A Day hike to Champadevi

About A Day hike to Champadevi

Champadeivi hill hike is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Kathmandu valley to enjoy the panoramic sceneries from the southwestern rim of the Kathmandu valley.

Kathmandu valley reflects Nepal’s cultures, traditions, civilizations, arts, crafts, architecture, centuries-old temples, monasteries, stupas, other religious monuments, and the bustling streets where every single thing reflects as it is an open museum. 

Apart from them all, Kathmandu city lies under the shadow of the surrounding hills, where numerous hiking routes are established. Although, while hiking those destinations, you will experience the natural wonders around Kathmandu, then hiking is the best way to immerse yourself in tranquil nature.

Among those destinations, Champadevi hill is also a beautiful destination that offers astonishing sceneries of the mountain massifs, entire Kathmandu city, Pharping village, and outstanding greeneries. 

Situated in the southern hill of Kathmandu, Champadevi hill can be reached after an easy and enjoyable day hike beginning at Pharping village on the way to the famous Dakshinkali Temple, a renowned temple dedicated to goddess Kali. 

Walking through the lush greenery, predominantly of pine forest on the well-developed trail, is a beautiful experience witnessing the magnificent Himalayan sceneries experiencing the authentic lifestyle in the countryside. 

It approximately takes two and half hours to reach the top of the hill-Champa Devi. Situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level, and is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites among Hindu and Buddhist devotees.

All along the route to the ridge, it offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the Kathmandu valley and Himalayan range from Mt. Manaslu in the west to Mt. Gaurishankar to the east!

After exploring the religious monuments situated atop Champadevi, having the picturesque sceneries of the Himalayan panoramas, and having our lunch, we hike back to Deurali following the same path, and from there we follow the right track, continue descending to Taudaha (an alternative way) and drive back to the city.

Champadevi hill hike from Machhegaun

Machhaegaun, a small township of Kritipur, is another alternative beginning point for the Champadevi hill hike. This trail is straight and is a bit steep ascent. So, it would be best if you were a good hiker to complete this route. It approximately takes 45 minutes to reach Machhegaun from Thamel. So, you need to wall more or less 3 hours from Machhegaun to reach Champadevi hill.

You will not find even a single teahouse to buy the food and drinks throughout the trekking route. So, we highly recommend you to carry needed fruits, food items, and drinks from the shops nearby your hotel or the beginning point of the trek. Then, you can either choose the same trail or an alternative route to Pharping to sum up your hiking adventure.

Champadevi hill hike from Chandragiri

Reaching Champadevi from Chandragiri is the most adventurous hike among all the aforementioned options. It takes approximately five hours to arrive at Champadevi from Chandragiri hill (cable car station), where you need to pass several ups and downs. The good news is choosing this route; you will find a teahouse in the middle of the journey to get lunch (mostly Dal Bhat is available). You can reach Chandragiri via cable car/hiking from Machhegaun.

Trekkers can explore more astonishing views of the Himalayas, valleys, landscapes, green forests choosing this route.