Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Hiking Route Details + GPS Map

Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Hiking 

Distance: 15.6 km
Time: 5 hours approx.

Kathmandu is crazy but mountains tell a different story.  The trek will take through the Lush greenery  of the Kathmandu valley rim passing through two beautiful hillstations (Nagarkot and dhulikhel) lying in the foothills of the Himalayas. Nagarkot to Dhulikhel hiking is an excellent choice for those planning to be in close with nature with a fresh mountain air inside a pine forests and villages before reaching the hillstation of dhulikhel. It is a good 16 km walk with an altitude drop of more than 800 meters and will take around good 5 hours to complete this trekking with ever changing landscapes.

It is a panoramic trail in the valley rim and a part of Kathmandu valley cultural trekking trail with an altitudinal drop of 600 meters from Nagarkot (2100m) to Dhulikhel (1500m) above sea level.  You will enjoy the stunning views of the eastern and central himalayas

The highest peaks that can be seen here are Everest (8850m), Cho oyu (8), Manaslu (8156m), Annapurna(8010m), Dhaulagiri (8176m), shishapangma (8) along with lots of peaks above 7000 meters, 6000 meters.  The crow fly distance of the mountains from Nagarkot ranges from 50km (jugal range of the nearest range of the Himalayas to the kathmandu valley) to 150km far (everest). Some famous that can be seen includes Numbur peak(6,958 m), melungtse (7200), gauri Shankar(7,134 m), dorje lakpa (6,966 m), langtang ri (7205 m), Phurbi Chyachu (6,722 m) , ganesh himal(7,422 m) , himalchuli (7900m), Gur Karpo Ri (6,874 m), Gyaltzen Peak (6,705 m) etc.

You will pass through cool pine trees, terraced farmlands, villages and jungle again before reaching the hillstation of dhulikhel.

The first part of the hike will go through the pine forests for around 10 km with sounds of birds chirping inside and the second part will be pass through terraced farmlands and villages of local people cultivating different vegetables for the remaining 8 km before reaching the hillstation of dhulikhel. It is a part of kathmandu valley cultural trekking trail and is one of the best hiking routes within kathmandu valley. This trekking can also be done in the thick of winter as it is below 3000 meters.

It is an ideal choice for trekkers who have limited time in nepal however want to have a taste of trekking and also an ideal hiking to do acclimitazition before heading up to the himalayas. This hike can be done with family with children.

Please note that this section of the trek can be confusing with the roads ever changing. Note the main villages mentioned in this itinerary and be sure to repeatedly with the local people ask for directions.

TRIP NOTES:

1. Start your day early after morning sunrise over the Himalayas ( weather permitted), breakfast and make sure you kick off the hike before 9 am as you will reach dhulikhel in time or catch bus to Kathmandu ( before 5 pm) if you are returning back to KTM. Ideally recommended to stay overnight at dhulikhel or if you have still energy, take a bus to Namo Buddha or taxi for monastery stay.
2. Dhulikhel is a big town in the crossroads of highway where you will finish the hike. The tourist town of dhulikhel is quite another km of walk. You will finish your hike near to Himalayan Horizon Hotel, near to Araniko highway – 500m from the bus park.
3. You can either stay overnight in Dhulikhel or if you are arrive early, hop on the local bus to Namobuddha to have an amazing stay at Namobuddha monastery.
4. As there is quite a considerable amount of steps, better to carry trekking sticks with you.
5. This trekking can also be done in winter as it is below 2500 meters.
6. Recommended to carry enough water. Tanchowk View Resort is the recommended place to have lunch as it has a nice views and they have limited menu. Common item is Dal bhat, nepali meal and takes time to prepare. Order in advance. For contact: Ram 9869418287
7. As it passes through thick pine forests, we can get easily lost inside the forests, so, it is highly advisable to hire a guide to accompany for safety and security of the guests.

There are no restaurants on the way so, it is highly recommended to carry enough water and packed lunches to eat on the way. As it passes through thick pine forests, we can get easily lost inside the forests, so, it is highly advisable to hire a guide to accompany for safety and security of the guests.
www.nagarkotoutdoors.com is a recommended option

Recommended itinerary

After your morning sunrise and breakfast, start your hike early to dhulikhel (5hrs) loaded with fruits and water. When you reach dhulikhel, you can either stay at dhulikhel. However, if you want to stay in a more peaceful place, it is highly recommended to stay overnight at the Namobuddha monastery, perched on the top of the hill and around 12 km from Dhulikhel. Once, you will reach dhulikhel, you can take a bus or taxi and head to Namo buddha monastery. For Bookings at Namobuddha monastery guest house:  9808786043 (Tashi)

Tariff:
Room with Common bathroom: 1200 Rs. per person including dinner + b/f
Room with Attached bathroom: 1500 Rs. per person including dinner + b/f

For accomodations at Nagarkot, if you are looking for a budget guest house, Nagarkot Bed and Breakfast would be a great choice with the tariff of 2000 Rs in net with Breakfast for two pax in BB plan.

Download MAPS.ME here and ITUNES STORE. ( Highly recommended to download maps.me ) 

Download Hiking Map of Nagarkot to Dhulikhel GPS file for Offline Navigation in  KML extension or GPX extension

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Download the maps.me
2. Open the *.kml or *.gpx file with maps.me. That's it.