There are many beautiful places for hiking in Nepal. On the background of the highest white mountains, hikers may enjoy the green-filled valleys and hills beneath the clear blue sky. The chill air that flows around the waterfalls and the chirps of birds will certainly relief one from the stress and crowded life. Nepal, the country situated in the lap of the Himalayas, has over 1300 peaks between 5500 m and 8848 m above sea level. The hills of Nepal are popular for hiking.
Thus, it makes Nepal a paradise for peak hikers. Hiking is not as extreme as trekking but you have to be careful because hiking in the mountains of Nepal can be challenging in terms of physical fitness and health. Hiking in Nepal offers us spectacular views of the mountains and the deep valleys, as well as a chance to become acquainted with the Nepali people’s lifestyle, art, architecture, and cultural traditions. some popular hiking destinations of Nepal are Annapurna and Everest region. Besides that, most of the Nepal travelers search the short Kathmandu and Pokhara hiking.
Kathmandu Valley in itself is a place where you can spend days and it offers some excellent destinations for hiking or short trekking. A few hours of the hike will take you from the busy streets of Kathmandu to quiet and peaceful rural areas where you can experience nature, culture, and the traditional way of life. Some of the one-day hikes you can complete around Kathmandu Valley include Shivapuri Hill, Namobuddha, Phulchowki, and Champadevi.
List of best places for hiking in Nepal
Bungmati Khokana Hiking
Bungmati is a small typical Newa (Newari) village, situated about 12 km south of Kathmandu which has many master wood carvers. There is Rato Machhendranath and Karya Binayak temple.
Khokana a small is also a small Newa village having nearly 750 houses. This medieval Newa settlement is situated about 10 km south of Kathmandu. It is known for Mustard oil processing known as “tori ko tel” in the local Nepali language. Oil processing is done in the traditional way by using a heavy wooden beam to crush the mustard seeds to extract the oil. This oil is used as a cooking oil and also for massage. Shikali Ajima (Rudrayani, the mother goddess) temple is located here.
Manichud hiking
Manichud hiking destination located in the North-East of Kathmandu Valley. It lies in the Shivapuri-Nagarjung National Park area. Its historical and religious factor is one of the main reason for attracting tourists and pilgrimages. It is known as Manichud and also as Khadgajogini. Manichud is not a new destination for domestic tourists.
Shivapuri Hill
The starting point for hiking to Shivapuri is Budhanilkhanta. This hiking destination is located to the north of Kathmandu and the hiking trail passes through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Once you are inside the park, you will be greeted by a great sound of birds. Baghdwar, the main source of the Bagmati River is located in the deeper part of this area. Bagmati River is one of the Holiest rivers in Hindu culture. The hiking is through the National Park so, there will be no shops or restaurants. Make sure that you carry enough food and water for a day when you visit Shivapuri Hill.
Jamacho Balaju Hiking
Jamacho is a Non-touristic area in Kathmandu situated about 2000 m from the sea level, also known as Nagarjun by locals. After walking about three hours up to the Jamacho, we can see the beautiful views of Kathmandu city. There is also a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site at the top. There will be many religious visitors once a year on the full moon day of April or May. That day will be the birthday of Gautam Buddha. Since 2008, the Royal family has been living on the way to the Nagarjun mountain. Nagarjun is a preserved forest where you can find different plants and wild animals.
Baghdwar hiking
In Srimad Pashupati Puran, it is said that Mahadev got impressed by the Bhakta Prahlad prayer. Bagmati originated from Mahadev’s Vocals when he appeared in the Shivapuri mountain. For Hindus and Buddhists, Baghdwar is a sacred pilgrimage site and also the origin of the holy river of Bagmati. There are several Hindu and Buddhist statues.
Bishnudwar hike
Bishnudwar hiking is one of the shortest and easiest hiking trails across Kathmandu Valley in Shivapuri Narjun National Park.
Pataleban Hiking
Pataleban Hiking is a short hike near Kathmandu. In the Nepali language meaning of Pataleban is “thin forest”. One can enjoy the beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains such as Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh himal, Manaslu, and other attractions Manakamana (wish-fulfilling goddess) temple, Indradaha, and kalu pandey graveyard.
Pataleban hike starts from Pataleban Vineyard Resort inside the community forest. After a short hike, you’ll reach the top. One could see the beautiful Kathmandu Valley and mountain ranges from the top. You can also find Pataleban Vineyard Resort there.
Phulchowki Hiking
Phulchowki is located towards the south of the Kathmandu Valley with a height of 2,800 m and is 36 km away from the city. The hike to Phulchowki starts from Godavari. The start of the hike greets you with a greenery and you ascend up to reach the hilltop. At the top, you will have a great view of Kathmandu Valley. Phulchowki is also well known among city dwellers for a quick way to enjoy the snowfall during the winter.
Champadevi Hiking
The hike to Champadevi is a thrilling and unbelievable experience with a great opportunity to experience nature and culture. This 1-day hiking route is near Kathmandu and it is also an easy hike. You can start your hike from Pharping, walk through the pine forest, and in 2-3 hours you’ll reach the top of Champadevi hill.
You’ll find Champa Devi temple there. The top of Champadevi will offer you a stunning view of Kathmandu Valley. During the clear season, you can also view different snow-capped mountains. You may need to carry lunch, and water by yourself as you may not find them at the top. The best time for this hike would be from September through October for a great view of the mountain.
Kakani Hiking
Kakani is another good tourist destination for its breathtaking mountain scenery in the northern part of Kathmandu in the Nuwakot district. It is 29 km. away from Kathmandu city also popular for its strawberries production. The elevation is about 2100 m. from the sea level where one can see the mountain landscape of central and western Nepal, a vast collection of majestic peaks stretching from Ganesh Himal to the peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. There is a century-old summer villa used by the British Embassy a long ago. It is a popular for a short hike.
Kakani Shivapuri trekking in Nepal is a very short and pleasant trip as part of around Kathmandu valley trek suitable for busy professionals who do not have sufficient time for a long trekking. Kakani Shivapuri treks which can be completed within a short period of time is undertaken mostly within Nepal’s youngest Shivapuri National Park.
During the Kakani Shivapuri trek, the visitor can observe beautiful landscapes and great views of over 30 snowy peaks. Additionally, trekking around Kathmandu valley with the Kakani Shivapuri trekking itinerary offers other attractions of wilderness, great views of Kathmandu, river valley, small villages, and agriculture fields. The narrow mountain paths take you through dense forests and quaint villages.
Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hiking
Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hiking is best to get excellent views of nature which is considered to be the best. Nagarkot is popular for the sunrise view, situated about 35 km east of Kathmandu. People choose this trip to see the panoramic views of the Himalayas, Dhaulagiri, and Kanchenjunga. There is a view tower to get a 360-degree view.
Dhulikhel is an old Newa (Newari) town about 35 km away from Kathmandu. It has been an important trading center on the ancient commercial route between Nepal and Tibet. Nepalese people used to travel to bring salt and gold from Tibet. Tibetians used to purchase chilies and other daily necessities in Nepal.
Namobuddha Panauti
Namobuddha is one of the most popular Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. It is 40 km away from Kathmandu at an elevation of 1,750 m and marks the site where a prince found a tigress close to starvation and unable to feed her cubs. Overcome with compassion, the prince allowed the tigress to eat his flesh and there you’ll find the statue of the prince together with the tigress and her cubs.
Panauti is rich in Newa culture renowned for its religious sites. You can start this hike from Dhulikhel with a great view of mountains, paddy fields, and through Tamang villages. You have to hike for about three hours to get to the Namobuddha where you can enjoy the peaceful environment of a monastery.
Hiking in Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is a well-known tourist destination near Kathmandu that still follows Newa culture and tradition. It is situated in the central part of Nepal. This is just 32 km from the Kathmandu valley. The main attractions of Dhulikhel are the grand and panoramic mountain views, numerous temples, and different types of landscapes, and a diversity of people.
Daman Hiking
Daman is in Makwanpur District, at an elevation of 2,320 meters. It is a small village and also a tourist attraction. This place is also popular among Nepalese in Kathmandu, about 100 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. It is popular for views of the Himalayas from Mount Everest in the east and Dhaulagiri in the west.
Sarangkot Hiking
Sarangkot is located at an altitude of 1592 m, on a clear day you can enjoy the view of the spectacular peaks of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. There is paragliding for adventure lovers, an hour-long paragliding from Sarangkot Hill. It is a mixture of adventure with magnificent views of the mountains and Pokhara Valley.
Bandipur Hiking
Located about 1050 m above sea level, Bandipur was once a prosperous trading center in Tanahu District, Nepal. It is about 85 km away from east of Pokhara and northwest about 145 km away from Kathmandu. There is a small hilltop Newa (Newari) settlement which was declared as a Municipality in 2014. Bandipur provides a spectacular panorama view of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, Langtang, and Manaslu. It is also rich in history, architecture, and Newa culture of the Kathmandu valley.