Kakani and Gurje hike

The Kakani and Gurje hike is one of the most demanding day hikes located 26 kilometers North-west of Kathmandu. It’s the best short hike for beginners to get heart touching view of glittering mountains. Namely, Annapurna (8,091m), Manaslu (8,165m), Ganesh Himal (7,446m), Lantang lirung (7,245m), and many other snow-covered mountains are possible to see from Kakani hiking route.

Hikers can see from here is stirring view because it unravels the beauties of nature like any other viewpoint and stands head to head with them and has become the most popular viewpoint. This trail winds through lush forests, passing by charming villages and terraced fields, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.

As you ascend towards Gurje Hill, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking, with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas looming large in the distance. Additionally, the summit of Gurje Hill offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or a moment of quiet reflection.

In addition, hoke to Boudeshwor temple is equally enjoyable, with the descent offering different perspectives of the landscape. Its a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Nepalese countryside.

Kakani and Gurje hiking Itinerary

8:00 AM: Ready at your hotel and departure:

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel before meeting in the lobby at 8:00 a.m. Your guide will arrive with a private car to Kakani through the bustling streets of Kathmandu, passing by iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods. Our drive with a private car to Kakani hill typically takes around 70-80 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.

9:15 AM: Reach Kaule and hike to Kakani hill:

Kaule is a gateway exploring Kakani and Gurje hill of Shivapuri nature park. Explore the wonders of the Kakani and Gurje single-day hike, a remarkable journey traversing oak, rhododendron, and pine forests. As you venture through this nature trail, spring unveils a breathtaking display with vibrant Rhododendron flowers adding to its allure.

Besides the hikes, this route is well known for cycling and mountain biking. It is also one of the hot spots for picnics for the valley’s large crowd. Famous for trout and strawberry farming, Kakani greets the visitors to International Mountaineers Memorial Park on its southern side too.

9:45 AM: Visit Basanti Bagh Durbar [Basanti palace]:

During the Malla regime, a high-ranking official encountered a village girl named “Mitthoo” during a rice planting festival in Kakani, Nuwakot. He fell in love with her, but due to his public relationship with the Queen, he couldn’t reveal their love affair. To conceal her identity, he referred to her as “Basanti” and later erected a palace in her honor called “Basanti Bagh Durbar” in Kakani, Nuwakot.

10:15 AM: Hike to Kakani hill:

As we climb higher, we’re treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. On clear days, visitors can admire a vast array of peaks, such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, and even parts of the Annapurna range.

Kakani’s hill station is cherished for its tranquil atmosphere, verdant surroundings, and invigorating climate, making it a favored spot for day trips and brief respites from Kathmandu. Moreover, Kakani is renowned for its strawberry fields, offering visitors the chance to savor fresh strawberries and local produce amidst the area’s scenic splendor.

10:30 AM: Lunch Break

11:15 AM: Hike to Thai Memorial Park:

Thai Memorial Park in Kakani is a peaceful and beautiful park dedicated to the memory of 113 passangers who lost their lives in the 1992 Thai Airlines crash on Ghopte. This park offers a calm setting for visitors to reflect and pay their respects, with well-maintained gardens and a memorial monument. It is also a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Himalayas.

02:00 PM: Hike to Surya Chaur:

Embark on a journey to Surya Chaur, traversing lush forests within the nature park, which offer glimpses of local flora and fauna. As you ascend towards Surya Chaur, the views of the surrounding hills and snow-capped mountains become increasingly breathtaking.

Surya Chaur itself is a picturesque meadow, ideal for a picnic lunch or a moment of relaxation. Some travelers have claimed that the view from here surpasses that of the hills and the Likhu valley. Additionally, as you traverse the park, you may encounter various wildlife and bird species.

Moreover, a hike to Surya Chaur provides a splendid view of the Likhu valley landscapes and pristine mountains. Travelers can directly hike to Suryachaur without the need for a long drive to Kakani. Surya Chaur is also a paragliding hub located just 18 kilometers from Kathmandu town.

03:00 PM: Hike to Gurje Bhanjyang:

Surya Chaur to Gurje Bhanjyang is a picturesque trek through the part of the National park of Nepal. As you ascend towards Gurje Bhanjyang, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. Gurje Bhanjyang itself is a small pass that has a military check post.

Hike especially from Kakani to Gurje promises an immersive experience amidst nature, offering a blend of leisure, cultural immersion, birdwatching, and mountain vistas. A day filled with adventure and joy awaits every visitor on this renowned journey.

03:45 PM: Alternative hike to Boudeshwor Cave (optional hike) :

A visit to Jhor Mahankal or Boudeshwor Cave is one of the most spiritual sites in Kathmandu. Boudeshwor is one of the names of Lord Shiva and offers majestic waterfalls nearby an ancient cave. In addition, the waterfall is the most beautiful located in Kathmandu town.

Jhor Mahankal temple is also the border village between Kathmandu & Nuwakot district. However, Mahankal temple, Jhor is located next to the beautiful waterfall on the lap of Shivapuri National Park.

Boudeshwor is one of the names derived from Lord Shiva, visits Johor Mahankal, Boudeshwor cave, and its beautiful waterfall is an additional impressive part of hikes. Especially during monsoon time, the spot is busy with local tourists. If you are interested to walk even longer then you can hike to Tokha Chandeswori temple with a lower route.

4:45 PM : Return to hotel

After a long day hike, we return to the hotel in Kathmandu across the stunning hills. Typically takes one hour journey, depending on traffic conditions, but it is a rewarding experience that allows you to appreciate the beauty of amazing landscapes. Trip finish !

Mystical Kakani and Gurje hiking highlights

Departure & Return Departure Point:

Have in mind that we pick up all the travelers from inside the ring road such as your location in Thamel, Lazimpat, Darbar Marg, etc.

What To expect on the day of hiking?

Hike from Kakani to Gurje offers a better view compared to Nagarkot hill. And of course, as you are traveling via the national park, you can see wild animals and bird species along the journey. This is all about hiking into the hill station and purely nature walking and seeing some villages.

Furthermore, It’s an easy hiking trail from Kakani to Gurje that takes you through lush forests and terraced fields that take 3-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace. It is a must-do best short hike nearby Kathmandu town.

See the Hindu pilgrimage place at Boudeshwor Temple. Recorded wildlife in the park includes mammalian species such as Himalayan Black bears, leopards, jungle cats, and rhesus monkeys.

This Shivpuri park is also home to 177 species of birds, including at least 9 threatened species, 102 species of butterflies with a number of rare and endangered species, and 129 species of mushrooms. Additionally, there are about 125 Tigers recorded in the Shivapuri National Park.

Additional Information (TIPS AND TRICKS)

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
it’s a hiking so a wheelchair is not accessible on tours.
A maximum of 25 people per booking
Travelers with pregnant or a very old travelers are not advisable.
It’s a private tour activity.

Cancellation Policy

You have the option to cancel your booking up to 24 hours before the hike begins and receive a full refund. However, if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you will not be refunded. Additionally, any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.