Contact Us
Kathmandu valley is surrounded by the Mahabharat Hill range and it’s one of the longest hilly ranges in Nepal. In that hilly range, there are many hilltops and those hilltops offer dazzling views of snowy peaks. And to observe those hills called to do the hike; such as Phulchoki Hike, Chandragiri Hike, Shivapuri Peak Hike, and many more. And there is one more hill and it’s the highest peak and that is called Bethanchowk. To hike there is called Bethanchowk Hike.
Bethanchowk hill is actually called Narayanthan because, on top of the hill, there is a little Narayan Temple. For the Bethanchowk hike, we can call this place Bethanchowk Narayanthan Hiking too. The 3000m high hill is surrounded by other many green hills and from the top of the Bathenchowk, we can enjoy incredible views. The best view is the snow-capped mountain peaks including the tallest peak in the world Mt. Everest.
Because of the tallest place in the Mahabharat hill range, this place stands as the King of the hills. And from here we can enjoy 360-angle views including valleys, hills, and snowy peaks. Mount Dhaulagiri can see from the eastern part and Mt. Everest, Makalu, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Langtang range can observe from the western part of the Bethanchowk. However, this glorious place is under shadow because of the lack of promotion and initiatives from the authorities. I personally felt this place has a lot of potential to become the best hiking trail near Kathmandu.
Bethanchowk Hike is perfect for those who want to escape from this hustling and bustling Kathmandu. Then for those who work very hard for 6 days a week and looking for refreshing places. And of course for that person who loves to be in nature and the wilderness.
How to get there?
If you are in Kathmandu first you need to take a bus to Banepa or you can directly take a bus from Ratnapark Kathmandu to Panauti. From Panauti you have to take a bus to Dhunkharka. This is the easiest way to get to the base camp of Bethanchowk Hill. Another way is from the Makawanpur side, although this side is not much popular as the Kavre side. From Panauti, need to travel off-road and it is bumping and jumping and that makes your touring more entertaining.
After reaching Dhungkharka, the real journey to Bethanchowk Hike begins. And reach Dhungkharka will take around 3 hours from Kathmandu. And ascending for around 4 to 5 hours will get to the ultimate destination the Bethanchowk top. Get in top-stop breath for while and enjoy the memorizing glimpse of the surrounding nature. Even though there is a motorable road till halfway but better to hike. Then the next day follows the same way to get back to your normal life in the cities.
What to bring with you for the Bethanchowk hike
Every hike needs to have some hiking equipment such as a bag, shoes, light, etc. Bethanchowk hill is a complete wilderness and no places close to so to do this hike need to pack carefully. Otherwise, your journey to Bethanchowk might be a nightmare for a lifetime. So that the packing list for the Bethanchowk Hike is hereby.
- A good camping bag
- Camping tent
- Hiking boot
- Sleeping bag
- Matrish
- Small gas pot
- Cooking utensils (very basic)
- Snacks (dry fruits, chocolate bars,
- Fire items( lighter or matches box)
- Enough water (because on top of Bethanchowk, there is no water source)
- Cooking items (Instense noodles, rice, potatoes, etc)
- Cloths items (depend on the season you travel there)
The best time to Hike Bethanchowk
Bethanchowk hike is a kind of all-season hike but spring, autumn, and winter are the best time to do a hike to Bethanchowk. Because during these three seasons, the weather will be clear, and an opportunity to enjoy the dazzling view of surrounding nature. And even snow on top of Bethanchowk hill during the winter season.
Summer is considered the worst time to do this hike because, during the summer season, there will be rain and no good view. Mostly cloudy and leech (bloodsucker) can be the biggest problem. Although the greenery surrounding the summer season is amazing to enjoy nature.
Why you should do Bethanchowk hike
Are you working in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, or Lalitpur for 6 days a week and looking for an outing place for a weekend? Then you must do this hike because you will be re-energetic after this trip. Do you love capping and a good view from your tent nearby Kathmandu? Then you should go to Bethanchowk hill.
The main reason to do this hike is to enjoy the outstanding views of mother nature including the white snowy peaks. Feel the love, peace, and tranquility of nature and be free for a while from the busy life of the city.
