Outdoors
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Hike
You start at the hill town of Nagarkot, climb to its view tower, then walk mostly downhill through rhododendron forest and small villages to the town of Dhulikhel. You drop from about 2,163 m to about 1,550 m.
- Where
- Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
- Time
- 4-7 hours
The route
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel on the Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trekking Trail.
Nagarkot is 32 km from Kathmandu, and many visitors stay overnight to watch the sunrise from their hotel or the view tower. From Dhulikhel, buses run back to Kathmandu's Ratna Park bus station in about 2 hours.
When to go
The Nepal Tourism Board says spring and autumn are the best times, with the clearest skies in October and November; about 80 per cent of Nepal's rain falls in the June to September monsoon.
Before you go
- Climb the Nagarkot view tower at sunrise before you set off.
- Download an offline map before you leave Nagarkot.
- From Dhulikhel you can continue to Namo Buddha (about 3 hours) and Panauti the next day.
What to bring
- Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Food you will actually want to eat
- A warm or waterproof layer
- The route, saved offline
- Sun cream and a hat
Getting ready for it
Plan for a long day: 4-7 hours.
Build up with a few walks of four hours or more first, ideally with climbing and the pack you will carry. Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents easier on your knees.
Staying safe
- Most of Nepal's rain falls from June to September, so expect wet paths then.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
- Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against ntb.gov.np, ntb.gov.np, en.wikivoyage.org and en.wikivoyage.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
