Hiking Around Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu, is the first
touristic destination of Nepal for most of the travelers who come by air. This small
mountain sheltered valley offers the venerable old temples included in the World Heritage
Sites, superb architectural houses, authentic cultures and traditions and furthermore the
enchanting views of the encircling gigantic mountains and majestic Himalayas. For
exploring this valley decorated by the enriched flora, fauna & its remarkable essence
we have concisely tailored these short-hiking itineraries which assists to present the
genuine introduction of "Kathmandu Valley"
01. Champadevi Hike
This hiking starts with
the approximately 01 hour drive to Pharping (south - west) of Kathmandu. Pharping (19 Km.)
is the typical Newari town, surprisingly untouched by the swarm of tourists that visit
Dakshinkali ( separate spot following the same road). Before King Prithvi Narayan Shah
unified Nepal this was another tiny city-state. Walk for about 03 hours to the Champadevi
Hill. Have a pack lunch there. The magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley, Kirtipur &
others are seen from here. After lunch descend down to the Kirtipur in about 02 hours.
Kirtipur (6 Km. southwest) is an ancient hill top town. From here drive back to KTM. This
hiking consists of about 5-6 hours walk.
02. Dhulikhel Hike
Dhulikhel (32 Km.
northeast) is popular as a Himalayan ViewPoint with Newari settlement. Drive for about 35
minutes to Banepa and visit to nearby Panauti. This is an ancient riverside town of
temples and inns. There are number of religious sites to should be visited. Indreshwar
Mahadev Temple dedicated to Shiva, Bhairab Temple and the whole tiny city itself are
remarkable to be witnessed. Have the pack lunch and after the further exploration drive
back to Kathmandu. This hiking consists of about 6-7 hours walk.
03. Kakani Hike
Drive to Kakani ( 23
Km. north-west) of Kathmandu standing at 2073m. on a ridge for about 01 hour. The
tranquility of the surrounding gives you the immense pleasure and the Himalayas like
Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Ganesh, Langtang can be viewed from here. Take a easy walk to
Gujre which is about 03 hours walk. Have a pack lunch down to Balaju & 10 minutes
drive from here will bring you to Kathmandu. This hiking consists of about 5-6 hours walk.
04. Shivapuri Hike
30 minutes drive to
Budhanilkantha (9Km. north). Here the 5 meter long a stone image of Vishnu lies serenely
in a pond sleeping on a most unusual bed of the multiheaded snake. Shivapuri is one of the
highest hill around Kathmandu Valley. Climb upto Shivapuri Hill through the forests for
about 03 hours. Take an excellent view of Kathmandu Valley, view of Annapurna Range,
Machhapuchhare, Ganesh Himal and Langtang. Take your pack lunch at this resting spot.
After lunch go down to Budhanilkantha through the different trail. Drive back to Kathmandu
from Budhanilkantha. This hiking consists of about 6-7 hours walk.
05. Nagarkot Hike:
Drive to Nagarkot
(30Km. east) of Kathmandu which is one of the foremost touristic destination in Kathmandu
Valley. Start your hiking from the point and walk through the narrow lanes of the Newari
Village and sometimes through the forest. Stop for the lunch at the day. View the
marvelous surrounding around you. Resume your hiking and descend down to the Changu
Narayan through the pine forest then it simply follows the trail undulating gently down to
the shrine. Drive back to Kathmandu from Changu Narayan. This hiking consists of about 04
hours walk.
Drive to Nala (30Km.
north-east) of Kathmandu. Start your hiking from village. Take the graveled road to
Nagarkot. You shall pass through the pine forests, terraces and the typical Newari
Villages. Stop for the lunch at the Ghimire Gaon. From here you can see the Bhaktapur
Village very near to you and the beautiful Kathmandu Valley at the far distance. Resume
your hike. You shall finally reach Nagarkot which is our destination. Take the splendid
view of the Himalayas from here. Drive back to Kathmandu. This hiking consists of about 04
hours walk.
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