longer time for preparation.

Is hiking possible in Kathmandu?

Yes, Hiking is possible in Kathmandu as there are many hiking trails you can visit in Kathmandu, ranging from short hikes to multi-day hikes, such as:

Dhap Dham Hike
Champa Devi Hike
Bhasmasur Hike
Bishnudwar Hike
Nagi Gumba Hike

Are there day hikes in Kathmandu?

Yes, there are many day hikes in Kathmandu, Nagarkot being one of the most popular one-day hikes that starts in Kathmandu.

Is it safe to hike in Kathmandu?

Hiking in Kathmandu is safe, but you should take the appropriate safety measures and get in touch with the local authorities in case of an emergency.

What is the best time to go hiking in Kathmandu?

The best time to go hiking in Kathmandu is from March to May and September to November, as these months typically have bearable temperatures and clear skies, making for a suitable hiking condition.

What is the nearest hiking area around Kathmandu?

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is the nearest hiking area around Kathmandu, it offers different trails ranging from a 2-3 hour hike to a 4-6 hour hike on the same route.

Where should I hike in Kathmandu?

Whether you are a beginner or a professional thrill seeker, you can visit the places below for an energetic and fun hike, everybody will enjoy: