Best Day hiking around Kathmandu

We are going to explain here the best day hiking around Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, standing at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level. It lies in the bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal.

The city is beautiful, even with the largest population of the country. People are migrating here because of employment, education, and development.

Because of different natural resources and cultural heritage, the city is beautiful and historically important as well. We can enjoy all the cultures and traditions of the whole country. But the city is the hometown of the Newari people, so most of the place follows traditional Newari culture.

Kathmandu is also known as the City of Temples. Pashupatinath, Bouddha, and Swoyambhu are major religious places and important touristic places.

As we have only one international airport, Tribhuwan International Airport, located in Kathmandu. The traveler who comes by airways chooses Kathmandu as the first station for trekking and traveling.

I have met lots of travelers. Most of them only prefer high mountain trekking. Some travelers show interest in hiking around Kathmandu. Today, I am going to tell you about the best hiking trail around Kathmandu.

The top 5 best hikes around Kathmandu Valley are Nagarjuna Shivapuri National Park, Chisapani Hiking, Namobuddha, Sankhu-Nagarkot Day Hike, Chitang Hiking, and Chandagiri Hiking. Please read about it and choose a suitable hike for you around Kathmandu Valley.  

Nagarjun Shivapuri National Park

Nagarjun Shivapuri National Park is the 9th national park of Nepal, established in 2002 AD. It stands 2,732 m tall, is located in the northern part of Kathmandu, and covers an area of 159 km. This is the easiest and nearest hiking trail from Thamel, Kathmandu. Shivapuri is the best hiking trail for those hikers who want a hiking experience in Kathmandu.

Jamacho Hiking is the summit point of the Nagarjun Shivapuri trek. It is the holy place of Buddhists. We have to walk along the uphills for around 2–3 hours, crossing 7-9 hills, to reach the summit of Jamcho. As we reach the top, we will get a magnificent view of Kathmandu Valley and some mountain views as well.

The walk begins from Fulbari Gate (entrance point). This is a very nice hiking place but the whole path is rough trial till the top. The national park contains 318 species of birds and wild animals. So, we can view biodiversity as well.

This hiking trail is famous among both tourists and locals. During Baishakpurnima (Buddha Jayanti), around 20,000 people used to hike here to worship and visit the place. The day is celebrated because it is special for Buddhists and all Hindus. It is a great place for hiking, cycling, bird watching, picnic, etc. jamacho Nagarjuna hiking The latest entry permit cost for hiking in 2025 is  NRS 1000 Per person  for foreigner, NRS 600 Per person for Indians Per person, and NRS 100 Per person  for Nepali

Chisapani Hiking

Chisapani hiking is the best and most famous hiking trail among hikers with a route close to Kathmandu. It is located northeast of central Katmandu. The hiking route starts from Sundarijal. We can reach Sundarijal after a drive of half an hour by private vehicle.

Wonderful view of mountain ranges with ancient cultural life is major aspects of this place. Besides that, the diversified flora and fauna of central Nepal increase the pleasure during the walk.

A river named Sundarijal lies in this place. So, the place is named Sundarijal after the name of this river. This river is also an important source of drinking water in Kathmandu Valley.

We can reach Chisapani after a couple of hours' uphill trial via MulKharka. Mulkharka is a beautiful village that lies in between the Shivapuri National Park. This village acts as a great source for research on the life and culture of people living inside a forest.

Chisapani is the best day hiking spot for nature lover. It offers us a beautiful white mountain view of Jugal and Ganesh Himal. We can view Langtang with wonderful landscapes and get a recreation and peaceful environment during the hike.

If some hikers want to make a multi-day trip then also, we (mission summit) can make it possible. For such a trip, we start our trip from Sundarijal and end it to Nagarkot.

Namobudha Hike

Namobuddha hiking is another best day hike around Kathmandu Valley. The hiking starts from Dhulikhel, located at 35Km east of Kathmandu. Dhulikhel is another touristic area of Nepal. Travelers come here for an overnight and view the sunrise from the Himalayas. We can see the Langtang range, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal range, Annapurna range, and Mount Everest as well.

Namobuddha is a very small village with old houses and ThranguTashi Yangtse Monastery. This monastery is the very oldest monastery as well as the most important pilgrim site in Nepal. It is known as the place where Prince Mahasattva, gave his part of the body to a starving tigress and her cubs.

The hiking continues for around 4 to 5 hours. We should walk through the terraced land of growing Rice, mustard, millet, green hills, and wonderful landscape as well as explore the cultural Tamang village.

During  Kartik Purnima and Buddha Jayanti, we have a chance to explore the festival. After spending some time in a monastery, we return back to Dhulikhel and drive to Kathmandu.

Sankhu-Nagarkot Day Hike

Sankhu Nagarkot Hiking is one of the most popular and easiest short-day hikes around Kathmandu. Sankhu is the old Newar town situated 17 km far from Kathmandu in the north-eastern direction. Sankhu was said to be a different kingdom before the Malla dynasty in Nepal.

Nagarkot is located approx. 7000 ft (2000 m) above sea level and lies 32 km far from Thamel. Nagarkot is a popular hill station commanding breathtaking Himalayan views, terraced land, and pine forests in an attractive rural atmosphere.

This is an amazing hike from where you can get a stunning view of the Himalayan (white mountain) range and experience the local lifestyle. We can visit here for observing the sunrise or sunset. If you want to see the sunrise, then we can come to Nagarkot by car and back to Sakhu by Hike; both is possible. Even we can have a night stay as well.

Chitlang Hiking

Chitlang Village is also one of the best places for day hiking around Kathmandu; it lies in Makwanpur District, Narayani Zone CDR, Nepal. It is located 27 km far from Kathmandu and represents an ancient Newar village with monuments built during the Lichhavi Dynasty. This place is very important to place due to its historical value as well.

Chitlang Village is an uncommon goal for guests with visiting spots like "Majhagau," uniquely Newari people and culture, SwachhandVairav Temple and Satdhaea, and soon Argenacik resort.

Observation of wonderful mountain places with unique people living together with different cultures, values, and norms are major sources of attraction. We can go gradually to numerous communities to know and meet the neighborhood people. Most importantly, we will get good respect because nearby individuals will regard us as one of the relatives.

The village is surrounded by an excellent green forest, with 160 types of birds and different creatures. Chitlang is fascinated with the great green field. There is a major Apple garden with in excess of a thousand apple trees.

There is a Facility for a night stay in the middle of the nursery, which gives an energizing experience to the vacationers. Different students and a group of people used to visit this garden and spend quality time. The place is also for the study of biodiversity and historical events.

Chandragiri Hiking

Chandragiri Hiking is another best day hike around Kathmandu Valley. The place lies on the southwest side of Kathmandu Valley, 2551 meters above sea level.

The hiking begins from the Hindu Temple at Mata tirtha. The trails lead to Chhap Bhanjyang through the small village and forest. We will walk 3 hours uphill to reach Chandragiri Hills.

The hill offers you beautiful views of Kathmandu Valley and the panoramic view of Himalayan ranges such as Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Everest. Chandragiri Hill is the best hill station for both Nepalis and foreigners because it is the top viewpoint to observe Kathmandu Valley.

Chandragiri is the most popular for Hindu pilgrims due to the lord Shiva temple called Bhaleshowr. Its main attraction is the cable car and the memorable beauty of the highest hill near Kathmandu. We can see colorful rhododendron forests and the dense Kathmandu valley from the top point. So, a lot of people are attracted. Many people visit to experience the cable car as well.

The traditional route to Chitlang Village from Kathmandu 

We suggest that even if you are not able to walk, please go there by private car/vehicle. Even public vehicles are also available. Chandragiri is only 7 km from the center of Kathmandu. We can use the cable car to pass the hills and view the beautiful Kathmandu village. We won’t be tired as well because it takes only 20 minutes to reach the top by cable car. It will be an amazing experience due to the steep ropeway.

Conclusion For Best Day hiking around Kathmandu

We explain the top 5 best hiking routes around Kathmandu, which are popular and less difficult for all-age hikers. If you want the nearest hiking spot from Kathmandu, then we suggest you do Nargarjun Shivapuri Hiking, which is also known as Jamacho Hiking. If you come to Kathmandu for a tour and have a multiday, then we suggest you do other popular treks in Nepal or the Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek, which is 3–4 days of trekking around Kathmandu Valley.