Hiking in the Himalayan trails of Nepal is a dream of many, but not everyone has the luxury of time and money to do it. However, if you find yourself in the country’s capital, Kathmandu, for a few days, you can get a taste of it with a short hike around the valley. While known for its ancient temples and bustling markets, the city is also a gateway to some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the region. From lush forests to panoramic mountain views, Kathmandu’s surrounding areas provide diverse hiking experiences for both novice and seasoned trekkers.
In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the major hiking places near Kathmandu, all easily accessible from Varnabas Museum Hotel. Whether you’re looking for a challenging day hike or a leisurely nature walk, these trails offer something for everyone.
Top 5 Hiking Places in Kathmandu
1. Bishnu Dwar Hike
At a glance
- Starting Point: Green Valley Resort
- Ending Point: Bishnudwar
- Distance: Approximately 5 km (one way)
- Duration: 3–4 hours (round trip)
- Altitude: 2,100 meters at the highest point
Distance from Varnabas Museum Hotel to the start point: About 12 km, roughly 30-40 minutes by car.
Trail Description: The Bishnudwar hike is an easy challenge with a mix of forested paths and open trails. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to increasingly beautiful views of the Kathmandu Valley. The trail is well-marked and involves a good mix of ascents and descents. The forest trail takes you to a small cave next to a creek. The cave houses a linga, a phallic symbol representing Lord Shiva, and is decorated with colorful prayer flags. One can follow the creek upstream to meet a scenic waterfall which is the Bishnudwar. The place holds significant cultural importance as the source of the Bishnumati River.
Best time to hike: October to May. Avoid the monsoon season for better trail conditions.
2. Phulchowki Hill Hike
At a glance
- Starting Point: Godavari
- Ending Point: Phulchowki Peak
- Distance: About 9 km (one way)
- Duration: 7–8 hours (round trip)
- Altitude: 2,765 meters
Distance from Varnabas Museum Hotel to the start point: Approximately 20 km, about 1 hour by car.
Trail Description: The highest peak in Kathmandu Valley, Phulchowki Hill offers a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views. The trail winds uphill through dense forests, featuring a variety of flora and fauna. As you climb, the vegetation changes, providing a unique glimpse into different ecology within a single day hike. During the winter the peak is often covered in snow and makes for a popular destination amidst locals. On clear spring days, the peak reveals breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Ganesh, Gaurishankar, Manaslu and even Everest.
Best time to hike: Spring (March-April) is particularly beautiful when rhododendron forests burst into bloom.
3. Champadevi Hike
At a glance
- Starting Point: Haatiban Resort
- Ending Point: Champadevi temple
- Distance: About 10 km (one way)
- Duration: 3–4 hours (round trip)
- Altitude: 2,285 meters
Distance from Varnabas Museum Hotel to the start point: Around 21 km, approximately 1 hour by car.
Trail Description: Although a steep ascent for the most part, the Champadevi hike is a scenic trail that is often considered a moderate challenge. The hike offers a mix of forested paths and open ridges with well-maintained, stone-paved trails. As you make the climb, you’ll be rewarded with increasingly spectacular views of the Kathmandu Valley and, on clear days, the Himalayan range. The trail ends at the densely forested peak that houses the Champadevi shrine.
Best time to hike: October-November offers the clearest views of the mountains, while spring brings wildflowers and pleasant temperatures.
4. Jamacho Hike
At a glance
- Starting Point: Phulbari Gate, Balaju
- Ending Point: Nagarjun Peak
- Distance: About 8 km (one way)
- Duration: 3–4 hours (round trip)
- Altitude: 2,100 meters
Distance from Varnabas Museum Hotel to the start point: Approximately 6 km, about 30 minutes by car.
Trail Description: The Jamacho Gumba Hiking trail, located in Nagarjun Shivapuri National Park, offers a rewarding day hike to an elevation of 2,100 meters. This well-maintained path leads to Jamacho Monastery atop Nagarjun Hill, providing stunning views of Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan ranges. Highlights include diverse flora and fauna, historical caves, and a view tower offering panoramic vistas. As an accessible and popular short hike, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced trekkers seeking a taste of Nepal’s natural beauty close to the city.
5. Dhap Dam Hike
At a glance
- Starting Point: Sundarijal
- Ending Point: Dhap Dam
- Distance: Approximately 13 km (one way)
- Duration: 7–8 hours (round trip)
- Altitude: 2,085 meters
Distance from Varnabas Museum Hotel to start point: About 18 km, approximately 1 hour by car.
Trail Description: The Sundarijal to Dhap Dam hike offers a refreshing escape into nature, following the Bagmati River’s course. The trail begins at Sundarijal, winding through lush forests and terraced fields. Hikers will walk uphill on well-marked trails that see steep ascends along traditional Tamang villages as well as easy strolls through forests. As you approach Dhap Dam, the landscape opens up, revealing the serene artificial lake created by the dam. This moderate hike is suitable for most fitness levels.
What to pack on a hike in Kathmandu?
When hiking in Kathmandu, always be well-prepared for all kinds of trail and bring the following basic requirements:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Breathable hiking clothes
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Snacks for the trail
Kathmandu’s surrounding areas offer a wealth of hiking opportunities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Since all these hiking trails in Kathmandu are in close proximity to Varnabas Museum Hotel, we welcome you to stay with us and enjoy our refreshments post-hike. Our central location makes Varnabas Museum Hotel an ideal base for your hiking adventures. Indulge in the comfort of our hotel to relax, rejuvenate, and plan your next excursion in Kathmandu.
