Be it in Nepal or anywhere else in the world a trek, by its very definition, isn’t precisely “easy.” Trekking is a physical activity that requires some level of hard work, of course. In Nepal, famous for its precipitous landscapes, an “easy” trek is relative. All treks in Nepal attribute some kind of a climb, ranging from slight to steep.
It may have to do with elevation. If a trek is at a higher altitude, it must be shorter in duration, or relatively flat, in order to be considered appropriate for beginners. A hike is normally not too long, not too steep, not at a very high elevation or some combination of these aspects is what produce it a position on the list. The sub-alpine jungle and quiet countryside make for a great short break from the shove and commotion of city life. Most of the hikes mentioned here can be done in a single day, and are appropriate for Students, children and older people. Here are the best treks for beginners in and around Kathmandu.
Phulchowki Hike/Trek
Trip Summary
Height: 2,782m
Highlights: Sub-tropical forest, breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley and views of Annapurna and Gaurishankar mountains.
Trek Duration: 6.5 to 7 hours
Phulchowki is the uppermost hill near Kathmandu and is situated to the south of the city. To get there you require to drive to Godawari (14 km south of Kathmandu), where you start the hike. You will be able to see sub-tropical substantial forests filled with rhododendrons and oak trees as well as numerous species of orchids, butterflies, and birds. From the top you get a magnificent view of the valley and on clear days you can see the eastern parts of the Annapurna Range to Gaurishankar in the east. You can check out the Botanical Gardens in Godawari which has many plants of and flowers and Herbal plants which falls of endangered species.
Getting There (For Independent Trekkers)
A bus leaves daily from Lagankhel Bus Park at 7am, taking about 30 minutes to reach Godawari.
Where to Stay
If you choose to stay the night, there are teahouses and lodges in Godawari as well as resorts. If you are adventurous and have a tent, you can camp as well. Do ensure you set up camp in a safe location.
Champadevi Hike/Trek
Trip Summary
- Height:2,249
- Highlights:Smell off the pine woodland! Stupas and monasteries.
- Hike Duration:depending on the route, 3 to 6 hours.
Champadevi is in the southeastern bend of the Kathmandu Valley and is officially in Makwanpur District. There are several routes to reach the peak, but the most popular, and easiest to access is one that takes you all along the Dollu Valley through pine woodland and along the verdant ridge top. This route starts from Hattiban Resort and the trail is well trampled and easy to follow. From the resort, the journey will take around three hours, there and back. Parking is available at the underneath of the steep, gravel road to the resort or at the resort itself.
A fewer used and longer route commence just after the Dakshinkali Temple road, ahead of Taudaha Lake. This route sees you walking along dirt roads through fields until you reach the forest where the trail climbs precipitously through the forest to reach the edge above Haatiban Resort. This will take you between 4 to 6 hours.
As mentioned, there are several routes reaching this destination, some other start from the north elevation of the Pharping Valley (starting from Pharping village) and escort you north to the summit of Champadevi. These routes are more complicated to identify. Bringing a map and doing your homework before starting out is highly recommended.
Getting There (For Individual Trekkers)
Buses leave daily from the Old Bus Park (15 minutes walk from Thamel). Just go all along and ask for a bus to Dakshinkali. Getting off at the road for Haatiban Resort is more fiddly as the conductor might not know the resort name.
Where to Stay
There are teahouses and lodges in Dakshinkali if you want to hang about overnight. Camping is also possible but please inquire the locals where is the best place to camp. If you are looking for comfortable stay you can stay at Haatiban Resort and enjoy at the end of your hike and dinner overlooking the lights of Kathmandu.
Hike/Trek around Nagarkot
Trip Summary
- Height:2,195m
- Highlights:from Nagarkot and its surrounding hills you can see several mountain ranges including Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Evereast. Sunrise and sunset from Nagarkot.
- Hike Duration:4 hours
Nagarkot is 32km east of Kathmandu and can be visited for a day but to really appreciate the exquisiteness of the area and mountain views, it is a good idea to hike around the area and, if probable, stay overnight.
To start your trek drive approximately one hour to Sakhu, an antique Newari town on the northeast curve of the Kathmandu Valley. The hike takes roughly four hours through pine forests. When you reach Nagarkot you can look around the village and watch the sun set fabulously over the Himalayas. Then take a taxi back to Kathmandu or stay overnight and hike down or take a local bus downhill the next day. And don’t forget to take time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise.
Getting There (For Individual Trekkers)
One can take a bus from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur and then catch a bus to Sakhu from the Bhaktapur bus stop.
Where to Stay
There is a wide range of lodging options from the inexpensive to the really quite comfortable in Nagarkot itself. On Friday and Saturday nights the cheaper lodging fills up swiftly so you might want to book ahead. Camping is potential but as more and more hotels are being assembled it is becoming more complicated to find a good camping spot.
Chisapani Hike/Trek
Trip Summary
- Height:2,215m
- Highlights:Hike from beginning to end Shivapuri National Park sub-tropical forest. Views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal and Gaurishankar Himal ranges
- Hike Duration:4 to 5 hours
Chisapani is a small arrangement of Brahmin, Gurung and Sherpa with fantastic views and superior hiking around it. Your hike starts right from Sundarijal (an hour drive from Kathmandu), you will bypass the main water source for Kathmandu City and goes on through Shivapuri National Park until you reach Chisapani village.
Where to Stay
There are a few teahouses, most of which were dented in the 2015 earthquakes. Locals are reconstructing so there should be something available, Camping is also possible.
Chisapani to Nagarkot Combined Trek/Hike
A good way to enlarge your trek to Chisapani is to keep on going the day after to Nagarkot. Trek from Sundarijal to Chisapani as described above, stay overnight then hike approximately 7 hours through habitually dense forest to Nagarkot, where you can stay overnight again or drive directly back to Kathmandu.
Another option is to keep trekking from Nagarkot to Changunarayan that day or the next and then drive back to Kathmandu. The trail from Nagarkot to Changunarayan tumble down through terraced pasture, through the Tamang village and on along a rim of deciduous forest.
The trek from Nagarkot to the temple at Changunarayan takes about 4 hours. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been renovated after being damaged in the 2015 earthquakes. There is also a very fascinating museum at the temple which has been tenderly cared for over the years. From Changunarayan you can walk or drive back down to Bhaktapur (8km) and explore this medieval town with its rich edifying history.
