Bucket List
A once-in-a-lifetime challenge experience.
Overview
Moderate
14–18 May 2027
5 days
Nepal
Kathmandu Valley Challenge 2027
AED 4,350
About The
Challenge
Nepal doesn't have to mean extreme altitude, weeks on the trail or a trek to Everest Base Camp. Sometimes, the adventure is much closer to Kathmandu.
The Kathmandu Valley Challenge combines three days of hiking with ancient temples, traditional villages, terraced farmland and spectacular Himalayan viewpoints — all within a five-day journey through the valley.
You'll leave Kathmandu behind and climb through the forests of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Chisapani, follow a beautiful ridgeline towards Nagarkot and finish your trekking journey through farmland and traditional Newari communities on the way to Nala and Dhulikhel.
Across the three trekking days, you'll cover approximately 33k, with walking days ranging from around 4–6 hours. And while you'll be surrounded by Himalayan landscapes, this isn't a high-altitude trek. The highest point of the challenge is approximately 2,300m at Chisapani
Alongside the walking, you'll experience some of the Kathmandu Valley's extraordinary cultural heritage, including Pashupatinath Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, while your challenge supports the work of Mission Himalaya and the communities it serves.
It's a proper Nepal trekking experience — just in a surprisingly accessible package.
Challenge Highlights
Challenge Highlights
- Trek approximately 33km across three walking days
- Climb through the forests of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
- Walk through traditional hill villages and terraced farmland
- Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal's most important Hindu sites
- Explore the traditional Newari town of Nala
- Discover UNESCO-listed Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Stay in comfortable hotels and hillside lodges throughout the valley
Challenge Details
Day 1 | Friday 14 May — Kathmandu | Arrival & Pashupatinath
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where you'll be met and transferred privately to your Kathmandu hotel.
You'll have some time to settle in and recover from your journey before heading out for a guided visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal's most important Hindu sites, sitting on the banks of the Bagmati River.
In the evening, come together for a traditional Nepali welcome dinner accompanied by a cultural dance performance.
Day 2 | Saturday 15 May — Kathmandu → Sundarijal → Chisapani
After breakfast, drive approximately 45 minutes to Sundarijal, where the trekking begins.
Today's trail climbs steadily through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, passing forest and mountain streams as you leave the city behind and make your way towards Chisapani.
This is the biggest climbing day of the challenge, with approximately 950m of elevation gain.
On a clear evening, Chisapani offers sweeping views across the Himalayan range from Ganesh Himal to Langtang.
Distance: approximately 10km
Elevation gain: approximately 950m
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Highest point: approximately 2,300m
Day 3 | Sunday 16 May — Chisapani → Nagarkot
Today brings the longest walking day of the challenge.
After breakfast, set out along the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, following the ridge towards Nagarkot. The trail passes traditional hill villages and terraced farmland, with lunch along the way at a village teahouse.
As you walk, the landscape opens up to panoramic Himalayan views.
If conditions are clear, there may be an opportunity to head to the viewpoint tower for sunset over the mountains.
Distance: approximately 15km
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Nagarkot elevation: approximately 2,175m
Day 4 | Monday 17 May — Nagarkot → Nala → Dhulikhel
The final trekking day begins with the option of an early sunrise view from Nagarkot before breakfast.
Today's route is predominantly descending, taking you through terraced farmland towards Nala, a traditional Newari town known for the Nala Bhagwati Temple.
A short drive of around 30 minutes then takes you to Dhulikhel, where you'll check into your hillside hotel for the final night.
Distance: approximately 8km
Trail profile: predominantly descending
Day 5 | Tuesday 18 May — Dhulikhel → Bhaktapur → Departure
After breakfast, drive approximately 30–45 minutes to Bhaktapur for a guided visit to its UNESCO-listed Durbar Square.
Explore the city's extraordinary heritage, including Nyatapola Temple and Pottery Square, before some time in Bhaktapur.
Afterwards, transfer privately to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
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The Charity & Your Impact
Mission Himalaya
Mission Himalaya is a Nepalese not-for-profit organisation working to support children and communities through welfare, education and healthcare initiatives.
Established in 2008, its work includes the Eco Home & Farm near Panauti, alongside education and healthcare outreach within local communities.
Gulf for Good's relationship with Mission Himalaya dates back to 2009, with previous support contributing towards areas including infrastructure, sanitation and sustainable food production.
For the Kathmandu Valley Challenge 2027, your fundraising will once again support the work of Mission Himalaya.
Your Impact
The specific 2027 project and fundraising target are currently being finalised. Once confirmed, we'll share exactly what your fundraising will support and how those funds will be used.
For now, the important bit is simple:
Your steps through the Kathmandu Valley will help support Mission Himalaya's work with children and communities in Nepal.
Gallery
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