Short Hiking trip around Kathmandu Valley

Nepal is a naturally beautiful country, it has a lot more to offer when it comes to adventures. But Kathmandu does not have a lot to offer in terms of family activities due to many reasons. Family outings to the theaters and eateries are more popular than any other physical activity, but they may be done at any time. There are attractions such as Kathmandu Funpark, Kathmandu Fun Valley, and Whoopeeland, however even these become tedious after a while. However, Kathmandu can be a great destination for hiking with family as there are many beautiful hiking places around the valley.

Hiking helps you keep all in shape; you will be out in nature, which will pique your children's interest and connect with them; and it will provide a wonderful opportunity to decompress away from the city's hustle and bustle. Since Kathmandu offers a variety of hiking options for families, everyone can find a place. There are locations for extreme hikers who would like to walk for more than 10 hours, as well as intermediate hikers. Both of these possibilities, however, maybe too much for families, so we've put together a selection of short family hiking paths that provide amazing vistas without requiring too much walking.

Therefore, some of the beautiful family hiking destinations around Kathmandu valley are as follows:

1. Bishnudwar

Bishnudwar is the valley's most popular and easiest hiking destination. The source of the Bishnumati river is situated in the Shivapuri National Park and can be accessed halfway by car or bike, after which you must walk for about an hour to reach it. The atmosphere is serene and relaxing. The walk there is very nice because it is generally level until you reach Bishnudwar. On a clear day, the sight of the valley is breathtaking. This is a great site for family hikes as well as hikes with inexperienced hikers.

2. Boson Danda

Another easy yet attractive family hiking site is Boson Danda nearby Taudaha Lake. The hike to Boson Danda can begin from different locations. If you don't want to go far, you can begin from Taudaha itself, or Kirtipur, or Bhaisepati. You'll have to go a little further from Kirtipur, but the hike isn't particularly steep, and the trail passes through old communities and houses and forests. The vista from the White House, also locally as Boson Danda, is simply spectacular. The Kathmandu valley's majesty can be seen to the north, with mountains like Manaslu, Langtang, and Ganesh.

3. Chandragiri

Before the cable car was built, the only method to get to the top was to either climb or ride a motorcycle up a steep trail that only motorbikes, bicycles, and hikers could use. The trail takes around four to five hours to a hike from the bottom to the summit, largely through forests with a variety of flora and fauna. The view from the top is breathtakingly beautiful, with a 360-degree panorama of other mountains to the north and Kathmandu valley. You can also take the cable car back down if you are too exhausted to walk.

4. Chisapani

Another great place for a quick hike with the family or a hike with friends is Chisapani. The hike begins in Sundarijal and rises across rhododendron trees to Chisapani. The hike goes around four hours and leads to a charming tiny hamlet where visitors are guaranteed to fall in love. The snow-capped mountains to the north add to the grandeur of an already lovely location. If you're lucky, you might even see some wild creatures.

5. Jamacho/Nagarjun

Near Kathmandu valley, hiking to Jamacho in Nagarjun is a simple and short climb. The hike begins a short distance from the Balaju Bypass and takes around three to four hours to complete. Nagarjuna's cave, where he meditated, is also well-known in the area. The Kathmandu valley can be seen to the east and the mountain ranges to the north from the top of Jamacho Gumba. You can drive to the top of the hill if you don't want to climb. Since it is one of the easiest hike destinations, it is perfect for a family hike. 

6. Tarebhir via Jagadol

Another short and family-friendly hiking destination in the Shivapuri area is Tarebhir. The hike begins in Gorkarneshwar's Jagadol and ascends through pine forests and Buddhist prayer flags. The most typical route to Tarebhir is by the ISKCON temple in Budanilkantha, but this route has become more popular since Covid. The track is easy to follow and takes around two to three hours to reach the summit, making it a good choice for a family hike.