Introduction

The Kathmandu valley offers a variety of superb trekking routes and a real benefit for those choosing to trek is, for some reason unknown to us, it is widely neglected by tourists. Very few people have trekked around the Kathmandu Valley. The Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek is the longest of all, it circumvents the valley rim and covers all the important places as well as providing a rich insight into the lives, history, culture and religion of the valley inhabitants. The valley rim varies in altitude from 1050m to 2800 m above sea level. Trekking in the spring season is a particularly rewarding time with early blooming rhododendrons, magnolias and many wild bushy and colorful flowers.In the autumn and winter, the trekker is rewarded with wonderful mountain views of the entire Annapurna range, Mt Manaslu along with the Rolwaling and Langtang ranges and even Mount Everest can be seen on a clear day to the far west. This trek will also appeal to the avid bird watcher, there is a large variety of birds in Shivapuri Watershed Wildlife Reserve,many endemic and exotic birds can also be seen along the trail from early autumn to late spring. About 200 different species of birds have made this region their home.The major attractions of the trek are Shivapuri, Balthali, Namo Buddha, Dhulikhel, Nagarkot,Panauti and the old Newari town of Dulikhel.

Important Note and Optional Activities

Please note: All the trekking itineraries are flexible and can be revised in order to best meet your requirements i.e. your time, interests etc. Please make contact with us if you have any special requirements or interest.

Inclusion

What's included ?

  • Accommodation in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis as per the itinerary
  • City tour in Kathmandu with guide by private car
  • Entry fees when sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • National Park Trekking/Entry Permit
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) registration fee
  • Round trip / internal flights / overland transport / if needed / as per the itinerary
  • Accommodation in guest houses/lodges during the trek
  • Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) a day during the trek
  • Qualified and experienced trekking guide and porter services
  • Transportation, accommodation, meal allowance, equipment and insurance for trekking staff
  • All the official paper work and all the applicable government taxes
  • Airport transfers for internal flights
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket and rucksack if required
  • Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure

What's not included ?

  • Meals other than breakfast when staying in hotels
  • Personal expenses and bar bills
  • Clients’ travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1320m.)

    Arrival in Kathmandu / pick up from airport / transfer hotel / tour briefing.

  • Day 02: Kathmandu to Kakani (2066m.)

    After breakfast / trek to Kakani (2066m.) / trek goes through dense forest / along a ridge / spectacular views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Jugal Himal / overnight at Kakani.

  • Day 03: Kakani to Shivapuri (2729m.)

    After breakfast / trek to Shivapuri (2729m.) / rich insight into the lives, history, culture and religion of its inhabitants / Shivapuri is the highest point of the trek / great panoramic views of the western Himalayas Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Ganesh Himal Range, Mt. Langtang Range, Mt. Dorjeelakpa Mt. Shisapangma, Mt. Gaurishankar / overnight Shivapuri.

  • Day 04: Shivapuri to Mulkharka(1894m.)

    Early morning wake up for sunrise / snowcapped mountains / after breakfast / trek to Mulkharka (1894m) / about six hours / Mulkharka offers wonderful photography and panoramic views of Himalayas / overnight.

  • Day 05: Mulkharka

    Today is a rest day / explore around Mulkharka / very good bird habitat around the reservoir area of Bagmati River / as well as exploring the village of Mulkharka / interact with the local people / overnight.

  • Day 06: Mulkharka to Chisopani (2194m.)

    After breakfast / trek to Chisopani (2194m) / about four hours / another very good view point for sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas.overnight

  • Day 07: Chisopani to Nagarkot (2175m.)

    Today we trek from Chisopani to Nagarkot (2175m.). Nagarkot offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, quality accommodation, and high standards of service.

  • Day 08: Nagarkot to Dhulikhel (1440m.)

    Wake up early for sunrise mountain views / drive to Dhulikhel / about an hour drive east of Kathmandu / Dulikhel old Newari trade station / en route to the Tibetan plateau / true example of an old Newari town / well kept and provides people with a good insight into Newari traditon and culture / also some great panoramic Himalayan views from here overnight.

  • Day 09: Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha (1982m.) and then to Balthali (1,730m.)

    After breakfast / walk to the Namo Buddha (1982m) / situated on hill above Panauti / takes about three hours / amazing legend related to the Buddha / commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa / all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha / later walk on for another three hours / reach Balthali village /excellent mountain views / altitude 1,730m. overnight in Balthali Village Resort. Balthali Village resort is certainly not an ordinary place like so many of the hotels and resorts that have have mushroomed extensively over the years. It is a very simple, unconventional, yet comfortable retreat centre with full modern amenities. The resort serves Nepalese traditional organic cuisine and there is a fully stocked bar.

  • Day 10: Balthali

    Very full day / spent exploring Balthali a typical Tamang village / also visit Dada Gaun / Buddhist Community living there / village very traditional and secluded from the modern world / people and animals live together side by side in harmony / walk to Pada Gaun (2100m) / extremely good views of the whole Himalayan range / travel on through beautiful green forest to Karnali / a hamlet of nature / then follow follow the banks of the Ladku River back to the resort.

  • Day 11: Balthali to Lakuri Bhanjyang (2000m.)

    After breakfast / hike to Lakuri Bhanjyang (2000m.) / lies perched atop a pristine hill of Pokhari Thumko (18 km from Kathmandu) / commanding panoramic views of the northern horizon / particularly spectacular at sunset and sunrise.

  • Day 12: Lakuri Bhanjyang to Lubhu village

    Today trek to Lubhu village / beautiful old traditional Newari village / five kms east of Lalitpur / village known for textiles and weaving / hospitality of its people.

  • Day 13: Lubu Village to Kathmandu

    After breakfast / drive to Kathmandu / day to explore this lively and exotic city / visit all the World Heritage Sites of the valley and some other historically and culturally important places / In the evening / farewell dinner served at a typical Nepali restaurant.