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Nepal's former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has been arrested from his Katunje-based residence in Bhaktapur on Saturday

According to a source, an arrest warrant was presented to him before taken into custody. 

He was arrested while implementing the report of the inquiry commission formed to investigate the Gen Z protest held on September 8 and 9.

A total of 77 people were killed-many of them protesters shot by police- during the protests, which also resulted in the destruction of government and private property worth billions of rupees.

ALSO READ: Nepal’s former PM KP Oli arrested following inquiry commission report

Police have also arrested former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli in the same case. 

The arrests were made shortly after a high-level meeting involving Prime Minister Balen Shah, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane and Home Minister Sudan Gurung. 

Immediately after the meeting, Home Minister Susan Gurung directed Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki and Inspector General of Armed Police Force Raju Aryal to arrest Oli and Lekhak. 

Meanwhile, CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has criticized the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, calling it an act of political revenge and prejudice.

In a social media post, Basnet criticized the current government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, particularly the appointment of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, describing it as controversial and inexperienced.

Calling for action, Basnet urged party members and supporters to participate in demonstrations to safeguard democratic values and oppose what he described as “revenge politics.” He added that further details of the protest program would be announced following a party secretariat meeting scheduled for the morning.

Police on Saturday arrested Nepal's former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli from his Gundu-based residence in Bhaktapur. 

An arrest warrant was handed over to Oli before he was taken into custody, according to SP Surys Bahadur Khadka, Chief at the District Police Range, Kathmandu.

A police team had reached his residence at 5 am today to arrest him.

Authorities said that he was detained while implementing the report of the inquiry commission formed to investigate Gen Z protests held on September 8 and 9.

A total of 77 people were killed-many of them protesters shot by police- during the protests, which also resulted in the destruction of government and private property worth billions of rupees.

The move follows the Cabinet decision taken on Friday to immediately implement the commission's recommendations. 

Government spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel had said that the first Cabinet meeting held under the headship of  Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Singha Durbar on Friday had decided to implement the issues recommended by the inquiry commission.

The meeting had also decided to form a study committee to examine issues pertaining to the security mechanisms involving individuals and bodies named in the report and act in accordance with the recommendations submitted by the committee, and to direct the concerned bodies to promptly act on the recommendations made by the commission in the case of others.

Following the decision, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung directed Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki and Inspector General of Armed Police Force Raju Aryal to arrest UML Chairman Oli and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak.

ALSO READ: Nepal’s former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak detained

Meanwhile, UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has criticized the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, calling it an act of political revenge and prejudice.

In a social media post, Basnet criticized the current government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, particularly the appointment of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, describing it as controversial and inexperienced.

Calling for action, Basnet urged party members and supporters to participate in demonstrations to safeguard democratic values and oppose what he described as “revenge politics.” He added that further details of the protest program would be announced following a party secretariat meeting scheduled for the morning.

Meanwhile, taking to Facebook, a social media platform, Home Minister Gurung said that the actions were guided by law and not driven by revenge.

He clarified that the arrest was made following the recommendation of the inquiry commission formed to investigate the Gen Z protests held on September 8 and 9.

"No one is above the law. This is not revenge against anyone. It is just the beginning of justice", Minister Gurung stated.

He also expressed confidence that the country will now take a new course.

Among Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations, Manang, which has been dubbed Himal Pariko Jilla (the District Beyond the Mountains), has always held top priority for both domestic and international travelers. Famous for Tilicho Lake and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manang has been attracting visitors from across the world for decades.

Yet, from a tourism perspective, there are still many beautiful corners of Manang that remain largely unnoticed. Tourists may have set foot in nearly every visible trail and valley, but there are still hidden gems that few people have even heard of.

These places, I believe, deserve to be explored not just for their scenic charm but also for the soothing tranquility they offer to travelers. That’s why two of my friends and I decided to embark on a motorbike journey through these fascinating places.

We left Kathmandu at around 1 pm. The Dashain festival rush had already begun, and as we reached Naubise, we found ourselves stuck in a three-hour traffic jam. Thousands were leaving the Valley for their hometowns to celebrate Nepal’s biggest and longest festival. Despite the slow-moving traffic, my excitement only grew. I was eager to see a different side of Manang, one I hadn’t seen before.

By 4 pm, we reached Muglin, where we stopped for some snacks before speeding up toward Besisahar, the gateway to Manang. Around 8 pm, we reached Dumre, where we had dinner and turned right toward Besisahar. Dumre, located in Tanahun district, serves as a crucial junction linking Manang with Kathmandu and other parts of the country.

At 10 pm, we finally reached Besisahar, completely worn out from a day of riding. After dinner, we went straight to bed. 

The next morning, we set off early for Manang, planning to have breakfast along the way. After crossing the Marsyangdi Hydropower Tunnel, we reached the dam side. Riding alongside the serene Marsyangdi River, with sweeping vistas of emerald hills and timeless villages, was an unforgettable experience.

At around 1 pm, we stopped at Chyamche for brunch. Most travelers pause here not only for food but to admire the majestic Boong Waterfall. Soon after, we came across another stunning cascade: the Octopus Waterfall, a favorite among travelers. We spent nearly half an hour there, soaking in its beauty.

The higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the landscape became. Yet, some stretches of the road were in a deplorable state, a reminder of the government’s negligence in developing infrastructure and promoting Manang’s tourism potential.

After several hours of challenging but rewarding riding, we reached Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, situated at 2,670 meters. Surrounded by dense pine forests, Chame is a key stop on the Annapurna Circuit and provides essential services to trekkers. We rested there for a while, enjoying the untamed beauty of the village.

Next, we headed toward Bhratang (2,900 meters)—the apple paradise—where we sampled a few varieties of apple wine, arguably the best in Nepal.

By the time we entered Pisang (3,250 meters), we were mesmerized by the surrounding beauty. The magnificent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak, framed by pine forests, made us forget all our fatigue.

At around 6 pm, we finally reached Manang, our destination. The following morning, we spent time exploring the village and observing local life before setting out to visit the lakes, which was the main goal of our journey.

Green Lake

Nestled at an elevation of 3,600–3,650 meters, Green Lake is one of Manang’s hidden treasures. Known for its crystal-clear green waters and serene surroundings, it offers peace, panoramic mountain views, and refreshing alpine air. The lake’s radiant surface mirrors Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Pisang Peak, a living canvas of nature’s perfection.

The trail to the lake winds through lush forests and alpine meadows. Once revered as a sacred site, the lake has been gradually drying up. Locals say it began losing water after visitors started disrespecting its sanctity and littering the area. Authorities have since installed a notice board urging visitors not to litter or relieve themselves near the lake.

Gangapurna Lake

Gangapurna Lake, formed by glaciers from Gangapurna (7,454m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Khangsar Kang, and Glacier Dome, sits at 3,540 meters. Its turquoise waters, framed by towering peaks, make it one of Manang’s most photogenic sites.

The lake also serves as a popular acclimatization hike for trekkers based in Manang village. In recent years, its popularity has surged among Indian tourists following the shooting of the Bollywood film Uunchai.

Blue Lake (Chindi Lake)

Locally known as Chindi Lake, the Blue Lake is a relatively new discovery in Manang. A pristine spring-fed lake, it enchants visitors with its vibrant turquoise hue and tranquil atmosphere. The trail leading to it meanders through verdant forests, and on a clear day, visitors can see the reflection of Annapurna III shimmering on its surface.
Cradled on the lap of the Annapurna range, Chindi Lake radiates an untouched beauty that makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and solitude.

Ice Lake (Kicho Tal)

Perched at 4,620 meters, Ice Lake, locally known as Kyopar Lake, is one of Manang’s crown jewels. The hike from Bhraka takes five to six hours, depending on one’s pace. The route winds through alpine pastures and rugged terrain, offering sweeping views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu range.

At around 4,000 meters, the crisp mountain air and boundless views reveal how truly rich Nepal is in natural beauty. Before reaching Ice Lake, trekkers encounter Khicho Lake, another small but beautiful body of water. Beyond its natural allure, Ice Lake also holds religious significance for locals.

Manang needs little introduction. It is not just a trekking hub leading to Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake, but a place where nature, culture, and adventure converge in perfect harmony.

Photos: Achitra Thieng

In what has emerged as a dramatic turn of events in Nepal’s evolving political crisis, a group of youths staged a protest outside the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar at midnight, demanding resignation of newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

Karki was appointed as the first female Prime Minister of Nepal on April 12 upon the recommendation of the Sudhan Gurung-led ‘Hami Nepal’ group.

They staged the protest after the news came out that Prime Minister Karki appointed former Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority Kulman Ghising as Minister for Energy, Rameshwor Khanal as Minister for Finance, and Om Prakash Aryal as Minister for Home Affairs without consulting the youth leaders who led the anti-corruption protests that toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led government.

Aryal is the legal advisor of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor, Balen Shah. He had played the role of facilitator during the Gen Z protests.

During the protest, also attended by family members of those who lost their lives during the protests, chanted various slogans like "Prime Minister should resign," and "Justice for the victims’ family," among others.

Gurung said, “People are powerful. No one can stop us. If we have the power to choose leaders, we also have the power to take them down,” adding “While I was managing bodies, Om Prakash Aryal was hatching a conspiracy to become the minister,” Gurung said.

The ministers participating in the Karki-led interim government will take the oath of office and secrecy on Monday.

The President Office informed that newly appointed ministers will be administered the oath of office and secrecy at 11 am today.

Former Chief Justice Karki was appointed as the Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government after days of anti-corruption protests that claimed lives of 72 people and forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and flee his official residence in Baluwatar.  With this appointment, she has made history by becoming the first female Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation.

According to Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, 59 protestors, 10 prisoners, and three security personnel were killed during the protests.

He said that 133 protesters and 57 security personnel, who were injured in the protests, are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

He said that Prime Minister Karki has decided to provide free treatment to the injured, declare those who died in the protests as martyrs, and provide them with Rs 1 million each.

In accordance with Article 61 (4) of the Constitution, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as the head of the interim government in consultation with the Nepal Army Chief and representatives of Gen Z who spearheaded the protests.

Known as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, Sushila Karki is admired for her clarity of thought, firm stance, and integrity during her tenure in the judiciary.

Karki served as the Chief Justice of Nepal from July 11, 2016, to June 6, 2017.

In April 2017, some lawmakers had attempted to impeach Karki accusing her of breaching the Constitution and failing to bear her duties, but the effort failed.

Newly appointed Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki took charge of the office on Sunday.

After assuming the office, former Chief Justice Karki, the first woman Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation, urged the government officials to heed the demands of protesters to end corruption, ensure good governance and provide economic equality.

“I did not become the Prime Minister as per my wish. It was the responsibility given by the Gen Z protests to take the country towards the path of development and prosperity,” Prime Minister Karki said, adding, “I will hand over the power to the new government after six months by conducting the parliamentary elections set for March 5.”

“Everyone is aware of how the interim government was formed,” she said. “The arson attack on important structures as well as on commercial buildings of the country was shameful. How can they be called Nepalis.”

“This kind of incident has happened for the first time in Nepal. Government buildings were vandalized and set ablaze. I believe that it was premeditated. The guilty must be brought to justice."

She was of the opinion that the government should encourage industrialists and businessmen by providing loans or whatever they can do in this time of crisis.

Expressing grief over the loss of life and property during the protests, the Prime Minister assured that the government would provide appropriate relief and assistance.

Prime Minister Karki said that the structures destroyed during the protests should be rebuilt at the earliest.

She went on to say that those involved in setting fire to the government offices, including the Supreme Court, will not be spared.

“Criminals posed a challenge to us. This is a challenge for the country. We have to rebuild the structures with the help of people. Let’s all unite, Let’s not criticize each other,” the head of the government said.

She expressed concern that important documents were destroyed along with the Supreme Court and Singha Durbar, the main administrative building.

Karki, who was appointed as the Prime Minister of the interim government on September 12 following the Gen Z protests, assumed office today in the building constructed for the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singha Durbar. The Prime Minister’s building was set on fire during the protests.

Before assuming the office, Prime Minister Karki visited the Martyrs' Memorial in Lainchaur and laid a wreath at the statue of the martyrs.

On the recommendation of the Gen Z representatives, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed former Chief Justice Karki as Prime Minister in accordance with Article 61 of the Constitution.

Prime Minister Karki is preparing to form a small Cabinet.

Earlier on September 13, Prime Minister Karki visited various hospitals to meet the people injured during the Gen Z protests.

Former Chief Justice Karki was appointed as the Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government after days of anti-corruption protests that claimed lives of 72 people and forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and flee his official residence in Baluwatar.  With this appointment, she has made history by becoming the first female Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation.

According to Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, 59 protestors, 10 prisoners, and three security personnel were killed during the protests.

He said that 133 protesters and 57 security personnel, who were injured in the protests, are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

He said that Prime Minister Karki has decided to provide free treatment to the injured, declare those who died in the protests as martyrs, and provide them with Rs 1 million each.

In accordance with Article 61 (4) of the Constitution, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as the head of the interim government in consultation with the Nepal Army Chief and representatives of Gen Z who spearheaded the protests.

Known as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, Sushila Karki is admired for her clarity of thought, firm stance, and integrity during her tenure in the judiciary.

Karki served as the Chief Justice of Nepal from July 11, 2016, to June 6, 2017.

In April 2017, some lawmakers had attempted to impeach Karki accusing her of breaching the Constitution and failing to bear her duties, but the effort failed.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as the Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government after days of anti-corruption protests that claimed 51 lives and forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and flee his official residence in Baluwatar.

With this appointment, she has made history by becoming the first female Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation.

In line with Article 61 (4) of the Constitution, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as the head of the interim government in consultation with the Nepal Army Chief and representatives of Gen Z who spearheaded the protests.

Article 61 (4) of the Constitution states that it shall be the primary duty of the President to uphold and protect the Constitution.

She expressed her readiness to become the Prime Minister after an agreement was reached to dissolve the Parliament.

Meanwhile, President Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy amidst a function in Sheetal Niwas.

After the swearing in ceremony, he also congratulated the newly appointed Prime Minister.

While congratulating her, President Paudel said, "May the country succeed and may the people prosper,"

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, ambassadors of various countries, and high-ranking government officials were present in the program.

However, leaders of the parties representing in the Parliament did not take part in the oath-taking ceremoney, expressing dissatisfaction over the formation of the interim government.

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai was present on the occasion.

Similarly, representatives of Gen Z who were present at the swearing-in ceremony exchanged greetings and congratulated the newly appointed Prime Minister Karki.

Shortly after the swearing in ceremony, Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives, the lower House of the Federal Parliament, upon the recommendation of Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the President, the next election of the Parliament will be held on March 5, 2026.

The Prime Minister is currently staying at her private residence due to damage caused by protesters at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar.

Nepal, which had practiced a bicameral system of legislature after the restoration of democracy in 1991, has witnessed several dissolutions of Parliament in the past.

KP Sharma Oli had dissolved the House of Representatives twice, first on December 20, 2020 and second on May 21, 2021. The Supreme Court overturned both the dissolutions.

The House of Representatives was dissolved for the first time in the country's parliamentary history on July 10, 1994.

Girija Prasad Koirala, the Prime Minister of the first elected government, dissolved Parliament after failing to endorse the policies and programs.

Writ petitions were filed in the Supreme Court against the dissolution. But all the writs were dismissed and the country went for mid-term elections.

Manmohan Adhikari, who became Prime Minister from the mid-term election, dissolved the House of Representatives on June 9, 1995.

The then Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa on January 8, 1998 and Girija Prasad Koirala in 1998 had attempted to dissolve the Parliament but to no avail.

The then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba had also dissolved the House of Representatives on September 24, 2002. The Supreme Court also upheld it, but it failed to hold the election on time.

Who is Sushila Karki?

Known as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, Sushila Karki is admired for her clarity of thought, firm stance, and integrity during her tenure in the judiciary.

Born on June 7, 1952 at Shankharpur-3 of Biratnagar, Morang, Karki completed her Bachelor’s Degree from the Mahendra Morang College, Biratnagar and went to Banaras Hindu University in 1975 to earn a Master’s degree in Political Science. After obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Law from the Tribhuvan University, she entered the legal profession as an advocate on March 29, 1979.

Karki spent three years teaching at the Mahendra Multiple Campus, Morang from 1985. She took the leadership of the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) Koshi Zone for three years from 1988, and later as the head of the NBA at the Biratnagar Appellate Court.

She received the title of senior advocate on December 20, 2004, and was appointed as a temporary judge of the Supreme Court on January 22, 2009. She became a permanent judge of the Supreme Court on November 18, 2010.

Karki served as the Chief Justice of Nepal from July 11, 2016, to June 6, 2017.

In April 2017, some lawmakers had attempted to impeach Karki accusing her of breaching Constution and failing to bear her duties,  but the effort failed.

With the onset of monsoon, the arid landscapes of Nepal begin to turn green. Rain-soaked hills come alive with a splash of color, as wildflowers briefly bloom, painting the countryside in hues that exist only in this season. Traveling has always been my passion. Driven by wanderlust, I longed to venture into uncharted places, and trekking during the monsoon had always been on my bucket list.

There is a saying: everything has its time, and everything is beautiful in its time. On June 21, 2024, as I was sitting with friends at Boudha, my phone rang. A friend was planning the Kori Danda trek and asked if I wanted to join. Without hesitation, I said yes. I too had been searching for a group to travel with during the rains. Our team would include three Nepalis and two Norwegians.

We knew the rains would test us, but the lure of lush forests, swelling rivers, and monsoon scenery was irresistible. According to plan, we left Kathmandu at 6 am, stopping at Naubise for breakfast. The Prithvi Highway up to Muglin was in rough shape, but beyond that, the road smoothed out, carrying us to Pokhara, the lake city.

After lunch, we headed towards Khaukhola and reserved a jeep for Sikles.

Perched at 1,940 meters, Sikles is Nepal’s second-largest Gurung settlement, with around 300 households resting under the shadow of the Annapurna and Lamjung peaks. On the way, we passed cascading waterfalls and small hamlets before reaching Chipli, another Gurung village.

The paved road ended there, and the journey turned into an off-road adventure. After three hours, we finally reached Sikles. Remote and untouched by urban sprawl, the village felt like a step back into a gentler time.

That evening we stayed at Namaste Guest House. Over barbecue, chatter, and laughter, the group bonded. The next morning, the mountains revealed themselves in the golden light, smiling like a newly married bride. It was a moment to cherish.

After breakfast, we began our trek. Monsoon trekking is not easy: trails become slippery, landslides loom, and rivers swell. Yet, the rains also breathe new life into forests and rivers, making everything feel freshly born. Around 10 am, we left Sikles, descending steeply for an hour and a half to Madkyu Bridge. The locals had warned us: from there to Tasa, the first station, the climb would be steep and grueling. They were right.

The uphill trail tested us under the searing sun. After two hours, we reached Marley Cottage, where we rested and ate noodles. Soon after resuming, rain poured down, and we trudged on in drenched raincoats. By 3 pm, we reached Tasa, shivering from the cold. The teahouse owner lit a fire for us, and one by one, other trekkers arrived. That night, we shared stories and laughter before falling into deep sleep.

The following morning, one of our Norwegian friends felt too weak to continue. We urged her to rest, and eventually, she decided to move along slowly. The trail offered no mercy: steeper climbs, denser forests, and constant drizzle. The Kori trail, being relatively new, had few trekkers, adding to the sense of wilderness. As the rain pattered on pine leaves, the forest shimmered in fresh green. The only unwelcome companions were leeches, clinging to shoes and legs, but we pressed on.

After six hours, we reached Deurali at 3,800 meters, just 15 minutes shy of Kori Danda. Our exhaustion melted away at the sight of the pristine surroundings, rolling hills, alpine meadows, and a horizon dominated by Himalayan giants. Reaching Kori felt like placing a final stone on a heavy load, a release of body and spirit.

That night, we huddled around the fire again, drinking in the warmth while rain poured outside. There is no water source between Tasa and Kori, so carrying bottles is essential for anyone attempting the trek. Many others had been waiting there for days, hoping for clear skies.

When dawn broke, fortune favored us. As we stepped outside, the sky unveiled its masterpiece: Annapurna and Lamjung glowing under the first light, wildflowers carpeting the pastures, and horses grazing against the backdrop of peaks. It was surreal, like a painting come to life, or as if the sky itself had blessed the mountains with a kiss.

We soaked in the moment, took photos, and then reluctantly packed to return. The descent was punishing, and by the time we reached Madkyu Bridge, our legs were trembling. We called for a jeep and drove back to Pokhara, tired but fulfilled.

For the Norwegians, the trek had been a dream fulfilled: to see the Himalayas up close in their raw beauty. For me, it was more than just a journey through nature. Like all voyages, it was a mixture of challenge and joy, of learning and renewal.

The Kori Danda trek, also known as the Toni Hagen Trail, is not for the faint-hearted. Its steep climbs and monsoon risks demand preparation and resilience. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the reward is unforgettable.

Hiking has emerged as one of the most popular activities in Kathmandu, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic brought life to a standstill. During the lockdown, many residents of the Kathmandu Valley found themselves confined to their homes, with little to do except watch TV or scroll through their phones. This period saw a dramatic rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. As a result, people eagerly awaited the day when the lockdown would be lifted, allowing them to venture outdoors and seek solace in the serene green hills. This longing for nature gave rise to a thriving hiking culture in Kathmandu. Here are five must-visit hiking destinations around the Kathmandu Valley:

Shivapuri

Standing at an elevation of 2,732 meters, Shivapuri Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Kathmandu. The hike begins at Budhanilkantha and takes approximately five to six hours to reach the summit. The trail winds through the dense, biodiverse forests of Shivapuri National Park, leading to Nagi Gumba, a tranquil Buddhist monastery perched atop the hill. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and visit Bagdwar, believed to be the source of the Bagmati River. A large fair is held here every Nepali New Year. From Bagdwar, it takes about an hour to reach Shivapuri Peak, where a large open ground and a statue of Shivapuri Baba await. The peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himalayan ranges. Shivapuri is the second-highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley and can also be accessed via Tarebhir.

Jamacho

For those seeking a shorter hike near Kathmandu, Jamacho is an ideal choice. Located at an altitude of 2,128 meters, the hike begins at the Phulbari gate. As you enter the forest, the serene environment quickly helps you forget the chaos of city life. The hike takes about three to four hours to complete and leads to a sacred Buddhist site with a monastery at the hilltop. From here, you can enjoy clear views of the Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang Himalayan ranges, as well as the Kathmandu Valley.

Bhasmasur

Bhasmasur, the third-highest hill in Kathmandu at 2,500 meters, is a fantastic hiking destination in the southern part of the valley. The hike starts from Hattiban and takes around six hours to reach the top. The trail passes through Hattiban Resort and Champadevi, where you can visit the Champadevi Temple and the Padmasambhava Cave. The path winds through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

From the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Langtang, Jugal, and Gaurishankar Himalayan ranges. For those looking to extend their adventure, the hike can continue to Chandragiri.

Kakani-Suryachaur

The Kakani-Suryachaur hike is a short and easy trail located to the north of Kathmandu. Situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the hike begins in Kakani, a popular picnic spot known for its strawberries and trout fish. The trail takes you through dense forests of pine and rhododendron within Shivapuri National Park. After about three hours, you’ll reach Suryachaur, an open ground offering spectacular sunset views. Local eateries along the way provide opportunities to enjoy a hearty meal amidst nature.

Nagarkot-Sankhu

Nagarkot, a well-known tourist destination, is famous for its sunrise and sunset views. The Nagarkot-Sankhu hike is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Starting from Nagarkot Bazaar, the trail passes through an eco-trail, Kattike Bhangyang, a Tamang village, and Jaharsinghpauwa before reaching Sankhu, a charming Newari village. The hike takes about five hours and is relatively easy, offering majestic views of the Jugal and Gaurishankar Himalayan ranges. Along the way, hikers can explore traditional Tamang villages and immerse themselves in local culture.

Photos: Achitra Thieng