Bagmati Province is Nepal's cultural and political heartland, home to the ancient Kathmandu Valley and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The province encompasses the cities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan), and Bhaktapur, each with their own majestic Durbar Squares, along with sacred Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, and trekking routes into the high Himalayas.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Shivapuri Peak Summit Trail
The signature day hike from Kathmandu, ascending through dense oak, rhododendron, and pine forest in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to the summit of Shivapuri Peak at 2,732m. On clear days (best in October-November and March), the summit offers a stunning 180-degree panorama of the Himalayas from Ganesh Himal to the Khumbu range. Birdwatching is excellent throughout.
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2
Nagarjun Hill (Raniban) Forest Walk
An easy forest walk on the Nagarjun Hill (part of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park) on the northwestern edge of Kathmandu Valley. The forest reserve, known locally as Raniban (Queen's Forest), is a former royal hunting ground with a good network of trails through dense oak and rhododendron forest. The summit Jamacho stupa offers good valley views. Excellent for birdwatching and a peaceful escape from the city.
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3
Langtang Valley Trek
Nepal's most accessible Himalayan trek from Kathmandu, the Langtang Valley trek follows the Langtang Khola river through rhododendron forests, Tamang villages, and high alpine meadows to reach Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870m beneath the 7,227m Langtang Lirung peak. The route was devastated by the 2015 earthquake and subsequent landslide but has been largely rebuilt. The valley has a special remoteness and the Tamang culture is fascinating.
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4
Gosaikunda Lake Trek
A challenging but highly rewarding trek from the Kathmandu Valley rim up through the Helambu region and Langtang National Park to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake at 4,380m. The lake is one of Nepal's most revered Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, said to have been created when Shiva's trident struck the mountainside. The Lauribina Pass (4,610m) between Gosaikunda and Helambu is a highlight. Can be combined with the Helambu circuit.
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5
Helambu Circuit
A classic moderate-level trek through the Helambu region northeast of Kathmandu, passing through traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages, apple orchards, rhododendron forests, and ridges with Himalayan views. Lower in altitude than Langtang, Helambu can be trekked in winter. The circuit from Sundarijal to Melamchi Pul Bazar or Sundarijal passes through picturesque villages including Tarkeghyang and Sermathang.
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6
Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Hike
A classic downhill ridge walk from the hilltop viewpoint of Nagarkot to the ancient UNESCO-listed Changu Narayan Temple. The trail follows the forested ridgeline of the eastern valley rim with views of the Himalayas and the valley below, passing traditional Bhaktapur-district villages. Ending at Changu Narayan — Nepal's oldest temple — makes for a satisfying cultural finish to the hike before a taxi back to Bhaktapur or Kathmandu.
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7
Dhulikhel Panorama Loop
A rewarding day hike from Dhulikhel town through forested hillsides and traditional Newari villages on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley. The loop trail offers superb panoramic views of the Himalayas including Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, and Langtang, with the best viewpoints reached in about 2 hours. Can be extended to include Namobuddha monastery (an additional 2-3 hours).
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8
Phulchoki Hill Trail
The ascent of Phulchoki, the highest hill on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley at 2,762m, through some of the finest forest in the valley. The hillside is smothered in rhododendrons and tree-orchids that bloom in March-April. The summit offers a superb 360-degree view of the valley and the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri to Everest. The forest is the finest birdwatching site in the valley with over 220 species recorded.
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9
Kakani Hill View Walk
An easy walk in the Kakani area northwest of Kathmandu, offering one of the finest Himalayan panoramas accessible by day trip from the city. Kakani hill (2,073m) is known for its strawberry farms, army camp, and sweeping views of the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Jugal ranges. The walk through the village and along the hillside ridge is peaceful and scenic.
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10
Panauti to Namobuddha Hike
A beautiful and culturally rich hike from the ancient Newari town of Panauti through terraced fields, Tamang villages, and forested hillsides to the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namobuddha. The trail passes through authentic rural Nepal with minimal tourist presence, offering a genuine glimpse of hill village life. The arrival at the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery at Namobuddha is a wonderful reward.
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11
Jamacho Stupa Trail (Nagarjun Forest)
A short and peaceful forest hike within the Nagarjun (Raniban) section of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to the Jamacho Stupa at 2,128m. The stupa sits at the summit of Nagarjun Hill and offers good views over the western Kathmandu Valley. The forested route is excellent for birdwatching and peaceful walking close to the city.
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12
Suryabinayak to Sanga Ridge Walk
A ridge walk along the southeastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley from Suryabinayak temple to the Sanga area, passing through the large Rato Machindranath statue visible from across the valley. The trail offers elevated views of Bhaktapur and the valley below, and passes through traditional Newari villages that see few foreign walkers. A good choice for those staying in Bhaktapur wanting a local hike.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.