Travel guide · Nepal
The Best Day Hikes Near Kathmandu
Nagarkot ridges, Shivapuri forest, Chandragiri and Phulchowki — the best one-day hikes you can do from Kathmandu.
You do not have to leave the Kathmandu Valley to get into the hills. A rim of forested ridges and temple-topped peaks surrounds the city, most reachable within an hour or two, and they make some of the most rewarding day hikes in Nepal. Here are the best routes you can walk and return from in a single day.
Nagarkot to Changu Narayan
The classic valley day hike starts high on the ridge at Nagarkot and descends through farmland and villages to the ancient temple of Changu Narayan. You get a Himalayan skyline at the top, a gentle downhill walk and one of the oldest Hindu shrines in the country at the finish. Pairing it with a Nagarkot sunrise the evening before makes a perfect overnight.
Shivapuri summit
Inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park on the northern rim, the climb to Shivapuri Peak (2,732 metres) passes through dense forest alive with birds and, if you are lucky, larger wildlife. It is the best nature walk close to the city, with a Buddhist nunnery and viewpoints along the way. An entry permit is required at the park gate.
Chandragiri Hills
For a low-effort, high-reward outing, take the cable car up Chandragiri on the southwest rim and walk the summit ridge trails. The Himalayan view is broad on a clear morning, there is a temple at the top, and you can hike down through forest if you would rather not ride back.
Champadevi
A favourite among Kathmandu walkers, Champadevi rises on the southern rim and is topped by a small shrine. The trail climbs through pine forest from Pharping or Hattiban, with valley and mountain views opening as you gain height. It is a satisfying half-day climb without the crowds of the headline trails.
Phulchowki, the valley's highest point
At 2,782 metres, Phulchowki is the tallest hill ringing the valley and a renowned birdwatching forest above Godavari. The road and trail climb through layers of woodland to a summit with a shrine and, on the clearest days, a sweeping Himalayan horizon. It is the most demanding of the valley day hikes and the most rewarding view.
Planning your day hikes
These walks suit travellers acclimatising before a bigger trek, or anyone wanting mountains without committing to multiple days. For longer routes, see the best treks in Nepal, and to combine hikes with the country's highlights, our guide to the best places to visit in Nepal helps shape the trip. Start early, carry layers and water, and check the forecast — afternoon cloud often swallows the peaks by midday.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day hike near Kathmandu?+
The Nagarkot to Changu Narayan walk is the most popular, combining a ridge with Himalayan views and a descent to an ancient temple. For forest and wildlife, the Shivapuri climb inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is the favourite among nature walkers.
Can you do a hike from Kathmandu in one day?+
Yes. Several ridges and hills on the valley rim are reached in under an hour or two by road or cable car, leaving plenty of time to walk and return the same day. Nagarkot, Shivapuri, Chandragiri and Champadevi all work as comfortable day trips.
Do you need a guide for day hikes near Kathmandu?+
Most valley-rim trails are well used and can be walked without a guide, though hiring one adds local knowledge and is wise inside the larger national-park forests where paths branch. Carry water, snacks and a map, and start early to beat afternoon cloud.
Which Kathmandu day hike has the best mountain views?+
Nagarkot and Chandragiri give the widest Himalayan panoramas reached easily from the city. For the highest valley summit and a long view on a clear day, Phulchowki at 2,782 metres is the top of the Kathmandu Valley.
