Champadevi Day Hike: 1 Day

"A Guide to Champadevi Day Hiking: Everything You Need to Know."
Good to Know
  • Duration 1 Day
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Max. Altitude 2278 m
  • Group Size 2+
  • Trip Starts Kathmandu
  • Trip Ends Kathmandu
  • Group Style Group and Private
  • Activities Hiking
  • Best Season September- June

Highlights

  • As you ascend Champadevi Hill, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.
  • On a clear day, you can catch sight of the Himalayan range, including Langtang and Ganesh Himal.
  • The trail takes you through lush forests filled with rhododendron, pine, and oak trees, offering a tranquil and refreshing environment.
  • You may also encounter various flora and fauna along the way.
  • During the hike, you'll come across a beautiful Buddhist stupa, adding a cultural and religious element to the trek. 
  • The area around Champadevi is known for its diverse bird life.
  • Birdwatchers can spot various species of birds, making it a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.
  • As you hike, you'll pass through charming Nepali villages, providing a glimpse into the rural lifestyle and culture of the local people.
  • While the trek is generally considered moderate in difficulty, it still offers a sense of adventure and a good physical challenge.
  • It's an ideal option for those who want to experience hiking without committing to multi-day treks.
  • One of the main advantages of the Champadevi hike is its proximity to Kathmandu city. It's a convenient one-day excursion, making it suitable for travelers with limited time.
  • Many trekkers opt to hike to Champadevi early in the morning to catch the mesmerizing sunrise over the Himalayas. Alternatively, some prefer to do it in the late afternoon to witness a stunning sunset view over the valley.

Introduction: Champadevi Day Hike

A wonderful way to spend your day within quiet and peaceful surroundings, away from the bustling city life of Kathmandu City, is to spend a day in the sanctuary of a serene green environment with country farm life, where Champa-Devi Day Hike offers you a marvelous time visiting rural farm villages with excellent views of snow-capped mountains in the north direction.

Champadevi is situated about 16 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu city. It is easily accessible from the capital, making it a convenient day trip for locals and tourists alike. The hill has an elevation of approximately 2,285 meters (7,495 feet) above sea level. Though not as high as some of the well-known Himalayan peaks, the vantage point provides breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and the mountains.

The hiking trail to Champadevi starts from a location on the outskirts of Kathmandu and takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the summit. The trail passes through lush forests with various plant species and is relatively moderate in difficulty, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. At the summit of Champadevi, there is a Buddhist stupa that holds religious and cultural significance. Many trekkers take a moment to admire the stupa and its surroundings, offering a serene atmosphere for some relaxation and photography.

One of the main attractions of the Champadevi hike is the panoramic views it offers. From the top, trekkers can see the sprawling Kathmandu Valley with its ancient temples, pagodas, and urban landscape. On clear days, the Himalayan Mountain Range provides a majestic backdrop, including peaks like Langtang Himal and Ganesh Himal and, on exceptionally clear days, even Mount Everest. The area around Champadevi is known for its diverse birdlife, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Overall, Champadevi is a fantastic destination for those looking to experience a rewarding hike with stunning views without having to venture too far from Kathmandu. It's an opportunity to enjoy nature, witness cultural landmarks, and soak in the breathtaking scenery of the region.

How does the Champadevi Hike Begin and End?

The Champadevi one-day Hiking typically begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and a major hub for travelers visiting the country. The trailhead for the Champadevi Hike is located a short distance from Kathmandu, making it a convenient day trip for both tourists and locals.

Trekking Planner Nepal organizes this trek and provides transportation to and from the trailhead. The starting point is usually located on the outskirts of the city, and from there, you will begin your hike to reach the summit of Champadevi Hill.

After completing the hike and enjoying the stunning views from the top, you will return to the starting point and be transported back to Kathmandu, where your day's adventure concludes. Since the trek is a one-day activity, you'll be able to return to the comforts of your accommodation in Kathmandu by the evening.

What is the Best Time for Champadevi Hike?

The best time to go for the Champadevi Hike is during the months of Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). These seasons offer the most favorable weather conditions and stunning views, making the trekking experience more enjoyable.

  • Autumn (September to November): During autumn, the weather is generally stable and clear, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. The skies are usually clear, offering excellent visibility of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The colorful landscapes due to blooming flowers and lush vegetation add to the beauty of the trek. It is the peak trekking season in Nepal, including Champadevi, so you can expect more fellow trekkers on the trail.
  • Spring (March to May): Spring is another great time for the Champadevi hike. The weather remains pleasant, and the temperatures start to warm up after the winter season. The hills and forests are adorned with blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers, creating a picturesque setting. Like autumn, the skies are generally clear, providing excellent mountain views.

During these seasons, the chances of rain and adverse weather conditions are relatively low, making it safer and more enjoyable to undertake the trek. The summer months (June to August) can be hot and humid, and the monsoon rains may lead to slippery and muddy trails. Similarly, winter (December to February) can be cold, especially in the early morning and late evening, with the possibility of fog and limited visibility.

To have the best experience during the Champadevi Hike, plan your trip during the autumn or spring months when the weather and natural surroundings are at their most favorable.

Itinerary
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  • Max. Altitude/Time2,278 meters/7,474 ft

At Morning

Begin the morning with a fulfilling breakfast. After breakfast at a scheduled time, a Nepal Trekking Planner representative and a hiking guide will pick you up from the hotel or pre-determined location. Then, the vehicle will transfer you to the foothills of Champadevi, where your day hike will officially begin. The drive to the foothill will take about one and a half hours via Dakshinkali road, depending upon the traffic conditions. You will feel the transition from the bustling city of Kathmandu to more remote areas of the valley. After an hour, you will reach Chobar, and then you will divert towards Hattiban resort. From the entrance gate of Hattiban Resort, the hiking trail of Champadevi begins. After reaching the foothill, prepare your hiking gear and start the hike.

Champadevi is the third-highest hill in Kathmandu, situated at 2,278 meters. The hill is named Champadevi after the patron goddess of the mountain, who protects the forest and the surrounding area. On the top of the mountain is a shrine which is dedicated to the goddess. Similarly, on the route, you will encounter a small Buddhist monastery. Besides the local attractions, the hill station of Champadevi also provides a panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley while portraying a magnificent view of Himalayan peaks, including Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, and others.

At Afternoon

As you start the hike, you will walk uphill through the dense pine forest, which is decorated with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. Similarly, the trail to the hilltop of Champadevi is well-marked, so it is easier to stay on the path without confusion. Then, as you move into the dense pine forests, you will take on the stone steps, which go all the way to the top. The stone steps can be friendly to experienced hikers, but novice hikers can get into trouble climbing in such scenarios. So be sure to rest in between to re-energize. Then, with about three hours of walking, you will reach the top of the hill, which will be your ultimate destination.

From the hilltop, notice the mesmerizing view of Taudaha Lake, which is surrounded by rural settlements. You can also see the Kathmandu valley from a bird' s-eye perspective. Similarly, if you are hiking on a clear, bright day, you can see Langtang Lirung, Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, and Mt Everest. Another landmark you can spot from the hilltop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Swayambhunath or Monkey Temple.

After immersing yourself in the view from the hilltop, visit the shrine of Champadevi, seek blessing, and offer offerings if you are interested. Then, you can have a short tea break, take photographs, and enjoy a short leisure time before beginning the return journey.

At Late Afternoon

With the quality time in Champadevi, begin the return journey. You will continue along the same route following the forested area. It will take about 2 hours or less to get down from the hilltop. During the return journey, watch out for any exotic flora and fauna. You can continue to take additional pictures as you come downhill. When you finally approach the base, settle in the private vehicle and relax. If you are hungry, the car will drive you to a restaurant for lunch. If not, you will be driven to your desired destination.

Your Champadevi hike with Nepal Trekking Planner will end upon reaching the destination. We hope to assist you in future tours or hikes. Until then, we wish you good luck in future endeavors. Best of Luck, and may the memories of Nepal last a lifetime.

 

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Champadevi Day Hike: 1 Day Map
FAQs

  • The Champadevi hike will take about three to four hours, depending on the pace. It starts from the outskirts of Kathmandu and ends at the summit after three to four hours.

  • The altitude of Champadevi is 2,285 meters.

  • The best month for Champadevi hiking is all year round. However, for the best experience, it is recommended that you visit during spring and autumn. Spring lasts from March to May, and autumn lasts from September to November. During these periods, the skies are clear and temperatures moderate, providing favorable hiking conditions.

  • The hill station is known as Champadevi because it is believed that the Hindu goddess Champadevi lived there. It is also thought that the hill was once a Buddhist site portrayed by several stupas and chorten.

  • Champadevi is 19 km from Kathmandu. To complete the Champa Devi hike from Kathmandu, first hikers should take a two-hour drive, from which the four-hour hike begins.

  • The Champadevi hike starts from Pharping. To reach Pharping, you should drive about two hours from Kathmandu. 

  • Hikers can do Champadevi hiking without a guide. However, hiring a guide does have many advantages. An experienced guide provided by Trekking Planner Nepal will help to navigate the path, provide insights regarding the flora and fauna, and enhance the experience. So, hiring a guide has many advantages over not hiring, so it is recommended to hire a guide for Champadevi hiking.

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