Location
Kathmandu Valley
5.0
Explore the Kathmandu Valley Trek and experience Nepal’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Kathmandu, surrounded by hills, is famous for its ancient temples and palaces. From Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, enjoy amazing views of the Himalayan ranges.
Kathmandu Valley
9 Days
Hiking
Hotel/Lodge
All included
Min 2 Pax.
Winter, Autumn, and Spring
2100m.
The Kathmandu Valley’s prosperity is deeply rooted in its central position between India and Tibet. This factor has long contributed to its wealth and cultural richness. The valley’s fertile basin and mild climate have made it an ideal region for agriculture, allowing the land to flourish under the care of its inhabitants. The Newar people are known for their artistry and craftsmanship and have passed down their skills through generations. They are leaving a lasting legacy in the architectural wonders of Patan and Bhaktapur.
Our nine-day trek offers a comprehensive exploration of this culturally and naturally rich region. We will journey through picturesque ridges and charming villages to the north and east of Kathmandu. From Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, we’ll enjoy expansive views of the Himalayan range, spanning from Langtang to Everest. The trek includes detailed visits to important sacred sites, including the Boudhanath Stupa, the historic town of Bhaktapur, and the artistic treasures of Patan. Along the way, we’ll traverse through ridges, terraced fields, and lush pine forests, engaging ourselves in both the natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
We start our day with a vehicle ride to Budhanilkantha, where you can see the famous Vishnu statue resting on a bed of serpents. The name “Budhanilkantha” is derived from the ancient Newari language, where “Budha” signifies “old,” “Nila” translates to “blue,” and “Kantha” means “throat.” This historic temple is filled with history, spirituality, and beautiful architecture. Also called the “Sleeping Vishnu” or “Jalakshetra,” it reflects the deep respect and devotion that characterize Nepal’s heritage. After visiting Budhanilkantha, we will hike to the entrance of Shivapuri National Park. We continue along the park trail, which winds through the forest and ascends in switchbacks to the foot of the Nagi Gompa nunnery.
The next destination is Boudhanath, which has one of Nepal’s biggest spherical stupas. The town is built around this massive mandala. Buddhists come here in the evenings from all over the nation to perform mantra recitations and circumambulations. The act of walking around a stupa is known as a ‘Kora’ in Tibetan and Sherpa culture. At Boudhanath, you’ll meet a smiling and comforting crowd consisting of Sherpas, Tamang, exiled Tibetans, and Bhutanese, all connected by their Tibetan heritage.
After exploring the area, check-in at a nearby hotel close to the stupa. You can also visit the Buddhist monasteries of the Gelugpa (yellow hat) school, the Nyingmapa (school of the ancients), and the Kagyupa. We will spend the night at the Rokpa Guest House near the stupa. The hike takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.
After performing one final Kora (a meditative circumambulation) around the stupa, we depart from the peaceful surroundings of Boudhanath and head on a journey to Sankhu via a comfortable vehicle. It is situated at an elevation of 1400 meters. Our ascent continues along a scenic trail that winds through woods, eventually leading us to a quaint pass at 1800 meters.
From this vantage point, we are blessed with awe-inspiring panoramas of the majestic Himalayan range, which will accompany us for several days on our trek. We then hike on level terrain as part of our expedition, passing through quaint villages decorated with striking red earth. After arriving in Kartike, the trail climbs gently for about fifteen minutes before you arrive at Vajra Farm House. Reaching Vajra Farm House, take in the sight of its beautiful orchard of peach and apricot trees. Relax and enjoy the environment at Farm House for the night. Today’s trek involves 4.5 hours of trekking.
We wake up early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. The area is also known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets. We’ll have breakfast and then head out to ascend to the ridges of Nagarkot. The trail climbs in switchbacks to reach Nagarkot and its numerous hotels. Nagarkot is a renowned hill station showing panoramic views, including glimpses of Mount Everest on clear days. Many tourists come here to enjoy the natural sights and the calm, fresh air. There are also several hiking trails around Nagarkot, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding forests and local villages. The 2.5-hour hike takes you through the serene surroundings of Nagarkot, where you’ll spend the night at the Country Villa.
We woke up at 5:30 a.m. to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Everest while sipping on a steaming cup of tea. After enjoying a hearty breakfast on the terrace of the hotel, we headed on a long yet lovely day of walking. The trail initially presented flat and easy terrain, leading us to Rohini Banjyang. As we continued, the path descended into the Ghare valley. It provides mesmerizing views of terraced rice fields adorned with corn, wheat, and rice plantations that flourish from June to late September.
Upon reaching Tulsa, we turned from the path that descended to Nala and instead opted for a hillside trail that eventually led us to Dhulikhel. Along the way, we passed through charming Tamang villages where Buddhist prayer flags fluttered above the earthen houses, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Arriving at the Dhulikhel Lodge Resort, we were greeted with a pleasant terrace with a view of the majestic Himalayas. We stayed overnight at the Dhulikhel Lodge Resort. The stay was a well-deserved rest and an opportunity to feel the natural beauty that surrounded us. The entire hike spanned over 6 hours.
After a 3-hour walk, we will reach Namobuddha Resort from Dhulikhel. The trail takes us through Tamang villages and gently descends along a balcony ridge, providing views of the Himalayan range. We then visit the Namobuddha monastery for a Buddhist ceremony. Namobuddha is a sacred place for all Buddhists, as it is where Buddha fed his arm to a hungry tigress. Inside, you can see delicate murals created by the finest Thangka painters. We will be staying overnight at Namobuddha Resort, a small house. The entire hike will take around 3 hours.
Today we will head towards Balthali from Namobuddha monastery. After descending through hills and pine forests, you will come across the Panauti Valley on your left. It is adorned with orange orchards and terraced fields. You must cross a small river and head uphill to reach the village of Balthali. It is a significant Brahmin village spread across a plateau amidst terraced hills. The final 15-minute steep climb from Balthali will take you to the Balthali Resort. You will be staying overnight at the Balthali Mountain Resort after a 5-hour hike.
Today, we will descend to Kopasi by vehicle and then continue to Panauti by foot or local bus. You will visit Panauti, a small town of Newar traders. The town center has preserved its special atmosphere as a stopover for caravans on the route to Tibet. You’ll find beautiful houses with carved windows and numerous tiny shops selling products of various origins.
Although Panauti is no longer a trading hub with Tibet, hundreds of villages in the area still rely on it for supplies. The “pathis” are also part of the history of the caravan route. They are shelters with creatively carved wooden pillars that protect animals and the weather. Typically, they consist of two L-shaped walls that can be used to build a fire. The roof is constructed of red tiles. They used to welcome caravaners, and they still do for passing tourists and pilgrims. After visiting Panauti, continue to Bhaktapur and make your hotel reservation at a charming hotel located in the city’s historic region, which is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip includes a three-and-a-half-hour hike to Hotel Bhadgaon.
We will spend a full day immersing ourselves in the rich culture and history of Bhaktapur, the most traditional and autonomous city in the Kathmandu Valley. Our exploration begins in Durbar Square, or Rira Palace Square, where we’ll admire exquisite statues of the goddesses Durga and Bhairav. The Golden Gate, a true masterpiece of Nepalese art, leads us to Sundari Chowk, home to the king’s ritual basin, guarded by a large bronze Naga.
Outside Durbar Square, you can see the majestic Nyatapola Temple, a five-story pagoda dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi. As we walk through Bhaktapur’s medieval alleys, we’ll visit the busy potter’s market, where traditional wheels spin endlessly. We’ll end our day by checking into Bhadgaon, a small hotel in the heart of the old town. This engaging 3-hour walk through the old town will surely leave us with unforgettable memories.
We begin our day with an early morning walk through the serene alleys of Bhaktapur. At this time, the air is filled with the smell of offerings at the temples and the sight of locals heading to the fields. This is a moment to fully embrace the rhythm of this quaint Newar town, a peaceful retreat from the tourist bustle. After a delightful breakfast, we transfer to Patan, the city of a thousand golden roofs. Here, we explore the Royal Palace Museum, housed in an exquisitely beautiful palace.
Similarly, we also visit the Golden Temple, a revered sanctuary for the Newar Buddhist community, and finally the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas in the jeweler’s quarter. We check in at a hotel decorated with traditional Newar architecture, complete with intricately carved woodwork and red brick walls. As evening falls, we take a stroll to nearby Durbar Square, a tranquil space with a quiet atmosphere that is far from Thamel’s bustling district. This beautiful final stop in Nepal promises to be the conclusion of our journey. We’ll spend the night at Hotel Timila, reflecting on the rich experiences of our trip.
For those with limited time but eager to explore the Kathmandu Valley, we offer a compact 5-day itinerary. This plan provides you with the chance to experience the valley’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and historic sites in a shorter timeframe. Whether you’re looking to delve into the heritage of Kathmandu, soak in the views from Nagarkot, or explore ancient cities like Bhaktapur and Patan, this itinerary provides a perfect snapshot of the valley’s highlights. For details and to customize this quick adventure to your needs, contact us for the itinerary, NCe9.
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