Kathmandu or the City of Temples is an oasis offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness with alleys and the city full of ancient temples holding thousands of years of history. This vibrant city is not only a cultural gem steeped in history but is full of the most breathtaking hiking trails, whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual hiker. The capital city has something to offer everyone if you’re seeking a day hike to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Hotel Shambala is cuddled amid the city serving as an ideal base for exploring these stunning trails. These trails are just a short drive from the hotel and each one offers its unique charm and challenges with a thrilling experience. You can even view the lush forests of Shivapuri National Park and its surroundings along with the panoramic views of Nagarkot from the hotel’s rooftop.
In this blog, we will explore the major hiking trails around Kathmandu along with a few tips and tricks for a proper hiking experience. Here, you will find a comprehensive guide on the best trails making the vibrant city a hiker’s dream destination. So, lace up your boots and tag along with us on this journey as we explore some of the most popular places for hiking in Kathmandu.
Top Hiking Places in Kathmandu Near Hotel Shambala
Trail 1: Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations near the capital city offering invigorating trails that start from Budanilkantha and end at Shivapuri Peak. The hike is just 9 kilometers reaching up to 2,732 meters and takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. The starting point Budanilkantha is located just 20 minutes by bus from Hotel Shambala.
From the Budanikantha, you hike for about 30 minutes to the Shivapuri National Park gate. From here, the trail goes through dense forests with moderate difficulty and offers picturesque views of Kathmandu and the nearby Himalayas. On this hike, hikers can experience and enjoy a diverse range of flora and fauna like pine, rhododendron, and oak trees with wildlife sightings of deer, monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
A special tip for hikers planning to visit Shivapuri National Park is to visit during dry seasons i.e. March to May and autumn from September to November for clear weather and the best view. Another tip is to bring enough water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the trail, wear a sturdy pair of hiking shoes, carry insect repellent, and carry light jackets to cover yourself to avoid insect bites and cuts.
Trail 2: Nagarjun Forest Hike
The Nagarjun Forest Hike is an immersive journey through one of Kathmandu’s lush green escapes starting from the Balaju Bypass and concluding at the historic Jamacho Monastery. The trail spans about 8 kilometers and takes 3 to 4 hours to complete reaching an altitude of 2,128 meters. The Balaju Bypass from where the hike begins is just 20 minutes from Hotel Shambala.
The Nagarjun Forest hike is known for its dense woods with a serene environment offering several scenic viewpoints and panoramic views of Kathmandu along the way. The trail is moderately challenging and the highlight of the hike is reaching the Jamacho Monastery from where a breathtaking view of the city can be seen.
A few special tips for the Nagarjun Forests hike is to carry enough water and snacks for the journey. You should carry insect repellent, a light jacket, and wear full-sleeved clothes with sturdy hiking boots. As the trail goes through the dense forests, carrying a map or using a GPS device is advised for first-timers.
Trail 3: Phulchowki Hill
The Phulchowki Hill hiking trail is known for its stunning views and vibrant flora making it one of the most rewarding hikes around Kathmandu. The hike starts at Godavari covering a distance of approximately 12 kilometers round trip, reaching an altitude of 2,762 meters and the hike takes about 5-6 hours to complete.
Godavari is a 45-minute drive from Hotel Shambala. The trail is moderately challenging, with a steady climb offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding Himalayan ranges through dense forests of oak and rhododendrons. You can experience spectacular rhododendron blooms and the hill covered in hues of red, pink, and white during spring from March to April. Another highlight of this trail is bird watching and experiencing the beauty in their habitat.
Some special tips and tricks for this hike are to go during spring or autumn months for clear scenic beauty and the best weather with a chilly breeze and clear skies. Phulchowki Hill hike offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and visiting this place wearing good hiking boots, full-sleeved clothes, and jackets for protection, and carrying enough snacks and water for the trails enhances the experience even further.
Trail 4: Kakani Hiking
The Kakani hiking trail takes about 4-5 hours to complete, with an altitude gain reaching up to 2,732 meters and covering 10 kilometers. The trail offers picturesque views throughout the hike. Its route starts from Kakani, passing through Suryachaur, and ends at Gurje Bhanjyang. The starting point of the hike is about an hour’s drive from Hotel Shambala.
The trail from Kakani to Suryachaur is moderate and passes through dense pine forests and terraced fields. Hikers can witness and experience the stunning views of the Ganesh Himal range and Langtang range on a clear day. As you hike to Gurje Bhanjyang, you can witness panoramic views of Kathmandu city and the surrounding hills and Himalayas.
The best time to visit this place is during spring or autumn when the weather is clear and the skies are bright blue offering an unforgettable experience. One of the key tips for this hike is to start early to avoid the afternoon heat. Hikers are advised to bring enough snacks and water for the journey and wear reliable hiking boots for optimal experience.
Trail 5: Bishnudwar Hike
The Bishnudwar Hike starts at Budanilkantha and ends at Bishnudwar covering 8 kilometers round trip under 4-5 hours to complete, reaching an altitude of around 2,200 meters. This place meaning “Vishnu’s Door,” is significant as the origin of the Bishnumati River, which holds cultural and religious importance in Kathmandu. You can reach the starting point of the hike via a 20-minute drive from Hotel Shambala to Budanilkantha.
The trails offer scenic beauty with diverse flora and fauna as you ascend through the dense forests. The hike is moderately difficult and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys from the get-go. The best time to visit this place is during spring from March to May and autumn from September to November when the weather is mostly clear.
Some special tips for this hike are to wear sturdy boots and carry sufficient snacks, and water to last the whole trail. Throughout the trail, hikers can experience the serene forest paths filled with small streams, and dense oak and rhododendron forests adding additional charms. This hiking trail offers tranquility and peace with an escape into nature with a touch of cultural significance.
Preparation Tips and Etiquette for Hikers
When hiking, travelers should be mindful while packing for a hassle-free and relaxing experience. Whether it’s for a hike near Kathmandu or any other place, hikers should carry bags with essentials as lightly as possible. Here is a list of a few tips and tricks on preparation for hikes:
- Hikers should wear layered clothing suitable for variable weather, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots.
- Carry a water bottle or hydration system, snacks like nuts and energy bars, and a backpack with rain cover if possible.
- Carry a map or GPS for directions, insect repellent, headlamp, sunscreen, and a mini first aid kit for emergencies.
- Hikers should drink plenty of water, eat nutritious meals regularly, and carry snacks for energy while prepping for a hike.
- Hikers should carry a whistle for emergencies, and know basic first aid for emergencies.
- During the hike, travelers or hikers should greet locals with respect and ask for permission before taking photos and videos.
- You should dress modestly, especially in religious sites, and respect local traditions to contribute positively to the community.
- Hikers should avoid bringing plastic bottles to reduce waste and carbon footprint.
Post-Hike Relaxation at Hotel Shambala
After an invigorating day of hiking, what better way to rejuvenate and relax than a stay at Hotel Shambala? The hotel’s wellness and spa services with highly skilled staff wash away the soreness, fatigue, and tiredness, and calm the mind within a few minutes. Hikers and guests can enjoy a relaxing therapy session, massages, and facials for a revitalizing experience.
Guests can enjoy delicious food from the Erma Restaurant who serve a harmonious symphony of local and international cuisine carefully crafted from locally sourced high-quality products. The Erma restaurant is designed to cater to and serve a diverse range of palates with each individual’s preferences.
On the other hand, the Cloud Nine Bar offers a cozy atmosphere for guests to unwind and rejuvenate while sipping on a selection of fine wines and cocktails paired with perfect light snacks. Guests can also relax and enjoy tranquility at the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool offering a panoramic view of Kathmandu city and its surrounding hills. The rooftop pool is an ideal spot for guests looking for a relaxing spot to enjoy the tranquil ambiance with stunning vistas.
Book your stay at Hotel Shambala now to experience the perfect blend of culture and modern hospitality with a rich essence of comfort and relaxation accompanied by unforgettable adventure.
