Hiking In Nepal is a short walk for recreational purposes. While these are somewhat similar to trekking, they are not as hard and are usually carried out on well-made trails. Amongst all the adventurous activities, hiking is considered as one of the best natural exercises that don’t require any equipment. Nepal is considered one of the finest destinations for this purpose. The country is blessed with diverse topography including tall hills, green lush valleys, and white-water Rivers along with remarkable cultural variance. This makes it a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and hikers alike.
Some of the famous hiking destinations in the country include Nagarkot, Phulchowki, Chisapani, Balthali, Sundarijal, Nuwakot, Kakani, and the Godavari. All of these are hill which surrounds the Kathmandu Valley and offers a sublime view of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding landscapes. The reason behind their fame as major hiking destinations is the fact that they are close to the capital and modern amenities.
Starting with Nagarkot is one of the favourite getaway destinations amongst the locals as well. Located almost 32 km away from the capital, this hill station is famous for a panoramic view of different mountain ranges during dusk and dawn time. Besides this, the hike from Nagarkot often heads to the Changunarayan Temple. The temple is a UNESCO world heritage site and is said to be the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal.
Likewise, Chisapani is the best option for those who seek challenging trails and a proper taste of hiking. The hike begins from Sundarijal and goes through the Shivapuri National Park. This Sherpa village offers a spectacular view of the landscapes and different mountain ranges in the Langtang, Ganesh, and Gaurishankar ranges. Similarly, Balthali is another exquisite hike destination for visitors. It is an old Newari village that is located nearby Panauti and Namo Buddha (a Buddhist monastery). The major highlight of this trip is the traditional Newari culture and practices that are still being followed by the locals to date.
In terms of a religious point of view, the country also offers different hiking destinations like Kalinchowk Bhagwati, Namo Budhha, Amitabh Monastery, and Palanchowk Bhagwati among others. These locations are perfect for those who want to add up a religious aspect to their hike. In Pokhara, Sarangkot hill and World Peace Pagoda are the celebrated hiking destinations. These hiking destinations offer a mesmerizing display of the Annapurna range and Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m) along with the local ethnic culture.
Overall, hiking in Nepal is one of the most famous adventure activities. Hikes allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the country while also offering a taste of local culture. Hikes are easier and do not require massive physical effort. Moreover, travellers can either indulge in hikes on their stay in Nepal or customize the itinerary to spend a couple of spare days after lengthy trips. Hikes can also be done throughout the year; however, monsoon (June-August) does pose some challenges.