Best Day hiking around Kathmandu

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 mountains surrounding the Kathmandu offers different hiking destinations that helps to gain altitude and experience for trekking in Nepal. The Day hike near Kathmandu takes us to peaceful environment of lush forest and let us to explore the valley from the view point.

The city is beautiful, even with the largest population in the country. People are migrating here because of employment, education, and development. , the city is beautiful and historically important because of inhibiting various natural resources and cultural heritage sites. We can enjoy all the cultures and traditions of the whole country in its capital. Althought, the city is the hometown of Newari people, so most of the place follows traditional Newari culture. Kathmandu is also known as the City of Temples. Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, and Swayambhunath are major religious places and popular as important touristic areas.

As there is  have only one International Airport in Nepal 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 near Kathmandu. Today, I am going to tell you about the 10 best hiking trips in Kathmandu that fulfills the mountain trekking in Nepal. The traveller who dont have long holidays can try hiking near Kathmandu and gain experience for high altitude trek in Nepal. 

Top 10 best short hiking trails around Kathmandu Valley for 2025:

• Shivapuri day hiking
• Hiking to Jamacho Gumba
• Chisapani hiking
• Namobuddha hiking
• Sankhu-Nagarkot Day Hike
• Chitang Hiking
• Chandagiri Hiking
• Champadevi hiking
• Fulchoki day hike
• Dhap dam hiking

Please read about it and choose a suitable hike around Kathmandu Valley. 

Shivapuri day hiking

Shivapuri is a part of Nagarjun Shivapuri National Park. It is the 9th national park of Nepal, established in 2002 AD. The elevation of Shivapuri hill is 2,732 m located in the northern part of Kathmandu, within 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 an experience of the Kathmandu Valley trek.

Day hike to Shivapuri en route to Muhan Pokhari: the water reservoir, lush forest, Nagi Gumba, and Bagdwar, the origin point of the Bagmati river. It takes around half an hour drive from Thamel to reach the entry point of Nagarjun Shivapuri national park in Budhanilkantha municipality. The biodiversity, peaceful surroundings, chirping of birds, and amazing landscape surround the trail. We can have a great view of the Kathmandu Valley from Shivapuri Hill. 

We can also visit Mulkharka, the village inside Shivapuri, and stay overnight there based on our wish. Shivapuri day hiking can be completed within  6,7 hours. 

Hiking to Jamacho Gumba

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 day hike in Kathmandu. It is located northeast of central Kathmandu. The hiking route starts from Sundarijal. We can reach Sundarijal afte half an hour drive from Thamel.

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' hiking 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 near Kathmandu then we (mission summit) can make it possible. For such a trip, we start our trip from Sundarijal and end it to Nagarkot, the mountain view point near Kathmandu. 

Namobuddha Hike

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

Namobuddha is a 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 to Namo Buddha takes 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 27 km far from Kathmandu and represents an ancient Newar village with monuments built during the Lichhavi Dynasty. This place is very important with its historical value.

Chitlang Village is an uncommon goal for guests with visiting spots like "Majhagau," unique Newari people and culture, Swachhand Vairav 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 their 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 an 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 hills 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 popular hill station among Nepalease 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 Bhaleshwor. 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.

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.

Champadevi hiking

Champadevi temple is one of the best places to hike near Kathmandu. The hiking begins from Dakshinkali road, Chovar. The forest trial followed by uphill and downhill with scenic beauty of Kathmandu valley is amazing to explore during Champadevi hiking. 

The round hiking distance from Chovar to Champadevi is around 19 km which takes 4-5 hours to reach the summit at 2285 m. The fresh environment, stone paved trial pastures and biodiversity worth it. 

Phulchowki hike

Phulchowki is located at 2750 m above sea level. It is the best hiking spot near Kathmandu valley. It is the highest hill near Kathmandu. The hiking begins from Naudhara temple and continues to the hilltop of Phulchowki. There are both hiking trails and roads to reach the summit. Off road ride, cycling and hiking are the three alternatives to reach the highest point of Kathmandu valley. 

We can drive to Godawari bus park and start our walk along the Phulchowki forest. Enjoy the majestic trail with the richest biodiversity, chirping of birds, insects and dense forest. The off road, stone paved stairs and continuous uphills are major aspects of hiking path. The big mobile tower and Phulchowki temple is the final point of this hiking. We can complete the hiking within 6,7 hours. 

Dhap Dam hiking

The trekking to Dhap Dam starts from Sundari jal. It is inside Shivapuri national park. We should walk around 3.5 hours to reach the Dhap Dam. The amazing water reservoir in the center of the forest worth it. The dam is made by collection of raifall water to let flow to Bagmati river. It is one approach of Bagmati cleaning campaign. We can continue to Chisapani by following the bank of Dhap dam. It takes further four hours to reach Chisapani for night stay. We can have amazing view of mountains from Chisapani. Also, we can return to Budhanilkantha vai cab to return Kathmandu.

Conclusion: the best day hiking around Kathmandu

We explain the top 10 best hiking near Kathmandu, which are popular and less difficult for all-age hikers. If you want the nearest hiking spot from Kathmandu, then we suggest Nargarjun Shivapuri Hiking, which is also known as Jamacho hiking. Each of the above mentioned 10 hiking destinations worth it with amazing natural beauty and scenic view of Kathmandu valley. If you come to Kathmandu for a tour and have a multipleday, then we suggest you to do other popular treks in Nepal or the Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek, which is 3–4 days of trekking around Kathmandu Valley.