My top 5 hiking trails in and around Kathmandu

After trailing to more than fifteen routes in 2022-2023, I finally decided to list my top five favorites. The list is completely based on my experiences and personality. For me, water is a primary source of relief and helps me to be grounded. So, most of my chosen trails promised a breathtaking view of waterfalls and rivers. 

Every hike listed below has its own stretches few are easy and short while others are extended to hours. So, in my opinion here are the five best trails in and around Kathmandu:

5. Champadevi Hiking Trail 

Thoughts:

This trail got into my favorite list as it's easy, nearby to where I live and it has breathtaking views of lush green hills around. 

Altitude: 2240m (According to my watch)

Distance: 9.0km (One way) from Kirtipur 
Route: There are two prominent ways to reach here, one from Haatiban Resort and another from Kirtipur ( I took the route from Kirtipur, nearly 12000 steps one way)

Duration: Depends but normally 3-3.5hrs

Best time to visit: Roads are quite good and easy to embark so any season. But, March-May is the best time.

Ratings: Moderate (Well maintained trail, the temperature is refreshing with trees surrounding from both sides and elevation keeps on raising so it's not easy).

4. Bishnudwar

Thoughts:

One of the easiest and by far the most beautiful destination. The trail is straight, with a mini waterfall throughout the unpaved path . The best part is there are no steps at all, unlike other trails in Kathmandu. The final destination is a beautiful cave that includes the statue of Lord Bishnu. 

Entrance: Shivapuri Nagarjung National Park (Buddhanilkantha)

Entrance Charge: Rs.100 for Nepali Citizens

Gate opens: 7:00 A.M-4:00P.M

Duration:3.5-4hrs

Distance:14km (two ways)

Steps: 14250

Best time to visit: Anytime

Ratings: Very Easy ( As it doesn't have much elevation until the last 5 minutes, straight and well-maintained trail, surrounded by trees and a small waterfall throughout).

Do's and Don't 

As this trail is part of the national park, you have to get a tickets to enter.The gate opens only at 7:00 A.M so, going early will not help.

The checking-in entrance gate is quite strict these days. You have to show your entire backpack if you are planning to carry one. Things they restrict are cigarettes, lighter, meat products, and speakers. You can carry packed food but you have to fill up a form and enlist everything you carry. So, be careful about the things you carry.

3. Dhap Dam

Thoughts:

The final destination was a human-made dam. Though a beautiful place, it wasn't worth the hype. However, the best part was the dense forest leading to the dam. It was a combination of elevation and a linear trail with the river flowing. Also, be careful if you are planning to hike alone. The forest is quite dense but mesmerizing. 

Entrance: Sundarijal 

Altitude: 2070m

Duration:6-7hrs (two ways)

Distance: 23km (two ways)

Steps: 34000

Best time to visit: Anytime but if you want to embrace a good amount of waterfall on the way July-August is the best time. 

Ratings: Difficult (Distance is long, has multiple elevations and trails are not well maintained)

2. Okhreni 

Thoughts:

The waterfall and the pool are next to the road. It might be quite disturbing as people keep on walking. And if you go on weekdays the entire pool will be yours without disturbance. 

The entrance is from Sundarijal, passing by the dam as shown in the images below. Turning left from the junction will lead you to Okhreni while the right elevation will take you to Dhap Dam.

Entrance: Sundarijal 

Duration:3.5hrs (two ways)

Best time to visit:  July-August is the best time. Also, on weekdays there will be fewer people and you can swim without disturbance. 

Ratings: Easy (Few elevations in Sundarijal, with beautiful views and fewer steps to climb).

1. Konjyosom waterfall

Thoughts:

I listed this trail at the top of my list because of three reasons. First, it is very underrated and fewer people go here. So, the place is quite untouched and undisturbed despite it being in the Lalitpur district. 

Secondly, the entire trail has trees that give you shade and makes the walk easier. Moreover, the deeper you enter the jungle more freshness you can feel.

Lastly, unlike Okhreni the waterfall is not on the road. It's inside the dense forest and the swimming area is larger.The waterfall and pool are walled by beautiful trees. 

Entrance: Multiple routes, two ways I know is one from the Bhaisipati area and the second from Tika Bhairab Chowk.

Started from: Konjyosom Village

Distance:15.5km (two ways)

Steps: 22000

Duration: 5.5-6hrs

Best time to visit: July-August and Dec-Feb

Ratings: Difficult (As it has multiple elevations, it has hills, a linear trail, and dense jungle before reaching the waterfall).