CHAMPADEVI
A trek to the hill top of Champadevi, on the southern rim of the valley makes an enjoyable outing. The hill overshadows the historic settlement of Kirtipur, one of the cultural hub of Newari culture. Several different routes can reach the hill, which stands at 2278 meters, but the one from Kritipur is very interesting. It gives spectacular view of the Kathmandu valley and mountain range too. The trail up the hill will be clearly seen. The climb to the top should take about 2 hours but with frequent stops to admire the expansive views may take longer. The top is marked by a small buddhist stupa and makes a perfect lunch spot although no water will be found.
NAGARJUN
The hill at Nagarjun overlooks the famous stupa overlooks the famous stupa of Swyambhunath, better known to many as monkey temple. The hilltop shrine is thought to be the meditation place of the Buddhist sage Nagarjun who visited the area while Kathmandu was still a lake. There are number of meditation caves still to be seen on the hillside. The trail starts about one kilometer from Balaju on the road to Trisuli. It is also a day return hiking with lunch box.
NAGARKOT TO CHANGUNARAYAN
The resort village of Nagarkot is a favorite destination for many visitors to Nepal. There are some excellent views of the mountains to be had from the ridge top and many attractive properties for overnight stays. Most of the people travel to and from Nagarkot by road, but one can go Ngarkot by foot also. From Nagarkot there are number of trails to return back to Kathmandu. But, probably the easiest and the best known is the route to Changunarayan, an ancient temple site close to Bhaktapur. There are number of tea stalls offering refreshments on the way. The hiking can be completed within around three hours.
GODAVARI TO PHULCHOWKI
The highest point on the Kathmandu valley rim is the hill-top at Pulchowki, 2762 meters. The trail starts form Godavari, the national botanical garden. The heavily wooded slopes of Pulchowki are renowned for the large variety of birds and butterflies to be seen. There are no food and drink facility, the food must be carried. This is another ideal place to view Kathmandu and magnificent Himalayan range.
SHIVAPURI
This place is the northern rim of the Kathmandu valley and the streams around its area provides fresh drinking water for the whole Kathmandu valley because this area is a protected zone. From the elevation of 2732 meter a stunning view of the Kathmandu valley can be observed and a lonely countryside too. Much of the trek is through the unspoiled dense oak forest. You may be lucky enough to see spotted dear, monkeys and jackals on the trail.
