Hiking Trails Around Kathmandu Valley 2026: Best Short Treks Near the Capital
Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital, isn’t just about ancient temples, busy streets, and cultural heritage it’s also surrounded by some of the most scenic hiking trails in the Himalayas. Within just a few hours from the city, travelers can reach peaceful hills, charming villages, and viewpoints offering breathtaking mountain panoramas.
Whether you’re a local looking for a refreshing weekend escape or an expat wanting to reconnect with nature, this guide to Hiking Trails Around Kathmandu will help you plan the perfect outdoor adventure.
Let’s explore the most popular and rewarding hiking trails around Kathmandu that combine culture, nature, and unforgettable views.
1. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Hike
One of the most loved hiking trails around Kathmandu, the Shivapuri Nagarjun Hike offers a serene escape into nature just north of the city. Located inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers, and anyone seeking peace close to the capital.
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Starting point: Budhanilkantha (near the sleeping Vishnu temple)
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Duration: 5–7 hours (round trip)
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Highlights: Lush forests, waterfalls, panoramic views of the Himalayas, and the source of the Bagmati River
You can hike up to Shivapuri Peak (2,732 m), which provides clear views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and even parts of Manaslu on clear days.
This trail is ideal for moderate-level hikers and is a must-try among all hiking trails around Kathmandu for its accessibility and rewarding scenery.
2. Champadevi Hike – The Hill of the Goddess
The Champadevi Hike is a favorite for both local and foreign hikers who want to blend spirituality with adventure. It’s located southwest of Kathmandu and offers panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley, Pharping, and the distant Himalayan range.
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Starting point: Hattiban or Pharping
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Duration: 4–5 hours (round trip)
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Highlights: Buddhist and Hindu shrines, peaceful forests, and a sacred summit
The top of Champadevi Hill (2,285 m) is marked by a small shrine dedicated to the goddess Champa. The trail winds through pine forests and rhododendron-covered ridges.
If you’re looking for hiking trails around Kathmandu that offer a mix of nature, culture, and spirituality this one perfectly fits the bill.
3. Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Hike
The Nagarkot to Changu Narayan hike is one of the most popular day hikes near the valley. It’s an easy downhill route that combines stunning mountain views, rural charm, and UNESCO heritage.
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Starting point: Nagarkot View Tower
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Ending point: Changu Narayan Temple (Bhaktapur)
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Duration: 3–4 hours
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Highlights: Sunrise over the Himalayas, local villages, ancient Changu Narayan Temple
From Nagarkot, you can witness a breathtaking sunrise that includes views of Mount Everest, Langtang, and Gaurishankar. The trail then descends through charming villages, terraced farmlands, and pine forests to reach Changu Narayan, one of Nepal’s oldest temples.
This route stands out in our Hiking Trails Around Kathmandu list for its combination of nature, heritage, and accessibility.
4. Phulchowki Hike – The Highest Hill of the Valley
Standing at 2,782 meters, Phulchowki Hill is the highest point around the Kathmandu Valley. It’s located southeast of the city near Godavari Botanical Garden and offers a challenging yet rewarding hike.
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Starting point: Godavari
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Duration: 6–7 hours (round trip)
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Highlights: Dense rhododendron forest, diverse birdlife, snow-capped peaks on clear days
Phulchowki literally means “Hill of Flowers,” and during spring (March–April), the trails bloom with vibrant rhododendrons.
For serious nature lovers searching for hiking trails around Kathmandu, this hike offers both adventure and ecological richness.
5. Nagarjun Hill Hike (Jamacho Monastery)
If you’re looking for a quick, spiritual hike close to the city, Nagarjun Hill, also known as Jamacho Monastery Hike, is perfect. Located inside the Nagarjun Forest Reserve, the trail takes you through thick pine forests to a peaceful Buddhist monastery at the summit.
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Starting point: Balaju or Fulbari Gate
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Duration: 3–4 hours (round trip)
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Highlights: Meditation caves, monastery with prayer flags, panoramic city views
The monastery at the top is said to be the meditation site of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). This makes it one of the most spiritual hiking trails around Kathmandu.
6. Kakani Hike – A Peaceful Escape with Mountain Views
Kakani is a quiet hill station located about 23 km northwest of Kathmandu. Known for its strawberry farms and Himalayan views, it’s a perfect spot for a short, scenic hike.
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Starting point: Kakani Bazaar
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Duration: 3–5 hours (round trip)
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Highlights: Views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Annapurna, and rice terraces
Kakani also offers camping and picnic spots, making it ideal for family outings. If you want to include a less-crowded route in your list of hiking trails around Kathmandu, Kakani is an excellent choice.
7. Dhulikhel to Namobuddha Hike
The Dhulikhel to Namobuddha Hike is a scenic and spiritual route located on the eastern edge of the valley. It combines hillside views, rural culture, and one of Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist monasteries.
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Starting point: Dhulikhel Bazaar
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Ending point: Namobuddha Monastery
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Duration: 5–6 hours
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Highlights: Himalayan panorama, traditional villages, sacred monastery
The Namobuddha Monastery is an important pilgrimage site where Buddha is believed to have offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs. This hike is perfect for those who enjoy combining religious stories with adventure.
When writing about hiking trails around Kathmandu, this one consistently ranks high among both domestic and foreign travelers for its beauty and spiritual importance.
8. Sundarijal to Chisapani Hike
For trekkers who want a slightly longer adventure, the Sundarijal Chisapani Hike is a great two-day route that forms part of the Helambu Trek.
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Starting point: Sundarijal (north of Kathmandu)
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Duration: 2 days
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Highlights: Waterfalls, pine forests, Tamang villages, sunrise from Chisapani
The trail passes through Shivapuri National Park, so you’ll experience dense forest walks, rivers, and panoramic Himalayan views.
This route is ideal if you’re planning to extend your hiking trails around Kathmandu into a short overnight trek.
9. Taudaha to Champadevi Ridge Hike
This lesser-known route begins from Taudaha Lake, a serene bird-watching spot on the southern edge of the valley, and climbs up toward the Champadevi Ridge.
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Starting point: Taudaha
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Duration: 4–5 hours
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Highlights: Peaceful lake, rural villages, lush hills, and open ridges
It’s one of the few hiking trails around Kathmandu where you can experience both wetland beauty and hilltop views in one day.
10. Kirtipur to Taudaha Cultural Hike
This gentle hike blends culture and nature starting from Kirtipur, an ancient Newar town, and ending at Taudaha Lake.
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Duration: 3–4 hours
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Highlights: Newar architecture, traditional food, and views of Kathmandu Valley
It’s perfect for those who want to explore hiking trails around Kathmandu without going too far or climbing steep hills.
Suggested 2-Day Hiking Itinerary Around Kathmandu
Day 1:
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Morning: Drive to Budhanilkantha and hike to Shivapuri Peak
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Afternoon: Visit Kopan Monastery for meditation and lunch
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Evening: Return to Thamel for dinner
Day 2:
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Morning: Sunrise at Nagarkot
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Day hike to Changu Narayan
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Evening: Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square
This itinerary lets travelers experience the diversity of hiking trails around Kathmandu from spiritual peaks to cultural heritage.
Travel Tips for Hiking Around Kathmandu
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Carry enough water, snacks, and sunscreen.
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Always check weather conditions before you start.
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Dress modestly and respect local customs.
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Avoid littering — keep trails clean.
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Hire a local guide for longer routes.
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Start early in the morning for clear views and cooler temperatures.
These simple tips will make your journey along hiking trails around Kathmandu safe, enjoyable, and eco-friendly.
Sustainable Hiking Around Kathmandu
Hiking near Kathmandu offers not only scenic rewards but also an opportunity to promote sustainable travel. Choose eco-friendly transport, support local tea houses, and avoid single-use plastics.
Nepal’s tourism community increasingly focuses on green travel, and these hiking trails around Kathmandu are perfect examples of sustainable outdoor experiences close to the city.
You don’t have to travel far from Kathmandu to find peace, nature, and adventure. The hills surrounding the valley are filled with hidden gems from Shivapuri’s forest paths to Namobuddha’s sacred monasteries.
Each route on this list of hiking trails around Kathmandu offers something unique whether it’s sunrise over the Himalayas, ancient temples, or quiet moments in the forest.
So, next time you crave a break from the city, lace up your boots, pack light, and set off on one of these unforgettable hiking trails around Kathmandu where nature, culture, and spirituality meet in perfect harmony.