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Day Hike / Kathmandu Valley / Nepal West Countryside HikeNext Date:
[Previously called Kalu Pandey Hike] The western edge of the grind takes you through trails adorned by pine forest greens and marigold yellows, and via rustic villages to the historical vantage point of Dahachwok. Registrations Open Soon |
Limited spots available - maximum 25 people to a hiking group! In light of the global pandemic, we have adopted several safety and health protocols for all our treks and hikes. Your wellbeing is our top priority. Bookings are now more flexible, and a full refund is guaranteed should departure dates shift due to any extenuating circumstances.
Covid-19 Full UpdateCovid-19 Full Update and Protocol
We have devised several guidelines and updated our booking policies to ensure safety and peace of mind of our trekkers. Before booking a trip with us, please review the following health and safety protocols, as well as flexible cancellation and refund policies.
INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
Before departure, we require all travellers to sign a liability waiver and an indemnity agreement acknowledging risks related to traveling during the pandemic. Travellers also need to confirm that they are not experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms, are not under any self-quarantine orders, and have not been in contact with someone suspected or confirmed with Covid-19 symptoms.
PCR REQUIREMENT
PCR tests may or may not be required depending on the trek we choose. We’ll comply with the PCR requirement according to the updated guidelines specified by the local government. Please check Covid Protocol under Important Details section on trip pages for accurate information.
ON THE TRAILS
We require all health and safety guidelines be followed on the trip. This includes wearing a mask (especially when we’re near a village or locals), maintaining a safe distance, washing hands, and using hand sanitizer frequently. Please respect and follow local health guidelines.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
We’ve handpicked hotels that specialize in quality service and disinfect rooms along with the physical amenities (like doorknobs, phones, and possible areas of contact) before every check-in.
AIRLINES PROTOCOL
Domestic and international airlines, along with airports, have set safety requirements for travellers, which include wearing masks and face shields. Body temperature is measured before you enter the terminal, in-flight food services are suspended, and bags are disinfected. Likewise, physical distancing needs to be maintained while queuing, boarding, and de-boarding flights.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS
Given hotels, vehicles and flights require prebooking, cancellation charges are applicable and the amount is contingent on cancellation date.
| Prior to 30 days before the trip start date | Within 7 to 29 days before the trip start date | Within 3 to 6 days before the trip start date | Within 1 to 2 days before the trip start date | |
| Trip cancellation by the client | 90% of the total trip amount refunded | 75% refunded | 25% refunded | No refund |
| Trip cancellation by the company(due to any reason beyond our control) | Full refund | Full refund | Full refund | Full refund |
| Alteration/modification in booking by the client | No charges will be levied | No charges will be levied | No alteration option available for changes in flights, transport, and hotel date | No alteration option available for changes in flights, transport, and hotel date |
All refunds will be made in Nepali Rupees no later than 30 days from the allocated trip end date, by cash or bank transfer.
| Age Group | Price per person Incl. of all taxes |
| 18 y/o or above | NRs. 3,000 |
| 17 y/o or below | NRs. 500 |
Transportation |
Food |
Crew |
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Small
Groups
Small Groups
Maximum 6 to a group
Maximum 25 to a group
Flexible
Booking
Flexible Booking
Uncompromised
Safety
Safety Protocols
Impeccable
Service
Impeccable Service
West Countryside Hike
| 5 to 6 hrs | 12.5 Km | Moderate | NRs. 3,000 |
[Previously called Kalu Pandey Hike] The western edge of the grind takes you through trails adorned by pine forest greens and marigold yellows, and via rustic villages to the historical vantage point of Dahachwok.
In light of the pandemic, several safety and health protocols are in full effect. Well-being of our trekkers is our top priority. Bookings are now more flexible, with possible full refund upon cancellation.
Overview
Highlights
| Yellow gardens of blooming marigold flowers | |
| Monkey trail that goes through pine woods of Ramkot | |
| The historical site of Dahachowk where Kalu Pandey, an army general, was cremated after getting killed in the battle of Kirtipur, during King Prithvi Narayan Shah's conquest to annex Kathmandu valley, some 250 years ago. The attacks were mounted from Dahachowk, or Kalu Pandey Daanda. | |
| Panorama of Kathmandu and Dhading valley | |
| On a clear day, unobstructed sights of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang mountain ranges | |
| Plenty of temples, monuments and villages on the way with scenic views of lush hills, city and mountains |
Best Months
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Prices
| Age Group | Price per person Incl. of all taxes |
| 18 y/o or above | NRs. 3,000 |
| 17 y/o or below | NRs. 500 |
Please note: Unlike with mountain treks, only fixed departures are available for day hikes.
Includes
Transportation
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Food
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Crew
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Misc
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Excludes
- Soda, tea/coffee and alcoholic beverages
- Additional food
- Travel Insurance
- Any item not mentioned in Price Includes
These hikes were one of the absolute highlights of my entire 4 years in Kathmandu!Hannah Straw |
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These hikes were one of the absolute highlights of my entire 4 years in Kathmandu! |
Amazing hikes with great people. You can tell a lot of thought and planning goes into creating the most interesting route possible.Chris Hofmann |
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Amazing hikes with great people. You can tell a lot of thought and planning goes into creating the most interesting route possible. |
The hike was absolutely fantastic. Great team, great views and landscape, professional organization, super care... You guys do a perfect job. It can't get more professional than that.Carolin Spannuth Verma |
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The hike was absolutely fantastic. Great team, great views and landscape, professional organization, super care... You guys do a perfect job. It can't get more professional than that. |
The views of the mountains were so up close and I really appreciated that you found the trails with those gorgeous views!Caroline Vanderbeele |
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The views of the mountains were so up close and I really appreciated that you found the trails with those gorgeous views! |
Thanks for organizing it so well with pick-up, lunch, water and snacks! So many beautiful scenes with diverse walking routes.Zarina Trapman |
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Thanks for organizing it so well with pick-up, lunch, water and snacks! So many beautiful scenes with diverse walking routes. |
Thank you so much! The hike was great and it refreshed me a lot after long lockdown. You have nice, friendly and professional team members. The group was great too.Shahid Reza |
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Thank you so much! The hike was great and it refreshed me a lot after long lockdown. You have nice, friendly and professional team members. The group was great too. |
Fun hike, the crew members are very accommodating participants' needs, well-organised, great way to discover the beauty of the Valley. Highly recommended!Pungky Utami |
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Fun hike, the crew members are very accommodating participants' needs, well-organised, great way to discover the beauty of the Valley. Highly recommended! |
Bravo! They know the best part of Kathmandu for hiking. All of the team members are professional, friendly, punctual pick up time and have great sense of humor.Eka Fana |
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Bravo! They know the best part of Kathmandu for hiking. All of the team members are professional, friendly, punctual pick up time and have great sense of humor. |
Valley Hikes by vonKathmandu along with their trail races are extremely well-organized. The hikes are a wonderful way to explore the outskirts of Kathmandu.Niranjan Kunwar |
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Valley Hikes by vonKathmandu along with their trail races are extremely well-organized. The hikes are a wonderful way to explore the outskirts of Kathmandu. |
The organizers had really made a lot of effort to ensure a good hiking experience, regarding the path, snack and lunch and accommodating the pace to the group.Silja Kanerva |
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The organizers had really made a lot of effort to ensure a good hiking experience, regarding the path, snack and lunch and accommodating the pace to the group. |
They know the best trails in Kathmandu valley, honed with week after week of recce hiking. Together they bring some of the best crew and do not compromise on the quality of service.Raj Gyawali |
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They know the best trails in Kathmandu valley, honed with week after week of recce hiking. Together they bring some of the best crew and do not compromise on the quality of service. |
Glad to discover new places to hike through local villages and the different ridges, very professionally done from the pre-trip info, briefing, logistics etc! Thank you!Katherine Mah |
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Glad to discover new places to hike through local villages and the different ridges, very professionally done from the pre-trip info, briefing, logistics etc! Thank you! |
Thanks for the awesome hike on Saturday. It was a beautiful day. Looking forward to another great day of hiking.Janie M Carpenter |
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Thanks for the awesome hike on Saturday. It was a beautiful day. Looking forward to another great day of hiking. |
We felt completely safe and totally rejuvenated. Huge thanks to the Valley Hikes and vonKathmandu team!Bindi Borg |
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We felt completely safe and totally rejuvenated. Huge thanks to the Valley Hikes and vonKathmandu team! |
Get some exercise, learn some new areas of the valley and how they connect to each other, and soak in the culture!Gogi Grewal |
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Get some exercise, learn some new areas of the valley and how they connect to each other, and soak in the culture! |
Checklist
Required Gear
| • | Light trail shoes with good traction (no sandals or slippers) |
| • | Tee and a light jacket (mornings are cold) |
| • | Hiking shorts/pants |
| • | Water bottle |
| • | Rain jacket |
| • | Toilet paper |
| • | Mask (when not on trails) |
| • | Sanitizer |
| • | High spirits |
Recommended Gear
| • | Small backpack |
| • | Sunglasses with UV protection |
| • | Sunscreen |
| • | Hiking poles |
Logistics
Food
There’s one stop for lunch and a couple smaller ones for tea with a view. Sandwich, trail mix, cookies and the like are provided. You’re welcome to purchase additional food from shops along the way. Please carry water with you (along with maybe energy bars etc). Your guide will let you know where shops are, and will carry extra drinking water as reserve.
Transportation
All ground transportation is on reserved, private and disinfected vehicles. For convenience, we have several pick up locations: Sanepa, Maharajgunj Chowk, Baluwatar, Naxal and Lazimpat. We will also briefly stop at Ring Road (location depends on which direction we’re driving). Returning will be the same way back. Depending on the finishing point, Ring Road drop off can be different.
Crew
We’re a bunch of trail rats who love to explore the outdoors. For several months since the trail races came to a halt, we’ve been scouting trails (more than we should) all over the valley, and indeed have found some really interesting ones. We’re eager to share this adventure with you in a safe, fun and organized manner. We’ll do our best to give you, your family and friends a great day out in the outdoors.
Notes
There’s no rush and we’ll be taking it easy on the trails, with plenty of pauses to catch our breath and admire the views. We move as a group, and the lead guide will set the pace.
Pet policy:
The trails go through several villages where there are unleashed dogs. To avoid any dog fights, attacks and commotion, we do not allow pets (cats, dogs etc) on Valley Hikes.
Loo:
When nature calls, we find a bush – at least in many cases. Shops and eateries can be scarce on the trails (your guide will let you know), but do carry toilet paper in case you need to do your business mid hike.
Loud music:
If you want to listen to music, please use headphones, and not speakers. Doesn’t harm listening to chirpy birds, fluttering prayer flags and chatty grannies.
Tipping:
Your call. If you’re happy with our services, feel free to tip them something. You can give it to the lead guide and s/he will distribute evenly to everyone.
A few rules:
Illegal substances, including marijuana, are strictly prohibited on our hikes. No vandalism or scribbling on walls/trees. Alcohol in very limited amounts is allowed (nothing more than that for safety reasons). We highly discourage giving money to locals or kids on the way – this only feeds begging culture, inevitably leading to laziness, entitlement, no incentive to work and a lack of dignity, already a rampant problem in Nepal.
You get good phone signal (and 3G data) on all the hikes, except in narrow ravines (which there are few to none).
Extra cash to carry:
Really depends on your habits, but Rs. 1500 extra (not even) should do fine.
Feedback:
We appreciate and are very responsive to feedback. Please don’t hesitate tell us what you think about the hikes. We’ll do our best to improve.
Payments:
You can make payments on hike day. If you need to cancel, please do so by Thursday, so that we don’t end up booking extra vehicles, sandwiches and so forth (which has been the case a few times before).
Upcoming Trips
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Jan |
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Jan 29 SatThree and a Half Ridges Hike
The widest and prettiest sights of the city merge into mountains. Details & Booking » Quick View » Sign Up Now |
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Jan |
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Jan 25 TuePoon Hill Trek
Treat yourself to awe-inspiring mountain views, layers of hills that stretch across the horizon and a glorious sunrise witnessed from Poon Hill. Sign Up Now |
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Jan 25 TuePoon Hill Trek
Treat yourself to awe-inspiring mountain views, layers of hills that stretch across the horizon and a glorious sunrise witnessed from Poon Hill. All tentative dates:
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Jan 29 SatThree and a Half Ridges Hike
The widest and prettiest sights of the city merge into mountains. Next date: January 29, 2022 |