Overview
Nagarjun Hill is about 10km/6.2 miles from Kathmandu city. Nagarjun Hiking is among the famous hiking route of Kathmandu. There is a Buddhist shrine at the top, which is very holy for both Buddhists and Hindus. To reach the top one has to climb for about 15 to 20 minutes. From this point, a panoramic view of the Himalayas ranges can be seen.
Trip Facts
Trip Name: Nagarjun Day Hike / Nagarjun Hiking
Duration: 1 day
Country: Nepal
Group size: Any
Max. Altitude: 2128m
Min. Altitude: 1350m
Trip type: Hiking
rade: Easy
Best Season: All around the year
Departs: Travel pickups are offered
Trip Highlights of Nagarjun Hiking
- Hike to the nearest hill site in Kathmandu
- Explore Jamacho Monastery where there is the small statue of Nagarjun Buddha.
- Magnificent view of the Annapurna Himalayan Range, Manaslu Himalayan Range as well as Langtang range
- Enjoy the wonderful melody of birds chirping throughout your hike
Nagarjun Day Hike / Nagarjun Hiking
Ever wanna hike to the nearest hill site in Kathmandu valley, ever want to explore nature and natural resources, then we have a perfect package for you.
Nagarjuna day hiking is one of the fabulous day hikes to hills in Nepal. Nagarjun hill at an election of 2128m is located 7km west of the main city Kathmandu. This hike is popularly known as Jamacho Monastery Hiking. This is a hike to the thick forest near Kathmandu valley with historical as well as natural significance. Walking through the forest, one can witness the wildlife, natural scenario, views of the mountain peaks, as well as different species of birds. Besides, the stunning scenario of the Himalayan ranges is another prime attraction of this hike.
Nagarjun Hill is also popular as Vidhya Mountain in literature. This hill is the most popular site for Buddhists and Hindus. Hence, this short trek lets you explore Jamacho Monastery where there is the small statue of Nagarjun Buddha. However, it is believed that the mountain was named Nagarjun because sage Nagarjun meditated in the cave of Nagarjun. Likewise, there is another cave, the Mahasiddhas where one can have a peaceful mind with meditation.
The journey starts with a short drive from Kathmandu to Phulbari gate ( near Balaju bypass). The gate is just 5km northwest of Kathmandu. Then, we will have a short tea break or break to get ready for the last minute’s hike. Take the Shivapuri National Park conservation entrance permit at the army check post and we will start our hike to Nagarjun Hill. Furthermore, the trail passes through the dense forest where one can encounter several inhabitants and birds. Around noon, you will reach the top of the viewpoint from where one can have a magnificent view of the Annapurna Himalayan Range, Manaslu Himalayan Range as well as Langtang range. Also, you can visit Buddhist gompas over there and the view tower of the gompa provides an excellent view of the valley.
Then, we will have a lunch break and exploration time for about 1 hour. After that, we will descend the same trail enjoying the natural landscapes. You can take your time descending through the hills. At most the time for descending downhills will take around 2 hours including the stops.
Activities at a Glance
Nagarjun is one of the short popular hiking trails inside the Kathmandu valley. Similarly, this trial has some major attractions due to which it is one of the peak hiking sites in Nepal.
Jamacho Monastery
One of the advantages of this hike is that besides natural scenery, you will get to explore various cultural sites as well. Jamacho Monastery. At an elevation of 2130m at Jamacho hill, one can visit a small monastery. Climbing the watchtower there offers you a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire landscapes as well as the mountains.
A Short Hike
Nagarjun hike offers you a relatively short and refreshing hike. Hiking through a dense forest enjoying the finest of nature is the main attraction of this hike. A hike will be a total of 5 hours including the ascends and descends. The 5-hour hike provides you its finest scenario, views of Himalayan ranges as well as natural landscapes.
Snow-capped Peaks
The viewpoint at Jamacho lets you experience the 360 degrees of the Himalayan ranges as well as the view of the entire valley. one can have a magnificent view of the Annapurna Himalayan Range, Manaslu Himalayan Range as well as Langtang range. The mesmerizing view of the mountain, as well as the hills, will be a memory to treasure for a lifetime.
Is Nagarjun Hiking suitable for you?
This hike is relatively short and the easiest one. Also, it is convenient and can be done within a day. The hike is 5 hours through the dense forest and is near Kathmandu Valley. Besides, this can be done by any age group of people and you do not need any kind of extreme preparation for this trek. Therefore, trekkers with moderate fitness levels can complete this trek pretty easily.
What kinds of things are prohibited in this hike?
As the trail pass-through Shivapuri National park, there are certain restrictions during this hike. There are some instruments you are not allowed to take during your hike. You cannot carry speakers, matchboxes, lighters, knives, or any other kinds of things that catch fire. On the other hand, you are not allowed to make any unwanted noise that disturbs the inhabitants there.
Itinerary for Nagarjun Hiking
8:00 am: Gather in front of nature trail office
8:15 am: Drive for 15 min from the office to the hiking starting area. It is just 5km northwest of Kathmandu.
8:30 am: Short tea break or break to get ready for the last minute’s hike
9:00 am: Shivapuri National Park conservation entrance fee payment at the army check post and start your hike to Nagarjun Hill. The eco-friendly environment away from the hustle life of the city eventually takes us to the Nagarjun hill
12:00 pm: Around noon, you will reach the top of the viewpoint. You will pass through a steep forest uphill and reach the top of Nagarjun Hill. From the top of the hill, one can have a magnificent view of the Annapurna Himalayan Range, Manaslu Himalayan Range as well as Langtang range. Also, you can visit Buddhist gumpas over there and the terrace of the gompa provides an excellent view of the southern, western, and eastern part of the valley.
Then, we will have a lunch break and exploration time for about 1 hour. Enjoy your lunch in the wonder of nature.
1:00 pm: After your lunch, descend the same trail enjoying the natural landscapes. You can take your time descending through the hills. At most the time for descending downhills will take around 2 hours including the stops.
3:00 pm: Arrive at Balaju and drive back to Kathmandu.
Includes and Excludes
Includes
- Private transport with departs
- Pick up and drop off to the desired location
- Gasoline and car parking
- Breakfast
- All government taxes
- An English speaking tourist guide
Excludes
- Lunch and dinner
- Personal expenses such as phone bills and additional shopping
- Any alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks
- Tips and gratitude for the drivers