Short treks from Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a valley that spreads about 220 square miles in central Nepal. Himalaya is just about 35 km from Kathmandu as the crow flies. The forested northern hills of Kathmandu are gazetted as 'Shivapuri National Park'. Langtang National Park, with 1,710 sq km area is just about 18 km from Kathmandu. Langtang National Park shares a border with Tibet in the north. The park is dominated by the Langtang Himal range, the highest peak of which is 7,247 m. The park preserves one of the last undisturbed alpine ecosystems. The park is home to rare species like the Snow Leopard and Red Panda as well. The alpine lake of Gosainkunda, the Sherpas of Helmo, intact Tibetan Buddhism villages, and the shamanistic Tamang people make the region vibrant.

In proximity to such a rich alpine landscape and Himalayan foothills, Kathmandu is a base for some of the popular treks in the Himalayas.

Here are some of the best short trek from Kathmandu.

Kathmandu valley Trek

Langtang and Jugal Himal Range

In the foothills of the central Himalaya, Kathmandu is surrounded by lush mountains reaching an altitude of 2,782 m. These hilltops and ridges offer a magnificent view of snow peaks from the Annapurna range in the west to Mt Everest in the east. There are several day hikes and short treks around Kathmandu. The most popular short treks around Kathmandu go into the Shivapuri National Park in the north and follow the ridge to Nagarkot hill station.

Gosaikunda Trek

Gosaikunda Lake at 4,380 m

A short trek of 6 days could be organized from Kathmandu to the Gosaikunda Lake and back. Gosaikunda is an alpine lake at an altitude of 4,380 m north of Kathmandu. This is a spiritual place for Hindus, Buddhists, and Shamans. There are about 108 small and big lakes covering an area of 1,030 hectares. The trek to Godaikunda Lake offers the best Himalayan view, trekking in the alpine zone, and the adventure of climbing to over 4,000 m within a week-long trek from Kathmandu.

Langtang Lirung seen from en route to Gosaikunda Lake

Langtang Trek

Langtang Valley with Langtang Lirung in the backdrop

Langtang Valley is the third popular trekking region in Nepal. The trekking trail head of Syabrubensi is about 122 km north of Kathmandu. The Langtang trek takes about a week from Kathmandu and back. The trail passes through a beautiful forest of oaks, pines, and Rhododendron to the alpine pasture surrounded by snow peaks. The valley is inhabited by Tibetans who migrated in the last few centuries and Tamang, who are culturally very close to Tibetans. The Langtang valley has beautiful monasteries, Mani-walls, stupas and other Tibetan Buddhist symbolism with high passes, caves, bridges and big rocks marked by fluttering prayer flags.

Tibetan Buddhist Stupua in Langtang Valley

Langtang valley seen from Tserko Kyanjin Ri

Short trek from Kathmandu could be customized for as less as 2 days to one week. There are treks from easy to strenuous in level. Within short duration a fit and avid trekker can climb over 5,000 m. 'i Tour Nepal P Ltd' have been organizing sustainable Himalayan treks in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Write us or visit our page - short treks in Nepal for more information.