Best 15 Hiking Trips in Kathmandu

Besides trekking in Nepal, hiking is a great alternative to see amazing views and a perfect outdoor activity for young and old. The Kathmandu Valley has some of the best trails, with incredible Himalayan views. With at least 15 hiking trips in Kathmandu, there are many different places to explore around the valley. Some journeys can be completed among these hikes in one day, while others require 2 or 3 days.

1. Champa Devi Hiking:

Located in the southwest hills of Kathmandu are the Champa Devi hiking trails. This fantastic jungle and forest hill hike in Kathmandu can be done in a half-day, making it perfect for you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the entire Kathmandu valley. Recorded as the third-highest hill at 2,285m Champa Devi is also a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The trip starts with a short drive to Pharping; we begin to hike gradually upwards through incredible pine forests from here. The hiking trails are well-managed and bend around the hill, so the views are stunning. Finally, in a good 2 hours of easy hiking in Kathmandu, you reach the top of the mountain and can enjoy the views of the Langtang range. On clear days even parts of the central and western Nepalese Himalayas.

You can combine Changragiri and Champadevi Hill as Chandragiri Champadevei Hiking.

2. Chandragiri Hiking:

Graded as one of the best hiking trips in Kathmandu, Chandragiri hiking makes a perfect one-day hike in the Kathmandu Valley. The incredible Hindu temple of God Shiva on top of the hill is a major attraction to foreigners and nationals alike. The hill summit of Chandragiri is also made accessible via cable car, making the Chandragiri hiking unique with a cable car ride down overlooking the entire city. The hike itself to Chandragiri is easy-going and on good roads and trails.

The trail goes past the iconic villages of Mache Goan, known as Fish Town, and has a pilgrimage temple dedicated to fish and is part of a national festival that is only celebrated once per year near August-September. We leave roads behind and follow the natural and uphill trail through forests and open ridges. Perfect for one-day trips in Nepal to spend an extra day enjoying the beautiful views of the Kathmandu Valley. The Chandragiri hiking can get crowded on Saturdays as many locals spend their free days visiting this incredible hilltop in Kathmandu. After enjoying the views and visiting the temple, you can either choose whether to hike back down or take a cable car straight to Thankot, where transportation awaits.

3. Ranikot Village Hiking:

The Ranikot hiking trip of one day in Kathmandu takes you through the traditional Newari villages and fantastic nature trails. This adventurous hiking trip in Nepal goes off the beaten path, allowing for less crowded paths and more untouched landscapes during this one-day hike. Depending on the season, different flora and fauna make your Ranikot hiking mesmerizing. This hike can be done all year round but is not best during the monsoon rainfalls. With off-the-beaten trails during the rainy season, this hike can become a slippery challenge! Ranikot hiking starts from the Bhaktapur town of Suryabinak and passes through the Ranikot Hill Pass to Panauti, a traditional and historic Newari village. From Ranikot, you can also experience an incredible view of the Kathmandu Valley and some Himalayan snow-topped mountains. Do you want to spend your day hiking to old traditional villages on pristine nature trails, then the Ranikot hiking is definitely for you! Want to spend the night in an old traditional house? You can even go to the Ranikot Village Hiking in Kathmandu for two days and overnight to see an incredible sunrise.

4. Kakani Hiking:

Famed for its strawberry and kiwi harvest during February and April, Kakani hiking in Kathmandu is a mix of cultural and natural outdoor activity in Nepal. Marked as the entrance to the Langtang Valley, Kakani is also a famous point for trekkers heading into Langtang. Filled with charming and traditional houses, the village itself is also a cultural experience. When coming in season, the locals prepare fresh strawberry brandy and dishes to highlight a successful harvest, and visitors at that time can enjoy all the local delicacies. The Kakani hiking goes through incredible and beautiful forest trails in the Shivapuri National Park. After a good 4 to 5 hours of hiking, we reach a village called Budhanilkanta, where an ancient Hindu temple is waiting for you. The views during Kakani hiking in Kathmandu are also impressive, and besides nature, the views of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang Valley, and the Manaslu ranges are breathtaking. See traditional villages, explore jungle trails, and enjoy the pictures with the Kakani Hiking; a best one-day hike in Kathmandu!

5. Namo Buddha Dhulikhel Hiking:

Namo Buddha Dhulikhel hiking is a short and pleasant hike in Kathmandu. The official starting point of this one-day hike is in Dhulikhel, a fantastic hillside village that also offers excellent views of some Himalayan mountain ranges! Dhulikhel is where we begin an enjoyable 2 hours hike toward Namo Buddha. Many devotees and tourists visit this religious Buddhist Pilgrimage site. Decorated with many colorful prayer flags and beautiful white Stupas Namo Buddha is an excellent reward for a short hike in Kathmandu. After enjoying the views, we can hike back to Dhulikhel, spend the night in the many pleasant family resorts, or take a car back to Kathmandu. A short and nice hike with some nature, many cultures, and incredible mountain views is what you can experience with the Namo Buddha Dhulikhel Hiking in Kathmandu.

6. Jamacho Peak Hiking aka Nagarjun Hill Hiking:

For those who want to reach as high as possible as fast as possible, the Jamacho Peak hiking, aka Nagarjun Hill hiking, is the perfect outdoor activity in Kathmandu. Located in the Nagarjun forest, a part of the Shivaphuri National Park, stands the second-highest hill of the Kathmandu Valley, the Jamacho Peak (2,128m). To hike up this incredible vantage point starts from Balazju and is just a short distance from Thamel, the central tourist hub for Kathmandu. At the top, you can visit a small Gompa, and when the skies are clear, even see incredible views of the Langtang Range. During your hike through the forest, a guide is a must for national and international visitors to preserve the park. The hiking trail of the Nagarjun forest goes gradually up through forest trails made out of stone steps. There are high chances to spot wildlife during your hike up, so my advice is to keep your camera ready! A fun and exciting one-day hike in Kathmandu. Jamacha Peak hiking, aka Nagarjun Hill hiking in Nepal, is recommended for anyone who wants to reach high in the Kathmandu Valley on a day off.

7. Suryabynjak Nagarkot Hiking:

The Suryabynjak Nagarkot hiking brings you through Newari villages and starts from Bhaktapur. Known as a traditional and medieval-looking city, Bhaktapur is well known for its royal Durbar squares, cobbling alleys, and handicraft shops with locally made souvenirs. In contrast, the hike itself doesn’t include a visit to Bhaktapur’s royal Durbar square. Instead, you can explore if you let Trekking Trail Nepal. Continuing with our hike to Nagarkot, our first place to go through is Suryabynjak; this Newari community is enjoyable, and a relaxing village walk brings you further to out-of-town farmlands. Next, heading north, we reach a hill and visit up top one of the seven world heritage sites in Kathmandu, the Changu Narayan temple. This ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu is considered one of the oldest temples in the Kathmandu valley. From here, our hiking trailheads on to the hill of Nagarkot and following the zigzag going jungle trails, the views lead out onto the entire valley and further on top also the surrounding Himalayas. One of the most visited trails, Suryabynjak Nagarkot hiking, is a favorite for many every year!

8. Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hiking:

Listed as one of the most popular hiking trails in Kathmandu, the Nagarkot Dhulikhel hiking is visited every year by outdoor lovers! Famous for their amazing Himalayan views, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel are preferred touristic destinations, and the perfect natural hiking trail is made public. In just a few hours, you visit some smaller towns; you can reach from one hill to another. Nagarkot is a famous place for sunrise, sunset, and even the viewpoint of the Himalayas. This one-day hike in Kathmandu takes you from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel through easy-going trails and paths, making it ideal for the young and old. Drop off in Nagarkot and pick up at Dhulikhel are all arranged, and with a licensed guide, you are sure to enjoy this fabulous hike in Kathmandu. The trails go through jungles and local farms, and on clear days, the views of this short hike in Nepal are breathtaking! If you want, you can even spend the night in Nagarkot, enjoy a beautiful sunset, and rise before you hike to Dhulikhel, continue further to Namo Buddha, and spend the night in one of Dhulikhel’s hotels or resorts. As one of the most rewarding short hiking in Kathmandu, Nagarkot Dhulikhel hiking is one best trips among 15 hiking trips in Kathmandu.

9. Phulchowki Hiking:

Probably one of the most beautiful hikes in Kathmandu, the Phulchowki hike goes through the Godawari Park, famed for its botanical gardens, and up the Phulchowki hill through dense jungle. Phulchowki is on the highest elevation in the Kathmandu valley and stands at 2,782m tall. The name means literally “Hill of Flowers,” and the Phulchowki hiking trails are a favorite amongst bird watchers and nature lovers. Due to its dense forests, there are many fauna and flora varieties all around Phulchowki Hill, which attracts visitors every year. At the hill’s summit, a temple for a Hindu Goddess can be explored where pilgrims visit this place in devotion to this incredible place. While the hike itself is a bit tougher than other hikes in Kathmandu, it is still a short hike filled with nature of all sorts and some great views over the Kathmandu valley! Phulchowki is also one of the few places in Kathmandu where snow falls during the coldest months of the year for winter lovers.

10. Sundarijal Hiking:

Hiking to Sundarijal is filled with cultural temples, jungle trails, and traditional farmlands. The hike also goes through a part of the Shivapuri National Park. Many wildlife and bird species can be spotted, which leads to a perfect outdoor walk-in in Kathmandu. Sundarijal hiking has many trails, but the most favorited starts from Buddhanilkanta, a part of the Kathmandu valley and inhabited mainly by Sherpa and Buddhist communities. Buddhanilkanta itself lies on a forested hill bordering the Shivapuri National Park and is home to one of the main temples in Kathmandu for the Hindu God Vishnu. During our Sundarijal hiking, we make sure to visit this incredible spiritual place! The hike to Sundarijal is easy-going and perfect for families, couples, groups, and even solo hikers. Sundarijal is just a fantastic place, filled with nature and wildlife, making this area a favorite. Verities of species, flowers, birds, and waterfalls make the trail more enjoyable and naturally peaceful during a pleasant hike. One of the best natural hiking trails in Kathmandu, Sundarijal hiking awaits you!

11. Shivapuri Hiking:

As the 9th National Park in Nepal and one of the conservation areas in Kathmandu, Shivapuri National Park has a famous hiking trail. Shivapuri hiking takes you through the beautiful Shivapuri Park to the origins of the Bagmati River and up top 2,732m to the summit of Shivapuri Hill. This natural and amazing short trek in Kathmandu takes about 6 to 7 hours and can be challenging for some as the hike goes continuously upwards through dense jungles and up stone steps. A good advice will be to do some hiking or running exercise before undertaking Shivapuri hiking in Kathmandu. With struggle comes great reward! As we head deeper into the Shivapuri National Park, the fantastic sceneries keep getting more and more beautiful. With over 150 varieties of birds, unique, diverse flora, and abundant wildlife such as the Himalayan Black bear, the occasional monkey, and if you can spot him, the elusive leopard. Hiking in Shivapuri is rewarding and worth it. Besides the nature in the park, from Shivapuri Hill, you get to see some of the most incredible views of the Langtang Range, including the Ganesh Himal! Hike up the second largest hill in the Kathmandu valley, enjoy the lush forests and jungles of Shivapuri, and most of all, spend the day healthy with Shivapuri hiking in Kathmandu.

12. Lakuri Bhanjyang Hiking:

East of Kathmandu’s Lalitpur is a hill famous for its views of the valley and a preferred picnic spot for families and couples. Sakurai Bhanjyang hiking is a short hike in Kathmandu with amazing views of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, and many prefer to hike further up to Bhaktapur before returning to Kathmandu. The hiking trail itself goes through a not-so-dense forest which on warmer days gives a lovely cooling shade. If you are a snow lover, a cold winter hike during January-February is the best for you.

A perfect way to spend the day, hike up to Lakuri Bhanjyang and see the entire Kathmandu Valley. Sakurai Bhanjyang is not considered a strenuous hike and can be enjoyed by young and old. And although this day hike is not so famous with tourists, many locals hike up to enjoy the views and spend the day away from the city’s disturbances. The Lakuri Bhanjyang hiking in Kathmandu starts with a short drive to Lalitpur, there. At the bottom of the hill, you begin a gentle upwards walk through some forested paths up to the open plains of the mountain. After enjoying lunch or picnic here, you can choose from where you want to descend and maybe head to a different exit point. A day well spends, not tricky, and some fantastic views of the valley; if that’s you, then head out and do the Lakuri Bhanjyang hiking in Kathmandu!

13. Chisapani Hiking:

Meaning literally “cold water’, Chisapani is well known in the Kathmandu Valley and has one of the most exciting hiking trails in Kathmandu. Hiking to Chisapani is rewarding as every turn on the trail reveals a different scene. Chisapani hiking can be done in one day with a bus ride back to Kathmandu, but it is more rewarding to enjoy an evening barbeque, spend the night, and witness a fantastic sunrise view in the morning before heading back. It is also common to continue hiking the next day up to Nagarkot Hill, another famous hill station in Kathmandu. The first hours of the Chisapani hiking trail go steeply up through the Shivapuri National Park. Some claim it to be tough, but what is a hike without a bit of adventure and challenge. After a good 4 hours of uphill jungle hike, the trail heads down to Chisapani village. Here a few hotels and resorts are happy to accommodate you for lunch, rest, and if you want overnight. Chisapani hiking in Kathmandu starts from Sundarijal and ends at Chisapani or if you choose to continue at Nagarkot. You are considered more as a weekend activity for families. If you want more privacy on the trails, it’s best to hike to Chisapani during the weekdays.

14. Namo Buddha, Panauti, and Balthali Hiking:

As most of these hikes are of one day, Namo Buddha, Panauti, and Balthali hiking need to be done with an overnight stay in the cultural and medieval village of Panauti. Panauti is also famous in the homestay community and offers a more traditional look in the lives of a typical Newari family. The hike itself starts from Dhulikhel with a short walk to Namo Buddha. This famous Buddhist monastery is well known in the life of Gautama Buddha and is visited by pilgrims from across the world. After a short time exploring and enjoying the views from up the hill, we hike to Panauti.

The hiking trail to Panauti varies with three different hiking trails. However, all of them have similar sceneries, but some are longer and shorter.  So we take the fastest and most comfortable route depending upon the time.

Hike through small jungles, and farmlands uphill, and downhill until you reach the ancient Newari village of Panauti. There are many historical buildings and temples to see in Panauti, and well known for their hospitality, the locals here know how to receive travelers. No wonder this town is famous for a homestay with a Newari family! During the following day of the Namo Buddha, Panauti, and Balthali hiking trail in Kathmandu, we head to Balthali after breakfast. The hike is short and easy-going, and the views from and to Balthali are just incredible. A great cultural and natural experience, and a wonderful two-day hike in Kathmandu, Namo Buddha, Panauti, and Balthali hiking.

15. Sanga Panauti community Hike:

The Sanga Panauti community hike takes you on a 10km easy hike through farmlands, forests, and hills. Just located outside of Bhaktapur is a hill village called Sanga, where visitors can marvel at the 43.5m high statue of the Hindu God Shiva.

Sanga has the tallest artificial statue of Lord Shiva. The location also offers excellent views of the Himalayas and part of the valley.

The hike from Sanga to Panauti leads you through some small forests and down into the Tamang farmlands of Banepa. While the hiking trail of the Sanga Panauti community hike is recently made open to the public, still not many tourists know about this incredible trail. This Panauti Sanga trail allows hikers to feel more at peace while hiking to Panauti without disturbing overpopulated trails.

Although wildlife is not a significant factor during the Sanga Panauti Community Hike, this short hike in Kathmandu is more about the views and culture of the local communities, mainly the Tamang farmers and the Newari’s Panauti. Of course, it is possible to end this hike in Panauti and drive back to Kathmandu. Still, for a better experience, we suggest partaking in a homestay overnight with one of the Newari homestay families. This way, you get to experience and learn more about the traditions and lifestyles of a typical Nepalese family. So, explore Sanga, cross the Tamang farmlands and visit the homestay community of Panauti’s medieval town with the Sanga Panauti community hike in Kathmandu.

Conclusion: 15 Hiking Trips in Kathmandu

Of course, many more hikes are available, but these are the best 15 hiking trips in Kathmandu. Out of these short hikes in the Kathmandu Valley, there is at least one hike suitable for you! Spend the day outside and explore the natural wonders of Kathmandu, visit some of the most ancient temples and Buddhist monasteries, and see a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Please choose one of these 15 hiking trips in Kathmandu or combine them into a significant hike in Nepal!