1. Kathmandu - Nagarkot

Kathmandu and Nagarkot hike offers up scenic views of the surrounding woods, takes you by some smaller waterfalls, and puts the native flowers and birds on display. This outskirts of the valley has close proximity to Hindus and Buddhists cultural sites and we couldn’t resist putting it on our day-hikes list.

The trail starts early in the morning at 4 o'clock. After driving to the edge of Kathmandu at the small village of Sankhu, hikers pass through oak, pine and rhododendron forest. While that is the main draw of the hike, the journey there and back is equally interesting because of the distinctive geologic features of Nagarkot. The payoff at the end of the trail is a panoramic mountain view ranging from the Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east including Mt Everest. Arriving in the early afternoon, you will have lunch in Nagarkot.

Enjoy the views of Nagarkot with delicious meals offered by local restaurants and hotels and hike back to Kathmandu. Dinner In Kathmandu and back to the hotel.

2. Kathmandu - Shivapuri

You can’t honestly put together a list of the best day hikes out there and not include at least one from Shivapuri. Our choice was easy. The Shivapuri trail is one of the most visited for a reason – since  the trail passes through Shivapuri Conservation Area, hikers can look out over 500 species and once at the top, take in the amazing views of the valley below and surrounding mountains. The best part is the hike is easy and can be accomplished by hikers of any group. 

Our private transfer will arrive at your hotel in the morning and take you to Budhanilkantha, one of the entrances to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park which serves as the hike's beginning point. A reclining statue of Lord Vishnu floating in a coil of snakes may be found at a Hindu pilgrimage site in Budhanilkantha. The distance from the bus stop at Budhanilkantha to the entrance of the National Park is around 2.3 kilometers, all of which is uphill. 

The first few hours of hike goes through dusty roads before the trail ascends over the difficult stone stairs to Nagi Gumba in a northeastern direction.  You'll arrive at Nagi Gumba after a distance of about 2 kilometers along the tree-lined trail. Take a rest at the monastery and have some quick meals. Further, there is a vertical incline to Bagdwar. There is a tiny tiger-shaped gargoyle built here where there is constant water flow. The Bagmati River also has its beginnings here. Couple of Sadhus stay in the monastery where you get chance to interact with them. Finally, you reach to Shivapuri.

Take in the breathtaking vistas of the Langtang mountain. After resting up from the day's climb, continue on a separate trail with stone stairs in the direction of the northwest. You'll pass several towns along the about 10.0 kilometer route, including Dada Gaun. You will eventually reach Budhanilkantha. Dinner and transfer to the hotel.

3. Kathmandu - Phulchowki

In terms of sheer beauty, few hiking routes in the world can match Phulchowki Hiking Trail. South of Kathmandu, on a hill, is Phulchowki, which is renowned for its abundant wildlife and varied vegetation. The tallest hill surrounding the Kathmandu valley, is situated at a height of 2,762 meters. The trail is fairly difficult, therefore only seasoned hikers should attempt it. The trail here is a series of sharp switchbacks and will test your endurance.

Godavari, which is roughly 20 kilometers from Kathmandu, is where the hike begins. The trail is rugged and steep and travels through tropical forests. Enjoy the frequent views of the populated Kathmandu Valley. You can see a variety of birds along the trip, including the Himalayan Monal, Spiny Babbler, and Cutia. The ascent takes roughly 4-5 hours which is almost 1100m due to the trail's steepness while the descent is only 500m. You can witness the temple of the Hindu goddess Shiva at the summit, where you can also observe a few prayer flags. On a clear day, the peak provides breathtaking views of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan mountain range. As you approach the top, you’ll see a small check post where you’ll have to provide your details to the army members tasked with protecting Phulchowki Hill. Lunch at Phulchowki.

Return the same route and your private transfer will be waiting at Godawari bus park. Dinner and transfer to Hotel.

4. Kathmandu - Chandragiri

A hill called Chandragiri can be found on the western rim of the Kathmandu valley. At 2,551 meters above sea level, Chandragiri provides breathtaking views of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan range. The trail is fairly difficult.

This hiking path begins from Machhegaun, the Chandragiri Hill's base, and ends at the peak. It can take up to three hours to complete. To enjoy the best views of the mountain range and the valley, it is advisable to begin the hike early in the day. As you leave the residential village in your rearview mirror, the trail meanders into the lush woodland. You ascend the hill fast by taking a zigzag path while the valley below narrows. Hikers are greeted to magnificent views of the valley below all along the forest trek.  The mountain ranges are known to play hide and seek with you until you reach the summit where the skies open up for the glorious views.

Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, which has been rebuilt, is located atop the mountain. Hindu believers think the temple has the ability to grant visitors' wishes. The viewing tower at the top offers a clear 360-degree view of the surrounding area, including views of the high hills between the valley and Mount Everest in the east and Mount Dhaulagiri in the west. Recently, zipline facility has also been added. You can give it a shot to make the hike a little more adventurous.

You hike back all the way down by the same route. Alternatively there is a cable car from top of Chandragiri to its base. If you feel exhausted or want an easier way, you can choose this option as well. 

5. Sundarijal - Chisapani

On the northern outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley is the settlement of Sundarijal. Sundarijal is located at an altitude of 1,350m, and it is the starting point of the hike. The journey to Chisapani, a tiny hill station at a height of 2,194m, takes about 3–4 hours. It lies in the Shivapuri National Park and is also the gateway to the Langtang-Gosainkunda trekking region.

While this route is shown as a return journey, some hikers do this over two days, spending a night in Chisapani. The hike begins at Sundarijal and travels through numerous tiny villages and forested areas. The trail is quite steep. For the first 100 meters, a big pipe supplying water to Kathmandu runs beside the concrete steps. After walking for almost 1.6 km, you’ll climb up the stairs to the Sundarijal reservoir, where your first army checkpoint takes place. Tamang and Newar ethnic groups are found in this region. You pass Mulkharka, Burlang Bhanjyang and finally reach Chisapani. You are rewarded by great vista of snow capped mountains and hospitable locals throughout the whole journey. 

After lunch, return back the same route to Sundarijal. If you want to experience and explore more then there are enough lodges and hotels in the destination.