Day Hiking In Nagarjun Hill

A guided day hike in Nagarjun Forest Reserve, about 20-30 minutes from Kathmandu, climbing 2.5 to 3 hours through forest to Jamacho Monastery for views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas. Rhododendrons color the trail in spring. Price from USD 30 (was USD 60), for groups of 1 to 16, over one day.

Duration

7 Hours

Day tour

Group Size

1–16

people

Trip Highlights

Guided day hike in Nagarjun Forest Reserve, about 20-30 minutes from Kathmandu
Forest trail leads to Jamacho Monastery and a view tower
Panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan range from the hilltop
Climb takes 2.5 to 3 hours one way, through forest with birds and monkeys along the path
Rhododendron blooms color the forest in spring
Shrines and prayer flags mark the trail
Price from USD 30 per person (previously USD 60)
Group size 1 to 16, suited to solo travelers and groups

Trip Overview

Nagarjun Forest Reserve is a protected forest on the edge of Kathmandu Valley, about 20-30 minutes' drive from the city. A guided day hike here climbs through forest trails to Jamacho Monastery and the Nagarjun Hill viewpoint, with views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan range. The trip runs over one day, priced from USD 30 (previously USD 60), for groups of 1 to 16.

What will you see on the trail?

The trail runs through dense forest inside Nagarjun National Park. In spring, rhododendron blooms color the hillside. Prayer flags mark the path near Jamacho Monastery, a site that has long been a retreat for Buddhist monks. Birds call through the forest, and monkeys are often seen along the way. Small shrines sit along the trail for travelers who want to pause and look around.

How hard is the Nagarjun hike?

The climb to the top takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. The trail runs through forest for most of the way up, so there's shade along the climb. At the top, there's time to rest and look around the view tower and a Buddhist stupa before heading back down, a descent of about 1.5 to 2 hours to the gate.

What's the best time to go?

Rhododendrons bloom in spring, which is a good season to see the forest in color. The hike runs as a full day trip, starting in the morning from Kathmandu and returning the same day.

Last updated 24 October 2026

Tour Plan

7:30 AM: pickup in Kathmandu, breakfast included. 8:00 AM: arrive at Nagarjun Gate, about 20-30 minutes' drive depending on your starting point. 8:00 AM-11:00 AM: climb to Nagarjun Hill, 2.5 to 3 hours through forest, with views of Kathmandu Valley along the way. 11:00 AM-12:00 PM: rest at the top, see the view tower and Buddhist stupa, and take in the Himalayan panorama. 12:00 PM-2:00 PM: descend back to Nagarjun Gate, then drive back into Kathmandu.

Meals breakfast

What’s Included

Included

Transport by car to and from Nagarjun Gate

An experienced guide for the hike

National park entry fee

A bottle of drinking water

Not Included

Meals (about USD 3-6 per meal depending on where and what you eat)

Personal expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

What is Nagarjun Forest Reserve?

A protected forest area on the edge of Kathmandu Valley, home to Jamacho Monastery and the Nagarjun Hill viewpoint.

How long does the Nagarjun hike take?

It's a one-day trip. The climb to the top takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with rest time at the top and about 1.5 to 2 hours back down.

How far is Nagarjun from Kathmandu?

About 20-30 minutes by car from the city, depending on your starting point.

What will I see at the top of Nagarjun Hill?

A view tower, a Buddhist stupa, and panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan range.

What's the best time to hike Nagarjun?

Rhododendrons bloom in spring, coloring the forest trail.

What's included in the price?

Transport by car, an experienced guide, the national park entry fee, and a bottle of drinking water.

Do I need to bring my own food?

Yes, meals aren't included. Budget about USD 3-6 per meal depending on where and what you eat.

How many people can join the hike?

Group size is 1 to 8 people.

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Traveler Reviews

Overall rating

5.0/5

Across 20 reviews of HSJ trips

Malgorzata

Verified booking · Kathmandu 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites Day Tour Private/ Group option

5.0

I really enjoy that day trip,highly recommended,my tour quide Ram was very knowledgable,polite ,kind.Thank you .

MARCIN

Verified booking · Kathmandu 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites Day Tour Private/ Group option

5.0

Dipendra is a great guide. He is very profesional at his job and listens carefully to your expectations. Tour was a perfect for half day flight stop-over in Katmandu. Exceeded my expectations. Will definitely come back

Sandeep Kr T

Verified booking · Daily Everest Scenic Flight with Airport Transfer

5.0

Had a spectacular aerial view of Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal—the highest peak on Earth at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet). The sight from above was truly breathtaking and will remain an unforgettable memory for a lifetime. Thanks for fabul…

Elena

Verified booking · Kathmandu 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites Day Tour Private/ Group option

5.0

The tour was very comfortable! Thanks to our guide, Mr. Dipendra Dharel, for his excellent preparation, flexibility, knowledge, and willingness to answer any questions. It was a wonderful experience!