Adventure · Kathmandu
Kathmandu Valley Trail Running Routes
Shivapuri ridges, Nagarkot to Chisapani, the long Phulchowki climb and Champadevi loops — the valley's best trail runs.
The best Kathmandu Valley trail running follows the forested rim that circles the city — the same ridges and old footpaths used by hikers and mountain bikers, rising from a valley floor at 1,300 m to nearly 2,800 m at Phulchowki. Standout routes include the Shivapuri ridges in the north, the Nagarkot to Chisapani path on the eastern rim, the long Phulchowki climb in the south and the Champadevi loops in the west. Autumn and spring give firm trails and clear Himalaya views, and the valley has a lively race calendar.
This is the running half of our mountain biking and trail running collection; riders should pair it with mountain biking in the Kathmandu Valley.
The signature routes
Shivapuri ridges (north). Inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, trails climb through oak and rhododendron toward the 2,732 m Shivapuri peak. These are the same paths described in Shivapuri mountain biking, and they run beautifully — cool, forested and steep. Start at Budhanilkantha or Sundarijal and pay the park entry fee.
Nagarkot to Chisapani (east–north). The valley's classic ridge route, often walked over a day or two, makes a superb long run with continuous Himalaya views. It shares its high start with the Nagarkot downhill mountain biking descent.
Phulchowki (south). The rim's highest point at 2,782 m, a relentless climb from Godawari rewarded with a vast panorama. It is the valley's benchmark vertical challenge for runners.
Champadevi & Chandragiri (west). Forest ridge trails on the western rim, with shorter loops suited to a half-day run.
Season and conditions
October–November and March–April are prime, with dry, firm trails and clear views. The monsoon brings mud and leeches to the forest; winter mornings are cold but offer the crispest Himalaya skyline. Check the best time to visit Nepal when timing a running trip.
Practicalities
- Park entry: Shivapuri requires a national park fee at the gate — bring cash and ID.
- Navigation: Rim trails braid and are poorly signed; carry a GPS route or run with locals.
- Water: Carry your own; village tea shops are spread out.
- Wildlife: Watch for leeches in the wet months and start early in the warmer valley floor.
For walking versions of these same routes, see the best day hikes near Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a trail running scene in Kathmandu?+
Yes. The Kathmandu Valley has a growing trail-running community, with regular races and group runs on the rim trails during autumn and spring. The same forest paths and ridges used by hikers and mountain bikers make excellent running, from gentle valley-floor loops to long, climby rim routes.
Where are the best trail runs near Kathmandu?+
The standout routes are the Shivapuri ridges in the northern national park, the Nagarkot to Chisapani path on the eastern and northern rim, the long climb up Phulchowki to 2,782 m in the south, and the Champadevi and Chandragiri trails in the west. Each combines forest, villages and Himalaya views.
How high are the Kathmandu Valley rim trails?+
The valley floor sits around 1,300 m and the rim rises to nearly 2,800 m at Phulchowki, the highest point. Most runs gain several hundred metres at most, but routes to Shivapuri peak (2,732 m) or Phulchowki involve serious sustained climbing on rough trail.
When is the best season for trail running in the valley?+
Autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April) are ideal, with firm, dry trails and clear mountain views. The monsoon makes the forest paths muddy, slippery and leech-prone, while winter mornings are cold but crisp with the sharpest Himalaya panoramas.
