Dhulikhel Namobuddha Day Hike - 1 Day

1 review
Dhulikhel Namobuddha Day Hike
Quick Overview
Duration1 Days
Trip GradeEasy
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude1,750m / 5,741ft
Group Size2-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesHike
Best TimeFeb, Mar, April, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec

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.

Itinerary

Day 01: Morning starts with a 40-kilometer (25-mile) drive to Dhulikhel and a hike to Namobuddha and a drive back to Kathmandu.
Expand All
Couldn't find what you're after?Reach out to our travel experts.
Customise Trip

Interactive Route Map

Availability

Book your own private small group trip
No. of travellers
Price per person
2 - 4 pax
US$99
5 - 8 pax
US$74
9 - 12 pax
US$66
13 - 20 pax
US$49

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

Book Now
hbl logo
Secure Payment by Himalayan Bank.
Cost Includes

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.
Cost Excludes
  • Exclude
  • Meals (Lunch and dinner)
  • Any alcoholic drinks.
  • Tips to guide.
  • Any items and services not mentioned in the cost inclusions

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 info@theeverestholiday.com. 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 Indian Rupee notes of 100 and 2,000 denomination are accepted 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

Our hikes are organised with a minimum of two people. 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. Payment options include the Himalayan Bank online portal on our website, major credit cards, bank transfers, Wise, and Western Union. 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 info@theeverestholiday.com. 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 comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. For high-altitude activities, your policy must cover emergency helicopter 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.

At higher altitudes, prices increase. We recommend carrying NPR 20,000-30,000 in cash for extras along the trail. Tips for your guide and porters are also 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 in the 1960s and 1970s. 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.

FAQs

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 thought to be moderately difficult. It has steep parts and stone steps, but most fit people can do 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.