Kathmandu Day Hikes

Escape from the city with these picturesque day hikes that are supprisingly close to Kathmandu. Ranging between 5 and 8 hours in length these walks enable you to get away from the chaos to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature even if is it just for one day.

Dhulikhel Namobuddha 

The Dhulikhel Namobuddha Trek is an nice and easy hike just outside the Kathmandu Valley. Often referred to as the Trek of Monastery and Temples, the walk takes you through small villages, across terraced farmland, visits ancient temples and offers you stunning views of the snowy Himalayas in the distance. 

The trek starts in the hill station of Dhulkheli, a small Newari town with old houses and temples. Nepali’s love to come up here to escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city and to enjoy the clean air and beautiful mountain views.

During the day you will visit the Namobuddha Monastry which is one of the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist sites in Nepal. Our day will finish in the small town of Panauti, which is famous for its 40 temples and numerous festivals throughout the year. The biggest temple is the three-storied Indreshwar Mahadev temple which stands tall in the middle of a beautiful brick courtyard.

Shivapuri National Park

The Shivapuri Trek is a nice morning walk that takes you up out of the Kathmandu Valley and into the beautiful Shivapuri National Park. Starting at the fascinating Budhanilkantha Temple on the edge of the city you will climb up into the protected forests of the national park. Along the way we can visit the Nagi Gumpa, the only monastery where nuns can practice Buddhism, and a place that foreigners visit for meditation. As you climb the steps that take you up to the 2732 metre high Shivapuri summit, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Langtang Mountain Range. 

Champa Devi 

Escape the noice and pollution of Kathmandu with a walk along the hilltops of Champa Devi. High above the busy city this trail traverses along the ridge offering great views across the city and up into the Himalayas. Depending on how you are feeling you can climb up to the Champadevi Temple, returning the way you came, or continue further along hilltop to the Chandragiri Cable Car which offers a relaxing way back down into Kathmandu.