The Chisapani Nagarkot Hike, covering the valley’s ridgelines, is suitable for people who want to explore Nepal but do not have enough time. It is best to train your muscles or do an acclimatization hike before going for a high-altitude trek or summiting a peak. Starting from the beautiful village of Sundarijal, the Kathmandu Valley […]
Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike overview
The Chisapani Nagarkot Hike, covering the valley’s ridgelines, is suitable for people who want to explore Nepal but do not have enough time. It is best to train your muscles or do an acclimatization hike before going for a high-altitude trek or summiting a peak.
Starting from the beautiful village of Sundarijal, the Kathmandu Valley Rim hike takes you through mountains, hills, and rural villages of Nepal. This 3-day excursion offers you a captivating view of the Langtang range, Mount. Shishapangma, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and the Gaurishankar ranges.
Sunrise and sunset views from Nagarkot are another unforgettable highlight of the hike. Eventually, the trek will lead you to a rich history and cultural experience of the Newari settlements of Bhaktapur city.
Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike highlights
- Eye-catching sight of mountain ranges like Langtang, Ganesh, Gaurishankar, and Mt. Shishapangma surrounding the Valley.
- Witness the rural lifestyle at Chisapani.
- Hike through sub-tropical forests rich in pine, oak, and rhododendron trees.
- Sunrise and sunset view from Nagarkot.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square excursion.
- Pottery classes and strolling around Bhaktapur city.
Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike Itinerary
Expand AllHike to Chisapani
The excursion to the Kathmandu Valley Rim begins at Sundarijal, a scenic village on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Early in the morning, we will drive to the village in a luxury tourist vehicle, covering almost 30 kilometers.
From this starting point, we will trek through verdant hills, terraced fields, and luscious green forests to reach Chisapani. After continuously walking uphill for 5 hours, the hike will treat you to some breathtaking sights of the surroundings. Situated at an altitude of 2175 meters, Chisapani Hill offers spectacular views of panoramic mountain ranges, including the Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa. On this day, we will take a rest in community homestays and
Hike to Nagarkot
Continuing the hike, we will rise early in the morning and set off on our trek to a beautiful hill station just outside Kathmandu. On this day, we will hike through Shivapuri National Park while enjoying the beauty of nature, which is rich in green meadows, deep forests, and outstanding views.
As you reach the hilltop, the ravishing sunset over the mountains will let you forget all your tiredness. Wrapping up the hike, we will rest this day so we can wake up early to watch the sunrise the next day.
Next morning, we will enjoy a breakfast with a tempting backdrop of sunlit mountains and soak up the golden glow.
Explore Bhaktapur and return back to Kathmandu
From Nagarkot, we will trek downhill through dense forests to Bhaktapur, the city of culture and heritage. We will enjoy a lavish Newari lunch at the beautiful Newari town of Bhaktapur.
After resting for a while, we will continue to explore the beauty of Bhaktapur, a city that proudly boasts about Nepal’s history. While exploring the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you can witness the grandeur of Nyatapola temple, the 55-window palace, the five-story pagoda temple of the Hindu goddess Siddha Lakshmi, the golden entrance, and more. Wrapping up our excursion of the palace square and nearby Siddha Pokhari, which holds history and showcases intricated architecture, we will get on a ride to return to Kathmandu.
Another fascinating part of the city is the culturally preserved traditions of pottery. To get that experience, you can also take one of these pottery classes.
Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike Cost Includes
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off.
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on the trek.
- Stay at 3-star or standard hotels in Nagarkot
- In Chisapani you will stay in a homestay or a standard Tea house.
- All necessary permits for the national park and protected areas.
- Lunch on the hiking trail.
- First-aid treatment in case of any emergencies.
- All administrative expenses and government taxes.
Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike Cost Excludes
- International flight fares and airport departure tax.
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
- Bottled water or any beverage.
- Travel insurance and the emergency evacuation service charges.
- Personal expenses, including personal gear or equipment.
- Tourist visa for entry in Nepal.
Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike date and time
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Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike FAQs
Expand AllHow long does the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike take?
The full Kathmandu Valley Rim circuit can take 7 to 10 days, depending on pace and stops. However, many people choose to hike smaller sections over 2–4 days or even as day hikes.
What are the major highlights of the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike?
The major highlights of the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike are
The panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and sometimes Everest, if the weather is clear enough.
Walking through forests, villages, and terraced farmlands.
Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other cultural hubs like Panauti and Namobuddha.
Experiencing Newari culture, cuisines, traditions, and architecture.
Which places are covered in the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike?
The major places on the Kathmandu Valley Rim Key are:
Sundarijal – Shivapuri – Chisapani
Nagarkot – Dhulikhel – Namobuddha
Panauti – Balthali – Phulchowki
Champadevi – Chandragiri – Godavari
Is the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike suitable for beginners?
Yes! It’s one of the easiest hikes in Nepal. Trails are well marked, the altitude is moderate, and teahouses are available.
What is the difficulty level of the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike?
The Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike is easy except for some uphill sections that can be tiring, but it’s manageable for average fitness levels.
What is the best time of year to do the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike?
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) for clear skies and mountain views.
Winter (December–February) is also a good season to view the snow around.
You may not prefer the monsoon (June–August) due to rain and leeches.
How is this hike different from other hikes around Kathmandu?
Hikes like Shivapuri or Champadevi are single-peak hikes, but the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike is a circular hike covering diverse terrain, cultures, and longer distances with mountain and valley views throughout.
What are the best viewpoints during the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike?
The best viewpoints in the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike are
Nagarkot for sunrise view
Dhulikhel
Phulchowki Hill, the highest point (2,782 m) in the Kathmandu Valley
Chandragiri Hilltop, and can enjoy the cable car
Shivapuri Peak (2,732 m)
Can I see Mount Everest from the Kathmandu Valley Rim?
Yes, on a clear day, you might spot Mount Everest in the far distance from Nagarkot or Chandragiri. You might need Binoculars.
What kind of wildlife or birds can I spot along the route?
You might see Himalayan monkeys, deer, wild boars, and red pandas in the Shivapuri National Park area. The area is also home to birds such as laughing thrushes, woodpeckers, warblers, pheasants, and a diverse range of butterfly species.
Which trails make up the Kathmandu Valley Rim route?
The Kathmandu Valley Rim circuit includes:
Sundarijal → Chisapani
Nagarkot → Dhulikhel
Namobuddha → Panauti → Balthali
Champadevi → Pharping
Chandragiri → Thankot
What cultural sites can be visited during the hike?
The Kathmandu Valley Rim route consists of some Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural sites.
Namobuddha Monastery
Panauti and Bhaktapur (ancient Newar towns)
Buddhanilkantha Temple
Pharping and Asura caves and monasteries
What is the elevation range of the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike?
The Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike starts from about 1,300 meters and reaches up to 2,782 meters at the Phulchowki Hill.
Do I need a guide for the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike?
It is good to have a guide, but not mandatory. The guide is helpful for cultural insights and trail navigation. If you are new to hiking around Kathmandu, a guide is recommended.
Is camping allowed along the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike?
Yes, make sure to seek permission on private land or forest areas before setting up your tent.
How does this hike compare to the Shivapuri or Champadevi hikes?
Hikes to Shivapuri and Champadevi are shorter day hikes, whereas this Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike is a longer one that takes days to complete and includes more cultural and natural diversity.
Are there any risks or health concerns for this hike?
Since there is a mild altitude gain to around 2700 m, there is no risk of acute mountain sickness. Yet, the roads may be slippery during the monsoon. Get your basic first aid, water purification tablets, and insect repellent.
Is the hike family-friendly or good for kids?
Yes! Many segments of the Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike, like Nagarkot to Dhulikhel or Godavari to Phulchowki base, are suitable for families with children.
Kathmandu Valley Rim Hike Reviews
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Environment-Friendly Initiative
- Awesome Holidays Nepal believes in contributing to the wellness of the environment while promoting adventure and tourist destinations in Nepal.
- For every visitor who books a trip or trek with us, we plant a fruit tree in barren lands in collaboration with community forests.
Giving Back to the Community
- Awesome Holidays believes that the native residents know any destination better than an outsider. Thus, the guides, porters, and travel companions who will serve you through the trek or tours are local residents of that particular region.
- As a part of our communal service, Awesome Holidays is also contributing to the welfare of street dogs by feeding them every week.
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