Nagarjuna Hiking (Jamacho)
Nagarjuna Hiking (Jamacho)
Overview Itinerary Includes Trip Info Reviews

Nagarjuna Hiking (Jamacho)

Duration 5-6 hours
We offer special group discounts, please contact us for the offers.
Trip Duration 5-6 hours
Group Size 2-15 people
Maximum Altitude 2095m.
Difficulty Grade Easy
Start & End Point Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Best Seasons All season

Trip Highlights of Nagarjuna Hiking (Jamacho)

  • Experience the historic Padmasambhava monastery.
  • Discover new caves, such as Manjushree Cave, Mahasiddha Cave, and Nagarjuna’s Cave.
  • Visit the magnificent Jamacho Monastery at Nagarjuna’s summit.
  • Enjoy the Buddhist and Newari cultures.

Overview of Nagarjuna Hiking (Jamacho)

One of the well-known and simple walks close to the Kathmandu Valley is Nagarjuna Hiking (Jamacho). Vindhya Mountain, also known as Nagarjuna Hill, is well-known among Buddhists and Hindus. To learn more about the cultural and historical significance, see Nagarjuna Durbar Square. Find the little statues of Nagarjuna Buddha and other gods at the Jamacho Monastery. Shivapuri and Nagarjuna are two different hill islands that you might find. Explore the varied flora and fauna as you stroll through Raniban’s dense forest.

Itinerary of Nagarjuna Hiking (Jamacho)

Nagarjuna (Jamacho) Hike — Suggested Itinerary (1 Day)

Morning — Start Early

6:30 – 7:30 AM | Get Ready & Drive to Start Point

  • Leave Kathmandu (e.g., Thamel/Balaju area) early to avoid midday heat and crowds.
  • Drive to Phulbari Gate (Fulbari Gate) — the official entry point into Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park (about 15–30 min from Kathmandu city).
  • At the park entrance, buy a permit/ticket (required for entry).

7:30 – 8:30 AM | Begin Hiking

  • Start on the marked forest trail from Fulbari Gate.
  • The initial section includes stone steps and forest paths, gradually ascending.
  • You’ll walk through rhododendron, oak, and pine trees — great for bird watching and enjoying nature.

Mid-Morning — Ascent to Jamacho

  • 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Steady Climb Through Forest
  • Expect 2 – 3 hours of uphill walking to reach the top.
  • Take breaks for photos, water, and enjoying views of the valley and distant peaks.

Tips on the route

  • Most hikers follow the same trail — avoid shortcuts or unmarked paths to stay safe.
  • There’s no water source on the trail, so carry enough water and snacks.

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Jamacho Summit

  • Jamacho Monastery / Viewpoint is the top point (~2,100 m), with stunning panoramas
  • Kathmandu Valley
  • Langtang & Ganesh Himal ranges (on clear days)

Spend time:

  • Exploring the Jamacho Monastery
  • Taking photos and rest
  • Enjoying a packed lunch/tea break (no shops on trail, small snack spot sometimes near summit).

Afternoon — Return Descent

  • 12:30 – 3:00 PM | Head Back to Fulbari Gate
  • Retrace your steps along the same trail.
  • Descend is generally faster than ascent but pay attention to footing on sections with rocks or roots.

3:00 – 4:00 PM | Return to Kathmandu

  • Drive back from the trailhead to your hotel.

Cost Includes And Excludes

What's Included?
  • National Park Entry Permit for Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (required at Fulbari/Phulbari Gate) — this allows you to enter the park legally.
  • Transportation from your hotel to the trailhead and back (private vehicle).
  • Professional guide (experienced and often English-speaking) for the hike.
  • Staff costs (e.g., guide salary, insurance for crew) when arranged via a tour operator.
  • Local taxes / government taxes.
  • Sometimes packed lunch and water (depends on operator – e.g., some include a lunch pack and two bottles of water).
What's Excluded?
  • Food & drinks not included in the package
  • Snacks at tea shops if you stop during the hike
  • Tips for guide/driver (optional but customary)
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Personal hiking gear (shoes, poles, rain jacket etc.)
  • Extra services like accommodation or extra transport beyond the hike
  • Personal items like phone/data charges, souvenirs, etc.

Nagarjuna (Jamacho) Hike — Essential Information

Location

  • Inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
  • Northern edge of Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Trailhead: Fulbari Gate (Balaju side)

Elevation & Distance

  • Starting point: ~1,350 m
  • Jamacho viewpoint: ~2,100–2,128 m
  • Elevation gain: ~750 m
  • Distance: ~8–10 km round trip
  • Time required: 5–7 hours total

Entry Permit

  • Required (National Park entry ticket)
  • Available at Fulbari Gate
  • Bring passport or ID
  • Fee varies for Nepali, SAARC, and foreign nationals

Difficulty Level

  • Easy to Moderate
  • Continuous uphill climb (mostly stone steps & forest trail)
  • Suitable for beginners with basic fitness

What You’ll See

  • Dense forest (oak, pine, rhododendron)
  • Birdlife & occasional wildlife
  • Panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley
  • On clear days: Langtang & Ganesh Himal ranges
  • Jamacho Monastery at the top

Best Time to Go

  • Best seasons: Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
  • Start early (before 8 AM) for cooler weather and clearer mountain views
  • Weekends can be crowded

Facilities

  • No reliable water sources on trail
  • No proper shops (sometimes small tea/snack stall at top, not guaranteed)
  • Basic toilet near entrance

What to Bring

  • 1.5–2 liters of water
  • Snacks or packed lunch
  • Good hiking shoes
  • Light jacket (it’s cooler at the top)
  • Sunscreen & hat

Important Tips

  • Stay on the main marked trail
  • No camping allowed
  • Park usually closes around late afternoon (plan to exit before closing time)
  • Mobile network works in some sections but not consistently
Nagarjuna (Jamacho) Hike — FAQs

The hike is inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, on the northwestern edge of Kathmandu. The usual starting point is Fulbari Gate (Balaju side).

It’s easy to moderate. The trail is mostly uphill with stone steps and forest paths. Beginners with average fitness can complete it.

  • Ascent: 2–3 hours
  • Descent: 1.5–2 hours
  • Total time: 5–7 hours (round trip)

The summit near Jamacho Monastery is around 2,100–2,128 meters above sea level.

Yes. Since it’s inside a national park, you must buy an entry ticket at Fulbari Gate. Bring a valid ID or passport.

No, a guide is not required. The trail is well-marked and straightforward. However, first-time hikers may prefer going with friends or a local guide.

  • No reliable water sources.
  • Occasionally a small tea/snack stall near the top (not guaranteed).
  • Carry enough water (1.5–2L) and snacks.
  • Best seasons: Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
  • Start early (before 8 AM) for cooler weather and clearer views.
  • Weekends can be busy.

On clear days:

  • Panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley
  • Views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges
  • Forest scenery and birdlife

Yes, it is generally safe for solo hiking during daytime. Stay on the main trail and return before park closing time.

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