Southern Ridges Hike Kathmandu

The Southern Ridges Hike is a moderately challenging 12-kilometer hiking trail and is widely considered one of the best day hikes around Kathmandu. Taking approximately 4 to 5 hours, this scenic ridge walk offers breathtaking mountain views, peaceful forest trails, and rich cultural experiences just above the Kathmandu Valley.

The route begins at Chandragiri Hill (2,561 m), reached by a scenic cable car ride, and continues along the ridgeline through Bhaneshwar Danda (2,509 m) and Champa Devi (2,249 m) before descending to Pharping (1,550 m). From the very start, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views over the Kathmandu Valley and a stunning Himalayan panorama.

On clear days, the trail offers spectacular views of major Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna (8,091 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,454 m), Langtang (7,246 m), Gaurishankar (7,181 m), and Mount Everest (8,848 m). The hike blends peaceful forested ridgelines, sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites, and dramatic mountain landscapes, creating a perfect balance of nature, spirituality, and culture.

The Southern Ridges Hike is an ideal escape from the city, offering travelers a chance to experience Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in a single rewarding day trip from Kathmandu.

Itinerary

08:00 AM – Hotel Pick-Up
You will be picked up from your hotel in Kathmandu and driven to the Chandragiri Cable Car bottom station.

09:00 AM – Cable Car Ride to Chandragiri Hill
Enjoy a scenic cable car ride up to Chandragiri Hill, where your hike begins.

09:30 AM – Start the Southern Ridges Hike
Begin trekking along the beautiful Southern Ridges, enjoying forest trails, ridge walks, and panoramic views.

02:00 PM – Arrive in Pharping
Reach Pharping and relax after the hike.

02:00–03:00 PM – Drive Back to Your Hotel
Drive back to your hotel in Kathmandu, concluding your day hike experience.