Kathmandu sits in a bowl, ringed by forested hills that rise to around 2,000–2,700 m. On a clear day, the Himalaya appears above them from Langtang to Everest. Climb out of the noise and dust of the city onto that rim, and within an hour or two you are walking through oak and rhododendron forest, past terraced villages and monasteries, with views back over the whole valley and, if you're lucky, a line of snow peaks on the northern horizon.
Day hikes are a great way to fill a free day in Kathmandu, to get your legs working before a trek, or to see the valley if you don't have time for a longer trip. Here are our favourites.
Quick answer: the best day hikes from Kathmandu are Shivapuri and Nagi Gompa (forest and monastery, north of the city), Nagarkot to Changunarayan (Himalayan views and a UNESCO temple), Champadevi (south-west rim), Chandragiri (by cable car or on foot), Jamacho in Nagarjun forest, and Namo Buddha to Dhulikhel. Most take 3–6 hours of walking. The clearest views are from October to March.
Kathmandu day hikes at a glance
| Hike | Highest point | Walking time | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nagi Gompa (Shivapuri) | About 2,300 m | 3–4 hours return | Moderate | Nunnery, forest, valley views |
| Shivapuri Peak | 2,732 m | 6–7 hours return | Strenuous | Highest point on the rim, mountain views |
| Nagarkot to Changunarayan | About 2,175 m | 3–4 hours (mostly downhill) | Easy to moderate | Himalayan sunrise, UNESCO temple |
| Champadevi | About 2,280 m | 4–5 hours return | Moderate | Quiet forest, valley and mountain views |
| Chandragiri | About 2,550 m | Cable car, or 3–4 hours up on foot | Easy (cable car) | Panoramic views, temple |
| Jamacho (Nagarjun) | About 2,100 m | 4–5 hours return | Moderate | Forest, stupa, close to Thamel |
| Namo Buddha to Dhulikhel | About 1,750 m | 3–4 hours | Easy to moderate | Monastery, villages, views |
Shivapuri and Nagi Gompa
The forested ridge north of Kathmandu is protected as Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which also supplies much of the city's drinking water. The most popular hike starts at Budhanilkantha, home to a huge stone statue of Vishnu lying on a bed of serpents in a pool, and climbs through the park gate on a stone staircase and forest path to Nagi Gompa, a peaceful Buddhist nunnery at about 2,300 m. On a clear morning you get views of the valley below and the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges to the north.
Strong walkers can continue up to Shivapuri Peak (2,732 m), the highest point on the valley rim, passing the small Baghdwar spring, the source of the Bagmati River. Allow a full day. There is a national park entry fee for foreigners.
Nagarkot to Changunarayan
This is the classic valley hike, and the one we recommend most. Nagarkot, on the eastern rim at around 2,175 m, is famous for its sunrise view, stretching on clear days from Annapurna and Manaslu to Langtang and the Everest region. After sunrise, the trail drops gently along the ridge through pine forest and Tamang and Newar villages to Telkot, then follows the ridge to Changunarayan.
Changunarayan temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is thought to be the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley. A stone inscription in its courtyard dates from the 5th century, and the temple is part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring, drive down to Bhaktapur for lunch or straight back to Kathmandu. Our Nagarkot–Changunarayan day hike includes transport and a guide, and our Nagarkot and Dhulikhel guide has more ideas.
Champadevi
Champadevi rises on the south-western rim of the valley, above the Newar town of Pharping. A path climbs from Hattiban or Pharping through pine and oak forest to a small shrine and stupa on top, at around 2,280 m. It is a quiet hike, popular with locals at weekends, with views over the valley and, on clear days, a long stretch of the Himalaya. Combine it with a visit to Pharping's monasteries and the Dakshinkali temple.
Chandragiri
Chandragiri is a hill on the south-western rim at about 2,550 m. Since 2016 a modern cable car has carried visitors from Thankot to the top in around 10 minutes, where there is a temple to Bhaleshwor Mahadev, viewing decks and a resort. The views stretch from the valley to the Himalaya, from Annapurna to Everest on a clear day. It is easy and family-friendly, but it can be busy at weekends. Fit walkers can hike up through the forest (3–4 hours) and take the cable car down.
Jamacho and Nagarjun forest
The Nagarjun section of the national park lies just north-west of the city, only about 20 minutes' drive from Thamel. A long, forested road and steeper footpaths lead up to Jamacho, a hilltop at about 2,100 m with a Buddhist stupa and a viewing tower. Monkeys, deer and many birds live in the forest. It's a good hike if you have half a day and want to stay close to the city. There is a park entry fee.
Namo Buddha to Dhulikhel
East of the valley, beyond Bhaktapur, Namo Buddha is a hilltop monastery and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. According to legend, a prince who would become the Buddha in a later life offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs here. From the monastery a lovely trail leads through terraced farmland and villages to Dhulikhel, a Newar town with Himalayan views. Many walkers combine this with a night in Dhulikhel or Namo Buddha's monastery guesthouse.
Best time for day hikes
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| October–November | Best: clear skies and dry trails |
| December–February | Very clear, cold mornings; excellent views |
| March–May | Warm, rhododendrons in bloom, more haze |
| June–September | Monsoon: muddy, leeches, mountains usually hidden |
Start early: views are clearest in the morning, and cloud often builds by midday.
Practical tips
- Go with a guide for the forest hikes in the national park. Trails split often, and it is safer not to hike alone.
- Bring water and snacks; there are few shops on the forest sections.
- Wear proper shoes: trails can be steep, rocky or muddy.
- Pay park fees at the entrance to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
- Use transport smartly: arrange a car to drop you at the start and collect you at the end, or use Pathao or inDrive.
- Check the weather: on hazy days you may not see the mountains, but the forests and villages are still worth it.
Day hikes as trek preparation
If you have a day or two in Kathmandu before your trek, a valley hike is a great way to test your boots, check your daypack and get used to walking uphill at altitude. Hikes like Shivapuri give you real climbs. Just don't overdo it the day before a long trek. More training advice in our training guide.
Want more than a day?
If you have two to four days, try the Chisapani–Nagarkot trek along the northern rim, or the Helambu trek, which starts on foot from the edge of the city. See also our best short treks. Contact us and we'll arrange a guide and transport for any of these hikes.