At a Glance
Trip Overview
The Kathmandu Valley trek is a delightful journey that starts in Sundarijal and takes you through beautiful locations like Chisopani, Nagarkot, Changunarayan, Balthali, Namobuddha, and Dhulikhel. This trek is perfect for those who want to explore the rich culture, lush landscapes, and stunning views of Nepal without the challenge of high-altitude trekking.
Starting from Sundarijal, the Kathmandu Valley trek leads you to Chisopani, a small village that offers a peaceful escape and picturesque views of the Himalayas. As you continue to Nagarkot, you are treated to one of the most famous sunrise views over the Himalayas. Nagarkot is a popular hill station where you can see panoramic views of mountain ranges, including Mount Everest on a clear day.
The journey then takes you to Changunarayan, home to the ancient Changunarayan Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is a beautiful example of Nepalese architecture and has a rich history dating back to the 4th century.
Moving on to Balthali, the Kathmandu Valley trek brings you to a serene village surrounded by terraced fields and dense forests. Balthali is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into traditional rural life in Nepal. It’s a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the countryside.
From Balthali, the trek continues to Namobuddha, a sacred Buddhist site where Lord Buddha is said to have given his body to a starving tigress and her cubs. This place is significant for its beautiful stupa and monastery, as well as the peaceful ambiance it provides.
Finally, the Kathmandu Valley trek leads to Dhulikhel, a charming town known for its stunning views of the Himalayas and its rich Newari culture. Dhulikhel is a great place to end the trek, offering opportunities to relax, enjoy the local cuisine, and reflect on the journey.
Overall, the Kathmandu Valley trek is a wonderful blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance, making it a memorable experience for any trekker. If you are looking a bit longer and harder trek then you can consider Langtang trek or Everest panorama Trek
The Kathmandu Valley trek is the best trek for short and easy hikers for several reasons.
- Short Duration: Typically takes about a week to complete, making it perfect for those with limited time.
- Easy Trails: Less demanding trails compared to high-altitude treks, suitable for beginners or those with moderate fitness levels.
- Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking Himalayan views, especially from Nagarkot, Chisapani, Balthali.
- Rich Cultural Encounters: Includes visits to ancient temples like Changunarayan and traditional villages like Balthali.
- Spiritual Significance: Features a visit to Namobuddha, a significant Buddhist site.
- Local Lifestyle and Hospitality: Provides an opportunity to experience the local lifestyle and the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people.
- Proximity to Kathmandu: Easy access to modern amenities while enjoying the natural beauty and tranquility of the countryside.
Departure Everyday and all year around
Trip Highlights
- Soft & easy trek in short period of time
- Magnificent views of Himalayas
- Incredibly beautiful sunrise and sunset view
- Discover exceptional species of birds and wildlife
- Observe the unique cultures of local people
- Visit Nagerkot, Balthali, Namobuddha and Changunarayan
At a Glance
When to Visit
Trip Itinerary
- Full Itinerary
- Outline Itinerary
Departure from home
Drive to Sundarijal (1350m/4429ft) then Trek to Chisapani (2165m/7103ft)
After breakfast drive by private car to Sundarijal, the starting point of the Trek. A 30-minute hike from Sundarijal brings you to Shivapuri National Park, where you can obtain a permit to enter the park. As you gradually ascend, you will reach the village of Mulkharka, a perfect spot for lunch or refreshments. Continuing along the route, you’ll traverse a beautiful jungle and stone-paved steps leading to Chisapani. This area is renowned for its stunning sunrise viewpoints, offering spectacular views of Gaurisankar, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and other nearby peaks.
Trek to Nagarkot (2175m/7135ft)
After an early morning breakfast at the lodge, enjoy a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas from Chisapani. Begin your 6-7 hour trek to Nagarkot, descending through dense forests and passing through charming villages that offer a glimpse into rural Nepali life. Stop for lunch at a local village along the way. Continue your journey through scenic landscapes, terraced fields, and forested trails, arriving in Nagarkot by late afternoon or early evening. Relax and soak in the serene environment and panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Spend the night at a hotel in Nagarkot.
Trek from Changunarayan then drive to Khopasi and trek to Balthali (1730m/5675ft)
Begin your day in Nagarkot with a breathtaking sunrise, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Mount Everest on clear days. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, embark on a trek to Changunarayan, a journey that takes approximately 3-4 hours. The trail initially descends through lush forests, terraced fields, and quaint villages, providing an immersive experience of rural Nepal. Along the way, you’ll pass by traditional Newari villages, where you can observe local life and perhaps engage with friendly villagers. Have a lunch and drive to Khopasi for another 1.5 hrs and trek to balthali, an amazing village.
Trek to Namobuddha (1750m/5741ft)/ have a lunch and drive to Kathmandu
Embark on a scenic trek from Balthali to Namo Buddha, blending natural beauty with rich cultural experiences. Starting in the tranquil village of Balthali, enjoy lush greenery, terraced fields, and panoramic Himalayan views. The moderate trek winds through charming villages and verdant forests, offering glimpses of rural Nepali life.
Namo Buddha, your destination, is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site where Prince Mahasattva, in a previous life of the Buddha, offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs. The Namo Buddha Stupa and monastery provide a serene atmosphere, perfect for reflection and exploration. This trek offers a unique blend of natural splendor, cultural insights, and spiritual depth, making it an unforgettable experience for all. After lunch we take a jeep and drive back to Kathmandu.
Back to home
Cost Include
- Private transport where necessary
- All entry fees and permit during sightseeing
- All Hotel accommodation
- Hotel accommodation
- All meals
Cost Exclude
- Drinks and bar bill
- Tipping
- Personal Insurance
- Other things not mentioned
Tailor made Journeys
Your journey, your way - This itinerary can be tailored to your desire.
You can also use this tour as a base for a tailor-made itinerary. Like your personal architect creating your one-of- a-kind home, our Travel Specialists will execute the trip of a lifetime. It’s all up to you – logistics, pace, budget, dates, performances, visits, explorations, meals and lodging are hammered out down to the finest customized detail. Please fill in our tailor-made request form.
Private Journeys
Customize the departure dates suitable for you
If you do not want to join a group then you can also make this a private trip with your friends and family one at your own schedule. Considering this, Trekking Team Group organizes private journeys as well. Please choose your own departure date.
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Trip Reviews
As a women travelling alone I decided to contract the Trekking Team Group . And I did not regret it. Thanks to Shreehari who asigned his experienced guide Arjun to me, I had a wonderful time visiting (either walking or travelling by public transport) beautiful places like Changu Narayan, Nagarkot and Bakthapur. Arjun is a very thoughtful guide who is eager to explain Nepalese daily life to you. I was struck by the gentleness of the Nepalese people, and their resillience and eagerness (young and old, women and men) to rebuild their beautiful and culturally very rich country after the earthquake. I am determined to go back one day with my family for ‘more serious hiking’ with Shree and his Trekking Team Group.
How these top guide books have described us?
"Ein Absolut verlässlicher, superfreundlisher veranstalter mit erstlkassigem Service.”
“Long-established trekking company with a breadth of experience and an easy-to-find location."
"A very reliable, super friendly agency offering top-notch service.”
“une agence engagée avec une belle expertise du terrain.”
Additional Information
This is ADVENTURE travel, and many of the destinations on this site are in remote, underdeveloped areas where unpredictability is the norm. Despite careful planning and organization, our adventure trips can’t be taken for granted like regular trips. Many of the places we visit lack the emergency health and safety services you’re used to in the developed world. Internal flights can be canceled, road transport is often uncomfortable and unreliable, and hotel standards may not match those of the West.
If you’re not prepared for this, you shouldn’t travel with us. The unpredictability also means that our itineraries are statements of intent, not contractual obligations. Factors such as weather, transport difficulties, and political instability might require us to change any itinerary. The trip leader will make any necessary changes after consulting with the group. Such changes are rarely significant, and we always do our best to minimize their impact. However, we cannot be held responsible for changes or delays, regardless of their cause.
What makes this trip different ?
Trekking Team Groups is one of the main supporters of Ambe Foundation, a non-political and non-profit social organization. We contribute our support to the remote village of Nuwakot and different schools like Gramin Devi, Khumbeshwori through donation, sponsorship and partnership in various projects. For details click here what we do and why we do?
Donation
Trekking Team Group donates a percentage of business profits to the foundation on a yearly basis, which supports the ongoing maintenance cost required for Gramin Devi and Khumbeshwori school, a community-based school in Nuwakot.
Sponsorship
One of the major activities of Ambe foundation is the children sponsorship program, which is conducted with full collaboration with Trekking Team Group.
Partnership (Volunteering Program)
The Ambe Volunteer Program, organised by Ambe Foundation and Trekking Team Group, aims to mobilize teams of experts and interested individuals as an effective and economic measure in providing the human capital for education, health and community development in Nuwakot District.
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