Kathmandu · DAY HIKES FROM KATHMANDU

The 15 Best Day Hikes from Kathmandu

24 tours  ·  from $10

The valley rim is walkable in a morning from almost anywhere on it. These 15 hikes cover Nagarkot to Changu Narayan, Shivapuri, Chandragiri and the Dhulikhel ridge, with distances, transfer times and how hard each one actually is.

Nagarkot Sunrise View and Day Hiking from Kathmandu - Nagarkot View Tower and the short sunrise window
Day Hikes from Kathmandu, Hiking & Trekking, Morning, Nagarkot Tours from Kathmandu, Tour Reviews

Nagarkot Sunrise View and Day Hiking from Kathmandu

1.Nagarkot Sunrise View and Day Hiking from Kathmandu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 471 reviews · from $45Our pick

Leave Kathmandu at 4am for Nagarkot’s sunrise viewpoint, then walk roughly 13 kilometers through pine forest, farms, villages, and Buddha Peace Park to Changu Narayan Temple. Private transport, a guide, and entry fees are included. Breakfast and lunch are extra.

“An awesome day hiking with great company. Was like hanging out with a local friend. Seeing the villages and temple were highlights, plenty of breaks along the way. No rush, stress free and very knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend!”

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Kathmandu: Nagarkot Sunrise View & Morning Hike with Lunch - The Nagarkot View Tower before breakfast
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Kathmandu: Nagarkot Sunrise View & Morning Hike with Lunch

2.Nagarkot Sunrise View & Morning Hike with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 188 reviews · 3 - 7.5 hours

Leave Kathmandu before dawn for Nagarkot View Tower, where guides such as Pradip, Nissan, and Anon help identify Himalayan peaks. After sunrise, walk through villages, terraced fields, forest, a waterfall, and a long suspension bridge to Changu Narayan. Choose a short sunrise trip or a guided hike with breakfast and lunch options.

“I had such a wonderful experience visiting the viewpoint with Anon ☺️ The view was absolutely breathtaking - we were lucky enough to see the sunrise, and the Himalayan view was truly unforgettable. It felt peaceful and magical watching the mountains slowly light up in the morning. The breakfast was also really nice and satisfying, which made the whole morning even better. The only downside was the traffic on the way back to the hotel - Kathmandu was extremely congested and it took much longer than expected. But overall, the experience was totally worth it!”

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Kathmandu: Nagarkot Sunrise and Hike Tour to Changu Narayan - Nagarkot sunrise and the Himalayan view
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Kathmandu: Nagarkot Sunrise and Hike Tour to Changu Narayan

3.Nagarkot Sunrise and Hike Tour to Changu Narayan

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 151 reviews · from $55

Leave Kathmandu before dawn for Nagarkot’s Himalayan sunrise, then walk about 12 kilometers through villages, forests, and small temples to Changu Narayan. Your private English-speaking guide sets the pace, explains local Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and helps turn a cloudy day into a worthwhile countryside outing.

“This is an easy and relaxed trail through several villages, tiny temples and a forest, that ends in colourful Changu Narayan Temple. We were guided by Razz that made the experience even more enjoyable by providing detailed information of the different temples, villages and spots seen on the way. Moreover, he gave us interesting insights on Buddhism and Hinduism. He really went on the extra mile to make us feel like a local.”

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From Kathmandu: Everest View from Nagarkot & hike to Changu - The three-hour walk from Nagarkot to Changu village
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From Kathmandu: Everest View from Nagarkot & hike to Changu

4.Everest View from Nagarkot & hike to Changu

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 140 reviews · 6 - 6.5 hours · from $43

Leave Kathmandu by private car for sunrise views from Nagarkot, then hike about three hours through farms, forests, villages, and a suspension bridge to Changunarayan Temple. Guides such as Sagar and Shekhar explain Nepalese culture, religion, plants, and history along the way.

“Nice hike with many good views, our guide explained us a lot about the nepalese culture and the landscape.”

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Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike to Changu Narayan Day Tour from Kathmandu - A private ride makes the pre-dawn journey easier
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Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike to Changu Narayan Day Tour from Kathmandu

5.Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike to Changu Narayan Day Tour from Kathmandu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · from $25

Leave Kathmandu at 4:15am with an English-speaking guide such as Razz or Nutan, reach Nagarkot for sunrise, then walk through farmland and villages to Changu Narayan. Private transport, water, and the temple entrance are included. The 12-kilometer hike is moderate, with a no-hike option available.

“The excursion to Nagarcot to see the sunrise was great. The guide and the driver were on time, despite the 4 a.m. appointment. The car was comfortable, the driving safe and our guide, sorry I can't remember his name, friendly and prof”

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Kathmandu: Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike with Lunch -Private/Group - The drive from Kathmandu to the viewpoint
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Kathmandu: Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike with Lunch -Private/Group

6.Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike with Lunch -Private/Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 122 reviews · 3.5 - 7 hours

Leave Kathmandu before dawn for Nagarkot, where clear mornings can reveal Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and distant Everest. Choose a sunrise-only outing or continue with a guided downhill hike through farms, forests, villages, suspension bridges, and Changu Narayan Temple. Guides such as Pradip, Nissan, Suresh, and Anon are praised for patient, friendly service.

“Nissa and the other guides were extremely nice and kind. I recommend this activity. It’s a nice sunrise with a short hike to a waterfall and bridge.”

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Nagarkot Sunrise Trip & Day Hike with Lunch from Kathmandu - Nagarkot View Tower and the Himalayan panorama
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Nagarkot Sunrise Trip & Day Hike with Lunch from Kathmandu

7.Nagarkot Sunrise Trip & Day Hike with Lunch from Kathmandu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 83 reviews · from $35

Leave Kathmandu before dawn for Nagarkot’s mountain views, then walk for two to three hours through pine forest, farmland, villages, and local religious sites toward Changu Narayan. A private car, guide, and hotel pickup are included. Bring cash for the optional temple entry fee and confirm lunch arrangements.

“Don’t use this tour. Driver drive too fast Guide doesn’t take care customers. Guide just walk and walk. No any explanation.”

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Nagarkot Sunrise View & Day Hiking with Lunch - Private/Group - A Gentle Route on the Nagarkot Panoramic Trail
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Nagarkot Sunrise View & Day Hiking with Lunch – Private/Group

8.Nagarkot Sunrise View & Day Hiking with Lunch – Private/Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · from $10Best value

Leave Kathmandu before dawn for Nagarkot’s sunrise, then walk three hours downhill through forests, fields, and villages to Changu Narayan. A guide such as Anant, Nishan, Ray, or Sujan Thapa may add local insight. Transport, hotel pickup, and a simple lunch box are included.

“The hike itself was easy and suitable for all ages but unfortunately, on our hike day it was cloudy and foggy so we didn’t get to see the actual sunrise along with the view of Himalayan mountain range in the background. However, this will be”

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Mt Everest view from Nagarkot -hiking to Changu UNESCO site - The downhill walk through Nepalese villages
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Mt Everest view from Nagarkot -hiking to Changu UNESCO site

9.Mt Everest view from Nagarkot -hiking to Changu UNESCO site

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 64 reviews · from $47

Escape Kathmandu for a mostly downhill hike from 2,175-meter Nagarkot to Changu Narayan. Guides such as Shekhar and Sagar explain local culture, plants, religion, and history while you walk through villages and forest. Clear weather may reveal Everest, but the temple and countryside are the reliable rewards.

“1.5 hours through peak traffic, nice view of Kathmandu valley from tower. 1.5 hour trek, diner where we were supposed to have lunch was closed -assume it is permanently closed. Nothing special about the experience -guide was good and good communicator. Would I do it again -no. Not value for money.”

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Kathmandu: Dhulikhel to NamoBuddha Day Hike with Lunch - The three-hour walk through Kavre countryside
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Kathmandu: Dhulikhel to NamoBuddha Day Hike with Lunch

10.Dhulikhel to NamoBuddha Day Hike with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 62 reviews · 5 hours - 2 days

Travel from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel, then hike about three hours through villages, farms, and the thousand steps to Namobuddha Monastery. Your English or Hindi-speaking guide, such as Prakash, Raj, or Pratip, sets the pace. Lunch is included, with optional ziplining, Bhaktapur, or an overnight stay.

“Was a beautiful clear day which really made this hike memorable with its mountain vistas. Pratip, our guide was very good, made us feel comfortable at our pace for the hike. He was encouraging as we climbed the steps. Buddhist temple was amazing, made the hike even more worthwhile.”

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11-Day Hike Tour to Annapurna Base Camp Bliss in Kathmandu - Days 1 and 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara and the trailhead
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11-Day Hike Tour to Annapurna Base Camp Bliss in Kathmandu

11.11-Day Hike Tour to Annapurna Base Camp Bliss in Kathmandu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $1,300

This private 11-day trek takes you from Kathmandu and Pokhara through Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Chhomrong, and Machhapuchre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. Guides such as Raju, Bishal, Ramji, and porters support the route, with meals, lodging, and transport arranged.

“We have recently returned from a wonderful 12-day tour in Nepal, including a 7-day trekking to Annapurna Base Camp and I would like to thank our trusty guide Bishal for making this possible!”

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Nagarkot Full-Day Hiking Tour from Kathmandu - Walking through villages and countryside
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Nagarkot Full-Day Hiking Tour from Kathmandu

12.Nagarkot Full-Day Hiking Tour from Kathmandu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $95

Spend about 11 hours hiking from Changu Narayan to Nagarkot with a private vehicle and English-speaking guide. Walk through villages and countryside, see a UNESCO-listed temple, pause for lunch at your own cost, and watch the Himalayan sunset. Guides such as Deepak and Subash have led this route.

“I had a really great day hiking to Nagarkot. The walk is not too challenging and through very beautiful countryside. It was nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. Deepak was a great guide, very knowledgeable and experienced.”

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From Kathmandu: Private Scenic Day Hike to NamoBuddha - Thrangu Tashi Yangtse, the heart of the day
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From Kathmandu: Private Scenic Day Hike to NamoBuddha

13.Private Scenic Day Hike to NamoBuddha

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews

You’ll leave Kathmandu at 8:00 AM for Dhulikhel, then hike through a Newari village and past Kavrekot Kali Mandir’s thousand steps to Thrangu Tashi Yangtse monastery. Your private tour includes transport, a guide, water, entrance, and Nepali thali or momo lunch.

“Very nice hike and Namobuddha was an interesting sight to see. I was unlucky with the weather on the day as it was very cloudy but there would have been some amazing views to see from Namobuddha. I had a great day and I recommend it”

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Kathmandu: Shivapuri Day Hike with Lunch - The first uphill section and the many steps
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Kathmandu: Shivapuri Day Hike with Lunch

14.Shivapuri Day Hike with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 25 reviews · 4 hours - 1 day

Leave Thamel by private vehicle and climb through Shivapuri National Park toward the 2,732-meter peak. Your guide, possibly Om, Pratip, Prakash, or Nilakantha, leads the steep stairway trail, points out Baghdwar and wildlife, and provides a light packed lunch.

“I did this guided hike with Pratip and it was excellent. He gave me the choice of routes and happily carried my heavy backpack for me all the way. Such a lovely leader who also helped me get down some tricky areas. I have average level of fitness and found this hike challenging but great fun. The route is lovely and filled with bamboo forests and you may spot monkeys. I had a nice packed lunch consisting of bananas and cakes. I would recommend this company and leader.”

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Nagarkot Sunrise View & Day Hike to Changunarayan from Kathmandu - A 4:15 am start for Nagarkot View Tower
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Nagarkot Sunrise View & Day Hike to Changunarayan from Kathmandu

15.Nagarkot Sunrise View & Day Hike to Changunarayan from Kathmandu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · from $85

Leave Kathmandu at 4:15 am for Nagarkot’s sunrise, breakfast, and a guided hike toward Changunarayan. Your private guide, including guide Ghan when available, leads you through village paths and countryside. Hotel pickup, transport, and driver are included, while temple admission and lunch cost extra.

“Unfortunately, due to bad weather this tour was not possible. My guide (Ghan) was helpful and supportive and offered an alternative. I still had a great day.”

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