Outdoors & day trips · The valley rim

Hike Shivapuri, Nagarjun or Champadevi

Day hikes up the forested hills around the city, with Himalayan views on a clear morning. Start early; group hikes leave most weekends.

Best time

October to March for clear skies; start early in any season.

How long

Half a day to a full day, depending on the trail.

Getting there

Each trailhead is a taxi or bus ride to the edge of the valley.

Three hills around the city

The valley is ringed by forested hills, and you can be on a trail within an hour of Thamel. Shivapuri, to the north, is a national park with long forest trails and a summit that looks over the city on one side and the mountains on the other.

Nagarjun, to the north-west, is a forest reserve with a climb to a hilltop stupa and prayer flags. Champadevi, to the south-west, is a ridge walk with wide views of the valley and the Himalaya on a clear day.

Going with a group

Hiking groups and clubs lead day hikes most weekends, which is the easiest way to go if you do not know the trails. They arrange the transport, set the pace and know the shortcuts.

The listings below show group hikes coming up, with the meeting point and what to bring.

Which hill to pick

For a long, green day in the forest, choose Shivapuri. For a shorter climb with a temple at the top, choose Nagarjun. For the widest views with the least forest, choose Champadevi, which follows an open ridge for much of the way.

Each one is a real hike, with steep sections, so wear proper shoes. The trails are well used on weekends and quieter during the week.

Tips

Start early. Clouds often build by midday and hide the mountains.
Carry water, snacks and a layer; it is cooler on the ridges.
Shivapuri and Nagarjun are protected areas, so there may be an entry fee and a checkpost at the gate.
Do not hike alone in the forest. Go with a friend or a group.