HIKING IN NEPAL
Hiking in Nepal is simply walking through the low land of Nepal hills, village or valley and relatively a shorter and easier walking than trekking. Particularly For those visitors who are inexperience in walking up and down on the mountain and who have little time to experience the high mountains of Majestic Himalayas and Nepalese culture they can choose these short and easy hiking trips. We have compiled a list of opportunities for short lowland hiking trip and walking tours in Nepal. Here is not much difference between Hiking and Trekking in Nepal. Hiking is an initial part of trekking and relatively easier that still involve up and down on rural hilly areas below 3000 meters but offers glimpse of High Mountains views, while trekking takes you through the low land village to high Mountain pass up to almost 5, 600 meters. Hills of Nepal are very popular for hiking. Here are some hiking trips that we have described in this page are suited for all age people especially for the family groups and novices
Hiking Routes
Shivpuri Hiking ( Days: 4; Max. Altitude: 2800m; Season: Sep - May)
This hiking begins at Budhanilkantha (northern Kathmandu) with the option end at Nagarkot or Dhulikhel. At Budhanilkantha, you have the chance to see the ancient statue of Lord Vishnu sleeping on a bed of snakes. Spectacular panoramic views of snow capped Himalayan peaks and a magnificent view of the sunset and sunrise, with the magical change of color that they produce on the mountains, will be seen from the slopes of Shivapuri, the second highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley. The valley rim lies between 1800 and 2800m and in spring offers early flowering rhododendrons.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Shivapur Hiking
Day 2: Shivapuri – Dhap
Day 3: Dhap - Nagarkot
Day 4: Nagarkot – transfer back to Kathmandu
Nagarkot Hiking ( Days: 2; Max. Altitude:2175 m ; Seasons: Sep - May)
Nagarkot is a widely enjoyed hill resort. It has been a weekend spot for mountain viewers in quiet and comfort. The sunrise viewed from this hill present you the ever-refreshing memory of the majestic panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges from Dhaulagiri in the west and Mt. Everest in the east. On the way you can observe the historic and cultural town at Sankhu.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Drive at around 09 AM to Sankhu by the private vehicle. Start walking from Sankhu crossing great farming field and local houses and the sacred Hindu River called Salinadi. Walk some 04 hours to Nagarkot where the last part is up. Lunch on the way. Overnight in the Hotel in Nagarkot 2170 m.
Day 2: Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the view of Sunrise over the great Himalayan Ranges including Everest 8848 m. and others as Langtang, Gaurishankar, and Ganesh Himal. Breakfast in the Hotel and then walk down through the village. The walking is amazing in the pine forest. Visit famous and historical Hindu temple Changunarayan (World Heritage Site UNESCO) and drive back to your Hotel.
Dhulikhel Hiking
Dhulikhel (32 Km. northeast) is popular as a Himalayan Viewing Point with Newari settlement. Drive for about 35 minutes to Banepa and visit to nearby Panauti. This is an ancient riverside town of temples and inns. There are number of religious sites to should be visited. Indreshwar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Shiva, Bhairab Temple and the whole tiny city itself are remarkable to be witnessed. Have the pack lunch and after the further exploration drive back to Kathmandu. This hike consists of about 6-7 hours walk.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu - Dhulikhel
Day 2: Dhulikhel - Kathmandu via Bhaktapur
Kakani Hiking
Drive to Kakani (23 Km. northwest) of Kathmandu standing at 2073m. on a ridge for about 01 hour. The tranquility of the surrounding gives you the immense pleasure and the Himalayas like Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Ganesh Himal, Langtang can be viewed from here. Take an easy walk to Gujre which is about 03 hours walk. Have a pack lunch down to Balaju & 10 minutes drive from here will bring you to Kathmandu. This hike consists of about 5-6 hours walk.
Champadevi Hiking
This hike starts with the approximately 01 hour drive to Pharping (south - west) of Kathmandu. Pharping (19 Km.) is the typical Newari town, surprisingly untouched by the swarm of tourists that visit Dakshinkali (separate spot following the same road). Before the 1st Shaha King Prithvi Narayan Shaha, unified Nepal this was another tiny city-state. Walk for about 03 hours to the Champadevi Hill. Have a pack lunch there. The magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley, Kirtipur & others are seen from here.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu - drive to Pharping and walk 3 hours to Champadevi Hill.
Day 2: Drive back to Kathmandu
