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Nagarjun Jamacho Day Hike

from $200

Escape Kathmandu for a refreshing half-day hike to Jamacho Peak (2,150m) in the Nagarjun Forest. This scenic trail winds through pine and rhododendron forests to a historic Buddhist monastery with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and Langtang Himalayas. Perfect for nature lovers and time-pressed travelers, the 4-5 hour roundtrip offers birdwatching, peaceful monastery visits, and breathtaking mountain vistas – all just 30 minutes from the city. A ideal short trek combining nature, culture, and Himalayan scenery.

  • Destination kathmandu
    Throughout the year
  • Tour Type Group
    Adventures
  • Activity Level Easy
    2150
  • Group Size Customizable
    Customizable

Overview

All about the Nagarjun Jamacho Day Hike

The Nagarjuna Jamacho Day Hike is a perfect escape into nature near Kathmandu. The trail winds through lush forests filled with oak, pine, bamboo, and rhododendron trees, offering a peaceful walk. Along the way, you might spot wild boar diggings as they search for insects, and colorful prayer flags add a vibrant touch to the scenery. Though wildlife like monkeys, leopards, and bears live here, sightings are rare but the area is rich in birds and butterflies, including some rare species.

Starting just a short drive from Balaju, the hike takes about 2-3 hours uphill on well-maintained stone steps. The shade from the trees makes the climb pleasant, and a small clearing halfway up gives a glimpse of the summit. The final stretch to Jamacho Peak (2,150m) is steep but rewarding, with prayer flags and stupas marking the top. On clear days, you’ll see stunning views of Kathmandu Valley and the Langtang and Manaslu mountain ranges.

At the peak sits Jamacho Gumba, a serene monastery with a small observation tower. This spot, once a royal summer retreat, adds historical charm to the hike. After enjoying the views, you’ll descend the same trail and return to Kathmandu, refreshed by nature and mountain air. It’s one of the best short hikes for those seeking adventure and tranquility near the city.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1 Itinerary

    Early Morning: Departure and Preparation
    06:00 AM - Pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu
    06:30 AM - Enjoy light breakfast and snacks at a local shop near Phulbari Gate

    Morning: Forest Hike and Ascent
    07:00 AM - Begin hiking from Shivapuri National Park gate
    Trail - Gradual climb through mixed forests of pine, oak and rhododendron
    Wildlife - Keep an eye out for birds, monkeys and signs of wild boar
    Pace - Moderate hike with breaks every 45 minutes

    Mid-Morning: Monastery Visit and Summit Push
    09:30 AM - Reach Jamacho Monastery at 2,150 meters
    Break - Explore the monastery, meditation cave and prayer flags
    Snack - Have some energy bars or fruit while enjoying valley views
    10:00 AM - Begin final steep section to Jamacho Peak

    Noon: Summit Celebration
    11:00 AM - Arrive at Jamacho Peak (2,150m)
    Views - On clear days, enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan ranges including Langtang and Manaslu
    Lunch - Enjoy packed lunch at the summit (remember to carry out all trash)

    Afternoon: Descent and Return
    12:00 PM - Start descending via same trail
    02:00 PM - Return to Phulbari Gate trailhead
    02:30 PM - Drive back to Kathmandu
    03:00 PM - Hotel drop-off

    Early Morning: Departure and Preparation
    06:00 AM - Pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu
    06:30 AM - Enjoy light breakfast and snacks at a local shop near Phulbari Gate

    Morning: Forest Hike and Ascent
    07:00 AM - Begin hiking from Shivapuri National Park gate
    Trail - Gradual climb through mixed forests of pine, oak and rhododendron
    Wildlife - Keep an eye out for birds, monkeys and signs of wild boar
    Pace - Moderate hike with breaks every 45 minutes

    Mid-Morning: Monastery Visit and Summit Push
    09:30 AM - Reach Jamacho Monastery at 2,150 meters
    Break - Explore the monastery, meditation cave and prayer flags
    Snack - Have some energy bars or fruit while enjoying valley views
    10:00 AM - Begin final steep section to Jamacho Peak

    Noon: Summit Celebration
    11:00 AM - Arrive at Jamacho Peak (2,150m)
    Views - On clear days, enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan ranges including Langtang and Manaslu
    Lunch - Enjoy packed lunch at the summit (remember to carry out all trash)

    Afternoon: Descent and Return
    12:00 PM - Start descending via same trail
    02:00 PM - Return to Phulbari Gate trailhead
    02:30 PM - Drive back to Kathmandu
    03:00 PM - Hotel drop-off

     

Includes/ Excludes

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
Whats included in this tour Items that are covered in the cost of tour price.

  • Pick-up from Hotel to trailhead (Nagarjun/ Jamacho)

  • Drop-off from endpoint back to Hotel

  • Licensed, English-speaking hiking guide

  • Local insights on nature, culture & history

  • 1L bottled drinking water per person

  • Packed lunch (energy-rich, easy to carry)

  • Nagarjun Jamacho entry ticket

Whats not included in this tour Items that are covered in the cost of tour price.

  • Personal snacks/food beyond provided lunch
  • Extra water (beyond 1L)
  • Hiking gear (poles, rain jacket, etc.)
  • Tips for guide/driver (optional)

Faq & Review

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Dates & Price

Package Type Available Packages Trip Status Trip Status Group Size Can be customized Price (PP) Price Per Person  
Available
$.00
Package Type Available Packages Trip Status Trip Status Group Size Can be customized Price (PP) Price Per Person  
Available
$.00

Other Information

Other related information about the package

Best Time to Hike Nagarjun Jamacho

  • Spring (March-May) offers pleasant temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and lush green forests, making the trail vibrant and scenic. The weather is comfortably warm, perfect for a refreshing trek.

  • Autumn (Sept-Nov) provides crystal-clear skies, offering the best mountain views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. The post-monsoon air is crisp, and the trails are dry, ensuring a smooth hike.

While winter (Dec-Feb) can be chilly, especially in the early mornings, it rewards hikers with pristine Himalayan vistas on sunny days. Monsoon (June-August) brings heavy rain, making trails slippery and foggy, but the forest turns exceptionally lush for those who don’t mind the mud.

Essential List for Hike

  • Sturdy hiking shoes 

  • Sunscreen & sunglasses 

  • Hat or cap 

  • Camera/phone 

  • Light jacket

  • Small backpack 

  • Energy snacks 

  • Reusable water bottle