Best Hiking around Kathmandu Valley Rim

‘a short and scenic country walks on rolling green hills of Kathmandu valley rim’

Hiking around Kathmandu valley rim, a pleasant and interesting way to spend your time while in Kathmandu, with busy, hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu this will be a great opportunity to escape away from modernization for some days in tranquil mountain environment within the shade of Himalayan peaks.

Hiking around Kathmandu valley rim, a scenic and interesting country walks where you will be in the midst of rural farm areas and friendly locals in the harmony of cultural and traditional villages of great interest.

A short day walk of a day or for few days leads you on scenic high rolling green hills within its valley suburb, where an hour drive reaches you at starting point of hiking on uphill quiet and serene trails within forested surrounding of tall rhododendron-oaks-magnolia and pine tree lines.

A country walk and a hike suitable to all types of people to join in this exciting and pleasant walks of moderate grade where altitude hardly touches you where some destination is just above 2,760 m high, offering sweeping panorama of high mountains and dramatic landscapes.

With time in Kathmandu after yours sightseeing and cultural tour, for some people with more time in Kathmandu city can join on hike or country walks to be away from maddening crowd of city life heading towards complete wilderness within pristine nature.

Exploring the Scenic Hiking Trails Around Kathmandu Valley

Walking is pleasant although Nepal is a country of ups and downhill for few hours and with gentle gradual trail to walk where you can observe rural farm village traditional way of life as it was for past hundred of centuries.

A day hike or for more few days will certainly freshen you up with clean mountain and nature air within pristine environment of alpine woodland and lush green vegetation along the walks.

Hiking around Kathmandu valley rim where all age-groups can join in, where you can walk at your leisurely pace with views of snow peaks and in the comfort of nice cozy mountain local lodge with room facing views.

Hiking around Kathmandu valley rim where you can choose wide range of destination with complete panorama of Himalayan peaks and in perfect wilderness supported with local guides and porters to carry you big bags if needed.

Hera are the top list of best hiking around Kathmandu valley rim:

Shivapuri Day Hiking :

Altitude:  2,540 m high

Duration: 03 to 04 hrs walks both ways
Located north of Kathmandu Valley, near a Hindu temple of Sleeping Vishnu known as Buddha Nilkanta or Narayanthan, it’s a short drive past the holy temple to reach the Shivapuri National Park entrance. From there, you hike uphill for a few hours and stop to enjoy the views of snow-clad peaks of Manaslu-Ganesh and Langtang Himal. You also get a scenic view of Kathmandu Valley from the ridge top.

Phulchowki Day Hiking:

 Altitude: 2,760 m high

Duration: 03 to 4 hrs hikes both ways
Located southeast of Kathmandu Valley within the Patan/Lalitpur district, the drive takes about an hour past Patan city areas. You enter into green vegetation of dense forest and cooler areas at Godavari Botanical Garden.

From here walk leads up for some hours once on the top marvel the breath-taking panorama of Himalayan chain of peaks from Annapurna towards far west and then Manaslu-Ganesh-Langtang Himal, towards straight north Jugal Himal with Dorji-Lakpa and Gaurishanker extends to Everest region towards far east horizon.

Chisapani Day Hiking:

Altitude: 2,310 m high

Duration: 05 to 6 hrs hike both ways
One of the popular day or two hiking routes starts from Sundarijal, northeast of Kathmandu city and the valley. The trail heads uphill past the water-shed and reservoir. It passes through a few farm villages of Tamang tribes before reaching a high ridge top.

Chisapani is a small village with good lodges to stay overnight. It offers complete beautiful scenery of mountain ranges, including stunning sunrise and sunset views.

From here, one can carry on hiking the next day towards scenic Nagarkot Hill. It is a famous viewpoint for sunrise and mountain views. There are many excellent hotels, resorts, and lodges to stay in. They are located in a peaceful environment of alpine woodland and interesting villages/towns.

After hiking Nagarkot one can carry on walking towards east on a ridge line with few ups and downhill path with constant views of snow capped peaks throughout the walks to end at Mountain and Hill town of Dhulikhel, a Newari town of more than 500 years old.

Dhulikhel at 1,540 m high offers panorama of mountains right from your rooms in nice and cozy lodge and hotels.

Nagarjun Day Hiking:

Altitude: 1,670 m high

Duration: 03 to 4 hrs hike both ways
A short day walk of a few hours is located within the western rim of the valley. It is situated beyond Balaju Water Garden. A half-hour drive brings you to the entrance of Nagarjun and Shivapuri Park.

From here, you walk up into the cool shade of the forest with views of Kathmandu city and the valley. As the walk progresses, you reach the high ridge. Here, there is a view tower offering excellent views of Kathmandu Valley and the snowcapped peaks towards the north. Additionally, this place features a small monastery with an idol of the Buddhist saint Guru-Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), a 6th-7th century tantric Guru who visited and meditated around this scenic hill.

After a marvelous time with pack and picnic lunch head back downhill for short drive back to your hotel.

Best season for Day Hiking around Kathmandu Valley:

The best hiking around the Kathmandu Valley rim can be done all year round. However, it is not advisable during the monsoon wet months of June to mid-September. Moreover, from March to May, the flowering season occurs on the mid and high hills. Additionally, from October to March, the days are clear most of the months, offering superb views of the mountains.

It is best to start all hikes in the morning, usually from 7 a.m. onward, after having a good breakfast. Additionally, you can have lunch on the route either in a local lodge restaurant or as a packed picnic lunch. This makes your day delightful and enjoyable.

Walking hours depending upon the areas from minimum 3 hours with maximum of 6 hrs ( on route Nagarkot and Dhulikhel).