Dhulikhel Namobuddha Day Hike

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Day Hike - 1 Day

Day hike from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel and Namobuddha monastery, 2027. Himalayan views, sacred Buddhist site. From USD 99. Guided, 10% deposit.

From US$95 per person

Duration
1 day
Grade
Easy
Highest point
1,750m / 5,741ft
Group size
1 to 20
Starts and ends
Kathmandu
Best time
Feb, Mar, April, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec

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 Travellers' Choice winner (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024)

Overview

From US$955.0 from 1 reviewUpdated Sep 21, 2026

Dhulikhel and Namobuddha Day Hike Highlights

  • Six-hour ridge-line hike from Dhulikhel through pine forests and farming villages to the Namobuddha monastery
  • Namobuddha is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, marking where a young prince offered his body to a starving tigress in a previous incarnation of the Buddha
  • Panoramic Himalayan views from the ridge: Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar and Numbur on a clear morning
  • Private vehicle transfer from Kathmandu (45 km, 90 minutes) and return same day
  • Local Newari lunch at Dhulikhel before the hike, vegetarian set meal at the monastery if scheduling allows
  • Suitable for anyone with moderate fitness; the trail is well-maintained and the elevation gain is gentle

Why I built this trek the way I did

I am Shreejan, the founder of The Everest Holiday. This is the day hike I recommend to clients who have a free day in Kathmandu and want mountain air without committing to a multi-day trek. On a clear morning the Dhulikhel-Namobuddha ridge gives a fine Himalayan view within a two-hour drive of Kathmandu, and the monastery at the end is a real working Buddhist site, not a tourist setup.

The route matters. Most operators run this as a quick stop at the monastery with a vehicle drop and pick-up. I built ours the other way. The ridge walk from Dhulikhel is the experience. You earn the monastery on foot, which is how it has always been done.

Every booking helps fund the teacher's salary at our Nagarjun Learning Center in Saldum, where 70 children get free education out of my own pocket.

Dhulikhel to Namobuddha Day Hike at a glance

Duration1 day, from Kathmandu
RouteDhulikhel to the Namobuddha monastery, on the eastern valley rim
StyleGuided day hike with mountain views
DifficultyEasy to moderate
Best monthsOctober to April

Best time for the Dhulikhel to Namobuddha Day Hike

SeasonMonthsWhat it is likeVerdict
AutumnOctober to NovemberClear, dry and pleasant, the best windowBest overall
SpringMarch to AprilWarm and greenGreat
WinterDecember to FebruaryCool, clear and quietGood
MonsoonJune to mid-SeptemberWarm, humid and wetFair

Compare our three packages

Feature Budget Standard Luxury
Price from USD $99 USD $135 USD $155
Transport Local vehicle from your Kathmandu hotel and back Shared tourist vehicle Luxury private vehicle
Guide English-speaking hiking guide Experienced hiking guide Expert hiking guide, personal attention throughout
Meals Not included (local restaurants and teahouses on the trail) Lunch at a local restaurant with tea or coffee Lunch at the best restaurant on the trail, tea, coffee and soft drinks carried by your guide
Water Not included Bottled water Bottled water
Entrance fees and permits Included Included Included

Enhance Your Nepal Experience

Make the most of your time in Nepal. We offer a range of addon activities and services that you can add to any trek or tour package. Whether you want to extend your trip, add a cultural experience, or try something adventurous, we can customise your itinerary.

Popular Addon Activities

  • Chitwan Jungle Safari — spot rhinos, tigers, and elephants in Nepal's most famous national park
  • Pokhara Adventure Activities — paragliding, zip-lining, boating on Fewa Lake
  • Kathmandu Cultural Tours — Bhaktapur, Patan, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath
  • White Water Rafting — on the Trisuli or Bhote Koshi rivers
  • Mountain Flights — one-hour scenic flight along the Himalayan range
  • Nagarkot Sunrise — panoramic Himalayan views from the hilltop village
  • Cooking Classes — learn to make traditional Nepali dishes
  • Yoga and Meditation — sessions in Kathmandu or Pokhara

How It Works

Tell us what interests you and we will build it into your itinerary at no extra hassle. All addon activities include transport, guides, and permits where needed. Pricing depends on the activity and group size.

Chat with us to plan your perfect Nepal trip:

Every trip is private and fully customisable. No strangers added to your group. Your Nepal adventure, your way.

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

Couldn’t find what you’re after? Reach out to our travel experts.

Customise trip

Interactive route map

Prices

The Dhulikhel Namobuddha Day Hike - 1 Day with The Everest Holiday costs $95 (Budget), $135 (Standard), or $155 (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 groupPrice per person
1US$150
2 to 4US$95
5 to 8US$45
9 to 12US$35
13 to 20US$30

Discounts are determined exclusively by the size of your group. We do not add additional members to your group.

Book Budget

Himalayan Bank logoSecure payment by Himalayan Bank.

What is included

On the Budget level.

Included

Transportation

  • Round-trip transport from your Kathmandu hotel to Dhulikhel and back by local vehicle.

Guide

  • An English-speaking hiking guide for the day.

Permits and Expenses

  • All entrance fees and permits required for the hike.
  • All government taxes and official expenses.

Meals

  • Meals are not included. You will find local restaurants and teahouses along the trail where you can eat at your own choice and budget.

Complimentary

  • First aid kit with pulse oximeter.

Not included

  • Exclude
  • Meals (Lunch and dinner)
  • Any alcoholic drinks.
  • Tips to guide.
  • Any items and services not mentioned in the cost inclusions
  • Wifi, hot showers, charging, heated blankets and anything else outside the room price, paid by you directly to the teahouse or hotel.

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 Simkhada, Director of The Everest HolidayShamjhana Basukala, Co-founder of The Everest Holiday

Shreejan and Shamjhana plan every trek personally

Your hosts since 2016. Ask us anything; we reply within hours.

Ask Shreejan on WhatsApp

Essential information

Customise your hike

The itinerary above is a suggested schedule, and we are happy to adjust it to your preferences. If you would like an earlier start for better mountain light, a longer stay at the monastery, or a different pickup location, simply let us know. You can reach us by phone, Viber, or WhatsApp at +977 9810351300, or by email at [email protected]. We will discuss your wishes and finalise a plan that suits you perfectly.

What to expect on the trail

This is a day hike, so no overnight accommodation is needed. The trail from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha is well-maintained and passes through villages where you can stop at small teahouses for drinks and snacks. The walking is gentle, with modest elevation gain on mostly earthen paths and occasional stone steps. Comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a litre of water are all you need. Your guide carries a first aid kit and pulse oximeter as standard.

Food

Your meal arrangements depend on your chosen package. Budget travellers will find local restaurants and teahouses along the trail serving fresh Nepali dishes at very reasonable prices. Standard and Luxury packages include lunch at a local restaurant along the trail, so you can focus on the scenery rather than the menu.

Travel Essentials

Visa and passport

All visitors except Indian nationals require a visa to enter Nepal. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will need a passport-sized photograph, the visa fee (USD 50 for a 30-day stay), and a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Visit the Department of Immigration website at immigration.gov.np for the latest requirements. Citizens of SAARC nations and China may qualify for free or simplified visa arrangements, though specific conditions apply.

Changing money

Nepal's official currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR), with an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD to 130 NPR. Banks and licensed money exchanges in Kathmandu will convert most major foreign currencies. We recommend using licensed exchange counters rather than banks to avoid higher fees and longer processing times. ATMs in Kathmandu dispense up to NPR 35,000 per transaction with a fee of approximately NPR 500. Please note that only the 100 INR note is officially exchanged in Nepal. Nepali banks will not accept old, damaged, or faded foreign banknotes, so bring fresh, clean bills. For a day hike, you will not need much cash beyond what your package covers, but NPR 2,000-3,000 for snacks, drinks, and small purchases along the trail is sufficient.

Booking your hike

Private hike

All our hikes are private experiences, meaning you will hike exclusively with your own group. We never add strangers to your party. The schedule is fully customisable to suit your pace and interests.

Solo and group bookings

You are welcome to book on your own, and many of our guests do. If you are travelling alone and would like company, we can organise a group departure open to other hikers. Once you confirm your date, we will list it on our website so others can join. This way, every hike becomes your own personal Himalayan experience.

Trusted booking

The Everest Holiday is a registered and bonded trekking operator, ensuring a secure booking process. We are proud members of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN, Member #1586) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Our founder, Ganesh Prasad Simkhada, has held senior positions in Nepal's tourism and mountaineering institutions. To confirm your booking, we require a 10% advance payment. You pay the deposit online by card through the Himalayan Bank portal on our website. The balance is paid in Kathmandu in US dollars or euros, in cash or by card (card payments carry a 3.5% bank charge). Please send us a copy of your passport within one week of booking, and ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your arrival date in Nepal.

Last-minute booking

We recommend booking in advance, but we also welcome last-minute arrangements, which require full payment 24 hours before departure. For last-minute bookings, please contact Shreejan at +977 9810351300 or email [email protected]. Please note that last-minute arrangements may occasionally face delays due to circumstances beyond our control.

Flexible schedule

Your hike date is entirely up to you. If the suggested dates on our website do not suit your plans, let us know and we will arrange a departure on whatever day works best for your schedule.

Trip extension

You can easily extend your stay with other adventures. We arrange jungle safaris in Chitwan and Bardia, bungee jumping in Pokhara, Bhote Koshi, and Kushma, rafting on the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli, and Seti rivers, paragliding in Pokhara and Kathmandu, and much more. We also arrange cultural sightseeing tours around the Kathmandu Valley, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. For a serene getaway, we recommend a sunrise trip to Nagarkot or Dhulikhel. Have a look at our add-on packages when booking for even more options.

Ecotourism practices

We are deeply committed to protecting the natural beauty of the Dhulikhel-Namobuddha region. At the start of the hike, each person receives an eco-waste bag. Please place all non-compostable rubbish, including snack wrappers, plastic bottles, and batteries, in this bag and carry it with you. Our guides will show you where to dispose of waste responsibly at the end of the trail. Your cooperation helps keep these hills clean and beautiful for the communities who live here and the travellers who will follow.

The Everest Holiday family

We are a family company with three generations of experience in Nepal's tourism industry. We believe that everyone who works with us is family. Our professional, experienced guides will be with you throughout the day to ensure your hike is safe and memorable. They hold first aid qualifications, speak fluent English, and know the Dhulikhel-Namobuddha region intimately. We cover their insurance, meals, and medical expenses. Please treat our team with the same warmth they will show you, and never hesitate to ask questions or share concerns at any time.

Facilities and Essentials

Communication

Mobile coverage is generally good throughout this tour route. We will provide you with a SIM card in Kathmandu and teach you how to get data and recharge. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and restaurants along the way. Your guide carries a mobile phone at all times for coordination and emergencies.

Luggage

Your luggage will be transported by vehicle throughout the tour, so there are no weight restrictions. You will only need a small daypack for items you want during sightseeing stops. Extra baggage can be stored for free at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Travel Essentials

Travel Essentials

Bring copies of your passport, visa, insurance policy, and emergency contact details. Keep digital copies on your phone as well. Your guide will brief you on everything before departure.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend full travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. This hike stays below 1,800 m, but we still ask you to carry cover for medical costs and evacuation. We ask our clients to provide insurance details before departure.

Currency Exchange

The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the local currency. ATMs are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and major towns. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but not at smaller shops or on remote trails.

We recommend carrying cash in NPR for daily expenses. USD, GBP, EUR, and AUD can be exchanged at banks and money changers in Kathmandu.

Extra Expense

While the package covers most costs, you should budget for personal expenses such as hot showers (NPR 200-500), device charging (NPR 200-500), drinks, snacks, and souvenirs.

This is a day hike below 1,800 m, so NPR 2,000 to 3,000 for snacks and drinks is plenty. Tips for your guide and driver are at your discretion.

TEH Family

TEH Family

The Everest Holiday is more than a trekking company — it is a family. Founded in 2016 by Shreejan Simkhada and Shamjhana Basukala, the company carries forward three generations of Himalayan expertise.

Shreejan’s grandfather, Hari Lal Simkhada, arranged logistics and supported Himalayan expeditions, and the family brings three generations of guiding in the Himalayas. His father, Ganesh Prasad Simkhada, has held senior positions in Nepal’s tourism and mountaineering institutions.

When you trek with us, you are joining this family tradition.

Trip Conclusion

Trip Conclusion

At the end of your trip, we host a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Kathmandu. It is a relaxed evening to share stories and give us your feedback. On your departure day, we transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in good time for your flight.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Nepal. We recommend giving a tip to your guide and driver at the end of the tour. The amount is up to you and can depend on the quality of service and your overall experience.

Water

Bring a reusable water bottle. Tea shops along the trail sell bottled water and hot drinks. The hike passes through villages where you can refill. Avoid untreated tap water.

Questions people ask

What is Namobuddha, and why does it matter?

Namobuddha is a very important place for Buddhists to visit in Nepal. Legends say that it's the place where a young prince, who was once Buddha, gave his body to a tigress and her cubs because they were hungry. There is a beautiful tower, prayer flags, and a quiet monastery at the location, which looks out over the landscape.

2. How long is the walk to Namobuddha, and where is it?

Namobuddha is about 40 km east of Kathmandu in the Kavre District. A normal day hike includes a beautiful 2–3 hour walk from Panauti or Dhulikhel and back, covering about 6–10 km total based on the path.

3. How hard is the hike? How fit do you need to be?

The walk is easy to moderate. There are some stone steps and a few short climbs, but the elevation gain is gentle and most people with basic fitness manage it. It's good for newbies, families with busy kids, and older people who like easy hikes.

4. For the day walk, what should I take?

It's vital to bring sturdy shoes for walking, a daypack, beverages, snacks, sun protection (a hat and sunscreen), a light rain jacket, a camera, and cash for presents at the monastery or little tea shops.

5. For the walk, do I need someone to help me?

The trail is pretty easy to follow, but getting a local guide will improve your experience. They give you cultural and historical background, make sure you take the best ways, andhelp you get past any language obstacles.

6. When is the best time to visit?

When the clouds are clear, the temperatures are nice, and you can see far away, the best times to be outside are in the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). In winter, it can get cold, and the tracks may get wet and slippery in the rainy season (June to August).

7. Do you need to pay a fee or get a ticket to get in?

You don't need a special pass to go on this walk. But a small gift is usually welcome at the temple or stupa complex.

8. What is there to see at Namobuddha?

Some of the best parts are the beautiful looks at the Himalayas and the tiered hills, the ancient stupa that marks the famous site, the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery with its complex artwork, and the calm mood that makes it easy to think deeply.

9. Does the road have access to food and water?

Yes, there are towns along the way to the monastery where you can get Nepali food, tea and snacks in simple restaurants and teahouses. You should still carry your water.

10. Should I go to the monastery?

Yes, people who aren't from here are welcome. Remember to dress properly, take off your shoes before going into temple buildings, walk clockwise around stupas, and always ask first before taking pictures of monks or inside prayer rooms.

11. From Kathmandu, how do I get to the start of the trail?

The most usual way is to drive or take a cab to Panauti or Dhulikhel, which takes about an hour and a half to two hours. Some tours include transportation in a packed day trip.

12. Can this hike be done with other places that are close by?

Of course. A lot of groups that go to Namobuddha also stop in the historic town of Panauti or the hill station of Dhulikhel for a full day of sightseeing and cultural study.

What is the Dhulikhel Namobuddha Day Hike?

A 1-day hike from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha, two ancient hilltop towns east of Kathmandu. The trail passes through terraced farmland, Tamang villages, and forests with panoramic views of the Himalayan range from Langtang to Everest. It is one of the best day hikes near Kathmandu.

How long is the hike?

About 4-5 hours of walking over 12 km. The trail is gentle with moderate hills — suitable for most fitness levels including families with children.

What will I see?

Sunrise over the Himalayas from Dhulikhel, the ancient Namobuddha monastery (one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal), terraced rice paddies, and traditional Newar and Tamang villages.

Do I need to be fit?

Basic fitness is enough. The hike is gentle — 4-5 hours on well-marked trails through villages and farmland. No steep climbs or technical sections.

Will I have a guide?

Yes. A local guide accompanies you, explaining the cultural significance of Namobuddha, pointing out Himalayan peaks, and ensuring you don’t miss any hidden viewpoints.

When is the best time?

Year-round, but autumn (October-November) offers the clearest mountain views. Spring (March-May) has wildflowers and warm weather. Winter mornings are best for sunrise photography. Avoid heavy monsoon rain days (July-August).

Is food available on the trail?

Yes. Several tea shops and small restaurants along the route. Namobuddha has restaurants near the monastery. We can also arrange a packed lunch.

What should I bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, camera, and a light jacket. No special gear needed. Travel light — this is a day hike.

How do I book?

Contact us on WhatsApp (+977 9810351300) or email. Day hikes can be booked with short notice. Payment at the time of booking or on the day.

How do I get there?

We drive you from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel (1.5 hours), you hike to Namobuddha, and we drive you back. All transport is by private vehicle with driver.

What trekkers wrote

Perfectly guided by jungle safari

We took part of a Jungle-Safari in Chitwan. The Everest Holiday travel agency found a very nice Hotel for us with pool, good nepalese and european food, comfortable rooms. Our...

read more +
András, United StatesTripAdvisor · April 21, 2023
Read full review on Tripadvisor
From, per personUS$95