Hiking

The beautiful terrain, changing landscapes, and captivating natural beauty offer many opportunities for hikers. Whether you want to get lost in meanders or prepare your body for the summit, there are many hiking destinations in Nepal.

Hiking in Nepal isn’t just about walking the trails. You will immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the ethnic residents and choose from several adventurous activities. While walking through jungles, national parks, and conservation areas gives you a sense of peace, climbing hills honors you with snow-capped mountain views.

Similarly, you can also make a few stops in the local villages, interact with people, and learn about their culture and lifestyle. If you get a chance, don’t forget to try out the regional dishes, such as the Ghongi of Terai, Tibetan noodle soups of high altitude, Mo: mo, and all-time Nepali staple food, Dal-Bhaat.

Popular Hiking Destinations in Nepal

Nepal has a variety of hiking destinations. Most of these destinations are just around the hills on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. This means you can take a day off and plan a hike even if you have time constraints while visiting Nepal.

Here is a list of some popular hiking destinations in Nepal:

Nagarkot-Chisapani Hike

Passing through historic towns, deep woods, and picturesque hills with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains on a clear day, the Nagarkot-Chisapani is a moderate hike fit for all. Starting from the stream of Sundarijal, this 3-day long hike takes you through a trail full of pine trees and rhododendron forests.

You can also stay at the local teahouses and enjoy camping with your friends in this area. Don’t forget to try the local cuisines while you are on the route.

Dhulikhel-Namo Buddha Hike

Just 30 kilometers from Kathmandu’s main city lies the town of Dhulikhel, which offers spectacular views of the mountains and valley. The Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha hike starts with a drive from Kathmandu to the starting point at Dhulikhel, a small Newari town.

This one-day hike is suited for all levels of hikers, whether you are a beginner or looking for a warm-up. Your destination, Namo Buddha, offers multiple activities along with awe-inspiring views of the surroundings. The Namo Buddha Stupa, Tharangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, and Banepa Chandeswori Temple are some of the popular religious heritages of this hike.

Balthali Hiking

If you are looking for a one-day hike on an off-beaten track, then Balthali hiking is your activity. The hike takes you through the valley, gorges, beautiful hills, and orange farms to a village settlement in Balthali.

To begin the hike, you will have to drive to Panauti, 40 km east of Kathmandu, then start walking through the trail. During spring hikes, you can hear chirping birds in the luscious green forest filled with rhododendrons. If you have enough time, spend a day at the Balthali village resort to experience the exotic life at this stop.

Balthali-Namo Buddha Hike

There can be no better way to experience the perfect amalgam of Hinduism and Buddhism than on the trekking trails from Balthali to Namo Buddha. Both these iconic destinations have their own essence and offer the humblest hospitality you will ever experience anywhere else in the world.

It is a 3-day hike that starts from Kathmandu with a drive to Namo Buddha’s starting point and continues on a trail to Balthali. After a 4.5-hour to 5-hour walk through changing trails, the trek finally ends at Panauti.

Champadevi Hike

Whether you are a domestic or foreign hiker, the one-day hike to Champadevi is a famous activity in Kathmandu. It is an easy hike with a short trekking route that is well-maintained and can be easily accessed from the main city. Even though Champadevi Hill is around 2300 meters high from sea level, the view of the city from this place is worthy.

There are two different ways to reach the top of this hill. You can drive to Hattiban Resort and then start climbing the trail or start from Machhegaun of Kirtipur.

Shivapuri Heights

Shivapuri Heights, located at an elevation of 2732 meters from sea level, is another infamous trekking destination in Kathmandu Valley. While trekking on this trail, you pass through Shivapuri National Park, the ninth national park in the country. It is a pretty fascinating journey since the hike takes you through thick forests, challenging climbs, and water bodies to enjoy.

It is also an ideal location for camping, but avoid the protected lands of the military and the national park.

Things to do Before Hiking in Nepal

Even though hikes are usually for a day or two, a planned itinerary and well-prepared trip seldom goes wrong. On top of that, when hiking in a geographically challenged country like Nepal, which has limited resources for hiking trails, preparing early is a must.

Here are a few things that you need to do before hiking in the terrains of Nepal:

Know your Hiking Route

If you do not know your hiking route well, it’s most likely to feel like a never-ending maze. Usually, your hiking route on hills has multiple routes that even Google Maps might fail to track down properly.

Thus, carrying a map with you is the best way to prevent getting lost on the trail. You can also follow Google Maps, but make sure to download an offline map as it’s less likely to have internet on the go in most locations.

Take a Guide with You

Given the wilderness, differences in language, and variation of routes, it is better to take a guide who knows all the ways on your hike. It will be easier to communicate since a guide can also be your translator and take you to good food joints.

Specifically, if you are a foreigner who visited the country for the first time, it is crucial to have a Nepali guide. Not only does he know the language, but he also knows the place well enough to tackle any unfortunate scenarios.

Carry Your Food and Water

Most of the hiking routes around the outskirts of Kathmandu and in different parts of Nepal often take you to wild forest trails with no human settlement. This means it will be difficult to find a café or store to buy food when you are hungry. Thus, it’s necessary for you to carry your own food.

You can carry a high-energy snack bar, dried food, and energy drinks to snack on while on the trek. Also, don’t just pluck off wild berries and fruit while on the trek. Even though you might recognize it as edible, it might not be safe to consume.

Pack Mosquito Repellent

When you walk on a trail in forests or green hills, you are most likely to be bitten by mosquitoes. Carry a mosquito-repellent cream or spray to prevent from getting any diseases. Similarly, it is safer to wear thin but full-sleeved clothes for extra protection.

If you are hiking during rainy seasons, make sure to put remedies against leeches, too.

Wear a Good Pair of Hiking Boots

Hiking in Nepal involves walking rough and rugged trails that often pass through streams, graveled roads, and forests. In that case, you will need a very good pair of hiking boots that comfort your feet while also having a good grip, preventing slippage, and being resistant to water.

For hiking during rain, make sure to put on rain boots or water-proof shoes. And for extra precaution, carry a pair of comfortable slippers that you can walk on with if it pours down too hard.