Nepal, famous for its long trekking routes, is also equally famous for its multi-day treks. Luckily, several short hikes near Kathmandu and Pokhara offer breathtaking mountain views without requiring days of travel or previous trekking experience. If you’re looking for a rewarding day hike with stunning panoramas of the Himalayas, Nepal offers an abundance of destinations for it.
Whether you’re in Kathmandu or Pokhara, you can embark on scenic day hikes that provide stunning panoramas of the Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest ranges. So, we've got the perfect list of scenic short hikes with epic mountain views.
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Hike (5-6 hrs)
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Estimated Hike Duration: 5 hours
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Location: Within 15-20kms of Kathmandu
Nagarkot is one of the most famous locations known for its panoramic sunrise views of the Himalayas. On a clear day, you'll witness peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even Mount Everest. The hike from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel is not strenuous yet rewarding. You will hike through peaceful villages and forests.
You can witness the traditional rural life of the country and breathtaking ridgeline views along the way.
Dhulikhel, another stunning viewpoint, is known for its incredible mountain vistas. If you're not in a hurry, you can explore its old town, rich with Newari heritage and historic architecture. This is one of the most rewarding hikes you can try around Kathmandu.
Start your hike early to catch the famous sunrise at Nagarkot; you won't be disappointed!
Chandragiri to Champadevi Hike
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Estimated Hike Duration: 4 hours
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Location: 10-15kms of Kathmandu
Chandragiri Hill is a popular destination known for the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. You can take the cable car to Chandragiri and start your hike towards Champadevi, a peaceful spot with a small Hindu shrine. If you're lucky, this trail offers clear views of Langtang, Gaurishankar, and even distant peaks of the Everest region.
Chandragiri Cable Car (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The hike involves a gentle climb through the forests, making it a perfect escape from the city's busy lifestyle. Once you reach the top of Champadevi, you’ll be mesmerized by a panorama of snow-capped mountains and the beautiful Kathmandu Valley.
If you want to hike both ways, start from Hattiban and hike up to Champadevi before heading towards Chandragiri. However, this involves a longer hike and will take significantly longer.
Dhampus to Australian Camp (3-4 hours)
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Estimated Hike Duration: 3.5 hours
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Location: Kaski, Near Pokhara
The Dhampus to Australian Camp trail is a must-do for an easy yet breathtaking hike near Pokhara. The hike starts at Dhampus village, a Gurung settlement, and ascends through a beautiful forested trail to the Australian Camp.
Once you reach Australian Camp, you’ll be greeted by one of the best panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the world. The majestic Machapuchchre mountain looks incredibly close to here. The peaceful environment and crisp mountain air make this a perfect short hike for those looking to escape the busy Pokhara lifestyle.
This is an easy hike that is suitable for all fitness levels. Stay overnight at Australian Camp to enjoy the sunrise views if time permits.
Panchase Hike (5-6 hrs)
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Estimated Hike Duration: 6 hours
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Location: Kaski, Near Pokhara
Panchase Hill is one of the best short hikes in Pokhara, and it has stunning mountain views. This hike takes you through a forested trail, Gurung villages, and high ridgelines, leading to the Panchase viewpoint at 2,500 meters.
You get a 360-degree view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Pokhara Valley from the top. Panchase is also an important spiritual site, with several small temples and shrines along the way. This makes this a must-do hike if you're around Pokhara and craving mountain scenery!
Panchase (Source: Flickr)
Most people consider it best to visit in the morning for clear views. Although this hike is slightly more challenging than others, wear comfortable hiking shoes for a better experience.
Phulchoki Hike (6-7 hrs)
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Estimated Hike Duration: 6 hours
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Location: Godawari, Lalitpur, Kathmandu Valley.
Phulchoki, at 2,782 meters, is the highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley and offers some of the best mountain views in the entire region. The hike starts from Godawari and ascends through forests filled with rhododendrons and various bird species. This is a famous spot among the youths of Kathmandu and serves as a weekend getaway for many!
On a clear day, you can see the Annapurna, Gaurishankar, and Everest ranges from the hill. This hike is by far the most challenging, but the stunning scenery makes it well worth the effort. It is also very important for religious reasons, with a small shrine of Goddess Phulchowki at the top.
Visit in winter for a chance to see snowfall near Kathmandu, which still is very rare. It is advised to carry enough water, as no shops are on the way to the top.
Kakani to Suryachaur Hike (3-4hrs)
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Estimated Hike Duration: 3 hours
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Location: Kakani, Nuwakot.
Kakani, located just an hour’s drive from Kathmandu, is a majestic viewpoint for Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal. The hike to Suryachaur is relatively easy and passes through a trail filled with rhododendrons, open grasslands, and remote villages. It also provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Nowadays, Kakani is famous for trout fish, and many people can be seen around the area for a weekend retreat.
Suryachaur itself is a peaceful hilltop that offers one of the best mountain panoramas close to Kathmandu. It's an ideal spot for picnics and photography, especially during sunrise, sunset, and golden hours. This is an excellent hike for beginners and people hiking with a family.
Final Thoughts
These short hikes near Kathmandu and Pokhara offer a perfect mix of adventure, adrenaline, and breathtaking Himalayan views. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, these trails provide a quick escape into nature without requiring long trekking gear, time, and commitment.
So, grab your hiking boots, pack your camera, and set off on these scenic day hikes to witness Nepal’s natural beauty up close.
Read More: Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp Distance: A Complete Guide