For a while now, my husband and I have been talking about exploring every hill surrounding Kathmandu Valley. It’s the perfect way to escape the city's noise, reconnect with nature, and get in some much-needed exercise—especially as training for longer trekking adventures.
From our rooftop, we see Jamacho Gumba every single day, standing quietly in the distance. So, when we finally decided to start our series of short treks, this one felt like the perfect choice. And let me tell you—it was absolutely worth it. A peaceful forest trail, breathtaking views, and that feeling of being completely present in the moment. This one-day hike turned out to be exactly what we needed.
Why the Jamacho Gumba Hike is Worth It
If you’re in Nepal and don’t have time for a longer trek, this 1 day hike is exactly what you need. A short but rewarding trail through Nagarjun Forest, leading to one of the best panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. It’s a chance to escape the city’s chaos, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and reconnect with yourself—all in just a few hours.
There’s something special about walking through a quiet forest, hearing nothing but your own footsteps, the rustling leaves, and birds singing somewhere in the distance. It reminds you to slow down, to be present. And that’s exactly what this hike to Jamacho Gumba offers—a moment of peace just outside the busy streets of Kathmandu.
The trail winds through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, with a steady uphill climb that gets your heart pumping but isn’t too overwhelming. It’s a great way to build endurance, especially if you’re preparing for a longer trek in Nepal. But even if you’re not, just reaching the top feels like an achievement. And trust me, the view is worth every step.
The Legend of Jamacho Gumba
At the top of the hill, sitting at 2,128 meters, is Jamacho Gumba (also called Jamacho Stupa)—a sacred Buddhist site with deep spiritual significance.
Legend has it that Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, meditated here centuries ago. He was a powerful Buddhist master, often credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet. It is said that during his meditation at Jamacho, he could move the clouds with his mind, clearing the skies for a perfect view of the Himalayas. And standing there, looking out at the vastness of Kathmandu Valley, you can almost feel the presence of something greater—something beyond just the physical world.
The stupa itself is surrounded by colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, sending prayers and blessings into the universe. You’ll also find small statues, intricate carvings, and a watchtower where you can sit, reflect, and soak in the view.
What You’ll See from the Top and What to Expect
On a clear day, the view is breathtaking. You get a full panoramic sweep of Kathmandu Valley, stretching all the way to Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. But the real magic happens when you turn your gaze towards the horizon—because there, standing tall and proud, are the Himalayas. On a good day, you can spot peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even Manaslu if the skies are kind to you.
Well… we got the opposite of what we expected. The valley below? Completely hidden under a thick blanket of haze. Kathmandu decided to play hide-and-seek, and it won. But just when we thought the view might be a total letdown, we looked ahead—and there it was, the entire Ganesh Himal range, standing crystal clear right in front of us. A rare sight, considering how often these peaks get lost behind clouds. Talk about luck!
But the adventure wasn’t just about the view. The journey through the forest itself was full of surprises. At one point, as we made our way up the stone steps, a group of monkeys started swinging through the trees above us, jumping from branch to branch like they were racing to the top. It was a bit like walking through a live-action jungle documentary—except instead of a narrator, it was just us, hoping they wouldn’t drop something unexpected on our heads.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Jamacho Gumba is located inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, on the Nagarjun Hill side. The trail starts from Fulbari Gate, which is about 10–15 minutes from Thamel by taxi.
By Taxi – The easiest option. Expect to pay around NPR 500–800 one way.
By Public Transport – There’s no direct bus, but you can take one towards Balaju Bypass, then catch a local ride or walk the last stretch.
Since the hike is inside a national park, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee at Fulbari Gate before starting the trek.
Foreigners: NPR 1000
SAARC Nationals: NPR 500
Nepali Citizens: NPR 100
The gate opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. Make sure to start early so you have enough time to hike up and return before dark.
Before starting your hike, be prepared for two security checkpoints along the way.
First Check – Entry Gate (Fulbari Gate). At the park entrance, rangers will check your backpack for restricted items. You can’t bring speakers, lighters, cigarettes, or plastic (though, to be honest, I still saw plenty of plastic going up). It’s a quick process, but don’t forget your passport—they might ask for it when issuing your entry ticket.
Second Check – Midway Security Post. Halfway up the trail, there’s another security post where you’ll need to write down your name and provide an emergency contact number. They take safety seriously here, which is a good thing, especially since the trail is quiet on weekdays.
The process is simple, but it’s good to know in advance so you’re not caught off guard. Once you’re through, it’s just you, the trees, and the steady climb to Jamacho Gumba!
If you want to truly enjoy this hike, timing matters. The best seasons to visit are autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May). The skies are usually clearer, the trails are dry, and you’ll have a good chance of seeing the Himalayas from the top.
Avoid monsoon season (June–August) unless you’re really into mud, slippery paths, and… leeches. Yes, leeches. They love the humidity, and unless you enjoy spending your hike flicking them off your legs, it’s better to wait until the trails dry up.
After a few hours of climbing through the forest, you’ll arrive at Jamacho Gumba, sitting peacefully at the top of Nagarjun Hill. Take your time. Don’t rush. This is your moment to just be. The air feels different up here—calmer, quieter.
Step inside the small temple. Light a candle. Say a prayer for your loved ones. Whether you believe in something greater or just want to send a quiet thought into the universe, this is the place to do it. Then, find a spot, sit down, and take it all in. The mountains, the silence, the energy of the place—it’s something that photos will never fully capture.
And don’t forget the basics—wear comfortable shoes, carry enough water, and bring some snacks. The hike takes around 5 hours (up and down) and it is around 10 km in total.
Be present. Enjoy it.
Final Words
This hike is not about speed, records, or reaching crazy altitudes. It’s about escaping the noise of Kathmandu, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and letting nature do its magic. The trail might make your legs burn at times, but the reward is worth it—a peaceful temple, endless sky, and the kind of stillness that’s hard to find in everyday life.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Maybe next time, the valley will finally show itself. Or maybe it won’t. Either way, the journey is what matters most. So, if you’re in Kathmandu and craving a little adventure, go for it. Walk slow, be present, and just enjoy the climb.
Mini vlog about our hike! I invite you to watch, like, and comment!