Departure Point

From your hotel stay
Pickup Time

7 AM
Duration

7 to 8 hours
Dificulty

Easy
Max Altitude

2175 metres
Destination Covered

Nagarkot / Dhulikhel

Overview

The Nagarkot to Dhulikhel hiking trail is a perfect one-day hike that offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, as well as beautiful glimpses of traditional Newari villages and terraced landscapes. This 5 to 6-hour hike takes you from the hill station of Nagarkot, through dense pine forests, to the town of Dhulikhel, which is known for its spectacular views.

The trip begins with an overland drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, then continues on foot as you hike to Dhulikhel. Along the way, you will encounter a variety of terrains such as uphill and downhill sections through green forests, lush vegetation in Banepa and finally back to Kathmandu. The major highlights of this trip include the pine forests, terraced landscape, views of Langtang, Jugal, and Ganesh Himalayas, and the chance to experience authentic village life in Nepal. The hike is not particularly challenging, making it an ideal option for hikers of all skill levels who want to enjoy and bask in the glory of nature. It is one of the best one-day hikes around the Kathmandu Valley.

Highlights of Nagarkot – Dhulikhel hike

Take in the stunning views of the Himalayan range, including the sunrise, during the drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot
Experience the spiritual significance of Nala Village, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists
Discover the rich culture and traditions of the Newari people in Dhulikhel
Relish in the panoramic views of 8 different mountain ranges, including Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, from various vantage points along the hike.

Day 1 :

Detailed Itinerary of Nagarkot – Dhulikhel Hike

Drive To Nagarkot (1 hour 30 minutes, 27 km)
The trip begins early to catch the sunrise at Nagarkot. The pickup time is scheduled around 4:30 AM, depending on the season and sunrise time. The journey from Kathmandu to Nagarkot takes around an hour and a half, during which you can enjoy the scenic views of greenery along the way.

Nagarkot, at an altitude of 2,175m, is a lush and picturesque city that offers panoramic views of Mt. Everest to the Northeast and other mountain ranges such as Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Manaslu, Number, Ganesh, and Annapurna. The views are particularly stunning during the sunrise, which you can witness by climbing the tower in Nagarkot. After taking in the views, you will hike back and have your morning breakfast here.

Then, you can prepare for the hike to Dhulikhel from Nagarkot.

Hike From Nagarkot - Dhulikhel (6 hrs approx / 17 km)
The hike from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel is of moderate difficulty, allowing you to take in the beautiful landscapes and relax along the way. The trail is mostly dirt roads, and you will be treated to stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. As you hike, you will pass through dense pine forests, as well as rhododendron trees, which is the national flower of Nepal.

The hike takes you through Nala Village, which is famous for its Khuwa, a sweet made from evaporated milk that is worth trying. Nala Village is a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists and is home to the temple of Nala Karunamaya, worshiped as the creator of the world. Along the way, you will also pass through Banepa, where you can observe typical Nepali culture and the way of life in villages. Banepa is known for its ancient temples such as Chandeshwari and eight different temples of Lord Ganesh.

The trip ends when you reach Dhulikhel, where you can visit the Kali temple of Dhulikhel, take a photo at the famous selfie stone or interact with the locals to learn about their Newari culture and tradition. Dhulikhel offers a 180-degree panoramic view of mountain ranges such as Mt.Everest, Mt.Annapurna, and Mt.Ganesh. You can have your lunch here in Dhulikhel or en route.

Drive Back To Kathmandu(1 hour, 32 km)
After exploring the town of Dhulikhel and having lunch, it will be time to head back to Kathmandu. Before leaving, you can pick up souvenirs and take some final photos. After a fulfilling day, your trip will come to an end as you are dropped off at your hotel.