Experience the Adventure of Hiking Trails in Kathmandu

If you are planning a trip to Kathmandu, you would be searching for the most exciting trip that includes wonderful trek routes and blissful trek trails. What could be the trek routes that you could adapt on your visit to Kathmandu? Here is a list that includes some. Route the map wisely and ensure to check all benefits before hiking.

The first thing that pops into mind is the rough terrain, mountainous landscape, picturesque beauty, and a blissful experience of majestic mountains. Moreover, if you are in search of a real hiking tour, think about a trek in the Himalayas.

Experience hiking in the largest and most vibrant city of Nepal – Kathmandu, as its hiking experience offers calmness. The valley provides a plethora of exciting hiking trails that permit visitors to enjoy the beautiful sight of Mt. Everest.

You could witness Mt. Everest clear from Kathmandu just by hiking to the gorgeous viewpoint of Chandragiri and Nagarkot hills. Well, it comes as exciting news for visitors who love the view of the Himalayas along with admiring beautiful snow-covered hills.

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The 5 Best Hiking Trails in Kathmandu:

So, let’s get to know about the five most famous hiking trails in Kathmandu that will make you fall in love with the city and its mesmerizing beauty.

1. Chandragiri Hiking

Chandragiri is situated in the Southwest part of the valley and is the best hiking trail in Kathmandu that offers a beautiful sight of the whole valley. Enjoy its cable car ride that takes you to the topmost temple of the hill – Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple.

In the entire hiking journey, enjoy the view of surrounding hills, valleys, and the Himalayas, and make your hiking experience a great one. The cable car ride provides a breathtaking view of lush green woodlands and views of various other mountain ranges from the top of Chandragiri hill.

Duration – 6-7 hours.
Highlights – Start the hiking journey from Mata Tirtha and end it at Chandragiri which offers an exciting and short route along with a view of majestic hills.

2. Nagarkot Hiking

Nagarkot serves as one of the most beautiful destinations in the valley that provides a majestic view of sunrise over the Himalayas. Elevated at an altitude of almost 2175m, the place is a famous hiking destination among international and domestic visitors. It serves as an ideal gateway that offers a refreshing weekend amidst the beautiful Himalayas and lush greenery. Moreover, during hiking explore the unique Newari lifestyle and culture that makes you amazed.

On the way there, you can experience terraced fields, pine forests, Newai Kartik village, and farmlands. Plus, the exciting journey ahead of Kartik village provides astonishing views of greenery and the Himalayas. You can spend the night in luxurious Nagarkot hotels or camps as per your wish, and while returning you can visit Changu Narayan temple that offers smoothness to your soul.

Duration – 5 hours.
Highlights – Start your hiking experience from Sankhu and end in Nagarkot and enjoy a short, safe, and relaxing hiking trail.

3. Kakani Hiking

Kakani hiking is another famous hiking destination near Kathmandu that lies only 26 km Northeast of Kathmandu. You can witness spectacular views of Langtang, Annapurna, Manasalu, and various others.

You could also explore the gorgeous view of the rhododendron forest along with its amazing landscape. Moreover, its gravel land would lead you to certain picnic destinations where you can take some breaks.

Duration – 5-6 hours.
Highlights – Start the trek from Kathmandu and end it in Kakani while enjoying sub-alpine forests and beautiful nature.

4. Shivapuri Hiking

Shivapuri peak serves as the second largest peak in Kathmandu that sits in Shivapuri national park, elevated at a height of 2732m. While hiking, witness the national park that is home to various species of flora and fauna.

Start the hiking adventure to Shivapuri peak which passes via woodlands of sal, oak, and rhododendron. Visit the Buddhist nunnery that sits at the hill’s top and provides you with a beautiful view of the city and mountain range. Walk inside the monastery and experience peace and silence amidst your soul.

Duration – 4-5 hours.
Highlights – Start hiking from Budhanilkantha and end at Shivapuri National park while enjoying the breathtaking view of the valley.

5. Phulchoki Hiking

Phulchoki serves as the most perfect destination as it offers the pleasure to witness the highest Kathmandu hill. The hiking provides a view of exotic birds, snow-capped mountains, and various animals.

You can also witness botanical gardens that possess a large variety of flora and fauna, along with enjoying an easy walking trail. Moreover, you can view various species of birds that include the mountain hawk eagle, endemic spring babbler, the curia, rufous bellied pied woodpeckers, and many other species.

Duration – 4-5 hours.
Highlights – Start the beautiful hiking experience from Kathmandu and end it at Godawari while relishing the scenic view and lush greenery.

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Things to consider on the hiking journey:

Hiking trips are the most exciting and thrilling experience! Not only could you visit various places and areas, but you can grab an opportunity to visit the land that is hard to get to without hiking.

Enjoy nature’s beauty and various trails, and hiking is the best option to stay fit. As per your ability and excitement level, choose either a day hike or a couple of weeks hike. But, you are required to consider certain things before going on a hiking trip. Let’s know them.

1. Ensure to have proper time

Accidents occur when you rush during hiking or when hiking at night. Ensure to have enough time just to complete your hiking journey. Make sure to research how long the hiking needs, then add some time of yours as a buffer. Check the time of sunset as after that hiking could become risky.

2. Search for route conditions

There is nothing worse than getting stopped halfway while hiking a mountain. So, if you know about trail conditions before the time you can have a high chance of having fun. Moreover, you would have a high chance of staying safe and avoiding getting lost, so checking route conditions is the major thing to consider before heading with a hiking experience.

3. Know about the weather forecast

Before starting a hiking journey, make sure to know if it is going to snow or rain and how cold the temperature would be. Then, pack the clothes as per the weather conditions, as the weather during mountain hiking is not the same as the city’s weather.

4. Pack certain essential types of equipment

Carry a backpack along with you during hiking and ensure to pack various important things that might protect you in certain situations. Furthermore, it would be a better idea to carry an extra warm layer and a raincoat. Here are some important items that you should carry while on your hiking journey:-

Water and food.
Warm clothes.
Map and navigation tools.
First aid kit.
Sun protection.
Emergency shelter.
Communication equipment.

Check More Information on Nepal:

5 Best Hiking Trails Around Kathmandu: Durations, Highlights and More