BEST PLACE FOR HIKING IN NEPAL

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BEST PLACE FOR HIKING IN NEPAL Hiking is a cardio workout which helps us to maintain our health preventing different types of diseases such as lowering the risk of the heart disease, improving sugar level and so on. There are different major places for hiking in Nepal where a mesmerizing view of the peaceful and beautiful environment as well animals.

Some of the best hiking places in Nepal are:

CHANDRAGIRI (LEVEL – EASY) Chandragiri is one of the most famous places known for the beautiful scenery and height and best suitable for hiking in Nepal. It will take almost a day but it is worthwhile hiking because we can see an astonishing view if different mountain peaks which includes Makalu, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Langtang ranges and Everest. This hiking starts from Kathmandu via Hattiban resort and starting off from an elevation of 1650m Chandragiri hiking in Nepal becomes a memorable and unforgettable experience.

NAGARKOT (LEVEL – EASY)

The Nagarkot Hike

Nagarkot is particulary popular for mountain views at sunrise and sunset and also popular for its height and adorable view. It is located east of the Kathmandu valley at an elevation of about 1800 meters (5,904ft).Mountain such as Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, Manaslu and more can be seen.

There is a viewing tower next to the Club Himalaya Resort, where you get good views that has a coffee shop where you can sit inside. Many of the hotels also have good views. It is likely that you would be able to see good view of mountains between October and March but during the time of monsoon from June to September it is unlikely that the view of mountains to be clear and enjoyable.

There is also a lookout tower which is south of the village from where you can get a 360 degree view.

PULCHWOKI (LEVEL – EASY) Pulchwoki hike is a day hike which is popular mostly popular for flora and bird watching which gives a strange kind of relaxation. This hike is a mild hike for 4 to 4 hours through subtropical forest. You can find various kinds of flowers and birds as this hill contains about 570 species of flowering plant and one third of bird’s species in Nepal. The hill is completely covered with the rhododendron flower, national flower of Nepal, during the time of spring.

Phulchowki Hiking A youthful hiker stands a good chance of scaling the peak in a little more than three hours. Once you reach the top of the hill, you will the Buddhist Shrine also known as Pulchwoki Mai Shrine with Tibetan prayer flags. After reaching the top

you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and view. Beside natural beauty, you can also see different mountains from Annapurna to Gaurishankar Range. You can also see the base camps of army. This hiking is very much suitable for the people having low amount of time and seeking some peaceful time from the noisy place or area.

CHAMPADEVI HILL (LEVEL – EASY) Champadevi is a high green hill which is located south west of Kathmandu and Lalitpur district. This hill is ideal for one day hike around the Kathmandu valley.

This hill is also boasted for outstanding views of mountains and Kathmandu valley.

Different mountains such as Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and Langtang can be seen.

There are two ways to get to the top of the Champadevi hill. You can either go from the Pharping or climb directly from the Machhegaun. While on the way to the Champadevi hill you can also see different culture and traditional way of life living in those areas. An ethnic group of Newari people resides there. The route is not so good as the trails are too narrow and difficult to reach.

Champadevi Hike If you take a route from Pharping then you can visit Buddhist monastery before climbing the Champadevi hill. However, if you want to directly reach the summit then you can take the route through Machhegaun as it takes less amount of time to reach the summit. After you reach at summit, there is a sacred statue of Champadevi.

SARANGKOT (LEVEL – EASY) Sarangkot is one of the most popular hills for hiking in Nepal as well as paragliding from where you can get an astonishing view of mountains and pokhara city. It provides you the best serene and mesmerizing environment. It lies at an elevation of 1590m which is just above the pokhara city. You can see panoramic views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri and other mountain range.

This is another spot for enjoying the sunrise and sunset over the majestic Himalayas. Moreover, you can enjoy the view of the Pokhara valley, Phewa Lake, and many green hills as well as 360 degree view. As it has suitable environment for paragliding, many people come here for paragliding purpose as well. It can really be an unforgettable memory if you truly enjoy nature. Not only for the youth and middle aged people but people of all ages can hike in this area because of well managed route and its low elevation.

RANIKOT VILLAGE (LEVEL – EASY) Ranikot Village is one of the best places for hiking in Nepal because the route for the hiking is well managed and the journey starts from Surya Vinayak of Bhaktapur which is 22km far away from Kathmandu .This hiking takes you to the vantage point of Ranikot pass. The route is through the peaceful and pristine forest.

Since the route is through the peaceful and pristine forest, this hiking will give you a great amount of jungle walking experience. As you slowly proceed towards Ranikot, you will get an amazing view of Kathmandu valley and the view beyond to the north starts getting exposed to surprise us with awesomeness.

Sarangkot

Himalayan range to the far north, folds of middle hills before the Himalayan range and Kathmandu valley view look so overwhelming from Ranikot that one can spend days sitting there and watching the view. The hiking continues further ahead towards a town called Panauti. Panauti is town where a traditional and beautiful ethnic group of Newari resides.

After reaching Panauti you can see different ancient temples and cultural wonders which can really amaze any person who are curious about the cultures and tradition of the people living there. After exploring this town your wonderful and fabulous journey for a day ends with one of the unforgettable memory and from this town you will take a vehicle back to the hotel or place where you are staying.

SHIVAPURI PEAK (LEVEL – EASY) Shivapuri Peak has an elevation of about 2732m above the sea level and is one of the highest hills in the Kathmandu Valley. It is also one of the closest hills to the Kathmandu City which is a clean and eco-friendly green forest natural trail. This hiking journey starts of from the place called as Nagi gompa which is around 14km far from Thamel (A famous tourist area in Kathmandu Valley).

From Nagi gompa it takes about 3 hours to reach the Shivapuri peak (Shivapuri Baba). Different majestic mountains can be seen from Shivapuri peak such as Everest, Manaslu, Gaurishankar, Langtang and many more. Shivapuri National Park covers 159 km-61 sq mi. The area includes Nagarjuna Hill (Raniban). It is a dense forest which conserves oaks, rhododendron, pines, Moss, and variety of grasses. Inside the park, there are many wild animals such as wild boars, tigers, monkey, deer and many species of birds.

You can enjoy greatness of the nature in this hill. It provides a mesmerizing view of Kathmandu valley which you wouldn’t want to miss it. The total amount time taken to complete this hiking will be about 6 to 7 hours. A day hike inside the Shivapuri national park does not allow without experience and license holder guide because of dangerous wild animals inside the park.

NAGARKOT TO CHANGU NARAYAN (LEVEL – EASY) Nagarkot to Changu Narayan trip is a wonderful hiking in the Kathmandu Valley which is mostly preferred and is about 4 hour hiking. This hike starts at the hill station at Nagarkot and descends gradually through rice terraces to the nearby Tamang village. Tamang village is the village where the group of traditional and cultural group of Tamang resides.

You can observe the traditional way of live. After passing through Tamang village you will finally reach your destination Changu Narayan. After arriving at Changu Narayan you will be able to observe different ancient sculpture. Also, monuments

as well as Chang Narayan Temple which is considered to be the oldest temple of Nepal.

Changunarayan Temple Various statue of god and goddess can be found among them some of them are Garuda (flying vehicle of Lord Vishnu which has got a human face and is a devotee of Vishnu). And, Vaikuntha Vishnu (16th-century sculpture of Vishnu seated on the Lalitasan position on the six armed Garuda and Laxmi seated on the lap of Vishnu). And, Chhinnamasta (Temple dedicated to Chhinnamasta Devi, who beheaded herself, offered her own blood to feed the hungry Dakini and Varnini), Narasimha (a 7th-century sculpture of Narasimha) and many more.