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MISS LEADING TOUR GUIDE
HIKING IN THE KATHMANDU VALLEY
When visiting Nepal, hiking should be a part of everyones itinerary. There are so many hikes that can be done depending on experience and difficulty. Your decision will most likely depend on how much time you have and how much experience you have hiking. We decided to do a shorter hike since we didn’t have much time, as we were headed to India next. With Everest Base Camp being on our minds, we knew for sure we didn’t have enough time to do a lengthy trek, therefore we opted to go with something shorter but with a view of the Himalayas most of the time. We started our hike from Kathmandu, in and out of the valley, passing by several small towns until we arrived in a small town called Chisapani. The hike started with an uphill climb through dense green trees, passing by some homes and a school that caught all of our attention with a great message written on its walls that read “Marriage can wait, Education can not”. Of course, most of us stopped to take some photos.
Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley: About Us
We reached Chisapani by midday and settled into our rooms. We were supposed to stay at a hotel for this night, however the earthquake in 2015 had completely destroyed the hotel. We stayed in make shift rooms, entirely made of tin sheets and no electricity. With the sun setting and the temperatures dropping, it made for a cold chilly night and a really good sleep. Before dinner, we spent some time learning about one another and enjoying each others company, as we made up card games and played until dark. Our rooms were very small with an outdoor bathroom. Brushing your teeth while staring out into the Himalayas was a first for us. After a chilly night, we all woke up early to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. It was breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful. We all sat and watched in silence as the sky lightened. From here, you can see the Himalaya ranges starting from Annapurna to Langtang.
Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley: Accessibility Policy
Sunrise in Chisapani
This lovely family allowed me to take a picture of them. You can see the slanted orange building in the background which was suppose to be our hotel.
Our stay for the night.
Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley: Past Events
After breakfast , we packed our bags and left for our 18 km hike to Nagarkot. This hike was long and yet it felt so short because we passed through different terrains and the mountain range was always in view which kept us all fascinated. We passed by small villages and saw many homes along the way with animals roaming free, clothes drying in the hot heat under the sun and families spending time together. We reached a small hill where we stopped for a break, enjoyed the mountain views in front of us and learned some nepalese folklore. Lunch was served at the local Nepalese hut where the food was made fresh with daal bhaat being on the menu – so simple and so delicious. Daal Bhaat means lentil soup and rice and it’s the most common food you will find in Nepal. Continuing on with our hike, we encountered a woman fermenting wine from rice. We all got to have a little taste and carry on.
Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley: Accessibility Policy
Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley: Pro Gallery
The last kilometre of the hike seemed long, only because we felt tired and wanted to just get to our hotel.
We finally arrived at the hotel called Hotel Country Villa and it was a beauty. It’s a beautiful rustic lodge on a hill, overlooking the valleys of the Himalaya mountain range as far as the eyes can see.
We freshened up and had a well deserved cold glass of beer at the lodge and a hearty dinner. We wandered around and found a room full of musical instruments, and so we all picked up an instrument and we all sang, some in English and some in Nepalese.
With the comfort of being in a heated room, a comfortable bed and covers – it was hard to get up to see the sunrise. Nonetheless, the attempt was successful with no regrets. We packed our bags and headed to our next destination, Bhaktapur. The hike on this day mostly was on paved roads, passing through villages and schools.
Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley: Imprint
We stopped to buy some fresh fruits from a man on a bicycle. We arrived at a junction and continued our hike wrapping around the dense tree covered hill until we ended up on an open road heading to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is a well known town and this is where we would be spending the night. Arriving mid afternoon, we had some time to explore Bhaktapur. We explored the Durbar square filled with ancient stupas where pottery was bring made. We strolled around the narrow alleyways full of shops and enjoyed our last dinner with our hiking pals where we indulged in Momos which are traditional Nepalese dumplings.
Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley: Imprint
Nepal is one of those countries that has so much to offer; the foothills of the Himalayas, the eager eyes searching for the first glimpse of Mount Everest, the thousands of beautiful and fascinating stupas and temples, but most importantly, it holds the most humble and kindest people you will ever meet, those that will leave you light hearted and thankful for life as we know it.
Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley: Image
Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley: Press Kit
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