Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. It is a cultural and economic hub, with a rich history and diverse population. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Kathmandu is known for its stunning temples and shrines, vibrant street life, and delicious cuisine. It is a popular destination for tourists and backpackers, who come to explore its many attractions and experience the unique culture of Nepal.

1. Nagarjun Hill

This short but steep hike takes you to the top of Nagarjun Hill, which offers stunning views of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan range. The trail starts from the Sundarijal bus stop and takes about two hours to reach the summit.

Nagarjun Hill is actually located about 15 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu, and the trail to the summit starts from the Nagarjun Forest Reserve.

How to get to Nagarjun Hill?

To get to the Nagarjun Forest Reserve, you can follow these steps:

1. From Kathmandu, take a bus or a taxi to the Nagarjun bus stop. You can also hire a private vehicle or take a shared taxi from the Old Bus Park in Kathmandu.
2. From the Nagarjun bus stop, follow the trail that starts near the gate of the Nagarjun Forest Reserve. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
3. The hike to the top of Nagarjun Hill is a moderate to challenging hike that takes about 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the route you take. The trail is steep in some places and can be slippery, so it’s important to be in the good physical condition and to wear proper footwear.
4. It’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks for the hike and to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. It’s also a good idea to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
5. At the top of the hill, you’ll find a small temple and a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan range.
6. When you’re ready to return, simply retrace your steps back down the trail to the Nagarjun bus stop.

Expert Guide Suggestion

It’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks for the hike and to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. It’s also a good idea to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

2. Phulchowki Hill

Phulchowki hill is located about 20 kilometers south of Kathmandu. Phulchowki Hill is the highest peak in the Kathmandu valley and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail starts from the Godavari village and takes about four hours to reach the summit.

How to get to Phulchowki Hill?

To get to Phulchowki Hill, you can follow these steps:

1. From Kathmandu, take a bus or a taxi to the Godavari village. You can also hire a private vehicle or take a shared taxi from the Old Bus Park in Kathmandu.
2. From the Godavari village, follow the trail that starts near the Godavari Botanical Garden. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
3. The hike to the top of Phulchowki Hill takes about 4 hours approx. The trail is steep in some places, so be prepared for a moderate level of difficulty.
4. At the top of the hill, you’ll find a small temple and a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan range.
5. When you’re ready to return, simply retrace your steps back down the trail to the Godavari village.

It’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks for the hike and to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. It’s also a good idea to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

3. Shivapuri National Park

Located just north of Kathmandu, Shivapuri National Park is home to a variety of wildlife and offers several day hikes ranging from easy to strenuous. The park is also home to several holy sites, including the Buddhist stupa of Budhanilkantha

How to get to Shivapuri National Park

To get to Shivapuri National Park from Kathmandu, you can follow these steps:

1. From Kathmandu, take a local bus or taxi to the suburb of Budhanilkantha.
2. From Budhanilkantha, you can catch walk to the entrance gate. The hiking distance from Budhanilkantha to the park gate will take around 15 min.
3. Alternatively, you can also hire a private car or join a tour to visit the park. Many tour companies in Kathmandu offer guided tours to Shivapuri National Park.

Note that the park is closed on Tuesdays. It is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on other days. It is recommended to arrive at the park early in the morning to avoid crowds and to have the best chance of seeing wildlife

4. Nagarkot

Nagarkot is the best hill station in Nepal located approximately 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest, and its peaceful and scenic setting. Nagarkot is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy the fresh mountain air, beautiful nature, and various outdoor activities. Some popular activities in Nagarkot include hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching.

Nagarkot is a popular day hike that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. The trail starts from the Nagarkot bus stop and takes about three hours to reach the summit.

How to get Nagarkot?

To get to Nagarkot from Kathmandu, Nepal, you can follow these steps:

1. From Kathmandu, take a local bus or hire a taxi to travel to Nagarkot. The journey from Kathmandu to Nagarkot takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions.
2. Local buses to Nagarkot depart from the Old Bus Park in Kathmandu, and the journey takes approximately 1-2 hours. You can also hire a taxi to take you to Nagarkot, which will take around 1 hour depending on traffic conditions.
3. Alternatively, you can also join a tour or hire a private car to visit Nagarkot. Many tour companies in Kathmandu offer guided tours to Nagarkot and other destinations in the surrounding area.

It is recommended to plan your trip to Nagarkot in advance and to allow enough time for the journey from Kathmandu. It is also a good idea to check the weather forecast and to bring appropriate clothing and gear for the mountain climate.

5. Chisapani

Chisapani is a small village located in the Nuwakot District of Nepal, about 75 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 2,194 meters and is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Annapurna and Mount Dhaulagiri. Chisapani is a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers, who come to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, and various outdoor activities.

The day hike to Chisapani takes you through lush forests and offers stunning views of the Himalayan range.

How to get Chisapani?

To get to Chisapani from Sundarijal, you can follow these steps:

1. From Sundarijal, you can hire a taxi or join a guided tour to take you to Chisapani. The journey from Sundarijal to Chisapani takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and the route taken.
2. Alternatively, you can also opt to walk or hire a mountain bike to travel from Sundarijal to Chisapani. The distance from Sundarijal to Chisapani is approximately 22 kilometers, and the journey takes around 5-6 hours on foot or 2-3 hours by mountain bike.

It is recommended to plan your trip to Chisapani in advance and to allow enough time for the journey from Sundarijal. It is also a good idea to check the weather forecast and to bring appropriate clothing and gear for the mountain climate.

You may be interested in :

• TOP 5 ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS FOR DATING AROUND KATHMANDU
• 10 BEST TREKS IN NEPAL

6. Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is a town located in the Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal, about 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 1,550 meters and is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest, and its peaceful and scenic setting. Dhulikhel is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy the fresh mountain air, beautiful nature, and various outdoor activities.

Dhulikhel is a small town that offers several day hikes through lush forests and along terraced fields. The town is also home to several temples and monasteries.

How to get Dhulikhel

To get to Dhulikhel from Kathmandu, you can follow these steps:

1. From Kathmandu, take a local bus or hire a taxi to travel to Dhulikhel. The journey from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions.
2. Local buses to Dhulikhel depart from the Old Bus Park in Kathmandu, and the journey takes approximately 1-2 hours. You can also hire a taxi to take you to Dhulikhel, which will take around 1 hour depending on traffic conditions.
3. Alternatively, you can also join a tour or hire a private car to visit Dhulikhel. Many tour companies in Kathmandu offer guided tours to Dhulikhel and other destinations in the surrounding area.

It is recommended to plan your trip to Dhulikhel in advance and to allow enough time for the journey from Kathmandu. It is also a good idea to check the weather forecast and to bring appropriate clothing and gear for the mountain climate.

7. Sundarijal

Sundarijal is a village located in the Kathmandu District of Nepal, about 15 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 1,463 meters and is known for its natural beauty, including the Sundarijal Waterfall and the Mulkharka Reservoir. Sundarijal is a popular destination for hikers, who come to explore the many trails in the surrounding area.

Sundarijal is a popular day hike that takes you through lush forests and along the banks of the Bagmati river. The trail starts from the Sundarijal bus stop and takes about three hours to reach the summit.

How to get Sundarijal?

To get to Sundarijal from Kathmandu, you can follow these steps:

1. From Kathmandu, take a local bus or hire a taxi to travel to Sundarijal. The journey from Kathmandu to Sundarijal takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions.
2. Local buses to Sundarijal depart from the Old Bus Park in Kathmandu, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can also hire a taxi to take you to Sundarijal, which will take around 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
3. Alternatively, you can also join a tour or hire a private car to visit Sundarijal. Many tour companies in Kathmandu offer guided tours to Sundarijal and other destinations in the surrounding area.

8. Daman

Daman is a small town located in the Makwanpur District of Nepal, about 80 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters and is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest. Daman is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. They come to enjoy the fresh mountain air, beautiful nature, and various outdoor activities. The day hike to Daman takes you through lush forests and along terraced fields.

How to get Daman?

To get to Daman from Kathmandu, you can follow these steps:

1. From Kathmandu, take a local bus or hire a taxi to travel to Daman. The journey from Kathmandu to Daman takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions.
2. Local buses to Daman depart from the Old Bus Park in Kathmandu, and the journey takes approximately 3-4 hours. You can also hire a taxi to take you to Daman, which will take around 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
3. Alternatively, you can also join a tour or hire a private car to visit Daman. Many tour companies in Kathmandu offer guided tours to Daman and other destinations in the surrounding area.

9. Namobuddha

Namobuddha is a small village located in the Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal, about 40 kilometers east of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 1,717 meters and is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and its cultural and religious significance. Namobuddha is home to a beautiful stupa and monastery, which is believed to be the place where the historical Buddha, Prince Siddhartha, offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs. The village is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims, who come to visit the stupa and monastery .

How to get Namobuddha?

To get to Namobuddha from Kathmandu, you can follow these steps:

1. From Kathmandu, take a local bus or hire a taxi to travel to Namobuddha. The journey from Kathmandu to Namobuddha takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions.
2. Local buses to Namobuddha depart from the Old Bus Park in Kathmandu, and the journey takes approximately 1-2 hours. You can also hire a taxi to take you to Namobuddha, which will take around 1 hour depending on traffic conditions.
3. Alternatively, you can also join a tour or hire a private car to visit Namobuddha. Many tour companies in Kathmandu offer guided tours to Namobuddha and other destinations in the surrounding area.

10. Kakani

Kakani is a small town located in the Nuwakot District of Nepal, about 30 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 2,075 meters and is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Annapurna, and its peaceful and scenic setting. Kakani is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy the fresh mountain air, beautiful nature, and various outdoor activities.

To get to Kakani from Kathmandu, you can follow these steps:

Take a taxi or bus from Kathmandu: From any location in Kathmandu, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach Kakani. The journey by taxi will take about 1 hour, depending on traffic, and costs around NPR 1500 (about USD 13). Local buses are also available from the Old Bus Park in Kathmandu and cost around NPR 50 (about USD 0.45).

Hire a private vehicle: If you prefer a more convenient and comfortable journey, you can hire a private vehicle, such as a car or a van, to take you to Kakani. This option may be more expensive than a taxi or bus, but it allows you to travel at your own pace and schedule.

Once you reach Kakani, you can explore the local attractions, such as the Kakani Veterans Peace Park, the Gurkha Memorial Museum, and the Kakani Country Resort. You can also enjoy some of the popular activities in the area, such as trekking and birdwatching.

It is important to note that the road to Kakani is winding and narrow, and the journey can be quite bumpy. You may also encounter some traffic and delays, especially on weekends and holidays. It is a good idea to allow ample time for the journey and to bring some snacks and water to keep you hydrated and energized.

These are just a few of the many day hikes that are available near Kathmandu. Whether you’re looking for a short and easy hike or a more challenging and strenuous one, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region.