Hiking in Kathmandu is not a new term for the locals as well as the foreigners because of its health benefits and sightseeing plus enjoyment purpose. If anyone is planning for hiking in Kathmandu then there are heap load of options. One can visit and hike Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Panauti, Shivapuri or Namoboudha, Phulchoki, Changu Narayan, Nagarjun. Some other popular options are like Kakani, Chitlang, Kulekhani and Lakuri Bhanjhyang. But there is one name which is recently getting quite popular for hiking in Kathmandu among the locals and foreigners which is Chandragiri Hiking.

Chandragiri Hiking is gaining quite a huge attention from a locals nowadays probably because it is a recently opened route in Kathmandu. Hiking Chandragiri and uploading photos in the social media profiles especially Facebook and Instagram has become quite a trend especially during the winter seasons when there is snow to play with. Other factor which is making Chandragiri hiking in Kathmandu popular among the locals is its hiking route which is quite favourable than any other hiking options in Kathmandu.

Chandragiri Hiking is a one day hiking around an evergreen Chandragiri hill to the south-west of the capital Kathmandu. It is just seven kms away from Thankot and is 2551 meters above the sea level. This hike takes approximately like seven hours to complete and first three hours is full of steepy ascend which will began from Hotel Outlook Inn. From this hotel hikers need to hike up the stone staircase to the Chhap Bhanjyang where they can take some rest and have tea or coffee from the local shop. Then after one hour of exploring through the forest hikers will reach the top of Chandragiri Hill which is 2729 metres above the sea level.

Chandragiri Hiking is an exotic hiking option in Kathmandu and can be perfect for those who are interested in viewing the birds. Varieties of birds like Great Egret, Grey Wagtail, Red-vented Bulbul, Little Egret, House Sparrow, House Crow, Oriental Turtle Dove, Steppe Eagle, Spotted Dove, Common Myna, Kingfishers, Indian Pond Heron can be spotted on the way of hiking the Chandragiri Hill. Not only that if the weather is clear this hiking also rewards hikers with the panoramic views of Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan Ranges from Mount Everest to Annapurna.

Currently many travel and tours companies are providing Chandragiri Hiking packages. You can visit some of the reputed travel and tour companies and plan your itinerary or if there is someone who is familiar with Chandragiri area then you can go with them along with your friends, families or relatives. Chandragiri Hiking sure is one of the best short hike in Nepal. And if you have some spare time to spend then Chandragiri Hiking can be one solid option to go for.

Author: Sudip Rai