Popular One-Day Hiking Options from Kathmandu
Active
4h - 10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Kathmandu Valley offers a wide range of scenic one-day hiking experiences, perfect for travelers who want to explore nature, culture, and Himalayan landscapes without long treks. These hikes can be comfortably completed in a single day and are ideal for beginners to moderate hikers. Some routes feature breathtaking sunrise or sunset views, while others pass through forests, villages, and sacred sites.
All tours listed below are private, fully guided, and can be customized based on your pace and interests. We start all these hikes picking you up from your hotel and dropping you back after completion of the hike.
Key Highlights:
✔ Private, flexible one-day hiking tours
✔ Professional English-speaking hiking guide
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ Private transportation
✔ All government taxes and service charges
✔ Suitable for beginners to moderate hikers
✔ Stunning views, nature, culture, or sunrise/sunset options
Itinerary shown here is just an idea, actual shall be different during hike.
Available options
Shivapuri Peak Hike (2,732 m)
Flora/Fauna & Mountains View : The trail winds through a protected national park rich in flora, fauna and you can enjoy panoramic mountain vistas on hike<br/>Duration: 7 hours: Duration: 6–7 hours<br/>Inside Shivapuri National Park: This hike takes you to Shivapuri Peak (2,732 m), the second-highest point around Kathmandu Valley.<br/>Pickup included
Dhulikhel -Namobuddha Hike
Dhulikhel Sunrise Hike : This scenic hike begins with a sunrise (Optional) view from Dhulikhel, followed by a peaceful walk to Namobuddha.<br/>Duration: 7 hours: Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Culture, sunrise views, spiritual experience<br/>Dhulikhel to Namobuddha : Hike through hills, terraced fields & villages to the sacred Namo Buddha Monastery, one of Nepal’s Buddhist pilgrimage sites.<br/>Participate on Day Prayers: You can participate with daily prayers with monks at the Monastery. <br/>Pickup included
Champadevi Hike
Champadevi Hike: Champadevi is a sacred hill south of Kathmandu, popular among locals and hikers.<br/>Duration: 6 hours: Duration: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Spiritual hike, fitness walk, local experience<br/>Champadevi Route : The trail passes thru forests & stone steps to the Champadevi, offering panoramic valley views and a peaceful atmosphere. <br/>Pickup included
Jamacho Nagarjun Hill Hike
Duration: 6 hours: Duration: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Nature lovers, short forest hikes<br/>Inside Shivapuri Nagarjun Park: Jamacho Hill is one of the closest forest hikes from Kathmandu, offering a peaceful escape into nature. <br/>Nature, Culture and Adventure : The trail passes through dense pine and rhododendron forests and leads to Jamacho Gumba at the hilltop.<br/>Pickup included
Suryachaur- Kakani Sunset Hike
Suryachaur- Kakani with Sunset: Countryside hike leading to Suryachaur & Kakani, famous for open grasslands and spectacular sunset views over the Himalayas. <br/>Duration: 7 hours: Duration: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Sunset lovers, photography, relaxed hiking<br/>Experience Rural Nepal : The trail passes through villages and farmland, offering a glimpse of rural life near Kathmandu.<br/>Pickup included
Phulchoki Hill Hike ( 2,791 m)
Phulchoki Hike ( 2,791 m): Phulchoki (2,762 m) is the highest hill surrounding Kathmandu Valley and a paradise for nature lovers.<br/>Duration: 7 hours: Duration: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Nature, botany, panoramic views<br/>Highest Hill around Kathmandu : Trail goes through lush forests, especially beautiful during spring (rhododendrons bloom), Enjoy Himalayan ranges from top. <br/>Pickup included
What's included
Entry Fees and Government Taxes
Experienced & Certified Guide
Private Transportation
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is the ninth national park in Nepal and was established in 2002. It is located in the country's mid-hills on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu Valley and named after Shivapuri Peak of 2,732 m altitude.
2
Jamacho (1,966 m) is a wonderful place for Hiking & Running near Kathmandu. Jamacho Gumba lies at the top of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It goes through the wilderness of the woods that is protected by the Nepalese army. From the top, you can enjoy the views of the Himalayan ranges, especially that of Langtang and Everest Himalaya, and of Kathmandu valley.
3
This hill is connected to Shivapuri National Park. While hiking on this hill, you will pass through, a dense
forest of bamboo, oak, rhododendron, pine, and many more plants. This hike is perfect for bird watchers
and also if you’re lucky you can witness some wild animals including wild boar, leopard, jungle cats, and
monkeys.
4
Shivapuri Peak Hike (National Park)
This hike takes you to Shivapuri Peak (2,732 m), the second-highest point around Kathmandu Valley. The trail winds through a protected national park rich in flora, fauna, and birdlife. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and the valley below.
Duration: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Active hikers, mountain views, nature experience
5
Suryachaur – Kakani Sunset Hike
A beautiful countryside hike leading to Suryachaur and Kakani, famous for open grasslands and spectacular sunset views over the Himalayas. The trail passes through villages and farmland, offering a glimpse of rural life near Kathmandu.
Duration: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Sunset lovers, photography, relaxed hiking
6
Dhulikhel Sunrise Hike to Namo Buddha
This scenic hike begins with a sunrise view from Dhulikhel, followed by a peaceful walk through hills, terraced fields, and villages to the sacred Namo Buddha Monastery—one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Duration: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Culture, sunrise views, spiritual experience
7
Stop 7
Nagarkot Sunrise Hike to Changu Narayan
One of the most popular one-day hikes in Kathmandu Valley. Start early to enjoy a sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot, then hike downhill through forests and villages to Changu Narayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Duration: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: First-time visitors, sunrise, culture & nature
8
Champadevi Hike
Champadevi is a sacred hill south of Kathmandu, popular among locals and hikers. The trail passes through forest paths and stone steps to the Champadevi shrine, offering panoramic valley views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Duration: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Spiritual hike, fitness walk, local experience
9
Phulchoki Hill Hike (Highest Hill around Kathmandu)
Phulchoki (2,762 m) is the highest hill surrounding Kathmandu Valley and a paradise for nature lovers. The trail runs through lush forests, especially beautiful during spring when rhododendrons bloom. From the top, enjoy wide Himalayan and valley views.
Duration: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Nature, botany, panoramic views
What's not included
Food & Drinks
Nepal Entry Visa & International Air Flight
Accommodation & Personal Expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
HI
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
About Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a vibrant blend of ancient history, rich culture, and stunning Himalayan scenery. Known as the 'City of Temples,' it's home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. The city offers a unique mix of traditional Newari architecture, bustling markets, and modern urban life.
Top Attractions
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
One of the most iconic landmarks in Kathmandu, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. It's also home to many monkeys, hence the nickname.
Religious/Historical
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Pashupatinath Temple
One of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, it's a major pilgrimage site with a lively atmosphere, especially during festivals.
Religious
2-3 hours
Free for Hindus, NPR 1000 (USD 8) for non-Hindus
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath is a major center for Tibetan Buddhism. The surrounding area is filled with monasteries, shops, and cafes, creating a vibrant cultural hub.
Religious/Historical
2-3 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Kathmandu Durbar Square
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic square is the heart of the old city and features ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards. It's a living museum showcasing the city's rich history and Newari architecture.
Historical/Architectural
1-2 hours
NPR 1000 (USD 8) for foreigners
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Located in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a well-preserved example of Newari architecture. It features beautiful temples, palaces, and courtyards, offering a glimpse into Nepal's royal history.
Historical/Architectural
Half-day trip
NPR 1500 (USD 12) for foreigners
Must-Try Local Dishes
Dal Bhat
A staple meal consisting of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), and vegetable curry (tarkari). Often served with pickles, salad, and sometimes meat.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian (can be made vegan by omitting ghee)
Momo
Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat (buffalo, chicken, or pork) or vegetables, served with a spicy tomato-based sauce.
Snack/Appetizer
Vegetarian options available, can be made vegan
Sel Roti
A sweet, ring-shaped fried bread made from rice flour, sugar, and water, often served during festivals and celebrations.
Snack/Dessert
Vegetarian (may contain eggs in some recipes)
Gundruk
A fermented leafy green vegetable, often cooked with spices and served as a side dish or added to soups and stews.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free
Popular Activities
Trekking
Mountain biking
Paragliding
Rafting
Yoga and meditation retreats
Spa treatments
Café hopping
Gardening
Best Time to Visit
October to November and March to April
These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and excellent visibility for trekking and sightseeing. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.
20-30°C (68-86°F)
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Nepali
- Widely spoken: English, Hindi, Newari, Maithili, Bhojpuri
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Time Zone
Nepal Standard Time (NPT, UTC+5:45)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Kathmandu is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime, scams, and pickpocketing can occur, especially in tourist areas and crowded markets. Be cautious of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable tour operators and trekking agencies
- • Insist on using the meter when taking taxis
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
Getting there
By air
- Tribhuvan International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center
By bus
Galkopul, Kalanki
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport, but they can be crowded and slow. Microbuses are smaller and more frequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Pathao, InDriver
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Thamel
Boudha
Patan (Lalitpur)
Bhaktapur
Day trips
Nagarkot
32 km (20 miles) from Kathmandu • Half-day to full-day trip
A picturesque hill station known for its stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on clear days. Nagarkot is also famous for its sunrise and sunset views.
Dhulikhel
30 km (19 miles) from Kathmandu • Half-day to full-day trip
A charming Newari town offering beautiful views of the Himalayas and historic temples. Dhulikhel is less touristy than Nagarkot but equally scenic.
Changunarayan
18 km (11 miles) from Kathmandu • Half-day trip
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Changunarayan is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley and is known for its intricate stone and wood carvings.
Festivals
Dashain • September/October (dates vary each year)
Tihar • October/November (dates vary each year)
Indra Jatra • September (dates vary each year)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Nepali phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
- Hire a local guide or join a group tour for a more immersive and informative experience, especially when visiting temples and historical sites
- Carry small denominations of Nepalese Rupees for small purchases and tips, as change may be limited
- Be prepared for power outages and slow internet, especially during peak hours and in rural areas
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as the high altitude and intense sunlight can cause dehydration and sunburn
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
