Trekking · Kathmandu
Gokarna Forest Hike
An easy loop through a former royal hunting reserve of tall sal forest, just northeast of Kathmandu.
The Gokarna forest hike is one of the gentlest woodland walks within reach of central Kathmandu — an easy one-to-two-hour loop through a former royal hunting reserve of tall sal trees on the northeast rim of the valley. With shade, birdsong and barely a climb, it is an ideal slow morning or a family outing, and it pairs naturally with the riverside temple next door.
The short answer
Drive about 30 minutes northeast of the city toward Sundarijal to reach the Gokarna forest gate. Pay the small entry fee in rupees, then wander the soft trails beneath the sal canopy, watching for spotted deer, monkeys and birds. Finish at the adjacent Gokarna Mahadev Temple on the bank of the Bagmati for an easy half-day combining forest and culture.
What the walk is like
This is woodland strolling rather than hill climbing. The ground is mostly flat, the paths are wide and well used, and the mature sal forest keeps the air cool even in late morning. Because the reserve was protected for centuries as royal hunting grounds, it holds some of the most intact lowland forest left on the valley floor. Spotted deer move between the trees, troops of monkeys pass overhead, and the birdlife is excellent — bring binoculars and walk quietly in the early hours.
Good to know
- Getting there: About 30 minutes by taxi northeast of central Kathmandu, near Gokarneshwar.
- Entry: Small fee at the forest gate, payable in Nepali rupees; carry cash.
- Effort: Easy and mostly flat; one to two hours at a relaxed pace.
- Best time: Dry season, October to April; early morning for wildlife.
- Combine with: The Gokarna Mahadev Temple beside the forest.
How it fits your trip
Gokarna is the perfect counterpoint to a temple-heavy itinerary — somewhere to slow down and breathe. It links beautifully with the longer Kapan to Gokarna walk, which descends from the monasteries of Kapan hill to this same forest, and it belongs firmly among the valley's quieter corners gathered in our Kathmandu Valley hidden gems collection. For the bigger picture of walking around the valley, see the forest and nature walks around Kathmandu overview and the national guide to the best day hikes near Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gokarna Forest?+
Gokarna Forest is a stand of mature sal woodland on the northeast edge of the Kathmandu Valley that was once a royal hunting reserve. Today it is a protected green space crossed by walking trails, popular with valley families and birdwatchers for an easy, shaded nature walk near the Bagmati river.
How long is the Gokarna forest walk?+
The forest is small and the walking paths are gentle, so a relaxed loop takes only one to two hours. There is little climbing, which makes it one of the easiest forest walks around Kathmandu and a good choice for families or a slow morning.
Is there an entry fee for Gokarna Forest?+
Yes, there is a small entry charge at the forest gate, payable in Nepali rupees. Bring cash, as card payment is not reliable, and check current opening hours locally since access to parts of the grounds can vary.
What wildlife can you see in Gokarna Forest?+
The forest shelters spotted deer, monkeys and a good variety of birds, with the tall sal canopy giving shade and birdsong throughout. Early morning is the best time for wildlife, and binoculars are worth carrying for the birdlife in the quieter corners.
