Hills Around Kathmandu Valley

A valley is a low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it. Similarly, Kathmandu is a valley that is surrounded with many hills all around. There are five main river streams flowing through Kathmandu. The Kathmandu valley is at the height of 1400m above sea level. People also know Kathmandu valley with names such as ‘Nepal Valley’ or ‘Nepa Valley’.

There are many beautiful hills around Kathmandu that are seen from anywhere inside the valley. They are all green tall hills which are very beautiful. The best part is that all the Hill Stations are very easily accessible from any part of the valley and the best way to explore these hill stations is to go for the overnight stay. A night at these hill stations guarantees the sunset and sunrise views in the Himalayas. To sight the sun setting or emerging in the horizon where Himalayan peaks lie is itself a fascinating moment.

So, here are some of the main hills and hill stations that surrounds Kathmandu:

Chandragiri Hills: (South-West)

Chandragiri (Source: Lonelyplanet)

The Chandragiri hills lies on the south-west side of Kathmandu Valley which is 2551 meters above sea level. The hill provides panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Everest. It has an easy access for every people to go at the top. The use of cable cars has made it easy for us to reach the top of the hill in such a short time. Furthermore, it also offers some of an awe-inspiring view of other hills and mountain ranges like Manaslu, Fishtail, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal and many more. Chandragiri hills please travelers of all age and have ever been considered famous day tour in Nepal. The place also has Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple (Temple of God Shiva) that has promoted the destination as a religious site.

Phulchowki Hill in Monsoon (Source: Nepaleco Adventure)

The Phulchowki: (South-East)

Phulchowki which means ‘Hill of Flowers’ in Nepali. It is the highest hill (2782m) among the surrounding hills of Kathmandu valley. The hill is located about. 14 km in the south east of Kathmandu valley. It is the name of one of the famous Hindu goddess and many Hindu people make their pilgrimage tours to this site.

This is one of the most beautiful hiking in terms of vegetation and bird watching destination in Kathmandu valley. The walk is difficult but the reward is a wonderful view and good for nature observers. The hill is surrounded by the dense forest of different plants including Rhododendron of different colors, including pure white and dark red. Because of this beautiful and dense forest different species of birds and butterflies can be found.

Not only birds, the view from the top is breath taking with every other hills and beautiful mountain range of Annapurna to Gaurishankar. Moreover, at the top of the hill there is a shrine of Phulchowki Mai which is surrounded by prayer flags and tridents.

Nagarkot (North-East)

Sunrise from Nagarkot (Source: Lonelyplanet)

The Nagarkot hill is best known for its spectacular sunrise view. It is located 32 kilometer east-west of Kathmandu. It is bless with nature’s bounty and has become famous as you get to see stunning Himalaya panorama of Gaurishankar Himal, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and even we can spot highest mountain Mount Everest.

Nagarkot has an easy access towards the top as we can visit there in any kind of Vehicle including cycles, car or bus. Furthermore, there are a number of hotels and resorts that complement the beauty of the surrounding, for people with different budgets. Often frequented by families, Nagarkot is internationally noted hill stations near Kathmandu. There is a view tower at the top of the hill. It gives you the perfect view of the sun rise, sunset, hills, Kathmandu valley and the mountains.

NamoBuddha Dhulikhel (Source: EyesonNepal)

Dhulikhel (East)

Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Kathmandu Kodari Highway. From Dhulikhel one has a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. From the main town, a short visit to Namobuddha, with the stupa and Buddhist Monastery, will be rewarding. Also Panauti, a village noted for its numerous temples with magnificent woodcarvings, is a short distance from Dhulikhel. Those visitors who are after short excursion but mesmerizing, Dhulikhel will be the best place for them. In addition to these, there is also a place for Zip-Flying in Dhulikhel which is 1100 meters.

Shivapuri (North)

A view from Hike to Shivapuri (Source: EyesonNepal)

Shivapuri is the second highest hill in Kathmandu valley after Pulchwoki hill with the height of 2523m. It is also one of the closest national park to the Kathmandu valley. The national park protects the valley’s main water source, as well as 177 species of birds and numerous rare orchids. This is one of the last areas of primary woodland in the valley, and the forest is alive with monkeys, and maybe even leopards and bears.

It is one of the nearest hills from the valley. There is easy access and availability of transport to the base of the hill. However, from the bottom we can hike till the top of Shivapuri. On this trip, you will observe the beauty of the area’s lush surroundings as you hike to the top of the Shivapuri peak. Here are more than 500 species of animals. Your hike starts from the southern boundary of the area. Furthermore, you have to climb stairs, as part of the trail consists of stone steps, leading you slowly but gently to the peak. On the way there is Nagi Gumpa, the only monastery where nuns can practice Buddhism, and a place that foreigners often visit for meditation. It is a steep uphill hike along narrow trails that gradually lead up to Shivapuri. Continue on to pass by the starting point of the Bagmati River, and your surroundings will beckon you to rest and enjoy the beauty of the forest. Finally, you will reach the peak, located at an altitude of 8,963 feet (2,732 meters). And therefore here, you can look out over toward the Langtang Mountain Range and enjoy lunch.

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Hills Around Kathmandu Valley