This Kathmandu Valley hiking trip is designed for those having only a few days in the area. You’ll start out from Sundarijal, which is about a 40-minute drive from Kathmandu. The hiking trail leads towards Nagarkot through Jhule village, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas. The trail ends at Changu Narayan, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, dating to the 5th century A.D. Twin-sharing accommodation and all meals are provided.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Sundarijal and hike to Chisopani
In the morning, you’ll make the short drive north-east to Sundarijal, where your hiking route begins. The trail leads to the entrance gate of Shivapuri National Park, and you’ll continue the walk to the Sundarijal Dam, which provides the main water supply for the Kathmandu Valley. The trail leads to Mulkharka, where you’ll see typical mud houses and farm terraces and take in Kathmandu Valley views.
Continuing on, the trail leads you through a rhododendron forest to the top of the ridge at Deurali. Enjoy spectacular views from the ridge and see Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, and many other peaks. The trail then drops down to Chisopani. After a short rest at the lodge, you’ll go for a walk around the village to take in the scenes of daily life. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 2: Hike to Nagarkot
You’ll get up early for breakfast and views of the sunrise from the lodge. Afterwards you’ll walk along an unpaved road towards Jhule village, an example of a mixed caste and ethnic group. On the way there are great views of the Himalayas and of Kathmandu Valley from the ridge. This is an easy walking day filled with scenic landscapes, a variety of cultural villages, and beautiful farm terraces.
At the end a short climb to Nagarkot, situated on the top of a hill, you’ll marvel at the 360-degree views of the Himalayan range. Spend your evening strolling around the town. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Hike to Changu Narayan and drive to Kathmandu
It’s time for another great sunrise view and magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks. See Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, Mt. Everest, and others. After breakfast you’ll take the trail downhill through the ridge towards Changu Narayan. You’ll pass through interesting villages and have a chance to experience the way of life of villages from close up.
Eventually you’ll reach Changu Narayan temple, built in the 5th century A.D. This is the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley. After exploring the temple, you’ll drive to Bhaktapu, where you’ll stop for a visit before continuing on to Kathmandu.
