If your first stop on your trip to Nepal is Kathmandu, you can enjoy many experiences as it is the central hub for culture, history and adventure. Although Kathmandu is often overlooked as a starting point for trekking, there are many trekking routes that start from Kathmandu. However, it is an even better hub for short treks, or even slightly longer mini-treks if you have the time. Check out some of the short treks from Kathmandu and day treks from Kathmandu that offer no less than a week-long trek in the Himalayas.
Below are some of the best options — whether you want a quick nature fix or plan a night stay, all without needing weeks on the trail.
Popular Short & Day Treks Near Kathmandu
1. Shivapuri National Park or Nagarjun Hill Hike
If you are staying at a hotel in Kathmandu, you need to spare a day to go for a quick escape from the city into Shivapuri National Park. This destination is a go-to for quick escapes. The hike starts from the entrance of Shivapuri National Park which lies towards the northern edge of the valley. Walk through forested paths and enjoy unobstructed views of the Himalayas.
For those wanting day treks from Kathmandu, this trek offers so much more for a short trek that is only an hour’s drive away from the center of the city. You can enjoy nature and spot different species of birds as it is rich in aviary species. You might even get a chance to spot wildlife like deer, rhesus monkey and leopard. During the winter, it can also snow in the higher regions of the hill.
Duration: This trek can last as long or as short as you would want. You can trek the shorter routes to destinations like Nagi Gumba, Baghdwar or Sundarijal. These hikes will last anywhere from a couple hours to 6 hours.
Difficulty Level: Although there are more strenuous treks around the Shivapuri hill, beginners and children over 4 feet can easily stroll through the popular trails.
2. Phulchowki Hill Hike
Towards the opposite end of the city, at the Southern edge of the city lies Phulchowki hill. It is the highest hill around Kathmandu valley with an altitude of 2782 meters. This is a more difficult climb compared to Shivapuri. Just on the lap of Phulchowki Hill is Godawari which is a beautiful place rich in biodiversity, in fact, you can also visit the Botanical garden, one of the unique things to do in Kathmandu.
Spring in Phulchowki will welcome you with lush greenery, chirping birds and colorful shrubs. Rhododendrons bloom, adding vivid colors to your trek. Phulchowki also receives a significant amount of snowfall during winter. A rewarding experience, Phulchowki is more challenging compared to other treks around Kathmandu valley.
Duration: This hike usually takes a few hours starting from Godawari.
Difficulty level: This hike is more strenuous as it is a steep climb but offers sweeping views of the Himalayas and the valley below.
3. Champadevi Hill Hike
One of the best short treks around Kathmandu, Champadevi hill hike is a beautiful and accessible hiking destination in Kathmandu. This spot is perfect for nature lovers and spiritual seekers as this trek is a combination of mountain vistas, monasteries and religious sites.
Located in the southwestern side of Kathmandu at an elevation of 2278 meters, Champadevi is also the third highest hill in Kathmandu valley. At the summit, you will find a Buddhist shrine with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. It is a peaceful place to sit and meditate with clear days offering a panoramic view across the Kathmandu valley. You can see a clear view of peaks such as Langtang, Dorje Lakpa and the Gaurishankar range.
The Champadevi hike’s main attractions are dense pine and rhododendron forests, quiet rural villages with terraced farmlands, and tranquil meditation spots.
Duration: 3-5 hours depending on the speed. It is great for a half day hike or a day trek from Kathmandu with a stop in Pharping.
Difficulty: This trek has easy to moderate trails.
4. Nagarkot (or Nagarkot–Dhulikhel / Chisapani) Trek / Hike
For a slightly longer trek, Nagarkot to Dulikhel hike, also known as Chisapani hike offers a one night two day trekking option. A great way to blend village life, nature and terraced fields, the Nagarkot hike is one of the most loved and most accessible short treks near Kathmandu. Nagarkot is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas. Located about 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot sits at an elevation of 2175 meters, offering one of the best view points in Kathmandu valley. From here, you can extend the trek and continue towards Dulikhel or Chisapani and turn it into a multi-day trek.
Duration: 3-4 hours for a round trip from the starting point or the bus park.
Difficulty level: Easy, this trail is accessible to every individual with moderate health and stamina.
5. Namo Buddha / Panauti Hike
Peaceful and spiritual, the Namo Buddha trek in Kathmandu leads you to one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal. It is believed that this is the place where the Shakyamuni Buddha, in one of his past lives, sacrificed himself to feed a starving tigress and her cubs. Today, this site is considered holy and is home to a striking Buddhist monastery, a beautiful institute complete with Tibetan art, prayer wheels and colorful flags. This is one of the shortest treks in Kathmandu. At the top of the hill, you can look towards the countryside, snow-capped peaks and enjoy a calm spiritual atmosphere where many buddhist practitioners come to meditate.
The Namo Buddha trekking route in Kathmandu can be done in two way, one is from Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha which passes through countryside paths and a small town or the Panauti route which passes through an ancient Newari village with temples and stone paved paths. The highest elevation you achieve on this trek is 1750 meters. You can even start from Dhulikhel and end at Panauti with a night stay in the monastery for a 2-day trek in Kathmandu.
Duration: 3-4 hours if you start from Panauti or 1 hour if you start from the entrance point to Namo Buddha.
Difficulty: It is an easy trek with a staircase towards the end of the trail. Can be easily done by anyone with sound health.
Why Choose Short Treks from Kathmandu?
Short treks from Kathmandu allow you to experience the natural beauty of Nepal without traveling too far from the capital. They’re perfect for you, if you have limited time but still want to experience trekking in Nepal’s hills and get a clear view of the Himalayas.
Day treks from Kathmandu are great for beginners and casual travellers who aren’t seasoned trekkers. These treks are moderate to easy, and require minimal gear, and give big rewards. All of the treks listed here have access to food, water and rest stops for the night.
You can get a variety of experiences such as forest walks, mountain views, sunrise/sunset spots, village life, spiritual journeys and more within a couple hour’s distance from Kathmandu.
These hikes are ideal for spontaneous trips, many treks can be started within minutes of planning, and with casual wear as long as you have comfortable shoes!
Kathmandu might be a bustling city but just beyond the veil of the busy city-life, you can already experience beautiful nature and scenery. If you are staying in Kathmandu and are looking for an escape from the populated city, go for a short trek from Kathmandu and enjoy clean air, greenery and views of the Himalayas.
