Kathmandu Valley Trek
Duration: 3 Days
Difficulty: Easy
Accomodation: Hotel / Lodge
Meal: B-L-D
Best Seasons: Spring (March-April-May) & Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov)Kathmandu Valley Trek
The greatest choice for quick trekking close to Kathmandu is the Kathmandu Valley Trek 3 Day Trek. Some of the nicest views of the Himalayas may be found while trekking. Trekking is appropriate for people who wish to experience trekking in Nepal quickly without traveling far from Kathmandu. Hiking to a rural community gives you views of the Himalayas. You can see historical sites, green hills, large monasteries, temples, and local customs.
Chisapani, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Namobuddha are popular hillside spots near Kathmandu. These places are part of the trekking itinerary for the Kathmandu Valley. If you find it difficult to walk, you can take a car tour to see all of these locations.
Kathmandu Valley Trek Overview
Driving from Kathmandu to Sundarijal takes approximately one hour. The first day of trekking begins in Mulkharka hamlet on the way to Chisapani. Inside Shivapuri National Park, there is a significant incline. At 2350 meters, Chisapani offers breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal Rage and Langtang. The second day of climbing to Nagarkot is a long day spent primarily in the forest. The day offers a local field with seasonal produce, a mountain, and picturesque green scenery. Another well-known hill station with picturesque green hills and mountains, including Mount Everest, is Nagarkot.
Another lovely alternative to extend the hiking program is to hike to Dhulikhel and Namobuddha. A walking route through a dense forest, typical cultural communities and peoples, and an experiment of their everyday working life is fascinating. After a long day of hiking, the gorgeous vistas from Dhulikhel make for a relaxing evening. Another stop on this journey is Namobuddha’s largest and most well-known holiest monastery. People can take a meditation course and receive special blessings from the monastery.
The group stays at hotels and guest houses in the area. In Chisapani, there are just basic guest houses available. There are several types of hotels in Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, ranging from standard one-star to five-star.
Highlights of the trek
- The best trekking in the Kathmandu Valley is around Chisapani, Nagarkot, and Dhulikhel.
- Examine rural villages, their inhabitants, and their customs.
- See historical sites, Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and Namobuddha’s largest monastery.
- Beautiful green landscapes, the Himalayas, and the most breathtaking views of the dawn and sunset
Detailed Itinerary - Kathmandu Valley Trek (3 Days)
Our agent will pick you up from the hotel early in the day. You will go to Sundarijal in a private vehicle, which will take around an hour on picturesque hillside roads. The journey starts at Sundarijal and passes past the entrance of Shivapuri National Park. The walk offers breathtaking views of Shivapuri Hill while meandering through verdant forests teeming with a wide variety of plants and animals. Before descending through lush farmlands to Chisapani, you will pass through Mulkharka, a traditional Tamang settlement. In Chisapani, a tranquil area with views of the mountains, we will spend the night at a lodge.
A breathtaking sunrise above the snow-capped Himalayan peaks marks the beginning of the day. We start our journey to Nagarkot after breakfast. You will pass the tranquil Dhap Dam, a water reservoir constructed to purify the Bagmati River, around 3 kilometers from Chisapani.
We’ll keep walking till we reach Chauki Bhanjyang, where we’ll make a lunch halt. From Everest and Kanchenjunga in the east to Dhaulagiri in the west, the trail offers breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan peaks. We will arrive to Nagarkot, a well-known hill station renowned for its expansive vistas, by late afternoon. The majority of the journey will be surrounded by forests, and you will spend the night at the lodging of your choice.
We began our journey to the Changu Narayan Temple after another early morning to take in the breathtaking dawn and the 360-degree view of the Himalayan mountains. One of the valley’s oldest and most culturally significant temples, it was constructed in 323 AD by King Hari Datta Varma.
The local villages of Sankhu and Bhaktapur are beautifully visible from the trek. Ancient sculptures and carvings abound in the temple itself. Your journey will come to an end when we drive back to Kathmandu after visiting the place.
What's Included
This package includes all essential services to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable Kathmandu Valley Trek experience:
- Airport Arrival & Departure Assistance
Private airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu in a comfortable vehicle. - Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu
Accommodation in a standard hotel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast (before and after the trek). - Ground Transportation
All required transportation as per the itinerary, including transfers to and from trek starting and ending points (Sundarijal, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, etc.). - Licensed Trekking Guide
Experienced, government-licensed trekking guide with salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and equipment. - Teahouse / Lodge Accommodation During the Trek
Clean and comfortable local lodges or guesthouses along the trekking route. - Meals During the Trek
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trekking days, featuring local and international menu options. - Necessary Trekking Permits
All required permits such as Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit and applicable trekking documentation. - First Aid & Safety Support
Basic first-aid kit carried by the guide for minor injuries and health support. - All Government Taxes & Service Charges
Includes VAT, government taxes, and official service fees.
What's Not Included
The following items are not included in the Kathmandu Valley Trek cost:
- Nepal Visa Fee
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Trekking Equipment
Items such as trekking shoes, rain jackets, backpacks, walking poles, and personal clothing. - Personal Expenses
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, phone charging, laundry, tips, and shopping expenses. - Tips for Trekking Staff
Tips for guide and helpers (optional but appreciated). - Unforeseen Expenses
Costs arising from weather delays, natural events, or itinerary changes beyond company control.
Departure Dates
Frequently Asked Questions - Kathmandu Valley Trek
The Kathmandu Valley Trek is a short and easy cultural trekking experience around the outskirts of Kathmandu, offering scenic hill walks, traditional villages, terraced farmlands, and panoramic Himalayan views without high altitude challenges.
The trek takes place around Kathmandu Valley, including areas like Shivapuri National Park, Chisapani, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Namo Buddha, and Sundarijal, depending on the chosen route.
This trek is rated easy, making it ideal for beginners, families, seniors, and travelers with limited time. The trail involves gentle ascents and well-maintained paths.
A typical Kathmandu Valley Trek lasts 2 to 5 days, but it can be customized into shorter or longer itineraries.
The highest point is usually Nagarkot (2,175 m) or Chisapani (2,300 m), depending on the route. Altitude sickness is not a concern.
The trek can be done year-round, but the best seasons are:
- Spring (March–May) – Clear skies and blooming rhododendrons
- Autumn (September–November) – Excellent mountain views
Winter is mild, and monsoon offers lush green landscapes.
Yes. You may need:
- Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit (depending on the route)
- TIMS Card (if required under current trekking regulations)
Permits are usually arranged by the trekking company.
No. The trek stays at low elevations, making altitude sickness not an issue.
Accommodation includes comfortable teahouses, lodges, or local guesthouses. Some routes also offer hotel stays in places like Nagarkot or Dhulikhel.
Yes. It is one of the best short treks in Nepal for beginners, first-time trekkers, and travelers seeking a light hiking experience.
A guide is highly recommended for cultural insight, navigation, and safety, especially when trekking through villages and forest trails.
Highlights include:
- Views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Everest (on clear days)
- Traditional Newari villages
- Terraced farmlands and forests
- Cultural sites and monasteries
Yes. The trek can be fully customized with:
- Short day hikes
- Cultural village visits
- Sunrise viewpoints
- Luxury or budget accommodation options
This trek is perfect for travelers who want a soft adventure, rich culture, mountain scenery, and a trekking experience without long travel or high altitude.
Useful Info
Best time to visit the trek
Kathmandu Valley 3 day Trek can be completed at any time of year. However, autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) are thought to be the finest months to complete the trek since they offer ideal temperatures, excellent views, and weather. The pathways are covered in rhododendrons in the spring, and there is a greater chance of seeing wildlife because they are more active during this time of year. You will be hit with the crisp air carrying the aroma of numerous wildflowers and the temperature is also great.
In Nepal, the monsoon season runs from June to August, and the winter season runs from December to February. During these months, you can hike, but you should exercise extra caution because there may be unexpected rainfall, the trails may become slick, you need to bring water and a windproof jacket, and there may be leeches along the trails. In the winter, there may be some snow on the trail, making it slick; otherwise, this season offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountain from a distance.
Accommodation and Meals
In terms of lodging, hikers on the Kathmandu Valley Trek will stay at a hotel that offers high-quality, cozy amenities. Trekkers can choose from a variety of lodging alternatives on this Kathmandu valley trip, ranging from inexpensive guesthouses to opulent hotels with breathtaking views of the Himalaya.
You can anticipate a wide range of meal options that will keep you full and energized. Beginning with breakfast, the majority of hotels serve a filling meal that includes options like toast, eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, and more. You can choose between Asian and Western cuisine for lunch, and you can choose what you want to eat for dinner. However, we advise you to try authentic Nepali food since it will give you energy during the trek. Additionally, make sure you have some energy bars or dry fruits with you.
Book Kathmandu Valley Trek with Confidence
Join Top Trail Nepal, your trusted local trekking agency in Kathmandu, for the journey of a lifetime. Our experienced guides, strong safety record, and personal service make your Everest dream come true.
- $350 1 people
- $300 2-6 people