Short Treks Near Kathmandu Valley

  • Jun 10, 2023
  • Rajesh Thapaliya

Trekking in Nepal is a step closer to nature's magnificence, the Himalayas' majesty, and the glorious culture. Whenever people talk about trekking in Nepal, they are engulfed with the idea that treks are lengthy and complex, like the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, there are comparatively less strenuous yet amazing treks available across Nepal. Likewise, several Treks can be easily accessed from Kathmandu. So, if you plan your next trip to Nepal, indulge in short treks that offer the same thrill and enthusiasm as other Famous Treks.

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Some of the Famous Hiking and Trekking trips that tourists drool over are the Shivapuri Trek,Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trek, and Chisapani Trek. The reason behind the growing popularity of Short Treks lies in the fact that there are no particular criteria required to take these Treks. You are good to go as long as you have average physical fitness. These hikes don't need individuals of a particular age group, gender, or prior experience.

These Hiking and Trekking trips take place on the periphery of the bustling metropolis of Kathmandu, and there is quite a lot to do. Indulge in some sightseeing, learn the culture and norms of the people residing along the trails, or sit back and enjoy the pleasant views. These Hikes and Short Treks have everything from bird watching to scouting the lush forested trails.

As such, here are some of the most famous short treks near Kathmandu Valley.

Short Treks Around Kathmandu:

  1. Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
  2. Langtang Valley Trek 
  3. Gosainkunda Lake Trek
  4. Tamang Heritage Trek
  5. Helambu Trek

Chisapani Nagarkot - 3 Days Trek Near Kathmandu

TheChisapani Nagarkot Trek connects two of the most beautiful hill stations around the Kathmandu Valley: Chisapani Trek commences from Sundarijal as you navigate the ups and downs of the Shivapuri National Park. Climb the forested trail and enjoy the mesmerizing bio-diversity on the path. This 2-day trip takes its first stop at Chisapani, and the next day leads to the Nagarkot Hill Station. The trail to Nagarkot explores the hillside trails to the northeast of the Kathmandu Valley. From both Chisapani and Nagarkot viewpoints, you can also observe the surreal views of the Kathmandu Valley along with faraway mountains like Manaslu (8163 m), Ganesh Himal (7422 m), and Dorje Lakpa (6966 m). This is an easy hike and can be completed by children too.

View from Nagarkot
View from Nagarkot

If you have only one day in Kathmandu and would like to explore nature by doing some day hikes around Kathmandu Valley, these should be perfect.

  1. Nagarkot Changunarayan Day Hike
  2. Champadevi Day Hike
  3. Namobuddha Panauti Day Hike
  4. Jamacho Nagarjun Day Hike
  5. Shivapuri Nature Hike
  6. Kakani Suryachaur Day Hike

Nagarkot Changunarayan - Popular Day Hiking Route Around Kathmandu

The Nagarkot Changunarayan Hike is suitable for those who wish to incorporate a certain level of religion and spirituality into their travel. The Hike starts from Nagarkot, 29 km northeast of Kathmandu. We drive early in the morning and reach Nagarkot to witness the stunning display of the Himalayas in the Langtang, Ganesh, and Dorje Lakpa ranges. The hike will start after we enjoy the scenery and takes you through flat forested trails with Tamang settlements in view. The ending point of the walk is Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It takes roughly 5 hours to complete the Hike, and people of all ages can do it.

Champadevi - Long Day Hike Around Kathmandu

The famous Champadevi Hike takes place on Champadevi Hill, the third-highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. It is a one-day trip, and it initiates from Bhanjyang. This short hike takes you to the summit of Champadevi Hill, where you can observe the untainted view of Ganesh Himal (7422 m), Langtang (7227 m), and other peaks in the Gauri Shankar and Manaslu ranges as well. You can even see the gorgeous backdrop of Kathmandu Valley, Khokana, and the neighboring Phulchowki Hill. The summit of the hill also is home to the esteemed Champadevi Temple. It is also a relatively easy and Short Hike around Kathmandu Valley.

Shivapuri Nature - One-Day Nature Trek in Kathmandu

The Shivapuri Nature Trek takes place inside the Shivapuri National Park and is the most visited one. Located in the northern part of Kathmandu, the Hike starts from the holy Budhanikantha Temple. The path is forested, and there is even accessibility for motorbikes. The park is home to over 300 species of birds and animals. You can also take a detour to the famous Nagi Gompa and get an insight into the monastery's history. The hill provides a new view of the Langtang mountain range and the Kathmandu Valley. This Hike lasts for one day and is worth the money.

Nagarjun Jamacho - Day Trek For Best View of Kathmandu

TheNagarjun Jamacho Hike covers another portion of the Shivapuri National Park. This one-day Hike starts from Balaju and goes deep into the forested landscape. There is a cave on the hill which many believe is where an ancient monk once meditated. As such, the Jamacho Monastery is at the top of Shivapuri Hill. The trail is cluttered with Buddhist stupas and prayer flags, adding a magical feeling to the Hike. Similar to the other walks, it is also near and easily accessible.

Kakani Suryachaur - Easy Nature Hike near Kathmandu

The Kakani Suryachaur Hike starts from Kakani and leads you into the Shivapuri National Park premises. The road goes along the National Park's unperturbed trails and provides a panoramic display of the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. The Hike lasts for a day, allowing the opportunity to observe flora and fauna in these parts. Suryachaur is a great place to watch the delightful Langtang and Ganesh Mountains display. The Hike takes roughly 5 hours, and after arriving in Suryachaur, you can catch a bus that leads to Kathmandu.

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Panauti Hike

This hike considers 2 of the most beautiful and ancient Newari settlements near the Kathmandu Valley. Dhulikhel and Panauti are old in that they still adhere to their past culture and traditions with a twist of modernization. The hike starts from Dhulikhel and heads to Namobuddha. Namobuddha also has an ancient myth associated with Lord Buddha. Spend some time here and then head out to Panauti. You can relish the Newari heritage and history here before returning to Kathmandu. This Hike is done in a single day.


View from Namobuddha Hill.

Trekking and Hiking are a must on your bucket list while visiting Nepal. The green hills and a sense of homeliness make the trip much more appealing and rewarding. The trips are astounding because anyone can do these with an average physical condition. Enjoy the pleasant trails around the Kathmandu Valley and witness the elegance of nature.

Conclusion

These Short Treks and hikes are highly recommended for people on a quick visit to Nepal. Three days Chisapani Nagarkot Trek can be extended to 4 days or five days according to the time frame of the visitor. Day Hikes are suitable for people who are for business meetings, seminars, and visiting Tibet and Bhutan from Nepal and use the free day in Kathmandu. Short Treks and day hikes suit beginners, families, and not adventure travelers. We offer these trips at reliable costs and on flexible dates.

Rajesh Thapaliya

Rajesh Thapaliya

Namaste! I am Rajesh, a Nepal travel blogger who provides Nepal travel tips to travellers who are planning to visit Nepal and know about Nepal.

I am a tourism service provider in Nepal So far, I have been to the Nepalese Himalayan base camps as a tour leader and collected lots of information about the Nepalese Himalayas. You can find my experiences in my travel blogs, so it may make it a lot easier for you to travel to Nepal.

You may find beautiful photos on Instagram,  Facebook and Twitter. I have worked very hard to be in this stage after high school and dedicated my experiences to the people who would like to know about Nepal and Nepal travel.