The Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek is a short and accessible 2 to 3-day hiking adventure starting directly from Kathmandu, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas—including Manaslu, Langtang, and Gaurishankar—from the summit of Shivapuri Hill (2,792m) within Shivapuri National Park. This cultural and scenic loop traverses lush forests and traditional villages like Nagarkot and Chisapani, providing deep insight into local Newari life, ancient temples, and serene monasteries without requiring a long travel commitment. Perfect for trekkers with limited time, it serves as an ideal introduction to Nepal's natural beauty and rich heritage, combining moderate day hikes with comfortable teahouse stays for a complete and convenient Himalayan experience.
Kathmandu Valley Rim Trekking
Kathmandu Valley Trek Highlights
- Historical Kathmandu Valley sightseeing.
- World Heritage sites and monastery visits.
- Beautiful Landscapes.
- Amazing mountain ranges, including Mt. Everest.
- The beautiful hill station of Kathmandu Valley, "Nagarkot."
- Rivers, waterfalls, jungles, wild animals.
Rugged Trails Nepal offers hiking trips around Kathmandu Valley for those visitors who don't have a long time to stay in Nepal. If you are looking for a short trek around Kathmandu Valley to enjoy and encounter the local villages and natural green hills, then Kathmandu Valley Rim trekking is the best choice.
This is the best short hiking trip from Kathmandu and offers insight into the life history, culture, and religion of its inhabitants. The Kathmandu Valley Trek traverses through the Shivapuri National Park forests and villages. Shivapuri Hill (2792 m) is the highest point of this trekking. From the top of Shivapuri, we can see the western mountains Manaslu, Boudha Himal, the Ganesh Himal range, the Langtang range, Dorjeelakpa, Shisapangma, and Gaurishankar. We will also reach the popular villages of Nagarkot, which is the most popular point for viewing the epic Himalayan Mountains.
If you had already booked your hotels and were just looking for these short hikes around Kathmandu Valley, email us. The price will be different just for the Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek.
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu.
Rugged Trails Nepal representative will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. We will introduce your trekking guide and brief you about your daily activities etc. Evening welcome dinner.
Kathmandu - Sundarijal Trek to Chisapani.
After breakfast, we will take a short drive to Sundarijal from here the Kathmandu valley rim trek starts; the trail climbs steeply past Tamang villages and on through rhododendron forest to Chisapani. Excellent views over the whole Himalayan range from Manaslu, Langtang, Ganesh Himal to Everest Range. View of Mid-hill Mountains and valley of Helambu on a clear day.
Chisopani Trek to Nagarkot.
Walk into the village and forest of Shivapuri National Park, continue our journey to Nagarkot 21955m above the sea- level. This spot provides an excellent view of the sunset; sunrise and Mount Everest can be seen on a clear day including the other 12 peaks.
Nagarkot Trek to Dhulikhel - Kathmandu.
Nagarkot is the best place for sunrise so we will wake up early to watch the spectacular dawn. The first rays of the sun firing the peaks a lightest red slowly lighting up the Himalayas from Everest range in the Far East of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in the West. Breakfast at Nagarkot hotel and walk down the hill to Dhulikhel, afternoon drive back to Kathmandu on the way visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Night at Kathmandu hotel.
Final Departure.
Your trip ends here but if you are interested in the safari, Buddha Birth place "Lumbini visit" contact Rugged Trails Nepal team leader.
Trip Map & Altitude
Cost Details
What’s Included
- Accommodation during the hike with breakfast.
- The government registered an English-speaking local expert guide.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek.
- Airport pickup and drop.
- Kathmandu Valley Trekking Map
- Salary, allowances, expenses & insurance for all staff
- National park fees and government taxes.
What’s Excluded
- Lunch & dinner during the trip.
- Personal gear & clothing.
- Porter, if needed per day, 25 USD.
- Tips and any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/roadblock.
- Personal insurance and medical evacuation in case of emergency.
- Service other than mentioned above
Dates & Availability
- Kathmandu valley trek departs every week from Kathmandu.
- If you are in Nepal and want to book the Kathmandu Valley Hike we accept the instant booking.
- If you are more than 2 people then Kathmandu Valley Hike price will be less than the site.
Essential Information
- The Kathmandu Valley Trek can be organized all around the year.
- This short hiking trip can be customized for 1-2 day hikes.
- For group rates, contact a Rugged Trails Nepal Tour expert.
Client Reviews
A taste of Nepal, and we're eager to return
We had a wonderful experience and highly recommend Rugged Trails Nepal! My husband and I just had a short time in Kathmandu so the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike was great for our time frame...
Nagarkot Day Hike Overnight Tour
The tour of Bakhtapur and hike with Dinesh were great! He is very knowledgeable and friendly, and he really took good care. The hotel was nice but too cold at night, even with the heater...
Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek
Nepal did not disappoint! I loved this trek through the Shivapuri National Park up to Chisopani, on to Nagarkot, and then to Nala. 3 days and 2 nights that get you away from the city...
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