2 Days Ranikot Village And Balthali Hike
The Ranikot village 1 night, 2 days hike is perfect for escaping the bustling Kathmandu Valley with family and friends. The hike begins at Suryabinayak Temple, located in Bhaktapur, which is a 45-minute drive from Kathmandu under normal traffic conditions. Suryabinayak is the largest and most famous Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesha. In the Western world, people are more familiar with Ganesha due to yoga and spiritual practices. On Tuesdays, Saturdays, and during special events, this temple is filled with worshippers, and you can also witness marriage ceremonies. The 45-minute drive will give you a new perspective on Nepal and its people's way of life.
We will start hiking from Suryabinayak Temple. Initially, we will walk along the roadside, but after a few minutes, we will enter the jungle. Enjoy a peaceful hike through the jungle, which takes about 30-45 minutes uphill, and then we will rejoin the roadside.
After a 45-minute walk, you will reach Pilot Danda, named after the yogi who built a temple there. From this viewpoint, you can see Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Patan, and other valleys nestled within the Himalayan ranges. You can also spot Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishanker, and other mountain ranges. The easy hike continues to Ranikot Hill Station, where you can enjoy even better views of the valleys and mountains. Our final destination is Budha Pokhari, where we will stay with a local family.
This is an opportunity to interact with local families, picking vegetables from their farms, observing how they milk cows and buffalo, and exploring nearby castles.
Ranikot and Ghyampe Danda are popular picnic spots for Nepalese people. Ranikot Hill Station offers some nice, comfortable hotels where you can stay for the night, but our goal is to immerse yourself in local culture by staying with a local family. When you arrive at the house where you will be staying, you will be warmly greeted with garlands and fresh milk or tea. From there, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and Mount Gaurishanker, including the Rolwaling range.
Have fun with your host by helping with farm work, such as picking vegetables. Join them in the kitchen to learn how to prepare traditional Nepalese meals. As you cook, sing and dance with the family members.
The next morning, wake up to a beautiful sunrise, and don't forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Enjoy a delicious local breakfast that the family has prepared. Women will be offered traditional Nepalese dresses to wear for photos, and sometimes they may even gift you one. After bidding farewell to the family, we will begin hiking towards Balthali village.
The hiking trail is easy and mostly flat, leading you through quiet roads. Along the way, you will see local houses and people working on their farms. This hike offers a truly authentic Nepalese lifestyle experience. After hiking for an hour, we will take a local bus (30-minute drive) to Panauti bazaar.
Panauti is the oldest Newari town, where you can explore ancient houses, temples, and the local way of life. Despite the presence of modern houses and a bustling atmosphere, we will focus on visiting temples and historical sites. From Panauti, we will take a short 20-minute bus ride and start hiking towards Balthali village.
After crossing the Roshi River suspension bridge, we will walk through a pine forest, beautiful farms, and along rivers to reach Balthali village. Balthali is a typical mountain village with a diverse community and is known for its oranges and vegetables. We will spend one night at a viewpoint hotel in this village. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and the picturesque, colorful farms. In the evening, relax and enjoy the sunset in the peaceful environment. During the winter, we will have a campfire with traditional Nepalese music. The next morning, wake up to the beautiful sunrise and mountain views. After breakfast, we will hike back to Khopasi and drive back to Kathmandu. If you wish, we can stop at Bhaktapur Durbar Square on the way back, as we will have enough time.
1 Night, 2 Days Overnight Tour Plan.
- Day 1: Kathmandu drive to Bhaktapur Pilot Danda and hike to Ranikot Homestay. Overnight with the local family.
- Day 2: Hike to Panauti, explore around the temples and drive back to Kathmandu.
2 Nights, 3 Days Tour Ranikot and Balthali Village Tour Plan.
- Day 1: Kathmandu drive to Bhaktapur Pilot Danda and hike to Ranikot Homestay. Overnight with the local family.
- Day 2: Hike to Panauti, explore around the temples hike further to Balthali village. Overnight at the Balthali village resort.
- Day 3: After breakfast, a short 45-minute hike and drive back to Kathmandu.
- Day 1: Kathmandu drive to Bhaktapur Pilot Danda and hike to Ranikot Homestay. Overnight with the local family.
- Day 2: Short Hike—Drive and than final hike to NamoBuddha Monastery. Stay inside the monastery.
- Day 3: After breakfast, hike to Dhulikhel and drive to Kathmandu or Drive from Namobudha to Kathmandu
Conclusion and Benefits of the Ranikot and Balthali Village Trek
For those who want to combine adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty in a balanced way, the Ranikot and Balthali Village Trek provides an amazing experience. You can leave the busy city of Kathmandu and enter the heart of rural Nepal with this extraordinary tour. This journey offers an incredibly genuine and fulfilling experience, from hiking through lush jungles and taking in breath-taking views of the Himalayas to getting to know friendly local families and experiencing traditional Nepalese hospitality.
- Cultural Immersion: Connect with local communities, learn about their way of life, and share unforgettable moments together.
- Natural Beauty: Explore stunning landscapes, including lush jungles, picturesque villages, and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Adventure: Enjoy challenging yet rewarding hikes through diverse terrains, suitable for travelers of various fitness levels.
- Tranquility: Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find peace and serenity in the tranquil surroundings.
- Authenticity: Experience genuine Nepalese culture and traditions, far removed from the tourist-oriented areas.
- Personal Growth: Gain a deeper understanding of Nepal's rich heritage and connect with the local people on a personal level.
