Drive to Pharping (1 hr) then hike to Champadevi (3- 4 hrs) then hike back to Hattiban (2 hrs) then drive back to Kathmandu (half an hour)
Champadevi Day Hiking lies among the best one-day hiking around the Kathmandu valley. Located southwest of the valley, the trail offers spectacular mountain vistas with beautiful views of Kathmandu valley. The top of the trail is a sacred site for locals to perform rituals. The 6-7 hours hike passes through rhododendron forests that bloom wonderfully during spring.
After an early morning drive to Pharping, 16 kilometers south of Kathmandu, we commence our journey. Pharping itself is bountiful in pilgrimage sites which include the renowned Dakshinkali Temple. The trail takes passes through pine forests along the north ridge for about half-hour. Through trails along lush greenery, the route gradually ascends to Champadevi. The three hours nature walk is good for bird watching as well.
Situated at an elevation of 2285m, Champadevi’s pilgrimage site consists of a Buddhist Stupa and a Hindu Shrine. With excellent views of the mountain ranges, the quiet and calm of the place is a perfect retreat from the valley’s humdrum. The walk to Hattiban (Elephant Forest) takes around two hours. Hattiban situated between Dakshinkali Temple and Kirtipur offers a detailed view of Kathmandu Valley as well as some mountain ranges. The place is also popular for rock climbing.
