A village walk from Panauti to Balthali on the south-east rim of the Kathmandu Valley, through terraced farms and Newar and Tamang villages, for 2027
From US$55 per person
Duration
1 days
Grade
Easy
Highest point
About 1,500 to 1,700 m (published sources differ)
Group size
1 to 20
Starts and ends
Kathmandu hotel
Best time
October to May
Govt RegdTAAN #1586300+ ★ reviews
Three generations of family guides in the Himalayas, independent since 2016
Government-licensed Nepal trekking company (Reg 147653)
TAAN Member #1586
300+ reviews
Secure payment via Himalayan Bank
Four-time TripAdvisor award winner (Travellers' Choice 2020, 2023, 2024 and Certificate of Excellence 2019)
Overview
From US$55Updated Nov 14, 2026
Balthali Village Day Hike is a 1-day walk from Kathmandu through the foothills on the south-east rim of the valley. You drive to Panauti, walk up to Balthali through terraced farms and Newar and Tamang villages, and drive back. It takes about eight hours in all, with about four hours on foot. The price is from USD 55 per person for two guests on Budget, USD 125 on Standard and USD 145 on Luxury.
I like this walk because it shows rural Nepal, not a trail built for tourists. You meet farmers, pass small shrines, and eat lunch in a village home. It is easy enough for families, and it is a good rest day between bigger treks. If you want a day with a monastery instead, see the Dhulikhel and Namobuddha day hike.
Private for your group, any size from 1 to 20. Message me on WhatsApp or use the enquiry form and I will answer myself, usually within a few hours.
Why book with The Everest Holiday
Three generations of family guidesFamily-run since 2016 with three generations of guiding heritage. Not an agency — the family that runs the company leads your trek personally.
Private group, no strangersEvery trek we run is private. Your group only. We never combine bookings or add strangers to your party. If you book solo, you walk with a guide; if you book as four friends, your group stays four.
Nagarjun Learning Center givebackA fixed share of every booking funds the Nagarjun Learning Center — 70 children, 7 community centres, 3 full-time teachers, 600+ medical interventions, 275+ women supported. You can visit the centre before or after your trip; we arrange the visit separately.
Government registered, TAAN memberGovt Regd. No. 147653/072/073. Trekking Agency Licence 2090/072, Travel Agency Licence 2838/072. TAAN Member #1586. Over 300 reviews on TripAdvisor, Google and Trustpilot. We are a real, audited Nepal company — not a booking-platform middleman.
Day by day
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The Balthali Village Day Hike from Kathmandu, 1 Day with The Everest Holiday costs $55 (Budget), $125 (Standard), or $145 (Luxury) per person for the 1-day trip. Book with a 10% deposit; the balance is payable in Kathmandu.
Budget price by group size
Travellers in your group
Price per person
1
US$90
2 to 4
US$55
5 to 8
US$30
9 to 12
US$25
13 to 20
US$25
Discounts are determined exclusively by the size of your group. We do not add additional members to your group.
A comfortable private luxury vehicle from your Kathmandu hotel to Panauti and back
Guide
Licensed English-speaking guide for the day
Food
Lunch and all the mineral water you want
Fees
Small village and temple entries on the route
Not included
Not included
Alcohol
Kathmandu hotel nights
Travel insurance (buy it at home)
International flights and Nepal visa
Tips for your guide and driver
Dates
Your trek, your choice, your price. Choose the style that suits you. Book a private departure on any date with just your party, or join a fixed group departure and trek with fellow adventurers from around the world. Same routes, same guides, same quality — 3 comfort tiers on both options. Per-person price follows our group-discount tiers based on YOUR party size (a couple pays less per pax than a solo trekker, 5+ pays less again) — the same tiers apply on both booking types.
Private departure
Any date you choose
Just your party + dedicated guide
3 comfort tiers (Budget, Standard, Luxury)
Per-pax price tier set by YOUR party size
Fixed group departure
Scheduled dates (see below)
Join other trekkers from around the world
3 comfort tiers (Budget, Standard, Luxury)
Per-pax price tier set by YOUR party size (same tier as Private)
Prefer email? Send a question and we will reply within a few hours.
Peak season (Sep–Nov) — our guides book up fast. Get in touch 6–8 weeks ahead to secure your preferred dates.
Other dates
Need a different date? Other dates are available on request.Contact us or message Shreejan on WhatsApp.
Fixed departures are dates we have already committed to run. Your party still treks as its own private group with its own guide; we never merge bookings or add strangers, and solo trekkers are welcome on any date. Private departures on any other date you choose are also available. On both, the per-person price is set by the size of your own party.
Shreejan and Shamjhana plan every trek personally
Your hosts since 2016. Ask us anything; we reply within hours.
For two guests, the price per person is USD 55 Budget, USD 125 Standard and USD 145 Luxury. A solo hiker pays USD 90, USD 180 and USD 235. It falls for larger groups, down to USD 25 Budget at 13 or more.
Where is Balthali?
In the hills south-east of the Kathmandu Valley, between Panauti and Dhulikhel. It is a village of farmers, with terraced fields and views of the Himalaya.
How long does it take from Kathmandu?
About 90 minutes by road to Panauti, then about four hours of walking, and the drive back. The whole day is about eight hours.
How hard is the walk?
Easy to moderate. The paths are village trails with a few climbs, and there is no real altitude. Most people who walk regularly find it comfortable.
Do I need a permit?
No park permit is needed for this walk. Your guide covers small village entry costs, and they are in the price.
What will I see?
Newar and Tamang villages, terraces of rice, millet and mustard, small temples, and the old town of Panauti. In the clear season you see the high Himalaya from the ridge.
What is the best time of year?
October to December and February to May. During the rice season in June to September, the fields are green but the paths are wet.
Can I stay overnight in Balthali?
Yes, there are homestays and small lodges. This page is the day hike, but I can add a night if you ask. Prices for the overnight option are not on this page.
Is it good for families and older walkers?
Yes. It is a gentle day with long rests, and the vehicle waits at both ends. Tell me if someone has a knee or heart condition.
How is it different from the Dhulikhel and Namobuddha hike?
That day is a hike to a Buddhist stupa on a hilltop. Balthali is a village walk with farms and Panauti's old town. If you like Dhulikhel, you will like this too. See our Dhulikhel and Namobuddha day hike.
What should I bring?
Walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a rain layer and a litre and a half of water. Small notes for tea and snacks help in the village.
What is included on each tier?
Budget has a local bus and guide. Standard has a private vehicle and a lunch. Luxury has a private luxury vehicle, lunch and all drinks.
How do I book?
You pay a 10% deposit and the balance on the day or in Kathmandu in USD or EUR cash, or by card with a 3.5% charge. You can reschedule free with at least 72 hours of notice. The deposit is not refundable. Message me on WhatsApp or use the enquiry form and I will answer myself, usually within a few hours.
Secure payment by Himalayan Bank.
