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Kathmandu Valley Skyline Trek

Short Trek at low altitude - Extensive Himalayan Views - Medieval Bhaktapur - Colourful Kathmandu

All meals on trek included

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Duration

4 Days
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Grade

Easy / Moderate
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Max Altitude

2500m
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Walking Days

2 Days
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Accommodation

2 Nts Hotels - 1 Nt Family Guest House
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Trip Overview

A very short Nepal trek is ideal if you've only got time for a short Nepal break.

This on-foot journey heads along the ridge line of the hills that form the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. Handy if you're pushed for time but still want to see the Himalayas from a distance. It's a relatively easy Himalayan hike and a low-altitude trek too, although it's best if you're a strong walker. Then again, this mini-trek could readily form the basis of a longer holiday elsewhere in Nepal. There are extensive views of the Himalayan chain, particularly from the renowned vantage point of Nagarkot, as well as while walking to Nagarkot. There are rural villages to explore as well as time in the mediaeval city of Bhaktapur. Nepal in microcosm.

A very short Nepal trek is ideal if you've only got time for a short Nepal break.

  • This on-foot journey heads along the ridge line of the hills that form the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. Handy if you're pushed for time but still want to see the Himalayas from a distance. It's a relatively easy Himalayan hike and a low-altitude trek too, although it's best if you're a strong walker. Then again, this mini-trek could readily form the basis of a longer holiday elsewhere in Nepal. There are extensive views of the Himalayan chain, particularly from the renowned vantage point of Nagarkot, as well as while walking to Nagarkot. There are rural villages to explore as well as time in the mediaeval city of Bhaktapur. Nepal in microcosm.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Transfer to Chisapani by 4WD & Trek to Nagarkot
    • Day 3
      Trek to Bhaktapur
    • Day 4
      Depart Nepal

  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Transfer to Chisapani by 4WD & Trek to Nagarkot

    After an early breakfast, we'll take you by 4WD vehicle up to Chispani (2200m). It's around a 2-hour drive, but saves the big ascent up to the Kathmandu Valley rim. You can, of course, hike this bit up to Chisapani if you prefer (adding an extra day) and overnight at a simple hotel in Chisapani. Your short Kathmandu Valley skyline trek begins with some moderate ascent and descent for the first couple of hours to Chauki Banjang. There are great Himalayan views pretty much most of the way, and should there be clouds, then it's entirely likely you're walking above cloud base, so it can be rather ethereal walking with a sea of frothing clouds beneath you. Finally, you begin your descent into Nagarkot (2100m), a hilltop resort and favourite escape place for the Kathmandu elite. Walking time is approx. 5–6 hours with around 650 m of ascent and descent. Nagarkot exists primarily because of the stupendous views it affords. If it is exceptionally clear, then you can sometimes see as far west as Dhaulagiri and as far east as Kangchenjunga. That's around 180 miles of Himalayan peaks on display. Although a mere pinprick on the very far horizon, if you have good eyesight (or binoculars!) you may just be able to pick out the summit of Everest. Note that the latter part of todays hike is on a tarmac road.

    Accommodation: Country Villa Hotel - Nagarkot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 2

    Transfer to Chisapani by 4WD & Trek to Nagarkot

    After an early breakfast, we'll take you by 4WD vehicle up to Chispani (2200m). It's around a 2-hour drive, but saves the big ascent up to the Kathmandu Valley rim. You can, of course, hike this bit up to Chisapani if you prefer (adding an extra day) and overnight at a simple hotel in Chisapani. Your short Kathmandu Valley skyline trek begins with some moderate ascent and descent for the first couple of hours to Chauki Banjang. There are great Himalayan views pretty much most of the way, and should there be clouds, then it's entirely likely you're walking above cloud base, so it can be rather ethereal walking with a sea of frothing clouds beneath you. Finally, you begin your descent into Nagarkot (2100m), a hilltop resort and favourite escape place for the Kathmandu elite. Walking time is approx. 5–6 hours with around 650 m of ascent and descent. Nagarkot exists primarily because of the stupendous views it affords. If it is exceptionally clear, then you can sometimes see as far west as Dhaulagiri and as far east as Kangchenjunga. That's around 180 miles of Himalayan peaks on display. Although a mere pinprick on the very far horizon, if you have good eyesight (or binoculars!) you may just be able to pick out the summit of Everest. Note that the latter part of todays hike is on a tarmac road.

    Accommodation: Country Villa Hotel - Nagarkot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    3

    Trek to Bhaktapur

    Clearly, you've got to get up early for a classic, panoramic Himalayan sunrise. It's now primarily descent as you initially follow the ridge line and then down to the Changu Narayan temple, from where there are impressive views down to your destination of Bhaktapur. It's a scenic walk all the way, dropping down through terraced paddy fields and pine forests and passing through small settlements on a mix of village trails and country roads. Reaching Bhaktapur, your hotel is in the heart of this wondrous mediaeval city. By late afternoon or early evening, the day trippers have all made it back to Kathmandu, thus allowing you to soak up the charm of Bhaktapur as the locals go about their business. Walking time: approx. 5 hours with around 850 m of descent.Note that the latter part of todays hike is on a tarmac road.

    Accommodation: Hotel Heritage Malla - Bhaktapur
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 3

    Trek to Bhaktapur

    Clearly, you've got to get up early for a classic, panoramic Himalayan sunrise. It's now primarily descent as you initially follow the ridge line and then down to the Changu Narayan temple, from where there are impressive views down to your destination of Bhaktapur. It's a scenic walk all the way, dropping down through terraced paddy fields and pine forests and passing through small settlements on a mix of village trails and country roads. Reaching Bhaktapur, your hotel is in the heart of this wondrous mediaeval city. By late afternoon or early evening, the day trippers have all made it back to Kathmandu, thus allowing you to soak up the charm of Bhaktapur as the locals go about their business. Walking time: approx. 5 hours with around 850 m of descent.Note that the latter part of todays hike is on a tarmac road.

    Accommodation: Hotel Heritage Malla - Bhaktapur
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    DAY 4

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 475

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers (all meals on trek), main baggage transfers on trek, permits, National Park fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking, professionals and fully licensed.

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all our trips.

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Snow Cat Travel is the brand name of and trading as Rural Heritage Journeys PVT LTD of Nepal with a Head Office in Kathmandu. Our parent company Rural Heritage Nepal owns and operates select boutique, heritage hotels in Nepal such as the Famous Farm at Nuwakot and the Old Inn at Bandipur.
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