Private Kathmandu: Panorama Hike Tour
Kathmandu, Nepal
Office phone number: +977 9801123617
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Pssssst! Want to go on a nature hike away from the hustle and bustle of city life to enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu? Join an expert local guide for a scenic hike to relax your mind as you make your way through local settlements and community forests and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Valley from high above.
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Highlights
- Visit Hindu and Buddhist religious sites revered by locals
- Observe the semi-urban lifestyle on the outskirts of Kathmandu
- Hike through the last remaining woodlands near Kathmandu
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding hills
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Schedule details
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Meeting point:
Hotel Marshyangdi, Chaksibari Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 7.00 AM
- Ending point:
Hotel Marshyangdi, Chaksibari Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, transportation (one-way local transport and one-way private pick-up).
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, Packed Lunch, Beverages, Tips or gratuities for guide.
This Kathmandu hiking tour offers you an abundance of panoramic views of the capital city from forests at the north end of Kathmandu. After getting to know your guide, it's a short 15-minute walk to the nearest bus stand. Jump on local transport and hobnob with the locals for the 30-minute ride to Budhanilkantha Temple, the site of a statue of Lord Vishnu (the Hindu God of preservation). Observe the beautifully carved stone idol from the outer periphery of the pond (non-Hindus are not allowed inside) and lend your ears to an interesting story about the statue. Observe how locals start their day by offering prayers to their deity.
Then it's time to start the hike through semi-rural settlements where you can observe local life far different from what you are used to back home. This area is modern-meets-traditional, or urban-meets-rural, and you’ll find the best of both worlds as you hike. You will see concrete, modern buildings alongside traditional houses, and goats walking alongside motorbikes.
Leave the settlements behind and continue hiking into a local community forest at the base of Shivapuri National Park (we won’t be going into the National Park). This is where the panoramic views begin. The higher you go, the more beautiful the views will be. Enjoy fresh air, lush greenery and serenity; so near, yet so far from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. You will come across an occasional local or two passing by, goat-herders with their goats grazing in the forests, and splendid views of the concrete city of Kathmandu on the horizon.
At the end of your hike, visit the beautiful Pullahari Monastery where you can stroll around as you hear about Buddhist beliefs and symbolisms. Feel your mind relax in the peaceful environment around the monastery before getting picked up for the drive back to Thamel.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, transportation (one-way local transport and one-way private pick-up).
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, Packed Lunch, Beverages, Tips or gratuities for guide.
Dress standard: When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Since this is a proper hike, please wear comfortable clothing suitable for an active tour (we recommend full sleeves for sun and insect protection) and hiking shoes. We also recommend bringing a water bottle.
Child Policy: Travellers under 12 years of age are not permitted to join this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +977 9801123617
Email address: info@kathmanduurbanadventures.com
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