Tour Overview

Trip Code
DE-0015
Starting Point
Kathmandu
End Point
Kathmandu
Max Altitude
2195m
Duration
9 Days
Country
Nepal
Trip Grade
Easy to Moderate
Activities
Hiking Packages
Best Season
Spring (March to May)

Nepal has a diverse geography, rich culture, stunning landscapes, and ancient heritage sites. Every part of the country offers an interesting combination of natural beauty and diversity of cultures. Whether you trek on the high Himalayas or travel to the low plain Terai country, you feel Nepal’s rich beauty and diversity.

While Nepal’s iconic high-altitude treks draw many foreign tourists, there are alternatives and options to experience beauty and peace of mind in the surrounding areas of Kathmandu Valley. One of the popular and rewarding hiking trails is the Nagarkot-Balthali hike. It is the perfect alternative if you are seeking to hike in the surrounding area near the Kathmandu Valley.

Hiking on the Nagarkot-Balthali route gives you a scenic view of green hills and valleys, culturally rich villages, ancient cities, and traditions. It takes 9 days, starting from Kathmandu — the actual hike takes about 6 days through the heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley to the outskirts and hill stations of the surrounding area.

This hike is ideal for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and beginner trekkers. It takes you through peaceful forest paths, terraced fields, traditional villages, and numerous historical and world heritage sites. You can also get a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas without requiring strenuous or long-distance trekking.

Throughout the 9-day hike, you can experience a breathtaking sunrise from Nagarkot, feel the sacred calm of Namo Buddha, and the traditional charm of Balthali. The hike allows you to engage with local communities and feel their lifestyles. The Nagarkot-Balthali hike is not just a hike; it is an unforgettable escape into a quiet, hilly landscape that provides refreshing perspectives of Nepal’s diverse beauty.

Tour Highlights

  • Visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Explore Bhaktapur, a city of devotees, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  • Visit to Patan Durbar Square, home to exquisite craftsmanship
  • Learn Pashmina making process at the SK Pashmina factory
  • Feel spirituality and panoramic view of Kathmandu valley from iconic Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
  • Enjoy scenic hiking through amazing trails
  • Visit the sacred Namo Buddha Monastery
  • Witness the mesmerizing sunrise view at Nagarkot
  • Visit the artistic and culturally rich Panauti village
  • Walk through beautiful farmland, traditional villages, temples, and monasteries

Points of Attraction

Itinerary

Elevation: 1400m

As you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative welcomes you and drives you to the hotel. Once checked in, you will be served welcome drinks followed by a short meeting with the tour guide, who will provide detailed information about the upcoming hike. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine made with local produce.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Dinner

Elevation: 1400m

After breakfast, your guide takes you on a tour of Kathmandu. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its remarkable Newari architecture, intricately carved wooden windows, historic palaces, and temples of the Malla Kings. Continue to Asan, Kathmandu’s oldest market, then the Garden of Dreams — a beautifully renovated 20th-century garden. Drive to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), another UNESCO site offering a serene spiritual environment and panoramic Kathmandu Valley views. Visit the SK Pashmina factory to explore the pashmina-making process. Back at the hotel, the tour guide gives a hike briefing.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

Elevation: 2195m (Nagarkot)

After breakfast and early check-out, visit Patan (Lalitpur), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Durbar Square, museum, and ancient architecture. Patan Museum houses a collection of sacred artifacts, histories, and ancient inscriptions. Following the Patan visit, drive approximately one hour to Nagarkot, a hill station on the east end of Kathmandu offering stunning views of the Himalayas including Mount Everest. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the sunset view over the mountains.

Overnight: Hotel in Nagarkot

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1550m (Dhulikhel)

Optional early morning hike to Nagarkot View Tower for spectacular Himalayan sunrise views including Mount Everest. After breakfast, begin the hike (5-6 hours) following the road from Nagarkot downward into the jungle. From mid-March to late April, rhododendrons are in bloom throughout the route. Pass through Tamang villages and enjoy packed lunch in scenic forest before reaching Devitar village and ascending into Dhulikhel. Check in and explore the historic Newari settlement. Enjoy a typical Nepalese dinner.

Overnight: Hotel in Dhulikhel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1750m (Namo Buddha)

The hike takes approximately 4-5 hours. Begin with an uphill climb towards Shanti Stupa, offering panoramic Himalayan views. Continue via stone-paved steps to Devi Temple — a spiritual vantage point overlooking magnificent mountains. Descend through forest routes to Kavre Bhanjyang, then ascend through pine forests and small villages to Namo Buddha (1,750m). After lunch and rest, explore the sacred Namo Buddha monastery. Visit the stone-carved cave where a young prince sacrificed his life to a starving tigress.

Overnight: Resort at Namo Buddha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1100m (Balthali)

After a peaceful morning and breakfast at Namo Buddha, begin the scenic hike to Balthali — mostly downhill and comparatively easy. Descend through pine forests, terraced farms, and traditional houses. Interact with locals as you pass through rural villages. Observe mustard, millet, and barley fields. As you approach Balthali, enjoy views of lush hills, hear the flow of the Roshi river, and arrive at this beautiful village surrounded by greenery and orchards. After lunch, explore nearby temples, traditional homes, and farms. Dinner and rest.

Overnight: Resort at Balthali Village

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1300m (Panauti)

After breakfast, hike from Balthali to Panauti — a historic Newari town at the confluence of the Punyamati and Rosi rivers, believed to have been settled 1,500 years ago. Pass through Tamang and Newari villages, the Khopasi River suspension bridge, an old hydropower station, and a silk farm. Explore Panauti’s sacred Indreshwor Mahadev temple and Brahmayani temple, and many monuments crafted in traditional Newari architecture. Lunch at a local restaurant. Board a private vehicle to Bhaktapur, check into hotel, and enjoy dinner followed by an optional walk through the ancient city.

Overnight: Hotel in Bhaktapur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1400m

After breakfast, guided tour of Bhaktapur. Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) including the 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Vatsala Temple, and Bhaktapur Museum. Visit Nyatapolo Square with the magnificent 5-storied pagoda-shaped Nyatapola Temple and Bhairavnath Temple (17th century). Continue through historic settlements and ancient market areas to Pottery Square (observe traditional clay work) and the local Lokta paper factory. Lunch at a traditional restaurant. Drive back to Kathmandu and check into hotel. Evening free for shopping in Thamel.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

Elevation:

After breakfast, check out and prepare for departure. Our team will arrange airport transfer approximately 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight. We hope you take many memories, new friends, and the adventure in your heart as this memorable journey comes to an end.

Overnight:

Meals: Breakfast

Trek Route

What's included

  • All ground transportation as specified in the itinerary
  • 4/5-star accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Teahouse, guest house, lodge, and homestay during the hike
  • All meals during the hike
  • Welcome drinks and dinner in the Kathmandu hotel
  • Licensed and experienced trek guide (English Speaking)
  • Porter service during the hike (if required)
  • All entry fees as per the itinerary
  • Basic medical kits per group

What's excluded

  • Meals in Kathmandu
  • Tips for guide
  • Any excess baggage charges
  • Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
  • Additional nights, optional trips
  • Personal expenses (eg. soft drinks, laundry, bar bills, extra snacks, donations, camera charges, etc.)
  • Trek gears and equipment costs
  • International flights expenses
  • Cost of extra activities (such as adventure sports like rafting, bungee, zip line adventure, etc.)
  • Any services that are not included in the itinerary
  • Personal Insurance

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Starting From:

US$1097

No. of peoplePrice per person
1 Pax$ 1692
2-3 Pax$ 1097
4-5 Pax$ 986
6-7 Pax$ 947
8-9 Pax$ 910
10 Pax$ 868

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