Nepal is well known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning mountains that surrounds the valley. The Himalayan country has been one of the appealing destinations in the world for keen hikers who are interested in exploring the hidden hiking trails of Nepal. Hiking allows one to experience what the hills, mountains regions of Nepal has to offer. Despite the reputation of having ‘ World Class Trekking Trails ‘, hiking in Nepal is a leisurely and relatively relaxing trip that would give people a chance to discover and experience everything along the terrains of Nepal.
There are standard hiking trails that are used regularly as Nepal Hiking Tours. However, the trails may differ in difficulty level for hikers who want more challenging trails. Either way, Nepal hiking tours are ideal for individuals or groups of individuals who are in Nepal for a limited amount of time. Hiking tours of Nepal are known to last for only half a day, a day at or two days at most. Families can enjoy some of the easier Nepal hiking tour packages which allows them to experience the nature, culture and tradition of the local Nepalese people. Following are some of the most popular hiking sites of Nepal. Each destination has the strong-uphold of the ancient culture and tradition. Mind capturing views of world’s towering mountains and experience the local living standard of Nepalese people.
KAKANI: Kakani is situated in Nuwakot district of Bagmati zone – central Nepal. Kakani is one of the best hiking places near Kathmandu. From Kathmandu we drive north along the zigzag hilly roads, and it will take around one hours’ drive to reach Kakani. Once we arrive at Kakani we are rewarded with priceless views of the chains of high mountains including the ranges between Mt. Annapurna- Mt. Everest, Mt. Manaslu, Gauri Shankar Himal, Dorje Lakpa Peak, Mt. Shishapangma – across the Tibetan and several more beautiful mountains on a clear day.
NAGARKOT: Nagarkot is one of the most favorite attraction destinations for both local Nepalese and for foreigners. Situated in the southeast of the Annapurna valley is at an elevation of about 1800 meters above the sea level. Nagarkot is basically a hill station from where one can enjoy magnificent sunrise and sunset view over Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Lantang Himalayan ranges of Nepal. Hiking around Nagarkot surely offers the unbelievably great views of the high mountains, beautiful valleys and allows one to explore the region while interacting with the local people.
PHULCHOKI: Phulchoki hill is located at 2830 meters and is known as the highest among the hills that surrounds Kathmandu valley. From Kathmandu we drive south towards Godawari which is approximately 45 minutes drive. Our hike starts from Godawari and ascend all the way to the top of Phulchoki hill which is about 3 hours of hiking. The area is filled with dense forest of rhododendron and oak trees, beautiful wild flowers such as Roses, Yellow Jasmine, Iris and many more. From the top we can enjoy amazing views of high snowcapped mountains and the crowded valley of Kathmandu. For hikers with interest in nature and wildlife, Phulchoki Hiking is the right option.
CHAMPADEVI: Champadevi is another high hill that surrounds Kathmandu valley. The hill stands south-west of Kathmandu. An hours’ drive will leads us to Pharping – a typical Newar town and the starting point of the hike. An ascend of about three hours will lead us to the top of Champadevi hill. From the top we will enjoy the breathtaking views the chains of high mountains including Ganesh Himal and Gauri Sankar. After exploration at the hilltop, a descend journey of two hours will bring us to an ancient town of Kirtipur. Short excursion around Kirtipur and then drive back to Kathmandu.
NAGARJUN: Located north of Kathmandu Nagarjun is another attraction destination for doing a good day hike. Leaving Kathmandu we drive on the road towards Trisuli Bazaar. After 2 hours hike we will reach Nagarjun Hill which is a part of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. This protected forest is one of the last undamaged areas of woodland in the valley, providing a home for pheasants, deer and monkeys. An ascending hike leads us to a popular Buddhist Pilgrimage site and a small shrine of Padmasambhava. The viewpoint at the top of the hill at 2096 meters offers extremely stunning views of high mountains stretching all the way from Annapurna to Langtang Lirung, and numerous other mountains in between.
DHULIKHEL: Dhulikhel is an ancient Newari settlement and is located about 32 kilometers north-east of Kathmandu. Starts with a drive of about 35 minutes to Banepa. A short excursion around Panauti – an ancient riverside town with inns and religious sites (Indreshwor Mahadev Temple, Bhairab Temple and others). We will spend our day exploring around Dhulikhel. As a matter of fact Newar – ethnic tribe communities, has been practicing and preserving their culture and tradition. For those who seek to understand the culture of Newar community, witness beautiful nature as well as stunning views of snow covered mountains – Dhulikhel hiking is the right choice.
DAMAN: Daman is one of the best and popular attraction destinations nearby Kathmandu city. Located about 80 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu, Daman lies at an altitude of around 2300 meters above the sea level. Hiking around Daman offers striking views of Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorjelakpa, Gaurishankar, Cho Oyu and other snow topped mountains. From the village we will hike one hour south on the trail that heads through the forest to a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva – Shree Rikheshwor Mahadev Mandir. Nearby lies a gompa which is worth visiting while we’re at Daman.
POKHARA: Pokhara is a beautiful town set on the banks of the Fewa Lake. Pokhara is tourist’s paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu. Drive 203 kilometers west of Kathmandu, over Prithivi Highway along with the beautiful river scenery towards Pokhara. The combination of snow covered peaks, snow fed lakes and a river has a major contribution to make the Pokhara valley one of the most picturesque natural attractions of Nepal. Boating at Fewa Lake is a must for all Pokhara visitors. Adventure related sports such as Paragliding, Rafting, Zip Flyer, Bungy Jumping and others can be done here. So, Pokhara is definitely worth spending quality time.
SARANGKOT: Situated west of Pokhara, Sarangkot viewpoint lies at an elevation of about 1700 meters above sea level. From here one can enjoy views of stunning Himalayan peaks, ranging from Dhaulagiri – the holy (Fish-Tail) Mountain or Machhapuchre – Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal to the east. The viewpoint is well known for its amazing sunrise and sunset view over the chains of high mountains. From the top incredible view of Pokhara valley with all its natural wonders can be seen. From Sarangkot we will make an hour’s hike heading west to reach a ruined fort of ‘Kashikot’ – lies at 1788 meters altitude above the sea level. Along the trail we will have great views of surrounding mountains and valleys as we appear on top of a dramatic viewpoint.
GORKHA: Gorkha is the ancient capital of Nepal. Situated in the western part of Nepal – the main attraction at Gorkha is the Royal Palace that was built around 16th century. King Prithivi Narayan Shah was from Gorkha. He united several small states and unified them to make a single country – Nepal. So, obviously Gorkha is renowned as one of the important attraction destination from various aspects such as historical, cultural, traditional, spiritual etc. An hour’s hike to Gorkha Durbar is rewarded with views of three mountain ranges of Nepal – Manaslu , Annapurna and Ganesh Himal along with several snow capped peaks. One also gets a chance to experience and interact with local people from various ethnic background and unique cultures.