Around Kathmandu Valley Trekking
Around Kathmandu Valley Trekking
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The Kathmandu Valley offers some excellent short treks, which can be a great introduction for visitors with limited time. Once outside the urban sprawl of the city, it is possible to experience traditional rural activities within sight of the metropolis. Some of the following treks can be completed in one day but extensions, to turn the treks into overnight trips, are always possible. There are limited accommodation facilities on the outskirts of Kathmandu so overnight treks will most likely require self sufficiency.

Shivapuri Trekking:- The shivapuri Lekh forms the northern rim of the Kathmandu valley. The slopes provide much of the city's drinking water and the forests here constitute a protected zone for this reason. The high point of the ridge, at 2732 meters, provides a stunning view of the city and its outskirts. Much of the trek is through unspoiled old growth forests of oak, rhododendron and beech. You may be lucky enough to spot deer, monkeys, Jackals along the trail. The best route is a circular one, starting at sundarijal and ending at Budhanilakantha. The trail continues through the tamang village of mulkharka where a gravel motor road leading to Budhanilakantha is crossed. Continue up hill, on the foot trail, through an army camp and reach the ridge crest at Burlang Bhangjyang. From the pass you have views of the trail that heads north into Helambu and on a clear day, will be able to see the mountains of Langtang. Then turn west to follow the ridge through oak forest, with occasional views to the north, until the high point of shivapuri is reached. An army camp is located at this spot. From here the trail heads steeply down hill to Bhudhanilkantha where the trek ends.
 

Godavari to pulchowki: - The highest point on the Kathmandu valley rim is the hill top at pulchowki, 2762 meters. At the base of the hill, at Godavari, is 
the National Botanical Gardens so a trip to this part of Kathmandu can combine both destinations. The heavily wooded slopes of pulchowki are renowned for the large variety of birds and butterflies to be seen. While a motor road stretches right to the top of the hill a foot trail avoids the need to follow it for 
most of the climb. Godavari is located about 10 kilometers south of Patan. Regular buses leave from patan to reach Godavari. From Godavari to climb pulchowki via foot trail, walk behind the St. xavier's school complex and through a temple, with a large pool of water in front of it. The trail starts above this. At 
times steeps, the trail passes through dense forest, teeming with bird and insect life, occasionally breaking out onto the motor road. Eventually, after a climb of about three hours, the top of the hill is reached. The hilltop is not particularly attractive as it houses a large communications tower and a 
security guard post, but the views across the valley to the Himalayan ranges is worth the climb. This takes you on a circular route, through the settlement at Lakhure Bhanjang, and back to Godavari Then back to kathmandu.
 
Nagarjun:- The hill at Nagarjun overlooks the famous stupa of swayambhunath, better known to many as the monkey temple. The hilltop shrine, more correctly known as jamachok, is thought to be the meditation places of the Buddhist. There are still a number of meditation caves can be seen on the hill side. The trekking start from Balaju on the road to trisuli at Raniban gate. After paying an entry fee at the entrance gate take the steep trail to the right just 
beyond the gate. Do not follow the bus road. The trail climbs steeply like thirty minuets then off and pass through very pleasant forest, a mixture of pine 
and oak with some bamboo in places. The bird life is prolific through here but you are unlike to sight many animals. There are reputed to be wild boar, 
leopard and bears in the forest. About half way to the top is an area used by local people as a picnic ground. From this point the hilltop can be seen and another hour of steep climbing will bring you to the top. the views are excellent from tower on the summit, the decent can be either made by using the uphill 
route or by following the motor road.
 
Itineary:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel and welcome dinner. 
Day 02: Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.  
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Kakani (2093m). Trek to Salle (2200m, 4hrs)
Day 04: Salle Gaun to Shivapuri Hill (2800m, 5hrs)
Day 05: Explore around birds habitats of Shivapuri hill.
Day 06: Shivapuri to Mulkharka (1894m, 5hrs walking).
Day 07: Explore around bird’s habitat of Mul Kharka (1894m
Day 08: Mul Kharka to Chisopani (2215m, 6hrs).
Day 09: Chisopani to Nagarkot (1950m, 7hrs walking)
Day 10: After spectacular view of the sunrise trek down to Dhulikhel (1600m, 5hrs walking).
Day 11: Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha (1768m, 3hrs walking).
Day 12: Namo Buddha to Balthali Village (1650m, 5hrs walking).
Day 13: Explore around birds habitats of Balthali Village
Day 14: Balthali Village to Lakuri Bhanjyang (2000m, 6hrs walking).
Day 15: Lakuri Bhanjyang to Kathmandu.
Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu for shopping and other activities
Day 17: Departure