Kathmandu Day Trip: Panorama Hike Adventure

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Tour Information

Key Details

  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Duration: 6 Hrs
  • Language:
    English
  • Departure Time :
    07:00 AM
  • Departure Details :
    Hotel Marshyangdi, P885+RX5, Chaksibari Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
  • Return Details :
    Returns to original departure point
  • Cancellation Policy :
    This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Overview

Pssssst! Want to go on a nature hike away from the hustle and bustle of city life to enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu? Join an expert local guide for a scenic hike to relax your mind as you make your way through local settlements and community forests and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Valley from high above.

Know More about this tour

Rendezvous in Thamel in the morning and walk 15 minutes with your guide and small group to the nearest bus stand, where youll jump on board and travel like a local 30 minutes to Budhanilkantha.

This holy site is home to sleeping Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Observe the magnificently carved stone idol of sleeping Vishnu from the outer periphery of the pond (non-Hindus are not allowed inside), on which Vishnu seems to float. Be sure to have your camera ready as your guide tells the interesting story of this venerated religious figure.

Youll then embark on a moderate 9-mile (15-km) hike into the surrounding farmlands and through Kathmandus nearest forest reserve, Shivapuri National Park. After registering at the park entry gate, take a pleasant 2.5-hour walk through the woods to a hidden Buddhist monastery, Nagi Gompa.

Hike uphill 2.5 miles (4 km) to reach this site and pause to enjoy sweeping views of the Kathmandu valley below. This spot is great for bird watching, and on a clear day, you may be able to see the snow-capped Himalayas! You may also purchase snacks here, or feel free to enjoy your own pre-packed lunch.

Once youve snapped some unforgettable photos, descend down the hill and continue hiking 1 hour through the woodlands, past waterfalls and out of the forest until you reach Sundarijal, where youll visit a local bazaar.

After your hike, hop back on the bus and begin your 1-hour journey back to Kathmandu.

Inclusions

Local guide

Transportation (one-way local transport and one-way private pick-up)

Entry/Admission - Budhanilkantha

Entry/Admission - Ranibari Park - Community Forest

Entry/Admission - Pullahari Monastery

Exclusions

Gratuities

Food and drinks

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

A large amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking/trail shoes are recommended

Please note that there has been significant damage to some of the sites visited on this tour due to the earthquakes in April and May 2015

Maximum group size is 12.

Children below the age of 12 are not permitted on this tour.

Not wheelchair accessible

Since this is a proper hike, please wear comfortable clothing suitable for an active tour (we recommend full sleeves for sun and insect protection) and hiking shoes. We also recommend bringing a water bottle.

Effective Sept 1, 2021, travellers 18+ must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Children 6-17 must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or lateral flow) conducted maximum 72 hours prior, proof of recovery dated up to 9 months or proof of vaccination. View full policy at urbanadventures.com/vaccine.

Most travelers can participate

This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Guides required to regularly wash hands

Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

Effective Sept 1, 2021, travellers 18+ must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Children 6-17 must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or lateral flow) conducted maximum 72 hours prior, proof of recovery dated up to 9 months or proof of vaccination. View full policy at urbanadventures.com/vaccine.

Traveler Reviews

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  • 05-Feb-2020

    Don't be put off the early start - it's part of the tour! From the pick-up location, you take local transport to Budhanilkantha, which if you reach in time, you will see the young monks bathing the statue of Vishnu, and re-adorning him with with milk, honey, coloured powder, and flowers. This was an incredibly interesting and unexpected part of the hike, but probably my favourite aspect. Early in the hike you will pass by a small community Buddhist temple, and they welcomed us in to observe and drink tea. Carrying on, you have a chance to stop at the campsite for refreshments (the lemon tea was most refreshing) and a bathroom break (squat only). My guide let us spend a lot of time here, looking over the valley, and shared how the landscape has changed in recent years. There is also a traditional swing at the site, which was fun to try out. After is some downhill, you walk through a neighbourhood to reach Pullahari Monastery. Unfortunately the monastery was closed the day I went, but my guide still told me about its history and relevant facts - I didn't feel too put out as I had visited other Buddhist monasteries on my trip, but I imagine it is a great end to the tour. I happened to be the only participant on this tour, and I was impressed that the tour company didn't cancel on me. My tour guide (unfortunately I forget his name - a young university student) was a great conversationalist on the hike, open to sharing insights about Nepali culture, ideas about the world, and his experiences growing up in Nepal. I highly recommend this experience if you're looking to get out of the city proper and get some exercise. I didn't find the hike strenuous, but I am young and fit - I could see where older participants may struggle in some sections, but overall it is manageable. My guide didn't rush the hike at all, and offered opportunities for breaks along the way which were filled with great conversation.

  • 28-Jan-2020

    Nice easy walk in the park, good way to get some blood in the legs before tackling something a bit more serious. Unfortunately the weather was not the best on the day and we were not able to see much of the Katmandu valley, but my guide Sanjeeb more than made up for that as he was full of useful information about the area and kept the conversation flowing smoothly all day. Also he threw me in a few nice tips on where to eat and shop back in Katmandu. A+

  • 29-Dec-2019

    I will preface by saying I’m not very fit or active, so the walk itself was pretty tough for me. I think if you do any kind of walking/hiking in your daily life you’ll be fine though. It’s a mix of up, down and flat. Beautiful views - if it’s not too hazy. My guide Nimesh and the other guide were very encouraging and explained a lot about the environment and culture in the area.

  • 21-Sep-2019

    The tour guide Niroj was very informative and we had a great day out hiking, we hiked just on 15km through the woods and up to the monastery. Then back down at times in over grown and step vegetation. The day started at 7 am with a debrief then we caught a local bus and returned around 1 pm. We captured stunning views of the valley of Kathmandu.

  • 02-Apr-2019

    We did this partly for the siteseeing and partly for pre-EBC exercise. Mission accomplished on both counts. Milan was a great guide and set a pace to suit all. Went to the Hidden Monastery but could not go in unfortunately. Good to get out of Thamel too.

  • 29-Oct-2018

    Good tour. Good guide. His English wasn't really up to the level where his explanations were coherent. But, he did try. And, he obviously cared about his guests. Was a good hike.

  • 28-Oct-2018

    Good tour. Good guide. His English wasn't really up to the level where his explanations were coherent. But, he did try. And, he obviously cared about his guests. Was a good hike.

  • 29-Aug-2018

    My friends and I were shown this trek, being told it’s great preparation for our Everest base camp trek. We decided to do it, and we were NOT disappointed. For ~$60 USD, we got an awesome tour of a Hindu temple, an awesome 4WD adventure through the streets of Kathmandu, and THEN an amazing trek to a hidden momentary. Our tour guide, Dakman, who is a Leader with intrepid on Everest base camp treks, (so he knows his stuff) was absolutely responsible for our supreme enjoyment of this trek, which was fantastic in its own right. He spoke English practically fluently, and was able to joke around and have a great time. He helped us buy supplies from local shops, and gave us time when we needed, and advice when we needed. He even helped us get tea from the locals who lived in the mountains! The views were spectacular, and we even had another guide for half the trip, a National Park guide, who knew everything there was about the National Park the trek takes us through. Dakman even gave us options for the trek to be longer, or shorter, if we were too tired. We chose the longer route, and didn’t regret a second of the decision. They even gave us a lift back to the hotel. Awesome trek, highly recommended!

  • 03-Jan-2018

    Probyn and Dipesh were great. Excellent guides. We motored along some interesting small paths and we’re back in time for a late lunch.

  • 27-Oct-2017

    My guide Milan Tamang met me at the Kathmandu Guest House and after a short drive we were walking through a beautiful forest on the edge of the Kathmandu valley. Milan had excellent English and was very helpful in answering all my questions. The views along the walk were spectacular and the monastery most interesting.

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