Kathmandu is a pot shaped beautiful valley surrounded by Mountains. These mountain tops are excellent viewpoints for snow capped Himalayas seen from Kathmandu valley. These mountains provide good refuge taking stress and instantly provide refresh. Either you are Allen to Kathmandu or local resident of it, these trips are always alluring. In this post we are talking about Best 7 day hikes around Kathmandu valley in Nepal and why you should join these trips to make your day special. And if you can apply walking meditation in your hikes then it can be outwardly and inwardly rewarding. The main formula of walking meditation is conscious walking with the sense of let go.
- Phulchoki hiking
Phulchoki hiking is beuatiful day hike in Kathmandu that starts from Godawari and ends in Godawari. There is a motor road from Godawari to top of Phulchoki. People can bike or take other private transport to reach Phulchoki and see the majestic view or hike all the way from Godawari which is really fun walking all the way through lush green forest with sweetest music of birds. It takes averagely 3 hours to climb uphill and 2 hours to make it down. The military canteen on Phulchoki hill sells simple lunch on request like noodle soup, sugared drinks etc. It is more recommended to hike with a at least a buddy for fun.
Nagarkot to Changunarayan hike
Nagarkot is famous hill station for mountain views which is one hour drive from Kathmandu. This relaxing down hike from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan temple passes through villages which displays unique culture of hilly Nepali life. There are many viewpoints on the way for mountain views. nagarkot lies at altitude of 2100 m from sea level.
Changu Narayan is famous pilgrimage place for hindus of the world in general and Vaisnabs in Particular. This UNESCOs recognized world heritage site has blissful energy. The old settlement of Changu narayn villlage is very fasinating.
3. Amitaba Monastery or White Gumba Hike
Amitaba monastery is famous Bhddhist monastery in kathmandu popular among day hikers. The hike starts from Buddha park of swoyambhunath stupa. There is option to have a stop on single tree hill which is now a popular swing station in Kathmandu. Then from single tree hill one can visit Adheshore temple and climb to white monastery or locally called seto gumba. The whole journey should take 3-4 hours and it will be your fun filled day.
4. Sundarijal Hike
Sudarijal hike has different options and most choosen is one that starts at Buddhanilakatha kathmandu from Muhan pokhari and ends in Sundarijal. This walk in Shivapuri National park is roughly done in 5-6 hours. the views are very stunning and there is chance to see animals on the trail. The en-route waterfalls are very pleasing sights to the eyes.
5. Champadevi hike
Champadevi hiking is Popular hiking that starts in Pharping and ends in Taudaha. Pharping is historic town a 30 minutes drive distance from kathmandu on south side. Pharping has become most visit place for Mahayan buddhist where there is cave of englightement in Nepal where Guru Padmasambhava whom Tibetans call Guru Rimpoche did meditation for final years and got mahasiddhi in this place. The temple of Vajrayogini of Pharping is very beautiful. After visitng attractions of pharping one can climb the hill and reach hattiban Resort. Further climbing leads on top of the mountain which has grand view of Kathmandu valley. Then One can continue hike to Champadevi temple and hike down to Taudaha to wrap up and take a drive back to Kathmandu.
6. Nagrjuna Forest Hike to Jamacho gumba
Jamacho gumba lies at western side of kathmandu. The hike starts from Phulbari gate which is 2 kilometers from Machapokhari Kathmandu. The hike is though the jungle and is indeed beautiful. After climing 30 minutes we reach on the height of Nirmal Niwas palace where there is a beautiful meadow to relax and meditate. From the top of Najarjuna top the view of Kathmandu valley is so grand.
7. Shivapuri mountain hike
The Shivapuri mountain hike starts from Buddhanilakantha temple which is 8Km away from Thamel. On the way there is a famous buddhist monastery named Nagi gompa once whose head was father of mingyur rimpoche. After 2 hours hike from Nagi gompa we reach Bagdwar the starting poing of holy Bagmati river and shortly to Shivapuri mountain where mahayogi shivapuri baba did meditation on the tranquil top. On the way around bagdwar area you will meet many himalayan sadhus of Nepal meditating in the caves.
