Nepal is a popular destination for hiking and trekking tours thanks to its superb Himalayan views, lush valleys, cultural heritage sites, and rural community cultures. With a range of difficulties and durations, there are hikes across Nepal to suit every fitness level and budget.
Some of the most popular hikes include Nagarkot, Dhulikel, Namobuddha, Lumbini, Gorkha and Chitwan. These one or two day hikes and walks immerse you in Nepali culture and lifestyle amid spectacular mountain scenery.
Easier than trekking, hiking is popular for travellers who are short on time or don’t have the physical fitness required for the more intense hikes at higher altitudes. Hiking is an ideal way to explore and enjoy the scenery and natural wilderness of Nepal while following well-marked trails. Our tours are suitable for children, older travellers, and family groups since the treks are not overly demanding yet still provide plenty to see.
Our hiking tours usually begin by driving to the trailhead, where you will begin to walk. You only need to carry a small daypack for your water, valuables, and lunch with you as a car will deliver the rest of your belongings to your destination. After around 3-6 hours of hiking through villages and wooded forests you will arrive at a comfortable hotel or homestay to spend the night enjoying the serenity of rural Nepal.
There are several different trails to choose from for hiking in Nepal.
Shivapuri Peak Hiking: 1 Day
Shivapuri Peak Hiking is a short trek from Kathmandu. Shivapuri stands at 2563m, and is the highest hill near the Kathmandu Valley. The Shivapuri Hill Trek is located in the Shivapuri National Park.
Shivapuri NP is located 13km from Kathmandu and is one of the best 1 day short hikes near Kathmandu. The area was upgraded to National Park status in 2002 to protect the valley’s main water source, as well as 177 species of birds and numerous rare orchids found in the park. This is one of the last areas of primary woodland left in the valley, and the forest is alive with monkeys, and other wildlife such as leopards and bears.
From the peak, you will see spectacular mountain views of the Ganesh Himal Range, Langtang Range, and Jugal Himal range.
Sundarijal Hiking: 1 Day
Sundarijal Hiking is a perfect one-day hiking trip for those who want to get away from the bustling city of Kathmandu for the day.
The trip is a combination of hiking in the serene Shivapuri National park, nature-spotting, a tour of Budhanilkantha Temple and NagiGompa (Buddhist Nunnery).
This 6-hour hike will pass through Shivapuri Conservation areas – a must-visit for nature lovers and birdwatchers! You will also visit the Buddhist nunnery house, which is home to around 100 nuns. This stop guarantees amazing views of the city below. Here you can also see the Buddhist shrine Nagi Gumba. From here, you will walk on a steep trail to reach Sundarijal Peak via Baghdwar which is believed to be the source of the holy Bagmati River.
Sundarijal Hiking is a great day out with families and hikers of all ages and abilities who don’t want to travel too far from the city of Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Valley Hiking: 2 Days
This Kathmandu Valley hike takes you away from the chaos of the city and into the fresh air and stunning highlights of Chandragiri, Chitlang, Markhu & Kulekhani on the outskirts of the ancient Kathmandu valley.
The journey starts from the capital straight to Matatirtha, a famous Hindu shrine. Once we reach there, the hiking starts towards the famous Chandragiri Hilltop. The hill provides panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the 360 views of the Himalayan range – from Annapurna to Everest. Chandragiri Hilltops is a fascinating tourist destination where you can ride up and down the hill in a cable car while soaking up the valley views.
The next stop on the hike is Chitlang – an ancient Newari settlement in Makwanpur district. Different artistic monuments, pagoda roofs and unique craftsmanship around the place will leave you awe-stuck.
Then, we continue our hike all the way to Kulekhani and the famous Indrasarobar, the largest man-made lake in Nepal. The boating and fishing activities have attracted visitors here for years.
Balthali Village & Namobuddha Hike: 3 Days
This short village trek around Kathmandu valley in Nepal is the perfect getaway from the bustling city and it’s just within an hour’s drive from Kathmandu!
This Balthali Village & Namobuddha Hike offers splendid views of different Himalayan ranges and is very popular amongst nature lovers and bird watchers. You can spend your days exploring and discovering some excellent species of wildlife, local traditions, and civilization untouched by modernity. This “off the beaten path location” has infinite trials leading to many villages inhabited by the Tamang and Newari ethnic tribes. You don’t have to be extremely fit to do this small hike, making it accessible for everyone.
This isolated Balthali Village Trek rewards you with stunning landscapes, friendly and hospitable people, and magnificent views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal range, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and Everest on the northern horizon.
You will also get the chance to explore Namobuddha – one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Nepal. You will spend your second night here in the local monastery where you can mingle with the local resident monks.
This amazing hike is great for those who don’t want to or are not able to visit the major trekking routes, but still want that authentic, magical taste of Nepal.
Nagarkot Hiking: 3 Days
Nagarkot hiking is the best and renowned among hikers. This trip is designed to provide you a unique opportunity to explore the myriad wonders of nature, rural Nepal and the awe inspiring majesty and beauty of dramatic mountain views.
Your first destination is Chisopani where you will be enjoying the real boon of nature being away from the hustle of Kathmandu. Interact with the local people while you have lunch. Early sunrise view at Nagarkot is the most fascinating and mesmerizing view before heading back to Kathmandu.
Nagarkot is the ultimate destination where you can spend a couple of days away from the city center and be in nature. It’s the best destination for birdwatchers too!.
Bandipur Hiking: 6 Days
Bandipur is a hilltop settlement placed on 1000m ridge in the Tanahu district. It’s easily accessible from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Because of its preserved ancient cultural and traditional atmosphere, Bandipur has gaining popularity amongst adventurous hikers. A hike through Bandipur endows you with excellent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang and the Marshyangdi valley.
Bandipur makes an interesting hiking destination. You can enjoy views of Gorkha and experience the old newari towns and typical Newari architectural buildings that are untouched by modern influence.
The main hotspots when hiking in Bandipur are Bindyabashini temple, the historic village library, Thani Mai, Tindhara (“Three Taps” washing place at the southeastern outskirts), Raniban (Queen’s Forest), the downhill trek to the Siddha Cave and the hike through Ramkot village.
Namobuddha Hiking: 8 Days
Namobuddha is a stunning viewpoint situated at an elevation of 5,740 feet (1,750 meters) in the Kavre district. It is a very important Buddhist pilgrimage site which lies about 23 miles (38 kilometers) east of Kathmandu. The stupa and shrines built in this lovely little hill mark a very ancient holy site which signifies the place where a legendary prince named Mahasattva offered himself to a starving tigress with several underfed cubs. This legendary episode is depicted in a very nice stone slab which is right next to a holy stupa.
This trek takes you through the rural Tamang village of Chispani which hosts incredible views of the Himalayan mountain range. The popular town of Nagarkot is next on the radar which has some of the best sunrise and senset views in the whole of Nepal.
Next, it’s onto Dhulikhel where you can see the snow-capped mountains as you explore this rural area. Finally, your destination Namobuddha is in sight. Namobudhha is a holy place and famous amoung Buddists. It’s also famous for growing rice, mustard and millet so you can see beautiful hillside terraced farms throughout the walk. You’ll also be surprised by the number of temples, variation in landscapes and the diversity of people in the surrounding Newari villages.
Real Journey Trekking Nepal does not only offer the most popular and wide range of hiking, trekking, peak climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, rafting, and various trekking programs but also offers the opportunity to volunteer in schools, health institutions, disability centers, construction, women’s programs and many more before, during or after your trek.
We are here to offer your something different which truly connects with local Nepali people and immerse yourself in their lifestyles and culture while you travel.
Real Journey Trekking Nepal was founded in 2006 to create real, authentic experiences in Nepal for travellers and trekkers around the world who also wanted to give back to the local communities through ethical trekking or combining volunteering with travelling in Nepal.
At Real Journey Trekking Nepal, we want you to see what your money is funding and to spend time visiting our local projects and with the local Nepali people that you are supporting. Over the past few years, we have been providing food, clothing, and educational sponsorship to more than 50 orphan children.
Through our women’s development project, 30 women in Kathmandu are currently receiving day to day literacy and language classes along with skill training. We are proud to have been running a disabled centre with a capacity of 25 children that provides services such as special education, physiotherapy and speech therapy.
