Kathmandu Valley Trek Content

Trip Overview

While many visitors or trekkers quickly leave Kathmandu Valley for other destinations, the 7-day Kathmandu Valley Rim hike offers a convenient and holistic way to explore the city’s natural charm. This journey through the mid-hills and historic areas of the valley, where every corner holds a story, provides a cultural and Himalayan experience. Embark on this adventure with an open mind, ready to fully immerse yourself in every experience.

The Kathmandu Valley Rim hike, which began in the 5th century at the oldest temple in Nepal, Changu Narayan, offers a unique blend of cultural and natural immersion. The trail leads to the famous hill station and weekend getaway, Nagarkot, and then into the forest of Nagarkot called Rohini Bhanjyang. It winds through villages and terraced farmlands to another renowned hill station, Dhulikhel. Dhulikhel, a popular hill station for locals and international tourists, is surrounded by massive hills and greenery. The area is culturally rich, with charming Newari houses and fine, traditionally carved windows and doors, inviting you to explore its cultural heritage.

The trail to Namobuddha, with its rich Buddhist teachings, offers a unique opportunity to stay at the sacred Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery and share food with the monks. This spiritual experience will deepen your understanding of Buddhism. Balthali, the final hiking point, offers a serene experience of living amidst nature. The vista on this trek stretches from Manaslu and Annapurnas in the West to the distant pyramid of Mount Everest, Numbur, and Karyolung in the East

Transportation

Jeep/Bus

Per Day walking:

5 to 7 hours

Best Season

Sep-Dec / Mar-May

Group Size

1 - 14 pax

Accomodation

Hotel/Guest House

Trip Grade

Easy

Max Height

2175M

Start/End

Kathmandu

Trip Highlight

  • Visit the oldest temple in Nepal, Changu Narayan Temple.
  • Savor the local Juju Dhau(traditionally made sweet yogurt) at Bhaktapur.
  • There are many opportunities to taste the Newari food in Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, and Balthali.
  • Walk through single tracks and ridges of hills overlooking the view of Kathmandu Valley.
  • Views of Annapurnas in the West and the distant pyramids of Mount Everest, Numbur, and Karyolung in the East.
  • Experience a peaceful stay at Dhulikhel and Balthali in luxury and eco-friendly resorts. 
  • Opportunity to live like monks at Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery.
  • Walk through the traditional Newari villages.

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Detail Itinerary

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our driver will meet you at the gate and take you to your hotel in the capital of Nepal. After checking in to the hotel, take some free time to explore the bustling market and street of the city.

In the evening we will have a tour briefing and Q&A session before heading out for dinner.Please have your questions ready to ask.Right after this tour briefing session we walk to the local restaurent  for the first taste of the various Nepali cuisines available. 

 Welcome Dinner

 Hotel

A vehicle will pick you up from the hotel in Thamel after breakfast. Following the main highway to Bhaktapur, you will be dropped at Changu Narayan Temple, considered the oldest temple of Nepal, built in the 5th century and dedicated to lord Vishnu. You can take a quick stroll around the temple and then proceed further on the journey following the road to Nagarkot. You will hike at the ridges of the forests, followed by the breathtaking view of terraced rice fields that cascade down the hills, overlooking the valley. The road to Nagarkot joins Tilkot Forest Reserve. The hike today to Nagarkot will have a few jungle and black-topped sections. Nagarkot is a hill station near Kathmandu popular amongst locals for a quick weekend getaway. Now, the area is also trendy for mountain biking and short hikes. This place is best for sunrise and sunset points. On a clear day, you can enjoy the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal range, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Mahalangurand, and Numbur range. You will stay at a comfortable lodge with basic amenities and a cozy atmosphere. 

 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

  Hotel

After passing the Nagarkot view tower, you will continue to the peaceful trail at Rohini Bhanjyang. This tranquil path will lead you to Tanchok village, passing a Buddhist stupa that offers 360-degree views of the Himalayas and Kathmandu. From there, the trail will guide you to Dhulikhel town via Opi village. Dhulikhel, a popular hill station for locals and international tourists, is surrounded by massive hills and greenery. The area is culturally rich, with its charming Newari houses and fine traditionally carved windows and doors, inviting you to explore its cultural heritage. In clear weather, you will see the stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gaurishanker, and Lhotse.

 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel

From Dhulikhel, you will follow the stairs to Kali Temple and descend to the road near Kabrechhap. A small trail follows from the other side of the road to Nabobuddha. It will be a pleasant walk through the farmlands and prayer flags. You will be arriving at Namobuddha at midday, allowing you to visit the famous and sacred Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery. One can stay in a monastery and share food with the monks, a unique experience that will enrich your understanding of the local culture. The monastery is spread over a hill, so it will take at least an hour or two to explore every corner and find stories. It will be a spiritual time in Namobuddha.

 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

  Hotel

From Namobuddha you will be following the trail from lower stupa side descending through the traditional villages and farm houses which are surrounded by orange trees. Balthali is a traditional village with uniquely built structures and temples, each with a fascinating story, will welcome you to Balthali. The area is surrounded by rhododendron forest, magnolia and Sal trees Like Nagarkot, it is also one of the famous points for the locals as a weekend getaway. The village is located behind the historical town of Panauti and has a comprehensive view of terraced potato farmlands and massive hills. You can also see a faint view of the Himalayas towards the north.

 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel

After breakfast, you will be driven back to the city in the early morning via Bhaktapur to Thamel. You can relax and spend the remaining day shopping for souvenirs.

 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Hotel

After morning breakfast we will arrange a driver OR a company representative who will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport(TIA).

Breakfast

Pick A Month You Prefer To Explore Kathmandu Valley

What's Included In The Package

What's Excluded In The Package

Fixed Departure Dates For 2024/2025

20 Oct 2024 - 27 Oct 2024

14 Spaces Left

15 Nov 2024 - 22 Nov 2024

14 Spaces Left

15 Dec 2024 - 22 Dec 2024

14 Spaces Left

7 March 2025 - 14 March 2025

14 Spaces Left

5 April 2025 - 12 April 2025

14 Spaces Left

10 May 2025 - 17 May 2025

14 Spaces Left

15 Sep 2025 - 22 Sep 2025

14 Spaces Left

02 Oct 2025 - 09 Oct 2025

14 Spaces Left

15 Nov 2025 - 22 Nov 2025

14 Spaces Left

02 Dec 2025 - 09 Dec 2025

14 Spaces Left

15 Dec 2025 - 22 Dec 2025

14 Spaces Left

Essential Information

Before booking

  • Choose the right trip, considering your health, physical ability, and experiences.
  • Read the terms and conditions properly.
  • Make sure the payment is delivered to ensure the final confirmation.

After Booking

High-altitude activities in Nepal are not just physically demanding, they are a test of your fitness. It’s not a suggestion, it’s a necessity to ensure you’re physically ready for these adventures. By committing to physical training, you’ll not only be prepared, but you’ll also be confident and ready to take on the challenge.

For Trekking

  • For multiple days of trekking at high altitudes of over 4000m-5000 m, ensure you have trained yourself well. Box jump, circuit and resistance training, and endurance training like hiking, running, cycling, or swimming can be beneficial.
  • Feed on the right nutritious food rich in protein, healthy fat, and carbohydrates.
  • Keep yourself focused and determined, which helps to strengthen your willpower for the next challenge ahead.

International Flights arrangements:You are responsible for arranging the international flight ticket and travel insurance, which can cover emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Our package doesn’t include this service.

Route Map-Working on it.

Altitude chart (represents only overnight stops) - highlights key overnight stops but omits detailed elevation changes between them.

Frequently Asked Question

The Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek is one of the easier treks we offer. This trek features a mix of uphill, downhill, and flat sections.

This trek is doable year-round. However, the best times are September to December and March to May for good views of the mountains and surroundings. If you wish to witness local festivals, October and November are ideal, as Nepali Hindus celebrate their two biggest festivals during this period. If you prefer seeing greenery, enjoying fresh air, and observing agricultural activities, June, July, and August are the best months, although this is the rainy season in Nepal.

Compared to other treks in remote mountain areas, this trek is comfortable, and the pleasant temperature is one of the reasons that make this trip enjoyable. If you are hiking from November to March, you will need a light down or puffer jacket and warm trousers with thermal sets for the evening and morning. During the rest of the year, you will not need thermal sets or a down or puffer jacket, as a normal hoodie or fleece jacket will suffice.

While it's possible to trek independently, hiring a guide and/or porter is recommended for safety, navigation, and to ease the physical burden. Guides are familiar with the route, local culture, local dishes, and local highlights, which will add value to your trip, while porters can carry your heavy backpack.

We will allocate rooms in very good tourist-standard hotels for every night of your stay during the trip. At Namo Buddha, you will be staying inside the monastery at the guest house. You will have the opportunity to witness monastery life and enjoy dinner and breakfast with hundreds of monks inside the monastery.

There is no need for a permit for this trek.

Yes, it is possible to add or reduce days on this trip.

There will be Wi-Fi available in every hotel and guest house where we stay for the night. Phone reception is 100% reliable on this trip. If you have a local SIM card, you can use data at all times by purchasing a data package.

Charging facilities are available at all the hotels/guesthouses.

Yes, it's highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation.