Nagarjun (Jamacho) Day Hike

At a glance

Drive to Balaju (15 minutes) then hike to Nagarjun Hill (2 3 hrs) then hike back to Thamel

Nagarjun hill forms the north-west boundary to the Kathmandu Valley, and is a part of the Shivapuri National Park. The hill is covered with thick forests and is a preferred site for bird watching as well as a viewpoint to the Kathmandu Valley and the mountain ranges towards the north. A sacred Buddhist Stupa along with a watch tower is situated at the top of the hill. The historical museum of Nagarjun was once the summer palace of the Royal Family.

The hike starts after a 20 minute drive to the gate of Nagarjun, just a short way up the Balaju Bypass. The pleasant hike is a 2-3 hours uphill walk along well trailed paths where you may come across plenty of hikers. Varieties of birds and forest vegetation definitely interests a nature lover. The climb is quite steep, but is compensated by the stone staircase along most of the path. Trees shade much of the path from the sun. A small grassy clearing that faces south marks the completion of almost two-third of the climb, where the distant tower at the top of the hill is visible. The rest of the climb to the top is moderately steep which becomes strenuous towards the end of the Jamacho Peak (6300ft). Prayer flags, butter lamps and small stupas can be seen around the place. The view of Kathmandu is probably hazy most of the time unless you get lucky with a recent rain. Mountain views towards the north includes, Manaslu, Langtang, Ganesh and many more. We hike down the same route and drive back to Thamel