There are many places in Nepal which you might not have visited yet. Since Kathmandu has a wonderful climate walking for hours and enjoying the journey will add joy in your boring life.Hiking also has many health benefits;
- Lower stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced mental well-being.
- A reduced risk for heart disease
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol levels.
- Improved control over healthy weight
- Lower body fat
- Improved bone density
And most of the hikes require small budget and are completed in single day.Here are some of the top hiking destinations near kathmandu;
1. Shivapuri Hiking:
- Start:Kathmandu
- End:Shivapuri
- Height:2563m
- Approx Duration:5 hrs
- Trip Hightlights:Budhanilkantha Temple,Shivapuri conservation area,Nagi Gumpa
Shivapuri is one of the famous and oldest hill located around Kathmandu.Basically ,We walk from Budhanilkantha through the Shivapuri conservation area. It offers magnificient view of the mountain ranges all the year through.Varied wildlife and plant species are also conserved around the area.The spring water tap, adorned with metal carvings of a tiger called as Bagdhwar, is extremely cold even during the summer, and at winter, it reaches freezingly cold points.
2.Kakani Hiking:
- Start:Kathmandu
- End:Kakani
- Height:1990m
- Approx Duration:4-5 hrs
- Trip Highlights:Beautiful view of Langtang range, Shisha Pangma range, Annapurna range, Gaurishanker Himal and Manaslu.Hill covered with colorful rhododendron.
Kakani lies 26 kilometers northeast to Kathmandu valley. It is a very beautiful place that offers outstanding views of mountains and hills.Even night stayis very cheaper at the local areas.
3.Sundarijal-Chisapani Hiking:
- Start:Budhanilkantha
- End:Sundarijal
- Height:1500m
- Approx Duration:7hrs
- Trip Highlights:Waterfall,Canyoning,Views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal and Gaurishankar Himal ranges
Sundarijal is 15 kilometers northeast of the Kathmandu valley. It is taken as a gateway for many hikers going towards Chisapani.Mind-blowing views of the waterfall, hilly ridges, and water reservoir sites are the center part of this hiking routes to chispani from sundarijal.
4.Namo Buddha Hiking:
- Start:Kathmandu
- End:Namo Buddha
- Height:1800m
- Approx Duration:5 hrs
- Trip Highlights: Holy Stupas and shrines,Beautiful town Panauti and Suspension bridge,Riverbanks and dense forest
It is located 38 km east of Kathmandu.lNamo Buddha, a very beautiful Buddhist monastery is at the height of 1800 m. Hiking to Namobudha is easy and entertaining at the same time. Also monasteries including Namo Buddha, Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, and the Brahmayani Temple can be visited during the hike.
5.Nagarjuna Jamacho Hike:
- Start:Kathmandu
- End:Shivapuri
- Height:2,128 m
- Approx Duration:4 hrs
- Trip Highlights:The beautiful vistas of Manaslu, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, and Ganesh slowly emerge on the skyline,Nagarjuna forest or Rani Ban (Queen’s Forest)
A motor ride leads up straight to the Jamacho Stupa, which usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It will take your through the dense Nagarjuna forest or Rani Ban (Queen’s Forest), and through steep paths lined with stony steps.At Jamacho Stupa (2,128 m), you will be greeted by the sight of monks praying, the smell of incense, and the fluttering of prayer flags.
6.Amitabha Monastery Hiking:
- Start:Swayambhu
- End:Amitabha Monastery
- Height:1500m
- Approx Duration:4-5 hrs
- Trip Highlights:Swayambhu Stupa,Beautiful view of Kathmandu Valley and White Gumba
Also known as Seto Gumba,the hiking will provide one of the best and beautiful view of the kathmandu valley.Surrounded by green villages.People can view many avatars of Buddha inside the stupa. Everest and Langtang Himalayan range can also be seen from Namobuddha.Thick forests of Rhododendron bushes, Mongolia and Sal trees covers the hillsides.
7.Pulchowki Hiking:
- Start:Kathmandu
- End:Godhavari
- Height:2782 m
- Approx Duration:6.5 to 7 hours
- Trip Hightlights:Sub-Tropical forest and vegetation, views of Annapurna and Gaurishankar mountains,Changunarayan temple,
Pulchowki is the highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley.Beauty of vegetation, botanical garden, and experience an exciting hike. Hiking in the winter season can be fun, as you can also experience snowfall.Varieties of birds and historical places can be seen during the hike.