Hiking
The hills of Nepal are popular for hiking. Hiking provides you with spectacular views of the mountains and the deep valleys, as well as a chance to become acquainted with the Nepali people’s lifestyle, culture, art, architecture and traditions. There are many popular areas for one or two day hikes where you can just relax and enjoy.
Major hiking areas around Kathmandu and Pokhara
· Kakani
· Nagarkot
· Phulchowki
· Nagarjuna
· Dhulikhel
· Daman
· Pokhara
· Sarangkot
Kakani
Kakani is popular for panoramic mountains views of Annapurna, Manasalu , Ganesh Himal, Lantang and 20 other mountains over 6000 meters (19,680ft) above sea level. You can also see the natural beauty of the Kathmandu Valley, the people and their culture and traditions. This is a one day trip from Kathmandu. It’s serenity and calmness never fails to awe the visitors.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is situated east of the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of about 1800 meters (5,904ft). The sunrise and sunsets view from Nagarkot is one of its main attraction. Among the 25 mountains above 6000 meters, Annapurna, Manasalu (8165m/ 26,781ft), Ganesh Himal and Lantang can be seen. This is also a one day trip from Kathmandu. But over night stays are recommended for sunset and sunrise views from the famous Nagarkot tower.
Phulchowki
It is one of the most prominent peak 2829m/ 9050ft. high, which surrounds the valley of Kathmandu. This mountain,a s it’s name suggests ( Phul means flower in Nepali) is a natural garden of wild roses, yellow jasmine, iris and other native flowers. It is near godavari which makes it more attractive for the tourists. The summit is a rich grove of rhododendrons of various hues. It usually takes 2-3 hours to scale this peak though you can drive up there too.
Nagarjuna
It is about 10km/6.2 miles from Kathmandu city through balaju side. There is a Buddhist shrine at the top, which is very holy for both Buddhist and Hindus. To reach the top one has to climb for about 15 to 20 minutes. From this point a panoramic view of the Himalaya ranges can be seen. It is also a picnic spot for many people.
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is situated in the central part of Nepal. This is just 32 km from the Kathmandu valley. The main attractions of Dhulikhel are the grand and panoramic mountains views, numerous temples, and different types of landscape and a diversity of people. This ancient town is situated 30 km east of Kathmandu. It is a popular Himalayan viewpoint with good resorts and hotels. From there you can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west. The old part of this town is an interesting area to wander around with some fine old Nepalese buildings and several interesting temples. From there you can also take a day trip to the Tibet border or Tatopani, a place which is famous for hot sulfur spring.
Daman
Sitauted at a height of 2100m/7500ft. above sea level, and a distance of 80km/ 50 miles. Daman is known for it’s vantage location in viewing the Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorjelakpa, Gaurishankar, Cho yu etc. There is a view tower from where one can have a panoramic view of 300 miles of the Himalayan range. In winter’s snowfall makes Daman an attractive destinations for tourists, both national and international.
Pokhara
The rare combinations of snow clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara ( 210 km/ 31 miles from Kathmandu) one of the most picturesque natural attraction in the Kingdom. This popular tourist destination is a combination of rich culture and unquestionable natural beauty. A must for all visitors to Pokhara valley is the Fewa lake. For people with more time in hand can visit the Begnas and Rupa Tal or take a 3 hours hike to Sarangkot or Hyangja. Pokhara is accessible daily by road or air from Kathmandu. Hiking in Pokhara is fun as the natural beauty never fails to awe to all the time.
Sarangkot
Situated in the western part of Nepal at an elevation of about 1700 meters (5,576ft),is very popular for mountain scenery. Here you can see panor`mic views of Annapurna (8091m/ 26,545ft), Manasalu (8165m/ 26,781ft), Ganesh Himal (7446m/ 24,422ft), Dhaulagiri (8167m/ 26,795ft), Machhapuchare (the sacred mountain) and 25 other mountains over 6000 meters (19,680ft) high. This area also offers you views of the Pokhara Valley with all its natural beauty. Sarangkot is another spot renown for seeing the sunrise over the Himalayas. This is a one day trip from Pokhara.
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