The Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trek is a short four days hiking trail that has gained popularity among tourists to experience trekking fun. This route is especially suitable for domestic and foreign tourists who cannot walk in the alpine mountains or have a short visit to Nepal. This route starts from Sundarijal and ends at Panauti in the Kavre district. This 4-day hike is around 75 Kilometers and involves about 25 to 30 hours of walking in four days. The main attraction of Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trek is the clean and untouched natural environment, the view of picturesque villages, the traditional culture of various native communities, and the idea of the Jugal range. The maximum altitude is 2500 meters above sea level; thus, tourists of any age can join this route. Moreover, this route is highly praised by nature lovers, is suitable for even the elderly, and offers an opportunity to witness rural lifestyles and mountain views.
On the other hand, this trek is more economical and safe compared to different routes. One can enjoy the natural beauty and biodiversity from day one of the walks until the end. Despite being very close to Kathmandu Valley, the way of Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trek is rich in tourism activity and thus a favorite among foreign tourists. It is also proven by the number of tourists that come across the route and their experiences.
Day 01: Trek from Sundarijal to Chisapani
Day 02: Trek from Chisapani to Nagarkot
Day 03: Trek from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel
Day 04: Trek from Dhulikhel to Panauti via Namobuddha
The fabulous trekking route starts at Kathmandu’s Sundarijal. Sundarijal is the main entrance to trek to Chisapani. Thus one must first reach Sundarijal from any part of Kathmandu. Sundarijal is located at the foothills of the Shivapuri National Park, about 15 KM northeast of Kathmandu airport. You will have a walk up and down for about 16KM from Sundarijal to reach Chisapani and it takes about 5 to 6 hours. However, it is understandable that the first day’s trek is generally difficult. The route extends along the Shivapuri National Park, Kolthupa, Mulkharka, and Deurali reaches an altitude of 2500 meters along Borlang Bhanjyang and descends downhill. The song of Chirping birds is simply an enchanting experience. There are hotels and restaurants at Mulkharka that cater to the trekkers. One can enjoy the bird’s eye views of Kathmandu valley from this place. Mulkharka is located little above the Shivapuri National Park and the only settlement ahead of Chisapani. It is therefore advisable to take the necessary food and water at Mulkharka. Chisapani located in Nuwakot district near the border with Sindhupalchowk District is the place that carries the huge potential for tourism. There are about dozens of hotels and lodges in Chisapani. The enchanting tourists’ spot, at an altitude of 2194 meters above sea level is fast developing into a favorite destination among both international and domestic tourists. Chisapani is also famous for the view of Jugal Range, Sunrise and Sunset. People can also observe the Cheese factory located at Chisapani.
The second day’s trek is from Chisapnai to Nagarkot. It is better to start the trip right after breakfast in the morning. Nagarkot is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Kathmandu and is famous around the world. It is situated 2000 meters above sea level. Nagarkot can be reached at the end of 6 to 7 hours trek from Chisapani at the distance of 20Km. This trek does not involve many ups and downs. The main feature of this trek is the walk along with the lush greenery, viewing the mystic mountains. The row of snow-capped mountains observed during the trip refreshes the body, mind, and spirit. A trek along wide paths cutting across the green wilderness has the power to generate unimaginable pleasure in one’s mind and creates unforgettable memories. Moreover, this route is highly praised by nature-lovers, is suitable for even elderly people. This trek starts from Chisapani and passing through the Shivapuri National Park, Jhule, Chauki Bhanjyang, Jarshing Pauwa, and ends at Nagarkot. Stay overnight at Nagarkot.
Nagarkot is famous for a breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and the view of the sunrise. It is, therefore, better to embark on the trip to Dhulikhel after experiencing the views, followed by breakfast in the morning. The 20Km distance from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel will take about 6 to 7 hours. The path involves moderate uphill and downhill climbs and traverses through forests. One can choose any one of the various ways to Nagarkot Bus Park or view tower and reach the Rohini Bhanjyang pass. From Rohini Bhanjyang, it takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Dhulikhel along the Kashi Bhanjyang and Ravi Bhanjyang. This trek also offers an opportunity to witness the rural lifestyles and mountain views.
Dhulikhel is a historically important and naturally beautiful town. It is not only the major tourist destination of Kavre District but also the administrative center. The hill fort surrounding with Lush greenery is famous for walking around along the pristine natural environment. The panorama of silver-white mountains seen from Dhulikhel is incomparable to any other place. Likewise, the number of mountain ranges seen from Dhulikhel is more than most other tourist places. The 20 Km trek to Panauti from Dhulikhel takes almost 6 to 7 hours, the route also suitable for observing rural lifestyles, passes through Devisthan, Kavre Bhanjyang, and Namobuddha. The important religious facts and anecdotes relating to Buddhism and the interesting sculpture depicting the sacrifice of one’s own body for the sake of a tigress are the main attraction. Likewise, in the historic Panauti town, various historic temples, monasteries and most importantly the ancient town center itself can be observed. From Panauti, one can either embark a 15 Km trek to the beautiful Lakuri Bhanjyang along Kushadevi or drive to Kathmandu.
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Payment: A deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to book the tour with Himalayan Windows (HW). The remaining balance is to be paid three days prior to the departure date. Payment can be made via Wire Transfer or Credit Card. All credit card payments are securely processed and a bank fee applies.
Cancellation: For cancellations more than 30 days before the Tour Start Date, there will be no cancellation fee. If the cancellation happens within 29-4 days prior to the Tour Start Date, a charge of 30% of the total invoice amount will be applied. Cancellations occurring within 3 days or less of the start date or in the case of a no-show, 100% of the total invoice amount will be charged. Learn more about Terms and Conditions.
Accommodation: Accommodation is typically provided in twin rooms in cities, though a single supplement can be requested for an additional fee. During peak season, it can be difficult to find single or twin rooms in the mountains, so our lodges usually offer dormitory-style accommodation. Our priority is always to provide clean and safe rooms for our guests.
Meals: Our packages in Bhutan include full board meals, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. For treks, all meals are provided, but you will need to pay extra for drinking water and snacks.
Nepal Visa: If you are planning a trip to Nepal, you must have a valid passport and Nepal Visa. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa before your arrival. To be eligible, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from your Tour Start Date. If you are planning on traveling to multiple countries on your trip, make sure to get a multi-entries Nepal Visa.
Bhutan Visa Clearance: All visitors to Bhutan must have a valid Bhutan Visa Clearance before their trip. To obtain it, you must submit a color-scanned copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of your tour. Your tour operator will send you a Visa Clearance prior to your departure, which you must present at the Druk Air/Bhutan Airlines counter during check-in. Once you arrive at Paro Airport, your passport will be stamped with the original visa.
Tibet Group Visa (TGV): All travelers from any nation intending to go to Tibet from Nepal must obtain a Tibet Group Visa (TGV) in Kathmandu with the help of a tour operator. To ensure the successful application of the TGV, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu 3-4 working days before your travel date. If you are coming from China, you will not require a TGV; instead, you will need a Chinese Visa and Permit. To find out more about the process of entering Tibet, please look into the Tibet entry procedure.
Nepal & Bhutan: Visiting Nepal and Bhutan at the same time is ideal as they share a similar climate. From high mountains to low land sub-tropical plains and jungles, the two countries have similar weather. The best time to visit is from March to April (spring) and October to December (autumn and early winter). During these months, the air is clean and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder months, while June, July, and August (summer) are typically monsoon seasons.
Tibet: It is best to visit Tibet between April and October when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. However, from November to March, it is still possible to explore certain areas like Namtso, Everest Base Camp, and Mount Kailash, as long as the roads are not blocked by snow. Temperatures during this time may be quite cold.
HimalayanWindows strongly recommends that anyone planning to travel in the Himalayas purchase Travel Insurance. This policy will provide coverage in the case of medical emergencies, evacuation, theft, loss of belongings, and last-minute tour/ticket cancellations. Having this protection in place will help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nepal Tour and Trekking Do I Need A Visa To Enter Nepal? Yes, all foreigners, Except Indians, need a Nepalese visa to enter Nepal. Most nationals can get an on-arrival visa at the TIA airport. However, it is advised to consult with your nearby Embassy or Consulate of Nepal. What do I need to get my visa? You need to have a valid passport, some… Read More »
