Day Hikes Near Kathmandu in 2024 and 2025

  • Updated on Aug 11, 2024
  • Rugged Trails Nepal
  • 8379 views

There is no question that Nepal is a fascinating place with gorgeous Himalayas, wildlife, and a distinct way of life. Despite Kathmandu's hectic traffic and dust, we can enjoy beautiful vistas of snowy mountain peaks and vegetation from our rooftop. We're not talking about the historical sites, cultural events, and festivals in Kathmandu's core. There are several day hiking tours around and around Kathmandu Valley, and we have chosen some of the best. 

The short-day hikes are ideal for individuals who do not have enough time to travel to other locations to see mountains; we are focused on mountain views because they are at the top of every traveler's agenda. The one-day treks are ideal for individuals who wish to get outside of the city to see nature in addition to the mountain vistas. Many hikers began their longer treks in Kathmandu with day hikes to get used to the altitude, the city's culture, and to stretch.

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We have seen that many blogs recommend a variety of day hikes from Kathmandu; however, we are just listing a few of the greatest day hike trails. All of the suggested day hikes are excellent for family outings. There are various places in the city that are well-known for their cultural importance. However, there are other things to rely on as well. Instead, there are many natural areas to discover all across the city that might help you feel better physically and mentally. This material will provide you with all you need to know about natural spots to visit around Kathmandu if you're a nature lover who appreciates taking in the scenery and camping in undeveloped regions. If the hiking destination you're interested in doesn't appear here, just write to us, and we'll provide you with all the information you need to schedule one of our day hikes there.

Best Day Hikes around Kathmandu in 2024 and 2025

Day Hike to Nagarkot 

One of the most popular day hiking tours from Kathmandu is the Nagarkot walk. The Kathmandu Valley hill station in Nagarkot offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks. We can view the Annapurna range, Ganesh Himal range, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Gaurishanker, Langtang, and other mountains from Nagarkot on a clear day. Another fantastic Nagarkot experience is the sunrise and sunset. Rugged Trails Nepal offers three different kinds of Nagarkot day hikes: a sunrise trek to Nagarkot, a Nagarkot Bhaktapur walk, and a sunset hike to Nagarkot. Early in the morning, we will travel to Nagarkot for the sunrise climb, then hike down to Changunarayan or Sankhu village. Another sunset hike begins at 11 a.m. and leaves from the Changunarayan temple. Bhaktapur Durbar Square Touring is included in a day walk to Nagarkot; however, entrance fees are not included in the cost. Only on the professionally trained city tour guides-led day walks can you get additional information.

  • Nagarkot Hike Trip Duration: 1 Day
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Walking Hours: 4 to 5 Hours
  • Starting Point: Kathmandu -Changu-Narayan
  • Ending Point: Kathmandu
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,195 meters (Nagarkot Hill)
  • Group Size: Min. 1 and Max. 12
  • Price: From 85 Usd
  • What to expect? : Snowy Mountain peaks, Local people's lifestyle, temples, cultural experience, forest, hills 

Ranikot Rayale Village Day Hike

Rugged Trails Nepal and Day Tours Nepal discovered the Ranikot village day hiking path while aiding a local family following the earthquake. We assisted one local family in rebuilding their home, but this was insufficient for them, so we created the Ranikot Day Hiking Trail from Kathmandu, where visitors may go and pay a small amount in exchange for delicious meals. This family invites guests to spend the night in their home and enjoy traditional Nepalese hospitality.
The Ranikot day climb therefore begins at Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur, 45 minutes after leaving Kathmandu. There was no road when we found this hiking route, but we will now be walking beside it for a while. This trek provides spectacular Himalayan vistas.

Everyone may easily do the Ranikot Day Hike, which is an ideal location to quickly see the unchanged lifestyle of Nepalese people. You will pass by both traditional and freshly constructed contemporary homes along the journey, but everything remains the same. You will also view seasonal farms, lush forests, landscapes, and, on a clear day, the Himalayan peaks. A local family will prepare delectable meals for you; if you're interested in helping them harvest vegetables from their farm and prepare meals together, this is another enjoyable aspect of the hike. It is strongly advised that if you have extra time in Kathmandu, you spend the night here.

  • Ranikot Hike Trip Duration: 1 Day
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Walking Hours: 5 to 6 Hours
  • Starting Point: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur
  • Ending Point: Kathmandu
  • Maximum Altitude: 1,900 meters
  • Group Size: Min. 1 and Max. 12
  • Hike Price: from 75 usd
  • What to expect? : Snowy Mountain peaks, Local people's lifestyle, temples, cultural experience, forest, hills 

Champadevi Hill Day Hike

Are you in search of day hikes inside the Kathmandu Valley? Hiking on Champadevi Hill can be an ideal option for you. Both Hindus and Buddhists visit Champadevi (Devi is the goddess Kali), and a celebration will be held there specifically on the day of the full moon in May, according to the lunar calendar. At a height of 2285 meters above the Dakshinkali Temple and Pharping hamlet, the Champadevi Temple may be found. Dakshinkali is one of the most important holy sites for followers of both Buddhism and Hinduism, and hundreds of worshippers come here every day. Every Tuesday and Saturday, hundreds of animals will be slaughtered at the Dakshinkali Temple during a special religious service. There are several Kali (goddess) temples nearby, and the name Dakshinkali refers to the goddess who resides there.

We will be hiking through the spiritual locations, and along the journey, we will pass by several monasteries, including Pharping Monastery. The best natural area to explore in Kathmandu is this one, and it's also a really peaceful and relaxing one. One of the most important and revered pilgrimages for Buddhists is to Pharping Cave, where Padmasambhava meditated. Before reaching the Dakshinkali temple, we will be making a modest ascent from Taudaha. A well-maintained hiking track will take us through the pine forest as we explore. To reach the top of the ride, our trek will take roughly two hours. We will observe the Langtang, Mt. Gauri Shanker, Jugal, and Dorge Lakpa mountain ranges as we hike along the Champadevi hiking routes.

  • ChampaDevi Hike Trip Duration: 1 Day
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Walking Hours: 5 to 6 Hours
  • Starting Point: Kathmandu - Pharping
  • Ending Point: Kathmandu
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,285 meters
  • Group Size: Min. 1 and Max. 12
  • Trip price: from 85 usd
  • What to expect? : Snowy Mountain peaks, Local people's lifestyle, temples, cultural experience, forest, hills

Shivapuri National Park Day Hike.

As one of the national parks nearest to Kathmandu, Shivapuri is the ideal destination for family outings, social gatherings, and group excursions. Shivapuri National Park offers a tranquil, unspoiled setting for trekking and outdoor excursions. Shivapuri provides breathtaking Himalayan vistas of the Budhanilkantha Temple, Ganesh Himal, Dorji Lhakpa, Rolwaling Himalayas, Langtang Himalayas, and Nagi Gompa. The second-highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley, Shivapuri, is located north of Kathmandu at a height of 2563 meters. This trek is ideal if you enjoy birds, and occasionally we run into leopards, wild boars, and other creatures.

  • Shivapuri Hike Trip Duration: 1 Day
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Walking Hours: 5 to 6 Hours
  • Starting Point: Kathmandu
  • Ending Point: Kathmandu
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,563 meters
  • Group Size: Min. 1 and Max. 12
  • Trip price: from 75 usd
  • What to expect? : Snowy Mountain peaks, Local people lifestyle, temples, culture experince, forest, hills

Kakani Village Day Hike

Before the Maoist insurgency, Kakani was one of the most well-liked locations and a favorite travel destination for Japanese tourists. Kakani is a popular site for both domestic and international tourists, and many Nepalese people like having picnics there. The greatest time to see the sunrise and sunset is in the morning and evening. Kakani boasts a beautiful view of the valley and mountains as well as a variety of unique species and plants. The area has vegetation and animals since it is covered in deep forest. Tamang residents may be found at Kakani village. Despite being a well-known Tamang community, other castes also call this place home. Strawberry and radish farming are two prominent local industries in Kakani. Large quantities of this indigenous produce are sent to other countries.

This Kakani day hike offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas from a number of overlooks. During a day trip, hikers may see the mountains in the Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu ranges.

  • Kakani Day Hike Trip Duration: 1 Day
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Walking Hours: 5 to 6 Hours
  • Starting Point: Kathmandu
  • Ending Point: Kathmandu
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,030 meters
  • Group Size: Min. 1 and Max. 12
  • Trip price: from 95 usd
  • What to expect? : Snowy Mountain peaks, Local people's lifestyle, temples, cultural experince forest, hills