A guide to half-day hikes from the Kathmandu valley

Half-day hikes around the valley

You don't need a long weekend to remember why you live here.

Champadevi (4-5 hours round trip)

Start at Hattiban resort. The trail climbs steadily through pine forest. Around the saddle there are mountain views on a clear morning. The summit shrine is small but the view of the valley is unreasonable.

Phulchowki (5-6 hours)

The longer one. Start at Godavari. Best in October-November when the rhododendrons are not in bloom but the visibility is.

Shivapuri base loop (3 hours)

For days when you don't feel like climbing. Enter at Budhanilkantha, do the lower loop, exit at the same spot. Birdsong is the point.

Nagarkot ridge walk (4 hours)

Catch a Sajha bus or share-jeep to Nagarkot. Walk the ridge towards Telkot. Take a taxi back. Best if you start at 5am and watch the Himalayas turn pink.