Nepal is a popular destination not only for trekking but also for hiking. The country is full of nature and adventure attracting thousands of local and foreign hikers to hike through different trails in Nepal daily. People who love trekking but don’t have time due to different Circumstances can hike through different hiking trails around Kathmandu. If you are from Kathmandu but want to get close to nature, hiking would be the best option as it is budget-friendly as well. This blog is based on my own experience while hiking around different popular destinations around Kathmandu. One can complete the below-mentioned hike within one day. These hiking trails can be completed with family and friends.
BAGDWAR HIKE
Bagdwar is considered the origin of the Bagmati River which lies inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. We will start the hike from the gate of the National Park
Highlights of Bagdwar Hike
- Starting point: From the Gate of the National Park.
- Hiking Duration:8 hours
- Entry Fee: NRs. 100 Per person
- Difficulty: Moderate
If you prefer to extend the hike you can reach Shivapuri Peak from where you can see Kathmandu and Nuwakot with the beautiful mountain range.
BISHNUDWAR HIKE
Bishnudwar Hike also lies inside Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. Bishnudwar is considered one of the easy hiking destinations on our list. You will start your hike from Muhan Pokhari which is 500 meters above the Budhanilkantha Temple.
Highlights of Bishnudwar Hike
Starting Point: Pani Muhan
Hiking Duration:5 hours
Entry fee: NRs. 100 Per Person
Difficulty: Easy
CHAMPADEVI HIKE
Champadevi Hike is very popular nowadays. The Champadevi trails can be extended up to Bhasmasur or Chandragiri hills. It takes around 4 hours to reach the Champadevi Peak, there is a small temple located at the top. The starting point of the Champadevi hike is (Hattiban Resort). The Champadevi trail is somehow simple so any beginners can hike. The trail is mostly covered with stone ladders which will make it easier to walk. In the rainy season the leeches may attack you and the trails will also be muddy.
Highlights of Champadevi Hike
- Starting point: Hattiban Resort
- Hiking Duration:7 hours
- Entry fee: none
- Difficulty: Very Easy
DHAP DAM HIKE
Shivapuri National Park is famous for many hiking trails among them Dhap Dam is a newly found hiking destination that has been popular due to the lake that is presented. If you move forward the Dhap Dam trail leads you to Chisapani.
The main purpose of Dhap Dam is to clean the Bagmati River during the winter season. You can start the hike from Sundari Jal the entrance gate of Shivapuri or the second option is to go through the trail of Manichud Daha.
Highlights of Dhap Dam Hike
- Starting point: Sundarijal /Kageshowri Manohara
- Hiking Duration:8-9 hours
- Entry fee: NRs. 100 per person from Sundari Jal/Rs 0 if you go through Manichud Daha trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
NAGARJUN HIKE
Nagarjuna also called Jamacho, is considered one of the famous hiking destinations of Kathmandu. The trail is well marked and is safe as it is a protected area within the Nepalese Army. It is considered one of the easiest hiking destinations. You will be able to see beautiful scenes of Kathmandu and the mountain ranges as well. There are several monasteries and stupas around that area that hold Buddhist importance.
Highlights of Nagarjun Hike
- Starting Point: Fulbari Gate
- Hiking Duration: Around 5 hours
- Entry Fee: NRs. 100 per person
- Difficulty: Easy
LATARAMBESHWOER MAHADEV
Latarambeshower Mahadev is a temple located in the Ipa Panchakanaya area of Makwanpur district. you need to drive for 2:30 minutes to reach the starting point of the hike. It lies at the end of Lalitpur District and touches the Makwanpur district. The temple is located at about 27,00 meters. If you drive early in the morning to the starting point of the hike you will be able to complete the trail in a day. The trail is well maintained. The trail is found to be steep in some of the places. The best time to hike is during the spring season.
Highlights of Latarambeshower Mahadev Hike
- Starting point: Latarambeshower Homestay where you can park your vehicle and start the hike.
- Hiking Duration hours
- Entry fee: none
- Difficulty: Moderate
PULCHOWKI HIKE
Pulchowki is the highest hill in Kathmandu Valley. In the winter season, you can see the snowfall in Pulchowki. You will be able to see beautiful views of Annapurna and Gaurishanker mountain range. Once you reach the top of the hill you can see the beautiful shrine of Phulchowki Mai. We recommend not to hike Phulchowki if it’s your first hiking experience.
Highlights of Pulchowki Hike
- Starting point: Godawari
- Hiking Duration: Around 8 hours
- Entry fee: none
- Difficulty: Moderate
NAGARKOT HIKE
The trail is wonderful as you will be able to view the mountains from Nagarkot. You can start your trek from Sankhu. Feel free to explore the culture of the typical Newars of Sankhu. If you prefer to camp it is also the best option. Among all the trails Nagarkot Trail is one of the popular trails. Nagarkot is popular for sunrise and sunset views. you will be able to see Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, Mt.Mansalu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang.
Highlights of Nagarkot Hike
- Starting point: Sankhu
- Hiking Duration hours
- Entry fee: none
- Difficulty: Easy
Conclusions
Hiking is for people who love adventure and the environment. The trails of Bagdwar and Bishnudwar offer you greenery that amazes you. I love traveling i often hike so that I feel refreshed and spending time with nature makes your soul thrilling.
Overall these hiking trails around Kathmandu allow exploring and connecting your soul with nature. You will be able to see the landscapes and cultures of Nepal. Each trail surprises you so grab your bags and be ready to hike.