The Kathmandu Valley Trek offers an enjoyable and easy hiking experience through the culturally diverse hills surrounding Kathmandu Valley. While this trek is often overlooked, there is much to be discovered in this area.
The trek takes you to Shivapuri Hill (2729m), from where you can admire a range of Himalayan peaks, including Buddha Himal, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himalayas range, Dorje Lakpa, Manaslu, Langtang Lirung, Shisha Pangma, and the Gaurishankar Himalayas range up to Mt. Everest on clear days. This 5-day trek not only showcases stunning natural beauty but also allows you to immerse yourself in traditional culture and offers opportunities for bird watching.
During the trek, you will also visit Nagarkot Hill, a renowned viewpoint for Himalayan views, sunrise, and sunset. From Nagarkot, you can witness the sun fading away behind the mountains at a distance. The trek concludes with a return to Kathmandu after experiencing the mesmerizing beauty of the sunrise.
The entire trek follows the trail from Sundarijal to Nagarkot. Starting from Sundarijal, which is a buffer zone of the Nagarjun-Shivapuri Wildlife Reserve, this part of the trail offers a chance to encounter wildlife, wild birds, orchids, and flowers. Shivapuri and Sundarijal serve as a water watershed reserve, providing drinking water to parts of Kathmandu Valley.
The Kathmandu Valley Trek is known for its green hills, rich cultural experiences, and a variety of traditions that can be enjoyed within a short time in Nepal. This trek is suitable for all age groups, as it does not require high physical endurance or pose a risk of altitude sickness.
Additionally, this trek is often referred to as the Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek, as it follows the edges of the green hills surrounding the valley. The Kathmandu Valley is surrounded by beautiful hills such as Champa Devi, Chandragiri Hill, Kakani, Nagarjun hills, Sindarijal, Chisapani, Nagarkot, Lakuri Bhyanjyang, and Chure Hills.
Chamlang Expeditions offers the option to extend the trek to destinations like Dhulikhel, Namobuddha, and Panauti, allowing you to explore more of the Kathmandu Valley. They provide various itineraries, including a 7-day long Kathmandu Valley Trek and a luxury version of the trek, offering 5-star hotel accommodations and gourmet meals.
Nagarkot, located at an altitude of 2175 meters, is the highest point reached during the Kathmandu Valley Trek. It provides panoramic Himalayan views, fiery red sunrises, and gloomy red sunsets, making it a memorable experience.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani.
Day 3: Trek from Chisapani to Nagarkot.
Day 4: Trek from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel/NamoBuddha.
Day 5: Trek from Dhulikhel/NamoBuddha to Panauti and Kohpasi.
Day 6: Trek from Panauti to Lakuri Bhyanjang.
Day 7: End of the Kathmandu Valley Trek or optional trip extension.
Please note that this is a 7-day itinerary, but Chamlang Expeditions also offers longer options, such as a 9-day Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek. It is recommended to check with the trekking agency for the most up-to-date and detailed itinerary, as it can be customized according to your preferences and needs.
