Kathmandu Valley Hiking

Kathmandu Valley is surrounded by lush green hills and forest which
are ideal for short and easy day hikes. To reach these hills, one has
to walk through traditional Newari villages and rural settlements.
Trekking agencies in Nepal offer short day hikes and cultural treks to
many of these hills and villages surrounding the valley’s rim. About
half an hour’s drive from the city, lies Shivapuri National Park. One
has to pay an entrance pay fee to enter the park. An unpitched and
rough jeep track takes you high up through a lush forest filled with
wild orchids, monkeys and birds. There are a few lodges and resorts at
the top. You can spend the night there, descend back to Kathmandu or
continue your hike to Cisapani or Nagarkot. En route one can enjoy
wonderful vistas of Himalayan peaks rising in the horizon.
Another popular hiking spot is the Pulchowki Hill at the southern part
of the city. In springtime the hill is covered with rhododendron
blooms. The hill is home to several species of birds. If you are
interested in bird watching you should head to Pulchowki Hill. The
hike begins from Godavari, a small settlement at the foot of the
Pulchowki hill. If you are interested in the culture and traditions of
the people you can explore the ancient and small villages that lie on
the outskirts of the valley. In Newari villages like Bungamati,
Khokana, Lele, Panauti etc, villagers still follow the old way of
life. These villages are living museums of Newari culture. Dhulikhel
and Nagarkot which lies about a few hours drive from the city also
have many small hills and quaint villages in their vicinity, which
are ideal for short hikes.