Kathmandu-Nagarkot-Dhulikhel-Panauti Hike
Trek through forests and hills, walk in the countryside, and visit ancient temples and monuments in this short but comprehensive trip around Kathmandu. After walking in a Himalayan subtropical forest on the first day of the trip, we move towards the highest point in our travel on the second day to see the view from […]
On The Trail
What It Really Looks LikeKathmandu-Nagarkot-Dhulikhel-Panauti Hike — What to Expect
One of the great high-altitude trekking journeys in the world
Our guides are born in these mountains — not contractors
NTB-licensed guides, all logistics handled end to end
Comfortable teahouse accommodation throughout the Khumbu region
Trek through forests and hills, walk in the countryside, and visit ancient temples and monuments in this short but comprehensive trip around Kathmandu.
After walking in a Himalayan subtropical forest on the first day of the trip, we move towards the highest point in our travel on the second day to see the view from up top. Then we walk downhill passing through towns, villages, farmlands and ancient monuments back to Kathmandu. You will see why Kathmandu is such a popular tourist destination after getting a taste of the valley in this comprehensive trip.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival.
We will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport as you land into Kathmandu (4,600 feet) and take you to your hotel.
Drive to Sundarijal. Then trek to Chisapani (6,939ft).
A private vehicle will take you to Sundarijal which is approximately nine miles northeast from Kathmandu. Sundarijal, with its waterfalls and rivers, is a holy site for Hindus. It lies in the bottom of Shivapuri National Park and this is where we begin our trek. After entering through the gate of the national park, we will hike uphill through the forest. There are villages and shops at regular intervals where we could rest or drink tea.Plenty of rivulets cross our path on our way up and if you are lucky you could see a wild animal or bird like monkeys, squirrels, deer and leopards. We reach Chisapani in five hours. You will be treated with magnificent views of the Himalayas from Chisapani.
Trek to Nagarkot (7,201ft).
With the Himalayas in the backdrop, we embark for Nagarkot after breakfast. The trail passes through forests like the previous day but the landscape in different as you will be trekking on top of hills not toward the top. After about three hours, we will stop for lunch at either Jhule or Chauki Bhanjyang. Then we leave for Nagarkot which takes about four hours more. We walk past several villages on our way till we finally reach Nagarkot. This hill station is one of the most popular destinations around Kathmandu and is renowned for beautiful scenes of sunrise and sunset.
Trek to Dhulikhel (5,085ft).
You might want to wake up early to view the sunrise. We will do six hours of trekking today so we begin after breakfast. With the Himalayas in the backdrop, we walk in the countryside for hours till we reach Dhulikhel in the evening. At Dhulikhel, you can visit temples or local markets to spend your evening.
Trek to Namobuddha (5,741ft).
We begin our day with an uphill climb to the Kali Temple and then downhill towards the village of Kavre. We walk in the hills for some more till we reach Phulbari. Further ahead on the top of a hill is the Buddhist monastery of Namobuddha. The entire hike takes about six hours.
Trek to Panauti (4,931ft). The drive to Kathmandu.
It takes not more than three hours to reach Panauti from Namobuddha. We begin by walking down to the old agricultural village of Sankhu. We walk through the fields in the relatively flat land till Panauti. This ancient town located at the confluence of the Roshi River and the Punyamati River is rich in culture and you can visit the ancient temples and building here.We will drive you back to Kathmandu in the evening in a private vehicle. It takes less than two hours to reach your hotel.
Departure.
We will drop you to the airport and bid you goodbye.
What Our Trekkers Say
“I’m already planning for the trip AGAIN and you would know which company I’d choose AGAIN…”
Finally, I had the opportunity to meander across the splendor of the Himalayas. My first concern after researching everything there was to know about Nepal was my safety and my child’s welfare. But upon our arrival at the airport, I found out that Kathmandu is one of the meanest places…
“MountainKick is haven for trekkers and one cannot afford to miss it if you are interested in trekking in Nepal.”
To whoever reading this and wondering about the legitimacy of this company, they are for real. The team is genuinely dedicated to making your trekking memorable and rewarding. Such is the professionalism of the company that they went steps further to assist us that included the tracking down of the…
“We liked the concern of this company for its staffs and the environmental awareness and it has.”
There was always a response from Jagat as we had so many things to ask. We had insisted on having a Nepali guide instead of a westerner because we had to make sure the money we spend actually goes to Nepali people. We chose this company because we had heard…
“We had the trip of our lifetime”
We had the trip of our lifetime thanks to the warm hospitality bestowed upon us and the beauty of such amazing country. From well-organized trips, exotic locations, cultural sightseeing to the thrill of safari, “soft” trekking to Poon Hill, everything was memorable. Our trekking guide was Shiva, apparently named after…
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will I be staying during the trip?
In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?
All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your trekking package except in Kathmandu (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
How much help do I get during the trek?
Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?
The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?
We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customised trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?
You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?
There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook everyday.
What travel documents do I need?
As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
Which is best time of the year to travel?
Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
How much money do I need to carry during the trip?
Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
Can I use my credit cards?
Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?
You can obtain a visa at your home country through Nepal’s embassy or consular office. But you can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 30 days costs $40 while the same for 90 days costs $100.
How do I book a tour?
Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
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1
20% Deposit — Due on booking Secures your place on the departure. Refundable within cancellation window.
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2
80% Balance — Due on arrival Pay the remainder in Kathmandu before the trip begins. Bank transfer, card, or cash accepted.
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3
Bhutan & Tibet — Full payment 20 days prior Full balance required at least 20 days before departure for Bhutan and Tibet tours.
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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Kathmandu-Nagarkot-Dhulikhel-Panauti Hike
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.


