Here are some more delightful day hiking options around Kathmandu. The hills of Shivapuri, Jamacho and Champa Devi rimming Kathmandu Valley are some of the popular destinations. While the hike to Shivapuri begins just a little way above Buddhanilkantha, to reach the summit of Jamacho, you need the walk through the dense Nagarjun Forest or Rani Ban (Queen's Forest). The summer retreat and the present resident of the erstwhile Nepalese monarch is also located in Nagarjun Forest. Champa Devi Hill lies on the southern part of the city on the way to Dakshinkali Temple. All these day hikes are easy and takes you to an elevation of just about 2000 metres. Though you may be huffing and puffing by the time you reach the top, the panoramic views of the mountains and the valley floor are rewarding. The rejuvenating walk past verdant trails filled with birdsongs and other typical forest sounds, wildflowers and hidden shrines will leave you refreshed – body, mind and soul.
Shivapuri Hike
Art by nature – Shivapuri Hike
Baghdwar – The source of Bagmati River – Shivapuri Hike
Hike to Jamacho
View of Kathmandu city from Jamacho
Hilltop Buddhist shrine – Jamacho
Pine forest – Champa Devi
Delightful ridge-top hike – Champa Devi
(Pics: Samir Shrestha)
