Hiking
Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys offer excellent opportunities for hiking. Here are some routes in the hills surrounding Kathmandu Valley.

Day Hikes from Kathmandu
SHIVAPURI (2732m): The climb to the top of Shivapuri hill, which lies directly north of Kathmandu, takes about 3 hours. The path is alternating level walks through forests and steep inclines. The summit of Shivapuri is one of the four pilgrimage peaks on the valley rim.
From Kathmandu, you will drive 30 minutes ( 9 km) to Budha Nilkantha Shrine and start hiking. On the return, you can walk along the ridge that descends south to Boudhanath from where you will drive back to Kathmandu.

Sankhu- Nagarkot
You will drive 16km to the ancient village Sankhu, where you can visit the shrine of Bajrayogini. From where you will hike through terraced fields and farmhouse to Nagarkot (2175m). From Nagarkot, you can drive back to Kathmandu.

Pulchoki
Phulchoki, situated at the altitude of 2762 to the south east of Kathmandu is the highest of the four pilgrimage peaks ringing the valley. The top of the hill, on a clear weather day offers views of the Himalaya to the north and the Terai plains to the south. A Hindu shrine sits amidst a tangle of TV and radio antenna towers. Its forested slopes are covered with rhododendrons and orchids.
You will drive about 40 minutes to Godavari (20km) botanical garden from where the hike of the day begins. It takes 3 hours to reach the top. You will descend down the same way back.

Nagarjun
Nagarjun Hill (1982m) is a popular pilgrimage site. The trail begins at the entrance of the protected forest (5km from Katmandu). It takes about 2 hours to reach the top of the hill. On clear weather day, great view of the Himalayas and of the Kathmandu valley can be seen. There is a Buddhist stupa and a view tower on the top. You will drive back from the top to Hotel.

Day Hikes from Pokhara

Sarangkot
( 1592m), a former Kaski Fort lies atop a hill 5 km west of old bazaar of Pokhara which is the most fascinating view point for western Himalayas panorama view. You can hike both ways but most people take one way car drive and walk back down.

Kahundanda
Kahundanda ( 1520m) lies to the north-east of Pokhara, which has a ruined fort on the summit as well as a view tower.

Ghawchok
This is a typical Gurung Village and the site of one of the regions oldest settlements. This is a 5 hour walk to the north of Pokhara.
Naudanda
Naudanda is a 5 hour walk and favorite with those wishing to get away from it

Extend Your Holiday at Leisure !!

Nagarkot ( 1 Night/ 2Days)
Nagarkot, 32 km, lies in the northeastern rim of Kathmandu Valley and is situated at the elevation of 2000m from the sea level. It offers excellent views of Himalayan panorama on clear weather day. It is one-hour drive from Kathmandu and people love to go to Nagarkot for sunrise or sunset views also. There are choices of accommodation available.

Dhulikhel (1 Night/ 2Days )
The hill resort of Dhulikhel lies 28 km from Kathmandu on the Arniko highway that leads to Tibet. There are many vantage points in Dhulikhel, which offer a panorama of the Himalayas that will leave you spellbound. Looking out over the low hills and valleys the mountains rise up in an extended arc stretching from the far left to the far right.
! nights/2 days trip to Dhulikhel is recommended.

Daman ( 1 Night/ 2 Days )
Daman is situated at the elevation 2400m and is the perfect place for those seeking the ultimate pan-Himalayan view and willing to travel the extra distance to find it. It is located 75 km to the southwest of Kathmandu Valley. It offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range, a sight guaranteed to leave the early riser spellbound for days to come.

Lumbini ( 1 Night/ 2 Days )
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Listed as world heritage site by UNESCO, Lumbini is being developed with international support as the supreme Buddhist pilgrimage and a symbol of world peace. On your visit, you will witness the spot marked by Ashokan Pillar, Mayadevi Temple, Pushakrini Pond etc. If you are entering or exiting Nepal via Sunauli border with India, its worth driving 22 km to visit the site. From Chitwan also, you can extend your trip to Lumbini from where you can proceed to Pokhara or Tansen or return to Kathmandu.

Pokhara Valley Extension ( 2 Nights / 3 Days )
If Kathmandu is the capital for business and administration, Pokhara is the capital for natural beauty and center of adventure. All the treks in the Annapurna regions starts or ends in Pokhara. If you are taking any treks in this region, you will have chance to witness the natural beauty of Pokhara. Even though you are not taking trip in the Annapurna region, you should not skip it.
Pokhara Valley has unique geographical setting. It has lakes, caves and magnificent summit of Macchhapucchre and Annapurna range forming its backdrop.

Day 01	Arrival in Pokhara overland from Chitwan or Kathmandu or by flight from Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Walk along the lakesides.
Day 02	Sunrise tour to Sarangkot which offers spectacular views of Annapurna Massif. Drive or walk down to Pokhara. In the afternoon, sightseeing of caves, gorges, temples and most amazing is the boating trip in Phewa Lake.
Day 03	Drive or flight to Kathmandu.

Gorkha ( 2 Days / 1 Night )
Gorkha is the ancestral home of the kings of Shaha dynasty and renowned Gurkha soldiers. Gorkha's centerpiece is the magnificent Gorkha Durbar, which is a fort, a palace and a temple with excellent views of the surrounding valleys and the Manaslu range. It is situated 131 km from Kathmandu. Mostly you drive in Kathmandu- Pokhara high way but the road branches at Abu Khaireni leading you to Gorkha.

Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 Nights/3 Days) Extension

The southern flatland of Nepal is known as the Terai and is covered with dense tropical jungle. From Kathmandu, Royal Chitwan National Park lies 160 km. It takes 4-5 hours drive or 30 minutes flight followed by half an hour drive. There are a number of resorts of different category offering package tours which include elephant ride, jeep drive, dug out canoe trip, bird watching etc.

Day 01	Arrive Chitwan from Kathmandu ( by flight or overland) or from Pokhara by overland. Upon arrival at the hotel or resort lunch is served. Villages visit or Elephant bathing and briefing program Tharu Stick Dance/Slides show.
Day 02	Dog out canoe trip followed by jungle trek. Elephant Safari or Jeep Safari program Dance/Slide show programs
Day 03	Bird Watching program. Departure to Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Bardia National Park Safari ( 2 Nights / 3 Days )

The Royal Bardia National Park is located in southwestern Nepal. This national park has reputation of having better chance of tiger sighting.Other animals to see are wild Elephants,rhinos, deer, leopard etc.

Day 01	Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj airport and drive 2 hours to National Park. Or one can take overnight bus from Kathmandu in the evening and arrive Ambasa next day morning. With prior arrangement, your guide will pick you up and transfer to resort.
Day 02	Sunrise tour to Sarangkot which offers spectacular views of Annapurna Massif. Drive or walk down to Pokhara. In the afternoon, sightseeing of caves, gorges, temples and most amazing is the boating trip in Phewa Lake.
Day 03	Drive or flight to Kathmandu.