Kakani to Bhanjyang Day Hike is one of the best short experiences on the outskirts of Kathmandu. It is also a great opportunity to experience nature, culture, and adventure in one shot in a short time. The day hike from Kakani to Gurje Bhanjyang passes through Kakani village, which is a notable Mountain Viewpoint, a flat meadow famous for picnics named Suryachaur, and reaches Gurje Bhanjyang which offers a fantastic mountain close-up views.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the picturesque Kakani Hill station/town offers a wonderful blend of wilderness and a calm environment. It is located 28 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu valley, at a height of 2,030 meters with breathtaking views of the scenery and mountains. With the clear blue sky, peaks like Ganesh Himal, Langtang Range, Mt. Gaurishanker, Lamjung, Annapurna, Paldor, Manaslu, and the other Himalayas would be a breath-taking sight to see.
Another appealing part of Kakani is the Thai Memorial Park established to honor the 113 victims of a Thai Airlines plane crash in 1992. The Tamang people, their culture, unique lifestyle, and the Japanese strawberry farms along with seasonal fruits are other highlights of the town. Himalayan trout fish are popular in Kakani, and you can find them in a restaurant at the summit of the Kakani hill station.
The short climb from Kakani brings you along a pleasant path through lush paddy fields and rural Nepalese life to a favorite picnic spot for residents as well as a significant viewpoint, Suryachaur. The Suryachaur offers a beautiful terraced landscape. The beautiful rich valley of Likhu, also known as Thansing Phant, is visible and a sight to behold for all trekkers. Also, the hiking trail goes through the Shivapuri Nagarjuna national park, providing excellent possibilities to witness the park's natural and fauna.
The ending point of this day-long hike, Gurje Bahnjyang is just a 30-minute descent from Suryachaur. Walking with the sublime landscape views and valley rims, this 30-minute passes in a blink. Gurje Bhanjyang is a scenic viewpoint for the close-up views of the Himalayas such as Manaslu, Lamjung, and Ganesh Himal.
This day hike from Kakani to Bhanjyang, like other hiking near the Kathmandu valley, caresses your eyes with mesmerizing mountain and valley views. Hiking on this trail, which is surrounded by deep oak and rhododendron forests with views of snow-capped mountains in the distance, is an entirely different experience. It is indeed one of the best hiking routes to spend some quality time with friends and family is the Kakani walk.
Note: If the hikers want a longer version of this hike, we can continue from Gurje Bhanjyang towards Budhanilkantha through the Shivapuri National Park on the prior information. It is a 3-4 hours walk from Gurje Bhanjyang. This hike should be started very early in the morning so that it can be ended in the early evening. This segment of the hike offers us an additional view of Kathmandu Valley and the opportunity to explore the famous Budhanilkantha Temple where a unique sleeping Vishnu statue is floating in the pond.
Highlights of Kakani to Bhanjyang Hike
- Beautiful vistas of hills and valleys during the scenic drive
- Spectacular views of the Annapurna Range, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Langtang, Mt. Gaurishanker, the Ganesh Himal, Lamjung, and Paldor Himal
- Opportunity to enjoy rainbow trout, Rhododendron-flavored wine, and strawberry harvesting
- Experience Tamang culture and traditions
- Trek through a mixed woodland of oak and rhododendrons
- Great surrounding vistas from Suryachaur meadow
The best time to do Kakani to Bhanjyang Day Hike
Kakani to Bhanjyang Day Hike can be done any time of the year. However, it is recommended that you visit during the spring months of March-May or September-November so that you may enjoy the crystal clear unhindered views.
The spring months will provide you with the ideal opportunity to see the Himalayas at their most beautiful. This is the season of flowering and the most notable blossoms will be red Rhododendrons throughout the forest.
Along with the suitable and clear weather of September and November, you will get an extra boost because of Dashain and Tihar, Nepal's greatest month-long festivals.
Monsoon and winter appear to be suitable for those who enjoy trekking on less busy trails and seek extra-level adventure.