Champadevi Day Hike will take you away from the bustle of Kathmandu and let you unwind. The hiking trail is open, so you get much undisturbed time to relax and rejuvenate. The Champadevi hiking trail goes through dense forests. The earthy smell of the forests, fresh air, and birds chirping make this hike divine and heart-warming.
Are you in Kathmandu and looking for adventurous day activities? The Champadevi hike is one of the best excursions. It is a day hike, so you will start the trip early, between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM, and return to Kathmandu by evening. One of our knowledgeable and friendly hiking guides will accompany you.
Champadevi, also known as Champadevi Hill, is a popular hiking destination and a sacred pilgrimage site in the southwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Champadevi is situated at an altitude of 2,278 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest hills in the region. It is known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, the surrounding hills, and the Kathmandu Valley.
The mountain views during the Champadevi hike are phenomenal. You can see views of Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Langtang Himal (7,234 m), Jugal Himal (6,095 m), Dorje Lhakpa (6,966 m), etc. On bright, clear days, views of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m) and Mt. Everest (8,849 m) are also seen during the Champadevi hiking.
Champadevi has a rich historical and cultural significance. According to the legend, the hill was named after the Hindu goddess Champadevi, who is believed to have lived there. It is also believed that the hill was once a Buddhist site. On the way to the hilltop, you can still see several stupas and chortens. Hindus and Buddhists also used Champadevi Hill for meditation and spiritual practices.
The one-day Champadevi hike offers a glimpse of Nepal's natural, cultural, and spiritual beauty. Below are some of the things you can expect to see during the hike:
The hike starts with a gradual ascent through dense forests, home to various flora and fauna. The forests are a water source for the surrounding communities and play a vital role in regulating the local climate. The greenery and fresh air provide a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city.
As you approach the hilltop, you'll pass through several small villages where farmers cultivate terraced fields. These fields are a testament to the ingenuity of Nepali farmers who have managed to farm on steep slopes.
The Champadevi temple is located on a hilltop and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site by Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Champadevi. Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals. The temple is decorated with colorful flags, prayer wheels, and statues of Hindu deities.
The hilltop offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, the Langtang mountain range, and the Ganesh Himal range. On a clear day, Mount Everest's snow-capped peaks can be seen in the distance. The views are a perfect reward for the hike and provide peace and tranquility.
As you hike through the forests, you may encounter several species of birds, butterflies, and even monkeys. The forests are home to several endangered species, including the red panda and the musk deer. Watch for these beautiful creatures and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Our guide will pick you up from the hotel early in the morning and drive you to Pharping or Hattiban Resort, where the hike begins. The Champadevi hiking trail goes along beautiful pine forests and gradually ascends to the top of the Champadevi ridge.
Most of the walk is along the hillside, so the mountain views are continued, especially Mt. Gaurishankar (7,134 m), which dominates the sky in the east, and Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) in the west. After spending some time at the top of Champadevi Hill, you will retrace the hiking trail back to Hattiban Resort, where the hike ends, and drive back to Kathmandu. If you have some time, we can also visit Taudaha Lake.
From Kathmandu, we will drive to Bhanjyang. It is a short drive. From Bhanjyang, the hike begins, and gradually, we ascend through the forested trail to the top of the hill. As the hike progresses, you can see beautiful views of the Bagmati River, Bungmati, Khokana, and Pharping. While hiking, you will also encounter several Buddhist monasteries. From the top, you will have stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains and the nearby Phulchowki and Chandragiri hills. The return trail drops down to Puspalal Park, from where it is a short drive back to Kathmandu.
Champadevi hike via the Chandragiri route is also a full-day hiking trip. You leave the hotel early in the morning and drive to Thankot. Because the traffic is light in the early morning, you will reach Thankot quickly. From here, we take a cable car ride to Chandragiri temple.
Explore the temple and begin hiking towards Bhasmasur Hill, at 2,496 meters. It is a 2 to 3-hour hike. From the top of Bhasmasur, you can see an excellent view of the Kathmandu valley. From here, we hike for another hour to Champadevi Hill. The return hike descends for a couple of hours to Hattiban Resort, from where we drive back to Kathmandu.
Champadevi is a popular destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. The hiking trail starts from the southern part of Kathmandu and leads through lush green forests, small villages, and terraced fields. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Depending on the hiker's pace, the hilltop takes 3 to 5 hours.
