5 Best Day Hiking Destinations around Kathmandu Valley: Short and Sweet Hiking Trips

Hiking is a passion of the travelers. Some travelers can manage multiple days and go for the trekking in the Himalayas and some are limited with the time. Day hiking trips are suitable for the time bound travelers. The hill ridges of the Kathmandu valley have become delighting destinations for the nature lovers. They are excellent destinations also for the weekend hikers. Let's get introduced with the 5 best day hiking destinations around the Kathmandu valley traced out by the Nepal Kameleon Holidays.

Namobuddha Balthali Day Hike

Namobuddha to Balthali Day Hike has left its mark as the best day hiking around Kathmandu valley. It embarks from the renowned Namobuddha Monastery, which is a spiritual center of the Tibetan Buddhism. Hikers find solace and peace by observing the monastery and enjoy the 360 views from the top. The hike is of 4 hours to Balthali and Khopasi, then drive back to Kathmandu via Panauti. Balthali is an amalgamation of the traditional lifestyles to the modernism. Nepal Kameleon Holidays has led several day hikes through this route. In addition, spending one night there, you will get an opportunity to explore the surroundings. Duration: 4 hrs

Shivapuri Day Hike

Shivapuri Day Hike is another amazing day hike through the magnificent trail of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. The hike begins from Pani Muhan and leads you to the Nagi Gumba. It is the final point for the half day hikers. The real splendid hike begins from there through the shadow of the dense woods. The hike goes all the way to Bagdwar, which is the emerging point of the holiest River- Bagmati to the top of Shivapuri peak. Half day hike- 3 hrs, full day hike- 6 hrs.

Nagarjun Jamacho Day Hike

A journey that takes you to the top of the Nagarjun hill, surrounded by the fluttering Buddhist prayer flags and the excellent Kathmandu valley view is the charm of the Nagarjun Jamacho Day Hike. It is a preserved area, so you need to buy the entry permit. The hike is about 2.5 hour to ascend and about an hour to descend. On the top, you will get a wonderful moment to explore the Himalayas, pristine forest and eagle eye view of the Kathmandu valley from the view tower. Total hiking duration- 3.5 - 4 hrs

Chandragiri Day Hike

Chandragiri day hike is a refreshing attraction for the hiking lovers. First you drive to the Chandragiri cable car station and begin to walk through the isolated trail. It is close to the road that leads to Chitlang. The pristine nature, chirping melody of the birds and the Kathmandu valley view offer a remarkable experience during the hike. It leads you to the hill top of Chandragiri, where the base of Chandragiri cable car is situated. It is also a historical place that dates back to the Prithvi Narayan Shah. Based on your interest and energy, you can get down by the cable car or hike down from another route. Duration: 4 hrs one way hike, 7 hrs both way

Nagarkot Day Hike

Nagarkot is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Nepal. It has become so much popular for the sunrise view over the white Himalayan peaks and the sunset view. It is surrounded by the pristine nature. Nagarkot hike begins from the Changu Narayan Temple, which is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. This side trip will help to explore the ancient monumental site. Then the enticing hike kicks off through the beautiful trail with various side attractions. Via Telkot, it leads you to the hill top of Nagarkot. Do not miss to drink coffee and enjoy the nature from the Club Himalaya Resort-Nagarkot. Duration: 4 hrs