Trekking · Kathmandu
Sankhu to Vajrayogini Hike
A short walk from the medieval Newar town of Sankhu up to the forest tantric temple of Vajrayogini and its sacred cave.
The Sankhu to Vajrayogini hike is one of the gentlest and most rewarding pilgrimage walks in the Kathmandu Valley — a short forest climb from a beautifully preserved medieval Newar town up to the tantric temple complex of Vajrayogini, with its golden-roofed shrine and a sacred cave. It sits on the valley's northeastern rim, about an hour from the city, and makes an easy, atmospheric half-day.
The short answer
Travel to Sankhu (about 17 km northeast of Kathmandu), explore the old brick town, then follow the path north and uphill into the forest. After a gentle 45-minute to one-hour climb of around 2 to 3 km, you reach the Vajrayogini compound: a three-tiered, gilt-roofed temple, smaller shrines, a Buddhist monastery and a natural cave revered as a tantric power place. Return the same way, allowing a relaxed half-day for the whole outing.
On the trail
The walk begins among the medieval streets of Sankhu, once a major stop on the trade route to Tibet and still rich in Newar brick architecture, carved windows and stone water spouts. From the northern edge of town, a stone-paved pilgrim path climbs through shady forest, passing chaityas and resting platforms used by generations of pilgrims.
At the top, the Vajrayogini temple is dedicated to a fierce female deity worshipped by Buddhists and Hindus alike. The site is quiet and forested, with the main golden-roofed temple, subsidiary shrines and a cave that draws meditators and pilgrims. The whole complex has a contemplative, untouristy feel.
Combine with the eastern temples
Sankhu sits in the same northeastern corner of the valley as several other sacred walks. You can pair it with the riverside Gokarna Mahadev Temple, or with the forest nunnery of Nagi Gompa reached on the Gokarna to Nagi Gompa walk and the cooler Sundarijal to Nagi Gompa route. Together they make a fine two-day exploration of the valley's eastern rim.
Good to know
- Distance & time: ~2–3 km one way; easy half-day round trip.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, a gentle forest climb.
- Best time: October–April for clear, dry weather; festivals bring lively crowds.
- Permit: None required.
- Bring: Water, modest dress for the temples, and cash for donations.
How it fits your trip
This is the friendliest introduction to the valley's pilgrimage walks, combining living Newar heritage with a sacred hilltop. Explore the rest of the set in the sacred hikes of the Kathmandu Valley collection, and read about the best day hikes near Kathmandu and the deep roots of Buddhism in Nepal that give Vajrayogini its meaning.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Sankhu to Vajrayogini walk?+
It is a short walk of about 2 to 3 kilometres one way from the centre of Sankhu, climbing gently through forest for roughly 45 minutes to an hour to reach the Vajrayogini temple complex. The round trip, with time to explore the town and temples, fills an easy half-day.
What is the Vajrayogini temple at Sankhu?+
Vajrayogini is a tantric temple complex sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus, dedicated to a fierce female deity. The hillside compound includes a three-tiered golden-roofed temple, smaller shrines, a Buddhist monastery and a natural cave revered as a power place, all set in old forest above Sankhu.
Is Sankhu worth visiting on its own?+
Yes. Sankhu is one of the best-preserved medieval Newar towns in the valley, with brick houses, courtyards, stone water spouts and traditional streets. It sat on the old trade route to Tibet, and wandering its lanes before or after the temple climb is a highlight in itself.
How do I get to Sankhu from Kathmandu?+
Sankhu is about 17 kilometres northeast of central Kathmandu, around an hour by taxi or local bus toward the Sankhu–Nagarkot road. From the town centre, follow the marked path north and uphill into the forest to reach Vajrayogini.
