Description
Ranikot Hiking – An Exclusive Day Tour
Introduction
Nepal is a magical country which is a heady mix of beauty, nature and wildlife. The breathtaking views of the high Himalayas are indeed a sight to behold. Clearly, they are also an adventurer’s dream, and we can always find hopeful trekkers and mountaineers waiting to scale the tall peaks. Some feisty tourists may not have the time to spare as well. This is where hikes come in! Hikes are comfortable walking or climbing trips, usually ending in a day or two. If you’re in Kathmandu for a short while but still want to get a whiff of pristine mountain air, a hike is your best bet – they’re cheap, noteworthy, and gorgeous and do wonders for your health as well.
Hiking around Kathmandu offers an opportunity to see fantastic mountain views and explore Nepalese countryside without going too far and without climbing high. Besides that we do not have to lose the comfort of the city while doing these hikes.
The Kathmandu valley offers plenty of hiking routes and day trips. These hikes generally take 4 to 6 hours of walking to arrive at the destinations. We can either return the same day or stay overnight. The trails pass through the sub-alpine forests and the rural countryside witnessing the amazing Nepalese typical culture and their lifestyle.
Trip overview
Ranikot is one of the best locations for a hiking day trip in Kathmandu that lies at an altitude of2782m in the southern part of Bhaktapur. This hill station offers the ample opportunity to view Kathmandu valley along with exclusive view of the Langtang, Gauri Shanker, and Rolwaling Himalayan range with historical Dorje Lakpa Peak, the terraced farms and the pristine natural beauty of Nepalese villages with different cultural people.
The hike starts from Suryabinayak temple Bhaktapur after half an hour drive from Kathmandu center .This is a short hike considering the walk of 2-3 hours that goes through the small villages, jungles, streams and smooth of beaten trails. On our trip, we can also add Panauti (extra hour drive from Suryabinayak), where we will have the real experience of old Kathmandu and cross the Ranikot pass through great sceneries.
Ranikot Fort
Ranikot is a historical site. As per the locals, Ranikot was an ancient fort that was built during the medieval period by king Prithivi Narayan Shah. There are some remains of the fort and the tunnels used for the warfare. It was also a place of vacation for the Queen and King.
Bagbhairav Temple
Along with the natural charm, Ranikot consists of the temple of Bag Bhairab that posture the place with excessively religious importance, every year on the full moon day of Mangsir November – December ) and Baishakh(April – may ) , fairs and festivals are held over there. The Bhote community in the locality practices the Jhakri Dance at the occasion. Baghbhairav is a naturally located figure of the Tiger sitting in the middle of a forest. Hence, it is a place worth your time.
Quick Facts
Trip duration: 1 Day
Best time: Sept. – Dec, March – June
Max elevation: 2000m
Difficulty: Easy
Starts / Ends in: Kathmandu
Transportation: Car + Coach
Group size: 2-12 people
Attractions:
Trip Itinerary:
- 07:00 am: Pick up from the hotel in Kathmandu and drive half an hour to Suryabinayak.
- 08:00 am: Visit Hindu Temple nearby Suryabinayak and start hike to Ranikot.
- 08:15am: Continues hiking by crossing small settlement through the dense forest and steep up hills. Reach to the top of Ranikot View Point.
- 10:00 am: Quick lunch break with picturesque snow-capped Himalayan range, Kathmandu Valley, and green nature.
- 10:30 pm: Retrace back down to Rayalay village. Here we can experience rural lifestyle.
- 03:30 pm: By crossing many small villages, exploring traditional walking trail we will reach to Panauti.
- 04:30 pm: After exploring the old town of Newar Community, drive to Kathmandu.
- 06:00 pm: Arrive hotel.
Inclusions
Exclusions
We can customize this trip as per your schedule, budget and preferences. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.
