Dahachowk hike

Located just off the highway past Thankot, the Dahachowk hike is a secluded refuge from Kathmandu’s smog and traffic noise.

Start the hike from either the Naikap Football Ground or Totitol Chowk. If you decide to start from Naikap Football Ground, you must take a bus or taxi to the Football Ground and walk west for 2.3mi on an asphalt road. This is an ideal option if the road is free of traffic. However, your best option is to make your way to Totitol Chowk and take a short break for a light meal in a local restaurant. You might also consider stocking up on snacks and water due to the lack of shops and restaurants on the trails. Please note that this does not include the restaurants and resorts at the summit.

From Totitol Chowk, take a right in the northeast direction for 328ft until you reach the first fork in the trail. Make a left (south) and continue your way up to leave the smoke-polluting brick factories behind. The trail is mostly used by jeeps, which tend to kick up dust, so keep your facemasks and buffs ready. Soon you’ll pass through traditional village homes where you’ll have plenty of chances to interact with the locals. The trail hereafter is a steep incline to the top with an elevation gain of 1870ft.

As you make the ascent, you’ll start to see the amazing view of the Chandragiri forest to the south. The dwindling series of hills seen on the west is a view to savor. As in the east, you see the view of densely populated Kathmandu. Take occasional breaks and keep hydrating your body and spend a little time capturing the stunning all-encompassing vistas. Walking further, you get to enjoy more views of the terraced fields and the green forest below, interspersed with some colorful trees. To see the colorful flowers, you must visit Dahachowk in the spring season.

Continuing the ascent, you’ll catch a glimpse of the staggering high mountain views, which include the Langtang, Ganesh, and Manaslu Himal. But this will only happen if you’re walking on a day with no clouds in the sky. After walking for almost 3.0mi in a northwest direction, you’ll arrive at a small park known as the Kalu Pandey Memorial Park. The park is dedicated to Kalu Pandey, a war hero during the unification of Nepal. Rest your tired feet at this clean, lush park, where you can admire the statue of Kalu Pandey. On a clear day, you can witness a panoramic view of the Nuwakot, Kirtipur, and Kathmandu Valley.

Have an appetizing meal at one of the summit restaurants while enjoying the magnificent panoramas. On your way back, continue for another 1234ft south until you reach a junction in the trail. Divert your way from the main trail and take a left to visit the Indra Daha, a sacred pond next to a temple. “Daha” is a pond in Nepali, hence the name of the place. After a small detour, make your way down the same path you came. Take a cab or a public bus back to Kathmandu.