Hiking

Bhaktapur – Changu Narayan
Walking north from Bhaktapur, turn left at the road leading to Nagarkot to reach the hill – top shrine of Changu Narayan. The walk offers panoramic views of the mountains, terraced fields and the Manohara river. There is also a small village on the eastern side of the temple. You can avoid the same route getting back to Kathmandu by climbing down the northern slope to the road where you can catch a bus.

Champa Devi
Champa Devi hill (altitude 2,247 m, also known as Dhinacho) is situated to the southwest of Kathmandu. A popular way up is from Haatiban on the road to Dakshinkali. The trail takes two – three hours and begins next to the Haatiban Resort car park. The first stretch is a pleasant stroll through pine forests. The final approach is a very steep climb over rock outcroppings. There is a Hindu shrine and a Buddhist stupa on the summit. For the return, you can avoid using the same route by continuing west along the ridge, and climbing down the northern slope to Naikap on the highway to Thankot where you can catch a bus.

Kathmandu – Kulekhani
Follow in the footsteps of the old travelers on this historic trade route. This walking trail was the only way from Kathmandu to India until the Tribhuvan Highway was built in 1956. Head south from the police checkpost at Thankot, and climb over the valley rim at Chandragiri Pass to the village of Chitlang and on to Markhu beside Kulekhani Lake. Overnight at Markhu and visit Kulekhani dam. Return to Kathmandu by bus over the Tribhuvan Highway, or walk east to Pharping where you can catch a bus to Kathmandu.

Nagarjun
Nagarjun hill (altitude 2,096m, also known as Jamacho) is a popular pilgrimage site. The trail begins at the entrance of the protected forest (5km to the northwest of Kathmandu on the way to Kakani from Balaju, bus or taxi). The walk to the top and a number of Himalayan peaks can be had from here. There is a Buddhist stupa and a view tower on the summit. A dirt road (37 km) also winds up the hillside.

Phulchoki
Phulchoki to the southeast of Kathmandu is the highest of the four pilgrimage peaks ringing the valley. The top offers views of the Himalaya to the north and the Terai plains to the south. A Hindu shrine sits amidst a tangle of TV and radio antenna towers. There is an abandoned iron mine about three-fourths of the way up. Its forested slopes are covered with rhododendrons and orchids. The trail (about three hours to the top) begins behind St. Xavier’s School at Godavari (20 km from Kathmandu, bus or taxi). There is also a dirt road up the mountain.

Sankhu- Nagarkot
Head east from the ancient village of Sankhu (16 km to the east of Kathmandu, bus or taxi) passing terraced fields and farm houses to the Himalaya viewing spot of Nagarkot. This route is good for mountain biking too. Nagarkot is 2,175m high. For the return to Kathmandu, you can take a different route by walking south to Banepa via Nala and then catching a bus.

Shivapuri:
The climb to the top of Shivapuri hill, which lies directly to the Langtang & Ganesh Himal, takes about three hours. The path is alternating level walks through forests and steep inclines. The summit of Shivapuri is one of the four pilgrimage peaks on the valley rim. The trail begins behind the shrine of Budhanilkantha. For the return, you can walk along the ridge that descends south to Boudha where transport is available.

Dhapakhel
About 12km from the nearest point, Dhapakhel invites all those who hate the city bustle. Set amid a pristine native sanctuary, the destination gains centerstage on July 28 which is observed as Nag Panchami, the day of the snakes. You can be there by either a taxi or a bus from Sat Dobato in Lagankhel, a Patan neighbourhood.

Ichangu:
It is situated behind Swayambhunath stupa. Merely 11 km and an hours driver is situated the temple of Ichangu Narayan which is known as Narayan of the West. The structure dates back to 5th century and attracts pilgrimags on the full moon day in August.

Balaju - Kakani
23 km from Balaju, Kakani is popular among tourists who love hiking and biking. The route passes through forests, waterfalls and meadows. Restaurants are available too.

Bhaktapur – Dhulikhel
32 km east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is a must for adventure lovers. One can extend the hike to Panauti, three hours from Dhulikhel. A day walk to Namobuddha is also a fun.

Around Kirtipur
6 km south-west of Kathmandu. The distance can be converged on bike. Attraction include Bagh Bhairav and Shiva Parvati temple. Also in the periphery is the temple of Adinath Lokeswore.