When the word “Hiking” comes, what would you imagine? “Peace, Greenery, Ups and Downs, Beautiful Views, Fresh Air, Relaxation, Exercise, Adventure and many more.” Guess what! You could experience all of those while hiking to Champadevi.
Champadevi is named after one of the body parts of Sati Devi. It had fallen when Lord Shiva carried them on his shoulders and travel around the globe, grieving about her death according to old tales. This is the highest viewing point of the Chandragiri range. This hill is the third highest hill surrounding the Kathmandu valley with a height of 2278 meters. It is located in the south-eastern corner of Kathmandu Valley and is technically in Makwanpur District. It is 19 km far from Kathmandu. Champadevi is one of the easiest and well-built hiking destinations in the valley. It is a very popular trail among beginners. The vibe this place gives will make you fall in love with the place.
You can start the hike to Champadevi from different places. You can start climbing from the northern side of the Pharping Valley. The trail begins at the monastery immediately west of the Bajra yogini temple. You can also climb it from Kirtipur which is the backside of the hill. From Kirtipur you can also climb another humongous hill which is higher than Champadevi known as Bhasmasur Dada. The easiest route starts from above the Taudaha Lake climbing west towards Hattiban Resort. There is a proper place for parking both four and two-wheelers. In case, you are traveling from a local bus, you can start from the off-road which is the initial point of the hill where Hattiban Resort stands.
Most of the parts of the trail are paved well with fine-cut rocks. From Hattiban Resort, there are almost three hills until you reach the top. The hike roughly takes about 3hours to reach the top for the beginners or else it would take 3 hours, there and back. Soon after 15 to 20 minutes of slight climbing, you will be able to see an utterly beautiful view of green hills covered with pine trees. There are a couple of well-shaded spots. You could rest and have some snacks there.
(Tip: There aren’t any restaurants or cafés to have lunch, so it would be better to bring food and enough water from home or buy it before the hike starts.)
After you complete climbing the first two hills, you will reach the final and main hill i.e. Champadevi hill. This can be slightly difficult for beginners as there are only stairs. As you climb up and up you will be able to see more and more views of Kathmandu, Taudaha Lake, mountains like Langtang, Gauri Shankar, Jugal, Dorje Lakpa, and others.
Once you reach the top, relax and praise your climb with a cookout lunch. There is not a proper temple to cover the statue of the parts of the goddess. To the opposite of the temple, there is a crematory where Hindus and Buddhists cremate the body of their family member or their loved ones. Where the Champadevi Temple stands the trees and tall grasses may somehow block the view. So if you want to appreciate unhindered perspectives on the mountains and the valley, you can walk an extra 1.5km.
After that, you can return carefully down from the same way you came. Board the transport at the Khahare Bus Stop and head back to Kathmandu. Or you can walk down from the backward of the hill. It is not as good and well paved as the trail you climbed from Hattiban. The trail is a bit risky and adventurous at the same time. If you climb down from there you will reach the village of Kirtipur. This route is famous for cycling.
Things you need to keep in mind and carry if you are going for a hike:
- Exercise well before a couple of days from the hike.
- Pack energy-giving foods like chocolates, protein bars, bananas, etc. Chocolates can give you more energy than other snacks like chips.
- Carry enough or maybe extra water to drink. Water is one of the most essential things you need while going on a hike. For Champadevi hike, each person should at least carry 2 liters of water and 1 liter of other energy-giving fluids like fresh juice or glucose water.
- Carry torches, lighters in case it gets dark or to light a fire for cooking or to keep you warm. A knife to cut tall grasses blocking the way or to keep yourself safe from burglars or sometimes animals. First aid kit if anyone gets hurt or sick. Hand sanitizer or maybe soap to wash your hands before eating, a compass, maps, and navigators if new to the place.
- You can take some salt to use if a leech gets stuck to your body. Where the leech is stuck and sucking, putting some salt makes it easier to take it off of your body.
- Hiking would be better if you go in the winter season. It is not a good idea to go on a hike in the rainy season. There will be a lot of leeches and the paths may be slippery. Your body must be fully covered if you are going on a hike on a rainy day or rainy season. Wear a full sleeve shirt or jacket and a pair of long pants and socks.
- Gather proper information about the place you are going hiking. The information can be about directions or what kind of place it is, weather conditions and safety of that place, whether there is any place to rest or any kind of restaurants to have lunch. If not then pack enough food according to the hike.
You could know more about hiking and places to travel in our blog.