Trekking · Kathmandu
Sankhu to Manichud Forest Walk
A climb from the old Newar town of Sankhu and Vajrayogini temple through forest to the Manichud hilltop.
The Sankhu to Manichud forest walk is one of the Kathmandu Valley's most rewarding half-day hikes for travellers who want culture and forest together — a climb from the ancient Newar town of Sankhu, past the cliffside Vajrayogini temple, up through woodland to the sacred hilltop of Manichud on the valley's eastern rim. It is quiet, lesser-known and steeped in living tradition.
The short answer
Drive about an hour from central Kathmandu, via Boudha, to Sankhu. Explore the old town's brick streets, climb the stepped trail to the Vajrayogini temple, then continue two to three hours up through forest to the Manichud hilltop with its sacred pond and shrine. Descend the same way for a satisfying half to full day combining heritage and nature.
What the walk is like
Sankhu is one of the valley's best-preserved Newar towns, with traditional brick houses, courtyards and shrines worth time before you climb. Above it, the Vajrayogini temple sits in forest on the hillside, a revered Buddhist and Hindu shrine reached by stone steps. Beyond the temple the trail enters quieter woodland and climbs steadily to Manichud Danda, a forested summit crowned by a sacred pond, a Mahadev shrine and pilgrimage spots. The grade is moderate but sustained, and the reward is solitude, birdsong and valley views from a hilltop few tourists reach.
Good to know
- Getting there: About an hour by taxi northeast of the city, via Boudha to Sankhu.
- Effort: Moderate; two to three hours up from the temple, similar down.
- Best time: Dry season, October to April; mornings for clear views.
- Bring: Water, snacks, sun protection and sturdy shoes.
- Respect: Dress modestly at the Vajrayogini temple and hilltop shrines.
How it fits your trip
This walk suits curious travellers who want more than a viewpoint — a route that threads together a heritage town, a forest temple and a sacred summit. For the full background on the shrine that anchors the climb, see the guide to Sankhu and the Vajrayogini temple. It pairs naturally with the nearby lowland Gokarna forest hike and the gentle Kapan to Gokarna walk on the same side of the valley. It belongs to the wider forest and nature walks around Kathmandu collection, and the national guide to the best day hikes near Kathmandu places it among the valley's other rim climbs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sankhu to Manichud forest walk?+
It is a half-day hike that starts in the historic Newar town of Sankhu on the northeast edge of the Kathmandu Valley, passes the hillside Vajrayogini temple, and climbs through forest to the Manichud hilltop and its sacred pond and shrine. It combines living heritage with a quiet woodland ascent.
Where is Sankhu and how do I get there?+
Sankhu lies on the northeastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, about an hour by road from the city centre via Boudha and the airport road. From the town, a stepped trail leads up to the Vajrayogini temple and on into the forest toward Manichud.
How hard is the walk to Manichud?+
It is a moderate climb of roughly two to three hours up through forest from the Vajrayogini temple to the Manichud hilltop, with a similar descent. The grade is steady rather than steep, but it is a proper uphill, so carry water and allow a half day or more.
What is at the top of Manichud?+
Manichud Danda is a forested hilltop crowned by a sacred pond, a Mahadev shrine and pilgrimage spots, with views over the valley and toward the hills on a clear day. It is a quiet, lesser-visited summit that draws local pilgrims, especially on certain festival days.
