From City Streets to Mountain Peaks

I booked a Nagarjun National Park day hike on a whim, hoping for some nature, movement, and mountain views after a few busy days in Kathmandu. A van picked me up from my hotel in the morning and whisked us through the dusty outskirts of the city toward the trailhead of Nagarjun Hill, just a 30-minute drive from Thamel. What I didn’t expect was to spend the whole day chatting with a group of Nepali guys I met on the trail. They worked in IT, were avid hikers, and—just like me—dreamed of becoming full-time digital nomads. Our pace matched, our energy matched, and our conversation made the steep trail much more enjoyable.

The Trail: Steep, Lush, and Full of Surprises

The Nagarjun hike is a steep uphill journey of about 3.5–4 km each way, gaining over 650 meters in elevation. While it’s not long, the incline makes it feel like an achievement. It winds through dense pine forests, and we passed only a handful of other hikers—mostly locals enjoying a weekend escape.

Bring plenty of water, especially on a sunny day, and a light snack or two to keep you going. Though you can also buy refreshments from local vendors at the top, including:

• Salted watermelon slices 
• Instant noodles prepared hot and fresh
  
• Masala corn on the cob
  
• Hard-boiled eggs with chili salt
  
• Packets of spicy chips and local sweets
  

The top is adorned with vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the wind and features a white stupa and an old military lookout tower, which you can climb for panoramic views.

Peaks, Prayer Flags, and Peace

While the sky wasn’t quite clear enough to see Everest that day, we were still rewarded with spectacular views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and even Manaslu on a good day.

Nagarjun National Park—also known as Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park—covers a sprawling area of forested hills just outside Kathmandu. It’s home to leopards, bears, monkeys, and over 300 species of birds. Foreigners pay NPR 1,500 (around $11 USD) for park entrance, which is included if you book a tour.

Pro Tips for the Hike

• Start early (around 7–8 a.m.) to avoid the heat and catch the best views.
  
• Bring snacks and at least 1 liter of water—you’ll need it.
  
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes with grip; the path is steep and sometimes slippery.
  
• Don’t forget sun protection and a light jacket, especially in the cooler months.
  

The Reward: Chow Mein, Juice, and Naan

After the hike, I was exhausted—but in the best way. I headed straight to a local eatery near my hotel and devoured a plate of chicken chow mein, paired with fresh-squeezed orange juice and some indulgent garlic naan on the side. It was the perfect salty, carby recovery meal.

A Hidden Gem Near Kathmandu

Nagarjun isn’t on every traveler’s radar, but it absolutely should be. With its forested trails, cultural sites, sweeping views, and unexpected conversations with locals, it was one of the most memorable days of my Nepal trip.

Want More Off-the-Beaten-Path Hikes in Nepal?

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