Kathmandu Valley Rim Trekking

Kathmandu Valley Rim Trekking is a great way to explore the natural and cultural diversity of Nepal without having to travel far from the capital city of Kathmandu. We created this short (five-day) trek as an introduction to the many kinds of adventure trips that our beautiful country has to offer. On this trek, you will explore the less-traveled wonders of the hill country, marvel at the natural and rural scenery, and gape at the spectacular views of the nearby big mountains.

We begin our walk from Sundarijal, after one and half hour road trip from Kathmandu. The trail ascends alongside a small river, passing through the village of Mulkharka, from where you will enjoy a great view of the Kathmandu valley. From Mulpani we continue to ascend for about an hour and a half, until Borlang Bhanjhyang, after which we descend for about an hour to Chisopani (2135m). The trail from Chisapani heads to the south following the ridges. The trail is easy, with gentle rolling grades. You will see great numbers of mountains all throughout the day and you may encounter some wild animals. Nagarkot is located east of Kathmandu and is one of the famous tourist destinations of the region. You will have a great opportunity to see a wonderful sunset and sunrise. From Nagarkot, we continue heading south to another fabulous place – Dhulikhel – offering panoramic views of many of our big snow-capped mountains.

After Dhulikhel, we keep traveling south to Namobuddha, the well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site. The carved stone images here retell a popular legend, namely that the previous Buddha offering his own body as food to save a starving mother tiger and her cubs from imminent death. There are also rows of stupas, countless strings of fluttering prayer flags, and a compassionate image of Buddha. Today Namobuddha is becoming the most important religious area in Nepal outside the Kathmandu valley.

From Namobuddha we trek south-west through the beautiful traditional village of Balthali, and the ancient historical Newari towns Panauti and to Lakuri Bhanjyang. Lakuri Bhanjyang provides a spectacular panoramic view of mountains on the northern horizon, as well as of the Kathmandu valley. It’s another great place to watch sunrises and sunsets.