Bethanchowk Narayanthan Hike: A Scenic 2-Day Trek Near Kathmandu

After completing the Phulchowki hike, we didn’t need much time to decide on our next adventure. The very next morning, on February 3rd, we set our sights on Bethanchowk Narayanthan—one of the highest peaks in the Mahabharat Hill Range, standing at 3,018 meters. Known as the "King of Hills," this lesser-explored peak offers a panoramic 360-degree view stretching from the Kathmandu Valley to the distant Himalayan giants.

The Mahabharat Hill Range: Nepal’s Hidden Mountain Barrier

Standing between the soaring Himalayas and the rolling plains of the Terai, the Mahabharat Hill Range is often overlooked—but it holds an undeniable presence. Stretching across Nepal, this range forms a natural boundary, separating the lower valleys from the towering peaks beyond. Unlike the famous high-altitude trekking routes, the Mahabharat hills remain wild, untouched, and deeply connected to the daily lives of those who call these mountains home.

The highest point of the Mahabharat range is Sailung Dada (3,146 m.a.s.l.), a mystical place where rolling green hills meet the vast Himalayan skyline. But beyond Sailung, the entire range is filled with towering ridges, hidden villages, and sacred peaks that have been a part of Nepal’s history for centuries.

On the other hand, you'll encounter varying information about the altitude, as Nepal still faces challenges with accurate measurements. The Mahabharat Range, also known as the Lower Himalayas, may rise between 1,500 and 4,800 meters above sea level. While it may not reach the dizzying heights of the snow-capped giants to the north, its rugged slopes and steep ridgelines create an imposing landscape. These hills stretch approximately 16 kilometers in width, forming a distinct climatic barrier—trapping moisture from the south while shielding the valleys beyond.

Unlike the gentler foothills of the Chure (Siwalik) Range, the Mahabharat hills are steeper, their slopes often carved into dramatic terraces where generations of farmers have cultivated crops. The land is tough, but life here thrives.

For centuries, these hills have been home to the Pahari people, particularly Brahmin and Kshatriya communities who adapted to the rugged terrain. They built terraced fields, preserved dense forests, and carried traditions passed down through generations. Many small villages and settlements exist here, often hidden in the folds of the hills, where life moves at a rhythm dictated by nature.

But beyond human settlements, the Mahabharat range is also deeply spiritual. One of its most sacred peaks is Bethanchowk, crowned by the revered Narayanthan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. A legend whispers through these hills—long ago, a traveler sought shelter in a farmer’s home. The farmer, without hesitation, offered him food. Miraculously, his corn reserves never ran out. The next day, the traveler vanished, and the villagers realized they had unknowingly hosted a god. To honor this divine encounter, a temple was built at the highest point of Bethanchowk.

To this day, during Fagu Purnima, pilgrims make their way up the mountain to offer prayers, believing that blessings flow through the winds that sweep across the temple. Standing there, surrounded by clouds and silence, it's easy to believe that some places really do hold the presence of something greater.

And maybe Lord Vishnu was with us too, watching over not just us but also our most loyal companion—our hiking dog, who has probably climbed this peak more times than any human ever will.

A Place of Ancient Settlements and Spiritual Significance

After hours of trekking, we sat down at the summit, pulling out our light snacks. It wasn’t much, just enough to keep us going, but at that moment, it felt perfect. The three of us—happy, and hungry—shared the moment together. Our furry friend sat beside us, enjoying his share, tail wagging with contentment.

Weather on Our Hike: A Perfect Day Above the Clouds

We didn’t expect the Himalayas to reveal themselves two days in a row. But they did—standing there, bold and breathtaking, as if to remind us of their presence. It felt like an invitation: Come back. Hike us again!

Our journey started from Panauti, where the morning sun was already fierce, turning the dusty trail into a slow, sweaty climb. The path was steep from the very beginning, winding through dry ridges, every step kicking up dust. It wasn’t the easiest hike, but the unfolding landscapes—terraced fields, deep valleys, and rolling ridgelines—kept pulling us forward.

By the time we had walked for hours under the relentless sun, exhaustion crept in. We decided to stay overnight at a small hotel along the way, resting before making the final push to the peak the next morning. 

At dawn, we set off again. The air was crisp, the wind howling through the hills as we climbed in the first light of day. The path steepened, and the final ascent to Bethanchowk’s summit was the windiest yet—but the moment we reached the top, it no longer mattered. A 360-degree view stretched before us, the peaks floating above the clouds like islands in an endless sky. It was pure magic.

But just as we finished our hike, reaching the bus stop at the end of the trail, the mist rolled in. Slowly, gently, it wrapped around the peaks, hiding them from view.

It was almost as if they knew our journey was over.

Best Seasons to Hike Bethanchowk

Autumn (October–December) – The best time for clear skies and unobstructed Himalayan views. The trails are dry, and temperatures are perfect for hiking.

Winter (January–February) – Cold (mornings and evenings) but rewarding! If you're lucky, you’ll get a full Himalayan panorama like we did, and some years, the summit even sees light snowfall.

Spring (March–April) – A magical time when rhododendrons are in full bloom, painting the trail red and pink. However, the haze in late spring can sometimes reduce visibility.

Monsoon (June–September) – Not recommended due to heavy rain, leech-infested trails, and clouds that often block the views.

If you want Bethanchowk at its best, go in autumn or winter. And whatever you do, start early, because the mountains won’t wait forever. They appear when they want, and if you're lucky, they’ll stay with you till the very end.

Bethanchowk Hike Overview: Everything You Need to Know

Starting Point & Route

Technically, you can hike Bethanchowk in one day, but should you? Well, that depends on how much you love pushing your legs to their absolute limit. If you start from Dhungkharka, the hike is much more manageable. But, of course, we had other plans—we decided to start straight from Panauti by hitting the wrong way. Not the smartest decision for our legs (they still haven’t forgiven us), but our eyes were beyond grateful. 

After walking for hours (and questioning our life choices more than once), we realized something—we had no deadlines, no rush, and no reason to force ourselves to the top in one go. So, when we stumbled upon a quiet little hotel, it felt like the mountain itself was telling us to slow down and enjoy the journey.

The place was simple but perfect—clean rooms, strong WIFI, and just us, the owner, and two furry friends who quickly made themselves at home. But the real highlight? The food. After a long day of hiking, we were served one of the best chicken dal bhats I’ve ever had—rich, flavorful, and exactly what we needed. And the best part? The entire stay, including our room, chatpati, four cups of tea, and dinner, cost us just 2000 NPR in total. A warm meal, good company, and a peaceful night in the hills—sometimes, the best decisions are the ones you don’t plan.

I can honestly recommend this place to anyone looking for a cozy stay in the area. The hotel is called Narayansthan Organic Village Resort, located in Khorthape, just a 30-minute walk from Dhunkharka bus stop. If you're hiking on a Saturday (Nepal’s only weekend day), be sure to call ahead and reserve your spot, as many Nepalis head here for a weekend hike. Contact: 9864155790.

Timing & Recommended Start

The best time to start your hike really depends on where you're coming from, but let me break it down for you—because trust me, we tested out an option so bad that I wouldn’t wish it on your legs.

You have two solid options. First, the smart way: Take an early morning bus from Kathmandu to Panauti (about 2 hours). From there, catch another bus to Dhungkharka (around 1 hour). Once you arrive, start your hike and stay the night at a cozy spot along the way.

The next morning, continue up to Bethanchowk, soak in the view, then hike down, get back to Panauti, and catch a bus back to Kathmandu. Simple, smooth, and you actually get to enjoy the hike instead of feeling like you’re starring in an episode of “Why Did I Think This Was a Good Idea?”

M personal recommendation—the best way: head to Panauti first, take your time, explore its beautiful temples and old town, and stay the night there. The next morning, take an early bus from Panauti to Dhungkharka. You’ll make it to the peak with plenty of time to enjoy the view, then descend the same day. Once you reach Dhungkharka, hop on a bus back to Panauti, then another one to Kathmandu. Simple. Enjoyable. And your legs will still love you by the end.

Now, the way we did it? Let’s just say... not recommended. We decided to hike straight from Panauti, which sounded adventurous and all, but in reality? It meant walking for hours on end, slowly realizing that our legs were staging a quiet rebellion. And to make things even better, we accidentally took the wrong route—the longer one. Did we know that at the time? Absolutely not. We were blissfully unaware, just marching along, thinking, Wow, this is taking a while… until it finally hit us.

Of course, luck was on our side. We stumbled upon that cozy hotel, and for once, we actually made a smart decision—to stay overnight, rest our tired legs, and enjoy the journey instead of just surviving it.

So take it from me—hiking is meant to be enjoyed. It’s about feeling free, soaking in the views, and not dragging yourself up a mountain questioning your life choices. Choose your route wisely. Your legs (and your soul) will thank you.

Essential Tips

What you wear really depends on the season, but let me tell you—layers are everything. Mornings and evenings can get chilly, even in summer, so a light jacket is always a good idea. If you’re hiking in winter, pack extra layers unless you enjoy feeling like a human popsicle. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must because the terrain is a mix of forest trails, rocky paths, and stairs that will make your legs question your life choices. Oh, and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen—the sun is relentless in the open sections, and looking like a tomato by the end of your hike is not the best souvenir.

Compared to Phulchowki, I actually found this trail easier. It’s not THAT steep. Sure, the first section is all uphill, but after some time, you get a bit of a break—some parts go down before you climb up again. It’s like a little rollercoaster but on foot. Even for beginners, this trail is definitely manageable.

One important thing—bring enough water and snacks. Once you start hiking up, there are no shops at all. And if you want to make some furry friends along the way (which you definitely will), pack a few extra cookies for them. Trust me, these dogs will guide you all the way to the top like loyal little mountain sherpas.

And here’s some good news—there’s no fee to hike this trail! Always nice to have a break from the never-ending “tourist pricing,” right?

One more thing—hiking trails like Bethanchowk and Phulchowki are super popular among Nepali hikers, you won’t see many tourists here, so you may get a lot of attention from the locals but they are very nice people so ask directions if you feel lost, they will always help you.

If you have limited time in Nepal and want a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is hands down one of the best options. So go for it, enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to breathe—both for the views and because, well, hiking.

Final Words

Bethanchowk was one of those hikes that tested our legs, our choices, and our ability to laugh at ourselves. Taking the longer route by accident? Classic. Realizing halfway that our legs were questioning all of our life decisions? Oh, absolutely. But every step was worth it. The sunrise at the peak, the peacefulness of the trail, and the pure joy of hiking without deadlines made it an unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking for a rewarding adventure away from the usual tourist spots, this is it. Just start early, plan your route better than we did, and bring extra snacks for the friendly trail dogs. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

पहाडबाट, सान्द्रा

From the mountains, Sandra 🙏✨

Vlog about our hike to Phulchowki and Bethanchowk!