Talk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
Talk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
The Namo Buddha–Balthali Hike is one of the most peaceful and culturally enriching short hikes near Kathmandu. Ideal for travelers seeking spiritual heritage, countryside scenery, and authentic village life, this hike connects the sacred Buddhist site of Namo Buddha with the tranquil farming village of Balthali.
Operated by Nepal Himalayas Trekking, this experience is guided by knowledgeable local experts and designed for comfort, flexibility, and meaningful cultural encounters.
Trip Name: Namo Buddha–Balthali Hike
Duration: 1 Day / 2 Days (Optional Overnight)
Difficulty: Easy
Maximum Elevation: ~1,800 m
Hiking Duration: 3–4 hours
Best For: Families, beginners, cultural travelers
Start / End Point: Kathmandu
One of the best short hikes near Kathmandu
Sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site
Peaceful forest and terraced farmland trails
Stunning Himalayan views on clear days
Authentic Newari village experience
No trekking permits required
One of Nepal’s holiest Buddhist sites, associated with the legendary story of Prince Mahasattva’s compassion.
A scenic plateau village surrounded by rice terraces, orange orchards, and traditional houses—perfect for relaxation and village walks.
On clear days, enjoy views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Rolwaling ranges.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Drive Kathmandu → Namo Buddha (2–2.5 hrs) |
| Mid-Morning | Visit Namo Buddha Stupa & Monastery |
| Late Morning | Start hiking towards Balthali |
| Afternoon | Reach Balthali village, lunch |
| Evening | Drive back to Kathmandu |
Drive to Namo Buddha
Monastery exploration
3–4 hrs scenic hike to Balthali
Overnight at the village lodge or resort
Sunrise views & village walk
Breakfast at the lodge
Drive back to Kathmandu
| Package | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Day Hike | 1 Day | From USD 90 |
| Private Day Hike | 1 Day | From USD 120 |
| Overnight Hike | 2 Days | From USD 190 |
| Group / Family | Flexible | On Request |
Private transportation
Licensed local hiking guide
Government taxes & service charges
Guided monastery visit
Meals & personal expenses
Travel insurance
Accommodation (unless overnight selected)
Tips (optional)
Spring (Mar–May): Flowers & greenery
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Best weather & views
Winter (Dec–Feb): Clear skies, cool air
Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Lush landscape, fewer tourists
Grade: Easy
Trail Type: Well-marked village & forest paths
Experience Needed: None
✔ Experienced local guides
✔ Flexible & private trips
✔ Responsible tourism practices
✔ Transparent pricing
✔ Trusted Nepal-based trekking company
Nepal Himalayas Trekking Pvt. Ltd. ensures safe, authentic, and well-organized hiking experiences throughout Nepal.
Your journey begins in the morning with a comfortable private drive from Kathmandu to Namo Buddha, located approximately 40 km southeast of the capital. The drive takes about 2–2.5 hours, passing through scenic countryside, small towns, terraced farmland, and river valleys.
Upon arrival, you will explore the sacred Namo Buddha Monastery and Stupa, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Your local guide from Nepal Himalayas Trekking will explain the spiritual significance of the site, including the legendary story of Prince Mahasattva, as well as the daily life of monks residing at the monastery. You will have time to walk around prayer wheels, observe chanting monks, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with panoramic hill views.
After monastery exploration, the hike begins from Namo Buddha toward Balthali Village. The trail gently descends through pine and rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and beautifully terraced rice fields. This 3–4 hour scenic hike is easy and relaxing, making it suitable for all age groups. Along the way, you may encounter local farmers, children walking home from school, and traditional Newari houses, offering a true glimpse of rural Nepalese life.
By late afternoon, you will arrive at Balthali, a quiet hilltop village set on a scenic plateau surrounded by green hills and farmland. After checking into a comfortable village lodge or eco-resort, you can relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or take a short walk around the village. Dinner is served at the lodge, featuring fresh local ingredients.
Overnight: Village lodge or resort in Balthali
Hiking Duration: 3–4 hours
Maximum Elevation: ~1,800 m
Wake up early to enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the surrounding hills and distant Himalayan ranges (weather permitting). The calm morning atmosphere of Balthali, with birdsong and mist rising from the valleys, makes this a perfect moment for photography or quiet reflection.
After sunrise, enjoy a gentle village walk, exploring nearby farmlands, traditional houses, and local temples. This short walk allows you to interact with local villagers and observe daily rural life, such as farming activities and morning routines.
Return to the lodge for a freshly prepared breakfast, after which you will begin the drive back to Kathmandu. The return journey takes approximately 2–3 hours, concluding your peaceful countryside escape.
You will arrive in Kathmandu by early afternoon, with unforgettable memories of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and village life.
Meals: Breakfast
Drive Duration: 2–3 hours
All ground transportation is provided in a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary. This includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Kathmandu and transfers to Namo Buddha and back from Balthali (or vice versa). Private transport ensures flexibility, comfort, and a smooth travel experience without sharing with other groups.
A professional, government-licensed local hiking guide will accompany you throughout the hike. Our guides are experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable about:
Local culture and traditions
Buddhist history and monasteries
Nature, landscapes, and village life
They ensure your safety, proper pacing, and meaningful cultural interpretation during the hike.
All applicable government taxes, VAT, and service charges are included in the package price. There are no hidden costs, allowing you to enjoy the hike with complete peace of mind.
The package includes a guided visit to the sacred Namo Buddha Monastery and Stupa. Your guide will explain the religious significance, legends, rituals, and history of this important Buddhist pilgrimage site, enhancing your cultural and spiritual experience.
Meals (lunch, snacks, drinks) during the hike are not included, giving you the freedom to choose food based on your preference. Personal expenses such as bottled water, soft drinks, souvenirs, and additional snacks are also excluded.
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We strongly recommend that all participants have valid travel and medical insurance covering hiking activities, minor injuries, and emergency evacuation if required.
Accommodation is not included in the standard one-day hike. If you choose the overnight Balthali hike, accommodation at a local lodge or resort will be included as per the selected package.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated as a gesture of satisfaction for good service. Tips are entirely at the guest’s discretion and depend on your experience.
Prakash Lamsal — Managing Director, Nepal Himalayas Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
Nepal
4th May, 2024
I personally visited the Namo Buddha–Balthali Hike in May 2024, accompanied by French tourists, and the experience was truly incredible. From start to finish, the trip offered everything one could hope for from a short hike near Kathmandu.
The views were absolutely fabulous, with breathtaking sunrise and sunset scenery and stunning white snow-capped Himalayan mountains visible on clear days. The combination of peaceful surroundings and natural beauty made the hike very special.
The driving route was smooth and scenic, and the hiking trail was well-maintained, safe, and enjoyable, making it suitable for all types of travelers. Along the way, we passed through beautiful villages, where the local culture, traditional lifestyle, and farming practices reflected the true rural charm of Nepal.
The warm hospitality of the villagers, their simple living standards, and the terraced farmlands created a deep cultural connection and a memorable experience for our guests. It is truly one of the best cultural and nature hikes near Kathmandu, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful, authentic, and rewarding journey.
— Prakash Lamsal
Managing Director, Nepal Himalayas Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
Enjoy the popular trekking and tour packages in Nepal Himalayas. 2026.
The Namo Buddha–Balthali Hike is one of the most peaceful and culturally enriching short hikes near Kathmandu. Ideal for travelers seeking spiritual heritage, countryside scenery, and authentic village life, this hike connects the sacred Buddhist site of Namo Buddha with the tranquil farming village of Balthali.
Operated by Nepal Himalayas Trekking, this experience is guided by knowledgeable local experts and designed for comfort, flexibility, and meaningful cultural encounters.
Trip Name: Namo Buddha–Balthali Hike
Duration: 1 Day / 2 Days (Optional Overnight)
Difficulty: Easy
Maximum Elevation: ~1,800 m
Hiking Duration: 3–4 hours
Best For: Families, beginners, cultural travelers
Start / End Point: Kathmandu
One of the best short hikes near Kathmandu
Sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site
Peaceful forest and terraced farmland trails
Stunning Himalayan views on clear days
Authentic Newari village experience
No trekking permits required
One of Nepal’s holiest Buddhist sites, associated with the legendary story of Prince Mahasattva’s compassion.
A scenic plateau village surrounded by rice terraces, orange orchards, and traditional houses—perfect for relaxation and village walks.
On clear days, enjoy views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Rolwaling ranges.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Drive Kathmandu → Namo Buddha (2–2.5 hrs) |
| Mid-Morning | Visit Namo Buddha Stupa & Monastery |
| Late Morning | Start hiking towards Balthali |
| Afternoon | Reach Balthali village, lunch |
| Evening | Drive back to Kathmandu |
Drive to Namo Buddha
Monastery exploration
3–4 hrs scenic hike to Balthali
Overnight at the village lodge or resort
Sunrise views & village walk
Breakfast at the lodge
Drive back to Kathmandu
| Package | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Day Hike | 1 Day | From USD 90 |
| Private Day Hike | 1 Day | From USD 120 |
| Overnight Hike | 2 Days | From USD 190 |
| Group / Family | Flexible | On Request |
Private transportation
Licensed local hiking guide
Government taxes & service charges
Guided monastery visit
Meals & personal expenses
Travel insurance
Accommodation (unless overnight selected)
Tips (optional)
Spring (Mar–May): Flowers & greenery
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Best weather & views
Winter (Dec–Feb): Clear skies, cool air
Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Lush landscape, fewer tourists
Grade: Easy
Trail Type: Well-marked village & forest paths
Experience Needed: None
✔ Experienced local guides
✔ Flexible & private trips
✔ Responsible tourism practices
✔ Transparent pricing
✔ Trusted Nepal-based trekking company
Nepal Himalayas Trekking Pvt. Ltd. ensures safe, authentic, and well-organized hiking experiences throughout Nepal.
Your journey begins in the morning with a comfortable private drive from Kathmandu to Namo Buddha, located approximately 40 km southeast of the capital. The drive takes about 2–2.5 hours, passing through scenic countryside, small towns, terraced farmland, and river valleys.
Upon arrival, you will explore the sacred Namo Buddha Monastery and Stupa, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Your local guide from Nepal Himalayas Trekking will explain the spiritual significance of the site, including the legendary story of Prince Mahasattva, as well as the daily life of monks residing at the monastery. You will have time to walk around prayer wheels, observe chanting monks, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with panoramic hill views.
After monastery exploration, the hike begins from Namo Buddha toward Balthali Village. The trail gently descends through pine and rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and beautifully terraced rice fields. This 3–4 hour scenic hike is easy and relaxing, making it suitable for all age groups. Along the way, you may encounter local farmers, children walking home from school, and traditional Newari houses, offering a true glimpse of rural Nepalese life.
By late afternoon, you will arrive at Balthali, a quiet hilltop village set on a scenic plateau surrounded by green hills and farmland. After checking into a comfortable village lodge or eco-resort, you can relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or take a short walk around the village. Dinner is served at the lodge, featuring fresh local ingredients.
Overnight: Village lodge or resort in Balthali
Hiking Duration: 3–4 hours
Maximum Elevation: ~1,800 m
Wake up early to enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the surrounding hills and distant Himalayan ranges (weather permitting). The calm morning atmosphere of Balthali, with birdsong and mist rising from the valleys, makes this a perfect moment for photography or quiet reflection.
After sunrise, enjoy a gentle village walk, exploring nearby farmlands, traditional houses, and local temples. This short walk allows you to interact with local villagers and observe daily rural life, such as farming activities and morning routines.
Return to the lodge for a freshly prepared breakfast, after which you will begin the drive back to Kathmandu. The return journey takes approximately 2–3 hours, concluding your peaceful countryside escape.
You will arrive in Kathmandu by early afternoon, with unforgettable memories of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and village life.
Meals: Breakfast
Drive Duration: 2–3 hours
All ground transportation is provided in a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary. This includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Kathmandu and transfers to Namo Buddha and back from Balthali (or vice versa). Private transport ensures flexibility, comfort, and a smooth travel experience without sharing with other groups.
A professional, government-licensed local hiking guide will accompany you throughout the hike. Our guides are experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable about:
Local culture and traditions
Buddhist history and monasteries
Nature, landscapes, and village life
They ensure your safety, proper pacing, and meaningful cultural interpretation during the hike.
All applicable government taxes, VAT, and service charges are included in the package price. There are no hidden costs, allowing you to enjoy the hike with complete peace of mind.
The package includes a guided visit to the sacred Namo Buddha Monastery and Stupa. Your guide will explain the religious significance, legends, rituals, and history of this important Buddhist pilgrimage site, enhancing your cultural and spiritual experience.
Meals (lunch, snacks, drinks) during the hike are not included, giving you the freedom to choose food based on your preference. Personal expenses such as bottled water, soft drinks, souvenirs, and additional snacks are also excluded.
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We strongly recommend that all participants have valid travel and medical insurance covering hiking activities, minor injuries, and emergency evacuation if required.
Accommodation is not included in the standard one-day hike. If you choose the overnight Balthali hike, accommodation at a local lodge or resort will be included as per the selected package.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated as a gesture of satisfaction for good service. Tips are entirely at the guest’s discretion and depend on your experience.
I personally visited the Namo Buddha–Balthali Hike in May 2024, accompanied by French tourists, and the experience was truly incredible. From start to finish, the trip offered everything one could hope for from a short hike near Kathmandu.
The views were absolutely fabulous, with breathtaking sunrise and sunset scenery and stunning white snow-capped Himalayan mountains visible on clear days. The combination of peaceful surroundings and natural beauty made the hike very special.
The driving route was smooth and scenic, and the hiking trail was well-maintained, safe, and enjoyable, making it suitable for all types of travelers. Along the way, we passed through beautiful villages, where the local culture, traditional lifestyle, and farming practices reflected the true rural charm of Nepal.
The warm hospitality of the villagers, their simple living standards, and the terraced farmlands created a deep cultural connection and a memorable experience for our guests. It is truly one of the best cultural and nature hikes near Kathmandu, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful, authentic, and rewarding journey.
— Prakash Lamsal
Managing Director, Nepal Himalayas Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
Prakash Lamsal — Managing Director, Nepal Himalayas Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
Nepal
4th May, 2024
