Hiking in Kathmandu is a wonderful way to enjoy your holidays, and if you’re in capital, you’re in luck – there are plenty of short hiking destinations near Kathmandu, one of the busiest cities in Nepal.

Nepal is a magnificent paradise for wanderlust, filled with natural beauty and offering the perfect hiking spots to detoxify and find inner peace.

If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s no better choice than experiencing the incredible hiking opportunities in Nepal. Not only will these short hikes near Kathmandu allow you to explore the area before embarking on a longer treks in Nepal, they are also budget-friendly.

Here are the top 10 short hiking destinations near Kathmandu that you won’t want to miss. These hikes not only provide a chance to explore the natural beauty of Nepal, but also offer a chance to find inner peace and tranquility amidst the stunning landscapes.

Hiking in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is surrounded by several hills and mountains, so hiking is a popular activity for both locals and tourists. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, there are hiking spots for everyone.

Sundarijal

A 1-hour route via Jorpati-Sundarijal road leads you to one of the most popular hiking spots in Kathmandu, i.e. Sundarijal. The place is exceedingly popular for its temperate climate, biodiversity, and forest. The hiking route has several trails, from a simple walk to advanced hikes. If you have 2 days, you can choose a fresh trail, but it can also be completed in a day hike if we walk straight to the Baghdwar.

The hiking trail through the Sundarijal forest is home to 177 birds, which include at least nine threatened species, 102 species of butterflies, several endangered species, and 129 species of mushrooms. Thus, the melodies of birds chirping and colorful butterflies are sure to accompany you as you stroll into the forest.

Further, you hike through the steep slopes, rhododendron trees, green forests, and river dams. Then, after a few hours of walking, the trail leads to Baghdwar at an elevation of 2732 m. It is the origin of the sacred Bagmati River, which flows through the Sundarijal sub-catchment. The river makes an ideal place to splash water while basking in the sun. So, if you are looking for a day hike to stroll around Kathmandu, then Sundarijal hiking might be a perfect match on your to-do list.

Hiking Highlights

• Lush Green Forests
• Beautiful waterfalls and river
• Water dams
• Kathmandu Valley View
• Budget-friendly hike
• Sundarimai temple
• Tamang village Mulkharka
• Canoeing

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is another popular short hiking destination near Kathmandu. The place is famous for both domestic and international travelers. The key feature of the place is the mesmerizing sunshine and sunset that draws a golden shine over the hills, which looks like a diamond is reflected in gold.

The Nagarkot hiking paths are clean and serene. As you hike up the hill, the pine leaves fallen from the trees pave your way. More, the magnificent lap of mountain ranges like Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest seen from the trail enchants the other priceless scenery. No wonder Nagarkot is a perfect place for couples, night camps with friends, or even solo travels. If you are in search of a short hiking trail near Kathmandu, think of Nagarkot too.

Hiking Highlights

• Safe and satisfying route
• Essence of Newari kartik village
• Luxurious hotel to view breathtaking view
• View Tower
• Peaceful environment

Shivapuri

Shivapuri lies inside the Shivapuri National park, in the northeast of Kathmandu. It is another best place for short hiking. The trail will lead you to snow-capped mountains with infatuating snow through luxurious rhododendron forest and the green blanket forest.

While you hike up, the whistling of water, the chirping of birds, and the waving of Buddhist flags make you feel like ingraining yourself into Mother Nature. As we reach the Shivapuri peak at 2732 m elevation after a few hours of walking, we see a captivating view of Langtang Mountain and Kathmandu Valley. The peak will reward you with the priceless beauty of nature.

If you have an extra day in Nepal for visitors who would like to go on a short hike, then Shivapuri can also be a superb choice for a short-day hike near Kathmandu.

Hiking Highlights

• Nagi Gumba
• Budhanilkantha temple
• Luxurious rhododendron forests
• Easy hiking trails
• Trees – pine, oak, etc.
• Mild climate

Chisapani

Get ready for a nature walk through the Shivapuri National Park route to reach this ultimate destination of Chisapani. Chisapani hike provides the experience of walking in and around some off the beaten tracks in forests. We also recommend the Chisapani hike for those who are planning to start a heavyweight excursion for the first time.

The hike is moderately difficult, but the astonishing scenes it serves are worth watching. The Chisapani is also the entrance point for the gateway to the Langtang-Gosainkunda trekking region. The best of life of nature and ethnic lifestyles of people can be the best combo to anyone passing through this trial. Experience the thrilling feeling of adventure while you go on a day trek around Kathmandu Valley. Besides, travelers also take a route from Nagarkot to Chisapani Hiking to extend the number of hiking days.

Hiking Highlights

• Dense Subtropical forests
• Stunning views of snow-capped mountains
• Chisapani village
• Grasslands
• Teahouses
• View of Kathmandu, Pharping, and Manjushree
• Monastery

Namobuddha

Namobuddha is one of the best travel adventures with diversified flora and fauna, including natural conditions. You first travel to Dhulikhel to start a short-day hike to Namobudhha. Dhulikhel is a Newari town around 30 KM from the Kathmandu valley. After you reach Dhulikhel, you start your hike to Namobudhha.

The magnificent location not only fascinates the hikers but also gives enough room for adventure. It is also a significant holy place for Buddhists. Besides, the place is also exceedingly popular for its story of Buddha feeding his flesh to the hungry cub. Therefore, if you are in search of a short hiking place near Kathmandu, then Dhulikhel- Namobudhha hike can also be the best choice.

Hiking Highlights

• A small river flowing through Panauti
• Views of Everest, Langtang Mountain Range
• Buddhist Stupa
• Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery
• The suspension bridge and Verdant forest
• Beautiful Architectures

Kakani

Kakani can be the best hiking place around the capital city of Nepal for outdoor enthusiasts. It lies in the valley’s northwest. The Kakani Hilltop provides marvelous views of green paddy fields in the bottom and mountains like Langtang, Annapurna range, Manaslu, etc with hills and valleys. When you reach the top, you find a lovely Thai Memorial peaceful park. The locals dedicated the park to the deaths of 113 people during the plane crash of Thai Airways flight no. 311 in 1992, AD.

Kakani is famous for its natural beauty, particularly among the youths for picnic spots. While the mostly Tamang community inhabits the place, you also get to explore the Tamang culture and traditions. This place can favor recreational activities away from problems in life.

Further, if you are hiking for the first time then, Kakani is the absolute fit as a beginner’s hiking destination in Nepal.

Hiking Highlights

• Trout fish
• Strawberry farm
• Rock climbing
• Wild grasslands
• Fantastic mountain views
• View tower
• Local cuisine
• Unique irrigation system
• Rhododendron flowers
• Local monastery

Champadevi

Champadevi is also one of the peaceful hiking destinations in the southwest of Kathmandu Valley. The hill is the third highest hill in the valley. After a hike, you see the panoramic vision of Bungmati, Khokana, Dakshinkali, Kathmandu valley, etc. The sacred destination provides you with an exotic atmosphere to relax and forget your problems.

Summit views after an easy hike to the Champadevi are amazing and peaceful. The viewpoint offers satisfying, incredible views. The trails serve a dramatic feel to the scenery. Also, the cultural diversity and scenic beauty on the trail route are an absolute delight for the traveler. As you walk through the route, you cannot stop yourself from posing for the photograph, as it is a wonderful hiking experience around through the forest to the hill. Next to the trail, there is Chandragiri hill. You can also opt-out of Chandragiri if you have an extra day in Kathmandu.

Hiking Highlights

• Stupas, monasteries
• Lush pine forests
• Camping
• Teahouses and Lodge
• Bosan village
• Ganesh, Langtang Himalayan Range
• Champadevi temple
• Historic and cultural places

Panch Pokhari

Panch Pokhari, the name itself, means the group of 5 lakes. The place is in Sindhupalchok district near Kathmandu valley at an elevation of 4100 M. Panch Pokhari is also the ninth highest altitude wetland in the world. The lake is extremely popular for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. It is a multi-day short and easy hike near Kathmandu.

The route to Panch Pokhari follows wetlands, forests, and waterfalls, which makes your adventure more interesting. As you reach the top, the five lakes, you see the panoramic views of mountains like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, etc.

Having located inside the territory of Langtang National Park, you can also opt-out for Langtang valley Trek if you already have been to Panch Pokhari. The trek begins at Kathmandu, then to Chimti, followed by Deurali. From Deurali you ascend to Nasimpati and then finally to Panch Pokhari. Panch Pokhari can be one of the best options for short multi-day hiking in Kathmandu. Here is a quick guide to Panch Pokhari Trek.

Highlights

• Religious hike
• Isolated short trek
• Interact and explore ethnic culture and traditions on the way.
• Different views of mountains around

Chandragiri

 

Chandragiri is a hilltop near Kathmandu at an altitude of 2475 M. It is a new sensation for hiking places around the town. The lush hills, valleys, mountains, Chandragiri Hiking is a simple approach to hike into nature.

After a walk for a few hours, you reach Chandragiri temple on the hilltop. The temple surrounding provides an extraordinary view of the valley, mountain, and green hills around. For national tourists, it is an easy and short way to have a break from the daily routine and go in the lap of nature.

Highlights

• Short- one day hike
• View of Kathmandu Valley, hills, and mountains around
• Chandragiri Temple
• Simple and short route

Phulchowki

Photo Credit: Aaron Santelices

Phulchowki, at 2782 m, is the highest hill around Kathmandu. At the southwest of the Valley, it is having an easy-going and adventurous trail to the hill point. The hike starts from Godawari, which is home to 570 diversities of flowers. The trace gradually goes up through sub-tropical trees. Besides, it is also an ideal place for birdwatching.

After you get to the highest point, you see a beautiful shrine of Phulchowki Mai, Buddhist flags fluttering in the wind, and the most beautiful views of the Annapurna Range and other mountains. If you have a mood to visit the national botanical garden and then hike to the hill, then Phulchowki can be your ideal option for a short hike in the capital city of Nepal.

Highlights

• Godawari, Botanical Garden,
• Bird Watching
• Buddhist Flags
• Mountain and valley views
• The cool and adventurous route

In the end,

These were the top 10 short hikes in Kathmandu Valley. If you have an extra day in your Nepal holidays or want to stretch your legs before going on a high-altitude trek, then hiking in Kathmandu will help you prepare better.

Subsequently, you can also visit these UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal, as most of them are inside Kathmandu District, if you are tired of walking on the long day treks.

Nothing can beat the joy of spending time in the alluring natural places of Kathmandu away from pollution, the crowd, and the constant rush of everyday life. Go! Resonate with the elements of nature as you hike up to the Himalayas.

Still wondering about choosing the right travel destination? Discover the best treks in the Himalayas to narrow down your search.