Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Day Hike
Sunrise views from Nagarkot, then a mostly downhill ridge walk through villages to the ancient temple of Changu Narayan.
About 4 hoursfrom $35
Day Hikes from Kathmandu
Ridge and forest walks on the valley rim, and back in Kathmandu in time for dinner.
The Kathmandu Valley is ringed by forested hills between 2,000 and 2,800 m, with village trails running along their ridges. These day hikes start and end at your hotel: the car drops you at the trailhead and meets you at the finish, so most walks are one-way and largely downhill (your knees will thank us). On clear days, especially from October to May, the Himalaya keeps you company for much of the way.
Day hikes
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Day Hike
Walk the eastern rim of the valley from Nagarkot down to Dhulikhel, with Himalayan views for much of the way and a car waiting at the finish.
About 4 to 5 hoursfrom $35
Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha Monastery Hike
A classic walk from Dhulikhel over the hills to Namo Buddha, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal, with transport both ways.
About 3 to 4 hoursfrom $40
Nagarjun Forest Hike to Jamacho
A forest climb in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to the Jamacho stupa and viewpoint, only 20 minutes from Thamel.
About 4 hours up and downfrom $25