Do you know why most people look for short treks from Kathmandu?
I ts because, Nepal has only one international airport in Kathmandu, which makes all tourists spend at least a day in Kathmandu.
Since most of the tourists visit Nepal for Himalaya views, Trekking in Kathmandu valley is famous for travellers have only a few days of holiday to spend in Nepal.
There are many short treks available near Kathmandu ranging from only one-day hikes to short treks of 2-3 days, or even longer.
Here we are going to list down 7 best short treks from Kathmandu to see fantastic mountain views and explore Nepalese countryside without going too far and without climbing high.
Contents
1. Nagarkot Trek
Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot trekking/hiking is most popular best short trek from Kathmandu among those who have lesser time in Nepal and are willing to do short trek near Kathmandu valley. This three-day trekking in Kathmandu which is also one of the best short treks in Nepal will provide you with the stunning views of Nepal’s countrysides and mountains including Mount Everest.
Chisapani Nagarkot hike starts after the short drive to Sundarijal. Chisapani Nagarkot hiking follows the trail of the water pipes which supplies water in Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot is a favourite hill station to see sunrise & sunset view over the white Himalayas in Nepal. On the way, you will witness Shivapuri National park and Wildlife reserve offering the culture, lifestyle, and tradition of the locals living there.
Chisapani Nagarkot trek will provide you with a majestic sunrise & sunset view of Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt Dorje Lakpa, Mt Everest and many more.
Overview
| No. Of Days | 03 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | 2,400 m |
| Trekking Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Remoteness | Not Remote (High number of trekkers per year) Possible to do Individual |
| Pricing | Low ($249 including food, accommodation during the trek) |
| Best Season | March to May and October to November. |
| Accommodation Type | Teahouse (Luxury hotels also) |
Itinerary
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Sundarijal & Trek to Chisapani | 2,150 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek to Nagarkot | 2,163 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek to Dhulikhel, Drive to Kathmandu | 1,400 m | 5 hrs |
2. Balthali village trek
Trekking to Balthali village is an another best short trek from Kathmandu to experience the true village culture of a Nepalese. The short trek near Kathmandu, this Balthali village hiking, will take you far from the busy city for a while. Balthali is one of the old villages near Kathmandu valley; The village is situated at the junction of two rivers that why this trek is suitable for isolation and relaxation.
Enjoy the views of Nepal’s countryside with lush rice fields and traditional farmhouses. Langtang and Mahabharat Ranges can be seen from Balthali village. Colourful rhododendron, Magnolia and Sal trees are covering the hills will leave a memorable memory of Nepal on you.
The place is less crowded because of only few tourist treks around the Kathmandu valley while most of the trekkers love to do major trekking routes such as; Annapurna circuit trek, Upper Mustang trek, Kanchenjunga circuit trek etc. One of the best highlights of the trek is to staying at local Balthali village resort with the warm hospitality of local peoples.
Overview
| No. Of Days | 03 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | 1,790 m, Balthali Village |
| Trekking Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Remoteness | Not Remote (High number of trekkers per year) Possible to do Individual |
| Pricing | Low ($299 including food, accommodation during the trek) |
| Best Season | March to May and October to November. |
| Accommodation Type | Guesthouses, Village resort |
Itinerary
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Dhulikhel & Trek to Namo Buddha | 1,750 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek to Balthali Village | 1,790 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek to Panauti, Drive to Kathmandu | 1,400 m | 6 hrs |
3. Kalinchowk Trek
Kalinchowk is a perfect destination for those who are looking for short trekking in Kathmandu rather than trekking far for more than ten days. Kalichowk is becoming more famous day by day after the construction of cable car has been finished. Not only tourists will visit this trek, but Kalinchowk is also the best destination to play with snow for local peoples of Kathmandu.
The tremendous panoramic view of Himalayas from Kalinchowk, the pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist (Kalinchowk Bhagwati), beautiful Kuri village is the main attraction of the trek.
You can enjoy the splendid views of mountains such as Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar etc. and also the Kathmandu valley in a clear day.
Overview
| No. Of Days | 03 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | 3,790 m, Kalinchowk Hill Summit |
| Trekking Difficulty | Easy |
| Remoteness | Not Remote (High number of trekkers per year) Possible to do Individual |
| Pricing | Low ($249 including food, accommodation during the trek) |
| Best Season | March to May and October to November. |
| Accommodation Type | Guesthouses, Hotels |
Itinerary
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Charikot, and hike to Kuri | 3,450 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 02 | Hike to Kalinchowk summit | 3,790 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek to Charikot, and drive back to Kathmandu. | 1,400 m | 6 hrs |
4. Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a best short trek from Pokhara. Because of not having much trekking destination in Kathmandu valley I am going to mention Poon Hill as a best short trek from Kathmandu. Poon Hill trek can be done from Kathmandu to Kathmandu on five days in total.
The trek passes through Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Tikhedhunga, and other beautiful villages. Spectacular mountain scenery, Sunrise & Sunset from a viewpoint on Poonhill, dense rhododendron forests are the main attraction of the trek. Beautiful view of Mt. Dhaulagiri ranges, Mt. Annapurna, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Hiunchuli, and Manaslu ranges can be seen during this trek.
Overview
| No. Of Days | 05 Days(kathmandu - kathmandu) |
| Maximum Elevation | 3,210 m, Poon Hill Viewpoint |
| Trekking Difficulty | Easy |
| Remoteness | Not Remote (Much number of trekkers per year) Possible to do Individual |
| Pricing | Low ($419 including food, accommodation during the trek) |
| Best Season | March to May and September to November. |
| Accommodation Type | Guesthouses, tea houses, Medium Luxury Hotels |
Itinerary
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 900 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 02 | Drive to Kyumi and trek to Tadapani | 2,630 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek to Ghorepani | 2,840 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 04 | Hike up to Poon Hill, trek to Hile and drive to Pokhara | 1,400 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 05 | Drive back to Kathmandu | 1,400 m | 7 hrs |
5. Langtang valley Trek
Langtang trek in Nepal, trekking to the Langtang village and Tserko Ri is one of the most excellent and short trekking from Kathmandu. It is situated in the Langtang national park Himalaya region. This best trek of Nepal is fit for all kind of trekkers, experienced hiker and Beginner both. It would be better to do this trek in 7 days if you have a proper holiday but can be doable in 5 days if you want to finish fast.
The pine, rhododendron, Bamboos forest, beautiful village, delightful views of mountains including Langtang Lirung(7252m) from Tserko Ri are the main attraction of the trek. Furthermore, the viewpoint of Tserko Ri can offer a view of the Himalayas like Yala Peak, Dorje Lakpa, Langsisa, and many more. Sunrise and sunset view from Khynjing Ri is worth experiencing.
Overview
| No. Of Days | 05 Days(kathmandu - kathmandu) |
| Maximum Elevation | 3,210 m, Poon Hill Viewpoint |
| Trekking Difficulty | Easy |
| Remoteness | Not Remote (Much number of trekkers per year) Possible to do Individual |
| Pricing | Low ($419 including food, accommodation during the trek) |
| Best Season | March to May and September to November. |
| Accommodation Type | Guesthouses, tea houses, Medium Luxury Hotels |
Itinerary
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Syabrubesi | 1,550 m | 5 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek to Lama Hotel | 2,380 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek to Langtang town | 3,430 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 04 | Trek to Kyanjin Gompa | 3,870 m | 4 hrs |
| Day 05 | Visit Kyanjin Ri Peak and trek back to Lama Hotel | 2,380 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 06 | Trek over to Syabrubesi | 1,550 m | 5 hrs |
| Day 07 | Drive back to Kathmandu | 1,400 m | 6 hrs |
6. Gosaikunda Trek
Gosaikunda lake is a Holy Glacial Lake located at an altitude of 4380 m. The trek to this lake is for those who have a short time to trek. trek to Gosaikunda offer the view of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Annapurna in the far distance.
Dozen of lakes including Gosainkunda, Natural, cultural and religious experience, Lauribinayak La pass, Stunning views of Langtang range, Himal Chuli, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal is worth to spend multiday in trekking to this lake.
Overview
| No. Of Days | 06 Days(kathmandu - kathmandu) |
| Maximum Elevation | 4,460 m, lake Gosaikunda |
| Trekking Difficulty | Moderate |
| Remoteness | Not Remote (Many trekkers per year) Possible to do Individual |
| Pricing | Low ($499 including food, accommodation during the trek) |
| Best Season | March to May and September to November. |
| Accommodation Type | Guesthouses, tea houses |
Itinerary
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Syabru Besi | 1,600 m | 8 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek to Lama Hotel | 2,410 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek to Thulo Syabru | 2,230 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 04 | Trek to Shin Gompa | 3,330 m | 4 hrs |
| Day 05 | Trek to Gosaikunda | 4,460 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 06 | Trek to Dhunche | 1,300 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 07 | Drive back to Kathmandu | 1,400 m | 6 hrs |
7. Helambu Trek
Helambu trek is one of the underrated best short treks from Kathmandu valley and in Langtang region. The trek offers green rhododendron, bamboo and pine forest walk, beautiful view of slow-moving rivers, majestic waterfalls and rugged stone, grassy trails, and surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Furthermore, the trek passes through numerous mountain villages, beautiful rice field, and various astonishing Buddhist monasteries. Helambu is especially famous for fresh and delicious apples. The view of mountain peaks like Gang Chhenpo, Jugal and Nayagang Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung and other tremendous Himalayan scenery at the Tibet border is the main highlights of this trek.
Overview
| No. Of Days | 06 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | 3,650 m, Thadepati |
| Trekking Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Remoteness | Not Remote (Few number of trekkers per year) Possible to do Individual |
| Pricing | Low ($419 including food, accommodation during the trek) |
| Best Season | March to May and October to November. |
| Accommodation Type | Guesthouses, tea houses |
Itinerary
| DAYS | ITINERARY | ALTITUDE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Drive to Sundarijal, trek to Chisapani | 2,300 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 02 | Trek to Kutumsang | 2,450 m | 7 hrs |
| Day 03 | Trek to Thadepati | 3,650 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 04 | Trek to Tarke Ghyang | 2,560 m | 6 hrs |
| Day 05 | Trek to Sermanthang | 2,610 m | 4 hrs |
| Day 06 | Trek to Melamchi Bazaar, Drive back to Kathmandu | 1,400 m | 6 hrs |
Conclusion
To do these short treks around Kathmandu valley, you do not need to have any trekking experience which is specially designed for first-time trekkers. Only two to three days will be enough for those short treks near Kathmandu.
Besides this, you do not have to lose the comfort of the city while doing these hikes. Furthermore, you also don’t need to have any travel insurance.
The benefits of those short treks from Kathmandu is you can see temples, monasteries and Stupas along the trails and you will get a chance see mountain views without spending long days for the trekking.
These Kathmandu valley hikes are suitable for every age group and all seasons.
