Trip Details

Activity and AttractionsCultural Tour & Sightseeing
AccommodationThe trip includes stays at 3-star hotels for 2 nights each in Kathmandu and Pokhara, 1 night in Lumbini, and 2 nights at a resort in Chitwan.
Start / End pointKathmandu to Kathmandu
Duration8 Days to Explore the Glimpse of Nepal
Max. Altitude1,592 m/5,223 ft
Meals IncludedIn Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini, breakfast is provided at the hotel. In Chitwan, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Group sizeMin. 2 Pax
Best SeasonJanuary to June, and September to December
Trip CodeAGEH0023
DestinationNepal

Champadevi Day Hike Overview

The Champadevi Hill, standing at 2,285 meters, is a prominent hiking destination near Kathmandu Valley, offering one of the best day-trip experiences in the region. It is the third tallest peak surrounding Kathmandu Valley.

Named after the Champadevi temple dedicated to Goddess Champa Devi (a manifestation of Goddess Parvati or Durga), this sacred Hindu site sits atop the hill. The temple is believed to protect the valley from evil forces, and the hill is sometimes called Champawati.

This day hike takes you through serene alpine woods up to the summit of Champadevi, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu Valley. From the top, you can see Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, along with Kirtipur, Pharping village, and Dakshinkali Temple. On clear days, majestic mountain peaks like Mt. Ganesh, Mt. Langtang Lirung, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Gaurishankar, and even Mt. Everest can be seen. The hike also provides fantastic views of Bungmati, Khokana, Patan Durbar Square, Lake Taudaha, and Swayambhunath Stupa.

The Champadevi hiking trails are well-maintained and start from the Hattiban Resort, which is located 20 kilometers from the city. This is an ideal hike for adventurers of all levels looking for a peaceful retreat from Kathmandu’s hustle. The hill is situated in the southern part of Kathmandu, making it a popular destination for one-day hikes. Champadevi Hill is easily accessible from Thamel (about 20km away) and is a great option for a long day hike starting from Pharping.

There are several starting points for the hike: Pharping, Hattiban Resort, and Machchhe Gaun. If you prefer a shorter trip, you can begin and end your hike at Hattiban Resort. For a longer adventure, you can hike from Pharping, passing through Machchhe Gaun or Kirtipur.

The hill is particularly busy on Saturdays due to the Nepalese weekend, and there is an annual festival held on the full-moon day in May. The summit of Champadevi Hill is home to both Hindu shrines and Buddhist monuments, with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

For a memorable day hike in the Kathmandu Valley, the Champadevi Trail offers a mix of adventure and stunning natural views. At 2,278 meters above sea level, Champadevi is the valley’s third-highest hill, and a shrine dedicated to the goddess sits at the summit. Along the trail, there is also a Buddhist monastery. From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley, especially in autumn and winter when the Himalayan peaks are visible, including Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, and more.

The Hike Details: Our journey begins from central Kathmandu with a drive to the southwestern edge of the city, reaching Chovar after about an hour. From there, we take a rough track to Hattiban Resort. The hike begins at the resort’s gate and ascends through dense pine forests adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. The trail is well-marked with stone steps leading all the way to the summit. While experienced hikers may find the walk easy, those less familiar with hiking might find the climb a bit challenging.

During the hike, take breaks to enjoy the views of the surrounding hills and the valley. After around three hours of hiking, we will reach the summit. At the top, take in panoramic views of the stunning Taudaha Lake, nearby villages, and the entire Kathmandu Valley. We will take pictures, enjoy a picnic lunch, and soak in the natural beauty. Once we’ve savored the views, we’ll retrace our steps back to the resort and return to our hotel in Kathmandu.

Looking for more day trips? If you’re seeking a combination of hiking and cultural exploration, consider our Nagarkot and Bhaktapur Tour. For a more luxurious experience, we offer the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour and the Langtang Helicopter Tour. To discover the cultural treasures of Kathmandu Valley, you can book our Kathmandu Heritage Tour, Kathmandu Ancient City Tour, or Patan Durbar Square Tour.

Champadevi Day Hike Highlights

Scenic Hike to the Third-Highest Hill: Enjoy a peaceful hike to Champadevi Hill, the third-highest peak surrounding the Kathmandu Valley.
Escape the City Hustle: Experience a full day of tranquility, leaving behind the busy city life.
Breathtaking Views: Admire stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and lush green hills.
Cultural Sights: Catch glimpses of charming villages like Bungmati and Khokana, along with iconic landmarks such as Patan Durbar Square, Taudaha Lake, and Swayambhunath Temple.
Easy and Accessible Hike: A straightforward 3-4 hour hike takes you to the summit of one of Kathmandu’s nearby hills.
Verdant Forest Walk: Trek through a beautiful forest, filled with pine trees and nature’s tranquility.
Panoramic Views: Follow the Champadevi Trail for spectacular views of the Kathmandu Valley, Pharping Valley, and Taudaha Lake.
Picnic with a View: Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch while soaking in the incredible scenery.
Unmatched Views of the Himalayas: On a clear day, the stunning Himalayan range is visible from the summit.
Cultural and Spiritual Sites: At the top, visit the Hindu shrine dedicated to Champadevi, a Buddhist stupa, and colorful prayer flags.
Reconnect with Nature: Escape the crowd and immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by peaceful monasteries and diverse vegetation.

Short Itinerary:

Day 1:
Drive to Pharping & Hike to Champadevi Hill (2,285m)
Maximum Altitude: (2,285m)
Trekking duration: 5 to 6 hours drive

Price includes and excludes

Includes

Private Transportation (Kathmandu - Pharping - Kathmandu)
Experienced English-Speaking Hiking Guide All necessary paperwork included.
Mineral Water Provided During the Tour An experienced, helpful, and friendly guide to accompany you.
Lunch Provided During the Hike The guide's salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation, and insurance are included.
Applicable Government Taxes All government taxes (GST) and stationery expenses are included.

Excludes

Breakfast and Dinner Included Nepal entry visa fee (easily obtainable upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu). You will need 2 passport-size photos and 25 USD.
Personal Expenses, Tips, etc. Your travel insurance. Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.
Travel and Medical Insurance, First Aid Kit All entry fees for the places visited.
International Airfare Tips for the guide, porter, and driver.
Any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusive section.

Itinerary

Day 01: Explore the scenic Champadevi Hiking trail, located near Kathmandu, and enjoy stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Champa Devi Hill Hike – Full-Day Adventure

Morning Pickup & Drive
Your day begins with a hotel pickup in the morning. We drive for about an hour to Pharping or the Hattiban Resort gate, where the hiking adventure begins. After a short tea break in Pharping, we start our hike through a picturesque pine forest.

Hike to Champadevi Hill
The climb to the summit of Champadevi Hill (2,285 meters) will take approximately two and a half hours. The trail primarily follows a ridge, offering breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding Himalayan range. From here, you can enjoy views of mountains like Manaslu to the west, Gaurishankar to the east, and other peaks such as Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Jugal Himal.

Summit & Return
After spending some time at the summit, soaking in the panoramic views, we will retrace our steps back to Hattiban Resort. From there, we drive back to Kathmandu. If time permits, we may stop at Taudaha Lake for a quick visit before returning to the city.

Alternative Route to Champadevi Hill: Chandragiri Route

For those seeking a full-day hiking experience, consider taking the Chandragiri Route to Champadevi Hill.

Morning Drive: We start with a drive to Thankot, where we take a cable car to reach the Chandragiri Temple. After exploring the temple, we embark on a 2-3 hour hike that leads us gently uphill to Bhasmasur Hill (2,496m), which offers fantastic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas.
Hike to Champadevi: From Bhasmasur Hill, we continue for about one more hour of climbing to reach the summit of Champadevi Hill. Here, we will pray at the Champadevi shrine, take in the views, and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Return Hike & Drive: We then hike down to Hattiban Resort, which takes 1-2 hours, featuring a mix of both uphill and downhill sections. From Hattiban, we drive back to Kathmandu.
Hike from Hattiban Resort

Start the Hike: After breakfast and a drive from Kathmandu to Hattiban Resort, we begin our hike through a lovely picnic spot, pine forests, and scenic terrain filled with ferns, rhododendron, and chestnut trees. As we ascend, enjoy stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley, Pharping Valley, and surrounding mountains.
Reach the Summit: At the top of Champadevi Hill, the Hindu shrine dedicated to Champadevi and a Buddhist stupa with colorful prayer flags mark the summit. Take some time to admire the views, and if you’re hiking during late autumn or winter, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent Himalayan vistas.
Picnic Lunch & Return: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit and capture some memories before beginning the descent. Retrace your steps back down to the resort and board the vehicle to drive back to Kathmandu for the evening.
Drive to the Trailhead
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby, and board the vehicle for the drive southwest towards Chovar. After about an hour, you’ll reach the Hattiban Resort, where the hiking journey begins.

Highest Altitude: (2285m)
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Gears and Equipment

For this tour, all you need to bring is comfortable clothing, as no special equipment is required. However, depending on your preferences, the following list provides general guidance on personal items you may want to bring. The choice of equipment and backpack should depend on the season of travel.

We will provide complimentary water and a windproof duffel bag for your shopping purposes, which is yours to keep.

This list is merely a suggestion, and you can use it as a reference. There are many options, brands, and versions available for each item, so use your judgment and experience to select the best gear for you. Additionally, most of the required equipment can be easily found in Kathmandu stores.

FAQs for Everest Base Camp Trek

What is the best season to experience the Glimpse of Nepal tour, and what kind of weather and temperatures should I expect during the trip?

The ideal seasons for this tour are between January to June and September to December.

Weather varies depending on the season. In winter (December to February), it’s colder at night, with temperatures ranging from 4°C at night to 22°C during the day. From March to May, the weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging around 25°C. After the monsoon, between September and December, temperatures cool down, making it a great time for travel, with an average temperature of 20°C.

During the trip, you’ll enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned vehicles and hotels.

What types of lodging are available on the trip, and is it possible to have a private room throughout the journey?

During the trip, we provide three-star hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini, including breakfast, and similar-class resorts in Chitwan with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

In Kathmandu, we use hotels like Hotel Thamel House, Gaju Suite Hotel, Hotel Jampa, or similar-class accommodations. In Pokhara, we stay at Splendid View Hotel, and in Chitwan, we use Landmark Resort. In Lumbini, lodging options include Lumbini Buddha Garden Resort or Lumbini Palace Resort.

You also have the option to upgrade to five-star hotels for the entire trip at an additional cost. Private rooms can be arranged upon request for an extra charge.

Champadevi Day Hike

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

Proceed Booking