15 Best Day hikes around Kathmandu Valley

Nepal is a beautiful place to enjoy nature, wildlife and stunning views. It is an adventurer’s dream place because of the wide options of hiking and trekking options. You can enjoy the stunning views of the tall mountains and Himalayan beauties. If you do not have the time and fitness for trekking, you can still hike for one or two days around Kathmandu valley. The sub-alpine forests and quiet ambiance is perfect to break free from the daily stress. The hikes can be done in a single day, and are perfect for children and older people.

#1. Nagarkot - Changu Narayan Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Enjoy the stunning sunrise along with the panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.
• Get the stunning views of Shivapuri National Park and Kathmandu Valley
• Explore Changunarayan Temple which one of the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley 
• Explore the oldest Vishnu Temple which is filled with historical and beautiful structures.

Nagarkot Changunarayan is the closest hiking destination in the Kathmandu valley. The trail takes you from Nagarkot to Changunarayan gradually. It is an easy trail best to escape the daily hustle and bustle from the daily lives. Get stunned by the villagers' beautiful views, warm hospitality, and get to know their lifestyle, which is different even though they live near Kathmandu. Nagarkot is famous for its vantage point from where you can see the Himalayan vistas. Also, Changunarayan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest temples on top of a hill. The temple is home to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan.

#2. Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Enjoy the culturally and naturally diverse trail near the Kathmandu valley
• Relish the panoramic view of mountains
• Walk through Shivapuri National park north of Kathmandu valley.
• Explore the Tamang heritage and culture, through various indigenous villages

The most popular and well known destinations in the Kathmandu valley are Dhulikhel and Nagarkot which are famous for its own vantage point. Nagarkot to Dhulikhel hiking is the most popular hiking near Kathmandu Valley. Dhulikhel is known for its beautiful mountain views and historical places and temples. On the other hand, Nagarkot is a tourist hub where people come to see the stunning sunrise and sunrise amidst Mt Everest. The journey takes you over the Himalayan vistas from Nagarkot and descends to Dhulikhel. Enjoy the cultural beauty with ethnic locals and different temples.

#3. Kakani Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Enjoy the hike through sub-alpine forests
• Get the wonderful views of Kathmandu valley
• Walk through the oak, pine and rhododendron forests
• Enjoy the views of Shisha Pangma Range, Langtang Mountain Range, Annapurna Range, Mt Manaslu

Kakani Hiking is one of the popular hiking destination near Kathmandu. It is only 26km northeast of Kathmandu which rewards you with stunning views of Annapurna, Langtang, Manasalu, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishanker and a few peaks of Rowling Himal. You can see the beautiful views of the rhododendron forest amidst the stunning landscape. The gravel trail leads you to various picnic spots for you to take a quick break.

#4. Phulchoki Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Enjoy the hike on the outskirt of Kathmandu valley
• Get the beautiful views of Mt Everest, Mt Manaslu, Annapurna and Gaurishankar
• Enjoy exploring the wide species of flora and fauna at the botanical garden
• Relish the refreshing day with greenery and natural landscape

Phulchowki is a perfect spot in the highest Kathmandu valley hill, which offers snowy mountains, exotic birds, and animals. You can enjoy the Botanic Garden with has a wide variety of flora and fauna. The walking trail is easy with eye-catching views of the Annapurna range and Gaurishankar. You can explore Around 90 species of exotic birds including the endemic spring babbler, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous Bellied Pied Woodpeckers, the Curia, and the Black-throated Parrotbill.

#5. Nagarkot Sanga Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Enjoy the local taste of Newari culture at Sankhu
• Explore the stunning sunrise and sunset views from the vantage point of Nagarkot and Sanga
• Get the panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley from Nagarkot Tower
• Enjoy the views of Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, Mt Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Mt Everest, Langtang

Sankhu-Nagarkot Hiking lies in the Bhaktapur District of Bagmati Zone. Nagarkot is one of Nepal's most scenic places, which captures the attention of many locals and tourists. Explore the local Newari culture of Sankhu. Enjoy the breathtaking sights of the majestic Himalayas, green landscape with brilliant ambiance. You can enjoy stunning sunset and sunrise amidst the snowy peaks.

Recommended Read:  Places To Visit In Bhaktapur Nepal

#6. Nagarjuna Hiking (Jamacho)

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Enjoy the ancient Padmasambhava monastery
• Explore different caves such as Nagarjuna's cave, Mahasiddha cave and Manjushree Cave
• Explore the temple dotted Panauti village
• Visit the stunning Jamacho Monastery on the top of Nagarjuna
• Enjoy the Newari and Buddhist Culture

Nagarjuna Hiking (Jamacho) is one of the famous and easy hikes near Kathmandu valley. Nagarjuna hill is known as Vindhya Mountain famous for Hindus and Buddhist. Explore the Nagarjuna Durbar Square to know more about the cultural and historical significance. Visit the Jamacho Monastery and find the small statue of Nagarjuna Buddha and other different gods. You can find two different hill islands- Shivapuri to the north and Nagarjuna to the west. Walk through the thick forest of Raniban and explore the rich flora and fauna.

#7. Sundarijal Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Explore the resting Vishnu  at Budhanilkantha Temple
• Walk through the Shivapuri National Park
• Hike through the dense forest, cliff, wild life, waterfalls and the beautiful landscape
• Enjoy the Tamang Monastery at Nagi Gompa

This is the one of the best hiking trip in the Kathmandu valley. Sundarijal is known for its natural and cultural significance. You can hear constant water flow sound as there are high waterfalls and national park. Explore the Shivapuri National Park home to various flora and fauna. And as you enter Shivapuri National Park, pass through stunning rhododendron forests, river dams, temples, and rest at the riverside. Ascend for beautiful views and bird watching. Enjoy the nature, visit to Budhanikantha temple and Nagi Gompa.

#8. Shivapuri Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Enjoy the beautiful views of Langtang Himalayas, and of Kathmandu valley 
• Explore the Shivapuri National Park with more than 500 animal species
• Explore Nagi Gomba and its Buddhist culture

Shivapuri Hiking is best to explore the National park which is closest to the Kathmandu valley. It is the second-highest hill near the capital city with varied flora and fauna. The hike is easy and short which is perfect for anybody who wants to escape the daily lives stress. Visit the Budhaniklkantha temple and hike to Shivapuri National Park. Later, hike to Nagi Gumpa which is famous for monastery and meditation.

#9. Namobuddha Panauti Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Explore the serene monastery of Namobuddha
• Enjoy a small and beautiful town of Panauti
• Walk through a beautiful trail surrounded by the thick forest
• Witness monks and devotees indulged in praying and chanting
• Get along with local Newars to immerse in their traditional culture

Namobuddha Panauti Hiking is best way to explore cultural site and warm hospitality of the ethnic people. Panauti is a gorgeous town at Kavre district where locals have protected their traditional values even though they are near to the capital city. Explore the local Newari lifestyle along with other ethnic groups such as Tamang, Magar and Brahmins and Chhetris. The town's uniqueness is that people believe that the town stands on a single rock and is not damaged by the disasters. Every 12 years, Panauti Mela is conducted which is a fair for the locals. Namobuddha is a monastery on a hill known for its culture and peaceful ambiance. You can listen to the monks praying and reciting Mantras.

#10. Champadevi Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Walk along the tranquil trails around the Kathmandu Valley
• Enjoy the views of the natural landscapes, mountains and its surrounding
• Explore the revered Hindu shrine in the hike to Kathmandu- Champadevi
• Enjoy the views of Ganesh, Langtang, and Gauri Shankar ranges

Champa Devi Hiking is a well-known hiking spot in Kathmandu valley. It is the third highest hill which offers beautiful views of the mountains such as Mt. Everest, Langtang, Gaurishanker Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, etc. You can spend peaceful time and watch the valley. You can see the panoramic view of the mountains, local settlements, high lands and so on. During the hike, you can see Nepal's historical places such as Bagmati river, Bungmati, Khokana, Pharping. On the right, you will see Fulchoki Hill, Chandragiri hills on the left.

Recommended Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Kathmandu Nepal

#11. Chisapani Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Stunning views of Langtang Lirung to Gaurishankar range including Dorje Lhakpa
• Walk through the thick Forest with Rhododendron flower
• Adventurous Hike in one day

Hike on the north eastern side of Kathmandu, through the rhododendron forest of Shivapuri National Park. Overlook the stunning mountain views of Chisapani and Eastern Himalayas from Langtang to Gaurishankar Ranges and walk through the ethnic village. In the winter season, you can encounter wild fowls and deers. The weather in Chisapani is always cold which literally translates to “cold water” in Nepali. Explore the real beauty of nature and interact with the local people to know more about their culture and lifestyles. Hiking through thick forest and listening to the bird chirpings is a pleasurable journey. The hike can be extended to Sankhu, Nagarkot and Changunarayan.

#12. Sanga To Panauti

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Enjoy the tallest statue of Lord Shiva in Sanga
• Walk along the ridgelines, villages, forests, and farmland
• Enjoy the local culture at Panauti
• Experience local lifestyle, warm hospitality, taste the local cuisine

Sanga to Panauti hiking takes to the main attraction of Sanga which is 108 ft. statue of Lord Shiva holding a Trishul (trident) in one hand. This statue is the world’s tallest Lord Shiva statue in the world. The hike later takes you to the settlement in a Newar community, Panauti. Enclosed by green hills and holy rivers, this beautiful town is full of, both, Hindu and Buddhist temples. Panauti is the hidden-gem of Nepal.you can enjoy the cuisine at the Panauti Community Homestay which is established by the local women of Panauti, It is a great chance to explore the real Nepalese lifestyle, its warm hospitality, taste cuisines, and support their local culture and tradition.

#13. Amitabha Monastery Hiking (Seto Gumba)

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Enjoy the panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley from the top
• Explore the beautiful stupa, monastery and murals
• Enjoy the breathtaking sunset and sunrise views

Amitabha Monastery, also known as Seto Gumba, translates to 'White Monastery' in Nepali. The Buddhist monastery is made with white stones with local murals that portraits the life of Buddha and Buddhist culture. You can explore the different monuments that are made of medicinal clay. You can enjoy the views of the Kathmandu valley and watch the brilliant sunset from the monastery.

#14. Dhulikhel Namo Buddha Hiking

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Walk through the spiritual Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery ( Namobuddha Monastery), gorgeous villages with beautiful landscape 
• Hike to Namobuddha, a Buddhist sacred site and explore Thrangu Tashi Yangtse monastery at Namobuddha
• Enjoy the stunning views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Gaurishanker range

Dhulikhel Namo Buddha Hiking is one of the best short hikes on the outskirt of the Kathmandu Valley. It takes you through small farming villages, lush forests, ancient temples, and terraced farmland. Dhulikhel is known for its beautiful mountain views and historical places and temples. Namobuddha is a monastery on a hill known for its culture and peaceful ambiance. You can listen to the monks praying and reciting Mantras. This hike is an opportunity to explore one of the sacred monasteries in Nepal. Interact with local people, embrace stunning scenery and if you're lucky, admire breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Everest. Dhulikhel Namobuddha hike begins from Dhulikhel via Goukhushwar Mahadev. Namo Buddha at 1750m is the highest point of this beautiful hike. It is often considered an easy hike, best suited for novice hikers

#15. Sankhu-Nagarkot Day Hike

Trip Facts

Highlights

• Sankhu is the ancient Newari town located in the north-eastern corner of Kathmandu Valley
• Nagarkot is a famous place to see the mountain ranges and sunrise/ Sunset
• Enjoy the beautiful Annapurna, Langtang, Choba Bhamre, Gaurishanker, Number Karyolung

Sankhu Nagarkot hiking is an easy to hike in the Kathmandu valley which takes you to the Newari village of Sankhu and then to the vantage point of Nagarkot hill. If you are looking for a short hike near Kathmandu, then this package is perfect for you. You can walk through the thick forest, stunning villages and terraced fields. Sankhu is an ancient town of Newari groups whereas Nagarkot is a vantage point to see the beautiful sunrise and panoramic Himalayan views of Langtang, Manalsu, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal and Mount Everest. Sankhu Nagarkot day hiking offers the beauty of thick green hill, panoramic view of the mountain. On the other hand, Nagarkot is the famous hill station, 32 km away from Kathmandu, which offers views of the mountain range, including Mount Everest and the valley itself.