Southern Settlements
The classic day-hike in the southern Kathmandu valley rim land
A
day trip to the Newar towns & villages in the southwest corner
of the valley. Starting with a short drive to explore the historic
town of Kirtipur, we hike through beautiful cultivated countryside
and scattered settlements. We cross the Bagmati river – close
to where it drains the entire Kathmandu valley – on a suspension
footbridge to arrive at the medieval Newar sister towns of Khokana
and Bungamati. Khokana is renowned for its mustard-oil presses and
Bungamati has traditionally been a wood-carver's town. After a picnic
lunch, we climb onto the ridgeline and continue through Brahmin
& Chhetri villages and cultivation to Chapagaon. From here we
drive back to Kathmandu, arriving early evening. For many, it's
the most insightful day of their stay in Nepal.
Trip
Itinerary
7am Breakfast in Thamel.
8am Drive to Kirtipur (4,380' / 1,334m);
explore Kirtipur. Hike through cultivation and scattered settlements
along the valley bottom to the south-west rim of the valley and
cross the Bagmati below Khokana. Explore the twin
sister villages of Khokana and Bungamati.
Continue on the scenic ridge before descending to cross a small
stream, the Nakhu Khola. The hike ends with a climb to Chapagaon
(4,780' / 1,457m);
here we meet our transport and drive back to Kathmandu. Picnic lunch
en route.
trip overview
1 day from Kathmandu
trip highlights
group size
trip cost
dates & seasons
