Dahachok Hiking – 01 Day

The Dahachok Hike is a breath of fresh air and a wonderful one-day trek right outside Kathmandu that gives everyone an opportunity to reconnect with nature for a while. It is a moderate-level day hike that meanders through lovely forests, little villages, and rewards you with stunning views of a bunch of surrounding hills, including faraway mountains of the Himalayas. The place is located in the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley, so it is an ideal choice for the ones who look to have a nature experience in a short time.

The day starts with a drive through the city reminiscent of growing pains, from Kathmandu to the starting point of the trek - usually Khare or Jharuwarasi at the foot of the hill that leads to Dahachok. The drive takes approximately 30-45 minutes and one can expect to see rural areas, green fields, and some early views of the Himalayas from a distance.

It will be a quick journey if you pass through Nepali villages, terraced paddy fields, peasants’ gardens, and small settlements. Once you get to the start, you will get yourself ready for the hike-up.At the trailhead, the trek starts with a slight but consistent upward climb to the hilltop, crossing a variety of woodland, local trails, and hamlets.You will be trekking through a dense forest of pine and oak trees and enjoy the refreshing air and the melody of the birds. The path is clearly identifiable, and the hike is a peaceful walk, where you only meet the local farmers and the villagers rarely.

You will also get to see the local culture and lifestyle of the people which is limited to areas like Gokarna and Sundarijal during the journey. Some paths are stoned and stylish, and the traditional houses are the main contributors to the hospitable locals of the area.

After a moderate 2-3 hours hike without any pauses, you will arrive in Dahachok, a quiet and beautiful village, which is surrounded by the hills covered in the green. Dahachok welcomes the tourists with the spectacle of the mountains stretching up to the north-west where Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu ranges can be seen. Get an opportunity to explore the village, interact with the villagers and the peaceful environment. The site is good for a brief rest or a packed lunch when you are taking a retreat from the views. You could also take a walk through the village to the local monastery, and check out the traditional buildings.

Once the rest break is over, and you are on the way back, expect the return journey to be a downhill walk. The downhill path being the principal of the trail that results in a rapid or easy return such as by consuming only about 2-3 hours.

While descending, ensure to capture snaps of the magnifying views of the valley, the hills covered in green, and the distant mountains full of snow. As you start going lower, it is a fact that the trek will provide an opportunity for you to get a clear overhead view of Kathmandu Valley which is the place you have to reach.
You will also have the chance to meet many more locals as you travel through the villages during the downward journey and be well exposed to rural life.

Once the trail has been walked over and the endpoint reached, it's time to board your vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu. A period of 30-45 minutes is enough for the driver to take you back to your hotel or to the centrally located spot in the capital depending on traffic. Once you return to Kathmandu, you can chill out for the rest of the evening. Many of the hikers like to end their day with a nice local meal, enjoying the city's unique atmosphere by reflecting on the trip, and the stunning natural landscapes they went through.