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Kathmandu to Kakani Day Hiking 2025/2026

  • Duration 2
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals Tea House
  • Accommodation
  • Max. Altitude 2030
  • Activity Trekking,hikking and climbing
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 1+
  • Best Season March-May
Highlights

1. Stunning Mountain Views
Himalayan Panorama:
Kakani provides sweeping views of the snow-capped peaks of the Langtang Range, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu. On a clear day, the vistas are truly breathtaking, making it an ideal spot for photography and nature lovers.
2. Lush Greenery and Forests
Rich Flora and Fauna:
The trail is surrounded by dense pine forests, oak trees, and rhododendron groves, especially in spring when the flowers are in full bloom. It’s a great place for birdwatching, with occasional sightings of wildlife like monkeys and colorful birds.
3. Easy Accessibility from Kathmandu
Short Travel Time:
Kakani is just a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Kathmandu, making it an excellent destination for a day hike without the need for overnight stays. The drive itself is scenic, passing through small villages and terraced fields.
4. Peaceful Village Life
Cultural Encounters:
The hike passes through rural villages, where you can experience the traditional lifestyles of the local Tamang and other ethnic communities. It offers a chance to interact with villagers, see their agricultural practices, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the countryside.
5. Kakani View Tower
Kakani Viewpoint:
At the summit of Kakani, there is a viewpoint tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the views while having a picnic or taking photos.
6. Refreshing Climate
Cool and Pleasant Weather:
Kakani has a cool climate, especially in the summer months, making it a refreshing retreat from the heat of Kathmandu. The higher elevation ensures pleasant temperatures, even during the warmer seasons.
7. Visit to Local Attractions
Kakani Memorial Park:

The Kakani Memorial Park is dedicated to the memory of those who died in a tragic plane crash in 1992. It provides a peaceful setting for reflection and offers good views of the surrounding landscapes.
Nagarjun Forest Reserve:

Located on the way to Kakani, the Nagarjun Forest Reserve offers additional scenic beauty and wildlife sightings, making it an enjoyable detour if time permits.
Typical Itinerary for Kathmandu to Kakani Day Hike
Morning:

Depart from Kathmandu early in the morning and drive to Kakani (about 1.5–2 hours).
Begin the hike through rural villages and forest trails, enjoying the lush greenery and Himalayan views along the way.
Midday:

Reach the Kakani Viewpoint and enjoy a break, taking in the panoramic mountain vistas.
Visit Kakani Memorial Park and explore the area. You can have a packed lunch or picnic here, while relaxing in the peaceful surroundings.
Afternoon:

Hike around the surrounding areas or explore other viewpoints before starting your descent.
Return to the starting point and drive back to Kathmandu in the late afternoon.

Best Time for Hiking to Kakani
Spring (March–May):
Enjoy the blooming rhododendrons, clear skies, and ideal temperatures for hiking.
Autumn (September–November):
Perfect weather with clear mountain views and comfortable trekking conditions.
Winter (December–February):
Crisp air and quiet trails, though it can be cold, especially at higher elevations.
Summer (June–August):
A good time for cooler temperatures, but expect occasional rain during the monsoon season.
Difficulty Level
Moderate:
The hike to Kakani is of moderate difficulty, with some uphill sections, but it is accessible for most hikers with basic fitness. The trail is well-marked, making it a great choice for beginners and those seeking a relaxing day in nature.
Inclusions in a Typical Package
Private Transportation: Round-trip transportation from Kathmandu to Kakani and back.
Guide: A professional trekking guide to assist and provide information on the local culture, nature, and history of the area.
Meals: Lunch (typically packed or a local meal in Kakani).
Permits: Necessary trekking permits for the area.
Snacks and Water: Light refreshments and water during the hike.
Why Take This Hike?
Quick Escape from Kathmandu:
Kakani offers an easy and refreshing escape from the busy city life of Kathmandu in just one day.
Natural Beauty:
The hike offers a perfect mix of mountain views, lush forests, and cultural exploration, all while being close to the city.
Family-Friendly:
Ideal for families, groups, or solo travelers who wish to enjoy a day in nature without requiring a multi-day trek.

Kathmandu to Kakani Day Hiking 2025/2026 Overview

Kakani is a hill-station 29km away on the northern side of Kathmandu which is a one and half hour drive from Kathmandu. Kakani is a rural settlement located in the Nuwakot District of Nepal. This place is a outstanding location of Kathmandu due to its diverse natural conditions and its elevation of more than 2000 meters. Kathmandu to kakani day hiking is a relaxing travel adventure for travelers who want to dive in nature and run away from urban cities. The place is likewise home of a memorial park of diverse natural vegetation of Himalayan flora and fauna. A remarkable industry of strawberry cultivation is emerging here. Recently with the help of United Nations Development Programmer venture, the locale agriculturists now deliver nearly 250,000 kg of the strawberry every year.

Kathmandu to kakani day hiking is a trip to Kakani which is well known for its amazing landscape and the green mountains encompassed by Himalaya panorama. Kakani day hiking is one of the best travel activities when looking for a short trek around Kathmandu valley. Kakani is a lovely village where a large portion of the houses are situated on slope edge at 2000 meters. Kakani is well known for astounding perspective of mountains like Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Langtang, Mt. Gaurishankar and other numerous himalayas.

Kathmandu to kakani day hiking provides opportunity to experience and encounter the mountains and diverse vegetation along with city space views of nearby towns and villages from the peak. The northern side of Kakani is incorporated of wonderful mountain ranges and from south one can witness the stunning perspective of Kathmandu valley. The memorable fraction of Kakani day trek is the transit of locale population working in their vegetable and rice terrain fields. There is a Thai Memorial Park that is dedicated to deaths of 113 people died during plane crash of Thai Airways flight no. 311 in the year of 1992. The other symbolic landmarks of this place are an exceptionally old delightful summer estate utilized by British Embassy which is now owned by Nepali Army as an army school. In the end of the trekking travelers follow the same path back to Kakani and drive back to Kathmandu.

Itinerary

7:30: our expert tour guide or Trek  guide assists you at your hotel.
8:30:  one hour drive by local bus to the Kakani Bazaar and sightseeing of the Kakani bazaar.
9:00: Two hour hike to the Kakani hill top which is famous for its panoramic view and as also one of the best and popular destination for the picnic and on the way one can observe various types of jungle hubs and plants with the heart touching tunes of birds.
11:00: After reaching the Kakani hill top sightseeing of the surrounding where one can take a breath taking view of high snow-capped mountains with natural beauty and the Thai Memorial peaceful park which commemorates the 113 victims of a 1992 Thai airlines crash and sightseeing of the village, where one can enjoy the close view of daily lifestyle of the Tamangs ethnic group.
14:00: Back to Kakani bazaar and drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel   stay overnight at hotel.

 

Cost Includes
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional and Government license holding tour guide
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax)
  • Bottled water
  • Driver/guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Transport by private vehicle
Cost Excludes
  • Personal Expenses
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Highlights
  • Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Private tour is operated with just your party and a guide/driver
  • Informative, friendly and professional guide
  • Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
  • Led by a local guide
Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from beginning March to May and from frist -September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
Useful Info

Additional Info Confirmation will be received at time of booking Not wheelchair accessible Minimum age is 5 years Children must be accompanied by an adult Comfortable clothing and walking/hiking shoes recommended Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking A maximum of 12 people per booking Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Over-sized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers Operated by Nepal Mountain  Guide Team www.nepalguideinfo.com

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time. Learn more about cancellations.

 

We offer group price
   
1 Pax pax $150
2 to 3 Pax pax $130
4 to 6 Pax pax $115
7 to 12 Pax pax $99
13 to 18 Pax pax $80
Total Price USD$150
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FAQs

  • The hike from Kathmandu to Kakani is approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) long, depending on the specific route taken.

  • The hike is considered moderately challenging. There are some uphill sections, but the trail is generally well-maintained and suitable for most hikers with a moderate level of fitness.

  • The best time to do the hike is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. Avoid the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rain and slippery trails.

  • It’s important to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable hiking shoes, and a camera. You may also want to bring a rain jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.

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