Champadevi Hiking

Champadevi Hiking is one of the popular day hiking with beautiful views in the southern hill of Kathmandu Valley. This hill is the third highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley, at the elevation of 2285 meters above the sea level. It is also a great destination to see Annapurna, Langtang, Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, Jugal and others snow-capped mountains as we get higher. On a clear day, you can view Mount Everest as well. It is the major attraction of this tour. The view is spectacular from the top and beautiful himalayan peaks can be seen. It provides a unique opportunity to get a panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu including Patan, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, Pharping, Dakshinkali Temple, Taudaha, Bungmati and Khokana.

Table of Contents

Champadevi is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and also for Buddhists. This hike covers the historical places such as the Bagmati river, Bugmati etc. To the left of Champadevi Chandragiri hill is situated and on it’s right side there is Phulchoki hill. It is 19 kilometers far from Kathmandu, a pure nature walk. This place is named after the goddess Champadevi and you’ll also find temple at the top.

It is well maintained walking trail with stone steps which will he easy for travelers and hiking can be done all around the year except monsoon season. You might get some leeches during this time but it’s perfect time to view greenery surrounding hills during the clear day. In spring season you can see rhododendrons blooming along with other flowers on the hills which is pretty much beautiful.

Way to Champadevi

There are many routes to reach the top of Champadevi hill, some starts from the north side of the Pharping but easiest and popular one is the route starts from Hattiban Resort. Normally, the easiest one is also the longest because they have a gentler incline. You can also take easiest shortcut which is best for those in strong physical condition. There will be fewer people traveling via this route and it’s a little more challenging which is more like a trekking route.

Champadevi day hiking starts in the morning and the starting point of Champadevi hiking is Bhanjyang which can be reached in 45 minutes by car/van or bus from the core area of Kathmandu / Hotel like Basantapur, Thamel, Lazimpat, Jamal etc. During the Champa devi hike you’ll see the dense forest filled with different types of trees including pine trees, plants, birds, flowers and other wildlife. You’ll also see several Buddhist monasteries on the way to Champadevi hill. About 2-3 hours walk from the Bhanjyang you’ll reach the top of Champadevi hill where you’ll also see the temple of Champadevi which is a prominent Hindu temple. Enjoy the cool fresh air to breath when you arrive at the top and enjoy surrounding view. Walking time is 2 hours from the road and walking time back is 2 hours. Total walking time will be 4 hours depending upon your walking habbit, speed and breaks you take during the hike. You can stop for a few rest breaks and have a packed lunch at the top. You may not find stuffs on the way so it will be better to carry some dry foods, water etc.

Champadevi temple

Champadevi temple is situated above the Dakshinkali Temple and Pharping village at an altitude of 2285 meters. Champadevi is a temple of Hindu goddess Kali, surrounded by trees and it was named as many champa (Jasmine flowers) bloom on the hill. It is a pilgrimage site not only of Hindus but also of Buddhist. During the full moon day in the month of Baishakh (lunar calendar) there will be festival. It is believed by the locals that it guards the valley against evils and it is also known as Champawati.

Itinerary

Day: 1
Kathmandu – Champadevi Hill – Kathmandu.
Champadevi Hill Hiking can be organized all around the year, hiking will start at 8:00 a.m in the morning after your breakfast and we’ll come to receive you at your hotel. There are no tea shops, restaurent and hotels on the way so we will carry necessary things with us.

Additional information

Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for kids below age of 10 and for travelers with back problems
Travelers should be physically fit
Group size: minimum 1
Trip grade: Easy