Departure Point

From your hotel stay
Pickup Time

7 AM
Duration

6 to 7 hours
Dificulty

Easy
Max Altitude

1600 metres
Destination Covered

Bhuwaneswori /Tarkeswor

Overview

Among the many hiking destinations around Kathmandu, Tarkeshor hike is a newly introduced option by Wandering Trail Adventures. This day hike is one of the closest to the Kathmandu Valley and offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. It is located within the Shivapuri National Park, to the northwest of Kathmandu, and the hike starts from Tinpiple.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, which is the main attraction of the hike, is known for its devotion to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by thick forests of cedar and pine, it’s an ideal location for those seeking to connect with nature. The temple is situated in a serene and peaceful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing a perfect opportunity to escape the chaos and immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

In addition to the Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, hikers will also have the opportunity to visit the Bhuwaneswori temple. This multi-tiered pagoda-shaped temple with overhanging eaves and golden-colored roofs stands tall, lending a dignified look. A long flight of steps leads to the entrance of the temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhuwaneswori, who is also known as Bhagwati or Durga and is revered as a manifestation of the formidable Kali Mata. The temple is an architectural wonder and a must-see for visitors to the area.

Overall, the Tarkeshor hike is a great opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. The hike is well-suited for all skill levels and offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Kathmandu.

HIGHLIGHTS

A scenic walk along with nature and Shivapuri National Park
The amazing views of the KathmanduValley and Mountain ranges
Wonderfully rich in temples, historic,places, recreational values
Visit multi-tiered pagoda-shaped Bhuwaneswori temple

Day 1 :

Detailed Itinerary of Tarkeswor Day Hike

Drive To Mudkhu (45 minutes drive)
The pickup time is scheduled around 7:00 AM. The journey from Kathmandu to Mudkhu takes around 45 minutes, during which you can enjoy the scenic views of greenery along the way.

Hike From Mudkhu – View Tower – Bhuwaneswori – Tarkeswor(6/7 hrs hike)
From Mudkhu village and , the trail leads through a lush pine forest. It takes approximately 1 hour to reach the top the view tower. Hiking further 1 hour from view tower you reach Bhuwaneswori temple, a multi-tiered pagoda-shaped temple with overhanging eaves and golden-colored roofs stands tall, lending a dignified look.

After reaching Bhuwaneswori, the trail ascends once more and joins a dirt road heading towards the village of Panch Mané. Along the road, there are a group of houses, one of which is a homestay. As you travel further, you may notice three circular brick structures that resemble water storage tanks, but they are not in fact used for that purpose.They are historic Manés (homogeneous to Buddhist stupas), during ancient days, there were four entry points into the Kathmandu Valley and Panch Mané happened to be one of them.

As you continue on the trail after Paanchmane, it becomes increasingly steep and winds through thick forest. You will come across a sign indicating that you have entered the Shivapuri National Park. As you climb in elevation, the towering pines give way to a mix of deciduous broad-leaved forests, both temperate and sub-tropical. The trail remains secluded and quiet, with the only sounds being the distant calls of birds and the chirping of wild crickets. Along the way, you will encounter a variety of plants such as vines, ferns, creepers, and lush foliage, as well as dense undergrowth and the occasional fallen tree.

Hiking further one and half hour from Paanchmance you will reach Tarkeswor temple, known for its devotion to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by thick forests of cedar and pine, it's an ideal location for those seeking to connect with nature. The temple is situated in a serene and peaceful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing a perfect opportunity to escape the chaos and immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Finally, the hike concludes by reaching Tinpiple via Bhuwaneswori, and then transportation back to Kathmandu will be provided.

Drive back to Kathmandu from Tinpiple ( 1 hour drive / 18 km approx.)
After completing your hike, you will return to Kathmandu by car. Before leaving Tinpiple and Bhuwaneswori it's a good idea to pick up some souvenirs and take a few photos as keepsakes. This also helps to support the local economy. After a long day of adventure, your trip will come to an end as you arrive back at your hotel in Kathmandu.