Hiking options around the Kathmandu valley

Kathmandu valley and its surrounding areas offer perfect day hikes for those with a desire for hiking or easy trekking in Nepal. The valley offers some excellent short treks and walks just outside the urban sprawl of the city . Without having to go very far, you can experience nature, culture and the traditional way of life in Nepal on these hikes that can be completed in a day .

Champadevi
Hiking to Champadevi is an exhilarating experience. The trail is an opportunity to experience nature and culture at its best.
Starting from Pharping village and rummaging around for the cultural experience of Pharping, you start walking uphill through pine forest. However, the trail is quite steep, the reward is a panoramic view of Taudaha and Kathmandu, when you reach the top. It takes about two to three hours to reach the hilltop. Monsoon may not be the best time to hike, but it sure is the time to relish lush greenery! Visit during September through October for spectacular mountain views.

Getting there:
You can take the bus from Old Bus Park to Pharping, from where your hike starts. Or you can choose to walk from Kirtipur.

Phulchowki
Known as a trekker's paradise, the country boasts of breathtaking trekking options. However, you need not always travel to remote places to experience their glory . Located about 16 km southeast of Kathmandu valley and perched at a height of 2,800 metres, Phulchowki is a threeto four-hour hike from Godavari.

Starting from the invigorating greenery of Godavari, you ascend upward to reach the hilltop. Passing through lush green forest, you can watch different types of birds. When you reach the hilltop, you get to enjoy a surreal view of rolling hills and Kathmandu valley . If you want to enjoy snowfall, visit during winter.

Getting there: You can take a bus from Lagankhel Bus Park. It takes around half an hour by bus to reach Godavari.

Namobuddha
A beautiful monastery located about 38 km east of Kathmandu at an elevation of 1,750 metres, Namobuddha is one of the important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhist in Nepal. Starting from Dhulikhel, you can enjoy panoramic views of the hillside, terraced rice fields and pass through Tamang communities. After a three-hour walk from Dhulikhel, you reach haven of peace and tranquillity. Several stupas and monastery provide a spiritual vibe to the place while you can enjoy a commanding view of the hills.

Getting there: Buses to Dhulikhel ply from Old Bus Park.

Shivapuri
Hill Hiking to Shivapuri takes about four to five hours uphill from Budhanilkhanta. Located at a height of 2,563 metres north from Kathmandu, the trail passes through lush forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Once you enter the main gate of the national park, soothing sound of birds overcome the maddening crowd of the city. Deeper into the forest, you reach Baghdwar, the main source of Bagmati and one of the important holy sites for Hindus. You should walk about half an hour further to reach the hilltop. Since the hike is through the conservation area, there are no shops or restaurants, so do not forget to carry some fast food and water.

Getting there:
You can get transportation to Budhanilkhanta from Sundhara.

source: The Himalayan Times,5 Sep 2013