Bethanchowk Narayanthan Circuit Hike – Longest Mountain View

Bethanchowk Narayanthan is one of the best short hikes near Kathmandu offering the longest mountain range view from Dhaulagiri to Kanchenjunga, opportunity to explore authentic village lifestyle, stunning views of the clouds above the hills, mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets. Perfect for adventure and nature lovers whether to hike or camping with friends.

Let’s explore Bethanchowk Narayanthan and things you should know if you’re planning a short break. 

“No bluff, everything based on my recent personal experiences.“

Major Highlights of Bethanchowk – Narayanthan Circuit Hike

Some of the major highlights of Bethanchowk-Narayanthan Circuit Hike are as follows

1. Near Kathmandu (33 KM) and short duration (2-3 days).
2. Experience the authentic village life of Nepal by staying on locally operated community homestay.
3. Longest mountain range view (270°) from Dhaulagiri to Kanchenjunga.
4. Hike on a less known trail, inside the green lush forest with the golden mountain view, melodic sounds of birds and clean fresh air.
5. Mesmerizing view of “Sea of Clouds (Clouds floating above the hill)” during sunset.
6. On clear weather visible as far as Birgunj and India.
7. Postcard perfect landscapes of villages and the himalayas.

How to Get to Bethanchowk?

There are various options to reach Bethanchowk

Option 1: Take a Direct Public Bus to Bethanchowk (from 7 A.M. to 3 P.M.), Dhunkharka from Ratna Park, Kathmandu (Opposite of Bir Hospital). Then hike to the homestay. First, contact the host for assistance and confirmation.

Option 2: Take a Public Bus to Panauti (also available from Ratna Park, Kathmandu, opposite of Bir Hospital). Then take another bus to Bethanchowk, Dhunkharka from Panauti (last bus leaves at 5 P.M.).

Option 3: Take a Ride Sharing or Private Vehicle. But during the rainy season small vehicles might not be able to reach there so make confirmation with the host before leaving from Kathmandu.

Bethanchowk Hiking / Camping Itinerary

For Hiking

Route 1: Bethanchowk – Narayanthan Circuit Hike

This is a longer route that takes you off the beaten trail through the forest and you’ll need to hire a local guide and can take 10 hrs (approx.) to complete the circuit.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Bethanchowk Homestay (Explore the village and BBQ night)

Day 2: Bethanchowk – Narayanthan Circuit Hike

Day 3: Back to Kathmandu

Note: You can explore UNESCO heritage site, Panauti, either on Day 1 or Day 3.

Route 2: Dhunkharka – Narayanthan Hike

This is a one way route from Dhunkharka, and the trail is marked properly from this side.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Dhunkharka (Explore the village and BBQ night)

Day 2: Dhunkharka to Narayanthan and Back (Return Ktm if in hurry)

Day 3: Breakfast at Dhunkharka Homestay, Khuwa Try at the town and visit Panauti (UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

Note: Taking a guide is optional but it’s recommended.

For Camping

Option 1: Camp at Narayanthan Temple

Day 1: Take a bike till the rideable section via Dhunkharka and Setup Tent and enjoy the sunset.

Day 2: Enjoy sunrise and mountain view (Return Home).

Option 2: Camp at Gajaram Parbat

Day 1: Come via Dhunkharka till Xanadu Resort, then hike to Gajaram Parbat and Setup Tent and enjoy the sunset.

Day 2: Hike to Narayanthan and Comeback to Dhunkharka and Return Home.

Note: There are no toilet facilities, so you’ll have to go in the wild while camping.

For confirmation and assistance, contact locals.

Bethanchowk – Narayanthan Circuit Hike Experience

The postcard perfect picture of the sun rising above the sea of clouds and 270° views of the Himalayas had attracted me to visit Bethanchowk for more than 5 years.

But was not able to visit there though it was near Kathmandu valley.

Finally in the new year of 2026 we decided to experience the local homestay at Bethanchowk and hike to Narayanthan temple at 3,000m above sea level.

Also our two friends were hiking for the first time, the start of something new from the 1^st Jan of 2026.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Bethanchowk Village Community Homestay

As planned, on the day of the new year 2026, we left home at around 8:00 in the morning and went to a meeting place tinkune where 2 of our other friends were joining us.

There we stopped for a while and had tea with some aloo paratha (breakfast) while one of our friends was finishing a task before he was leaving on 2 days off.

As soon as he finished his work, we left Kathmandu and moved towards Banepa. By the time we left Kathmandu, it was around 10:00.

The bhaktapur – sanga road was under construction, so it was dusty and traffic jams sometimes. And at around 10:40, we reached Banepa. Now from here, we took the road to Panauti. 

But one of our friends wanted to buy a hat and a mask to protect from the dust.

Then we moved towards Panauti where we reached at around 11:00.

Exploring Panauti – UNESCO World Heritage Site

And as we had enough time (we’re only staying the night at Bethanchowk, not hiking today), we decided to explore the Panauti Village (listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site) for some time.

So we parked our bike and started walking towards Branmayani Temple, then crossed Punyamata river, and explored Panauti Ghat, Bashuki Nag Temple, Shree Krishna Mandir, and Bansha Gopal Temple.

We stayed there for a while, taking pictures and admiring the paintings, wooden crafts and architecture.

Then moved towards the Panauti Heritage site via Shree Punya High School and Maheshwori Mandir.

The heritage site had a huge Indreeshwor Mahadev Temple, Unmata Bhairav Temple, Shesh Narayan Temple and Panauti Museum. 

From there, we moved towards Panauti Durbar square, but it was closed at that time. 

So we decided to go for lunch as it was already around 1:00 P.M.

Finding The Best Lunch Place in Panauti

As it was all of our first time at Panauti, we had no idea of any good restaurants and cafes. So, we asked one of the locals for the best place to eat Dal-Bhat, and he recommended that we go to Girey ko hotel and pointed us in the direction.

We started walking towards it and again on the way we asked another person for the place to eat Dal-Bhat, and same as before he also suggested we go to Girey ko Hotel.

So it seemed the popular place for Dal-Bhat in Panauti.

We followed the directions from the locals and reached a small place in the fields. At first we’re not sure, and when we went there and asked, it was indeed the Girey ko Hotel. And they’re serving all types of rice (Vegetarian, Chicken and Mutton) at an affordable price. The actual name of the hotel is “New Panauti Hotel”.

So we ordered mutton rice for four and waited as we’re hungry.

While waiting we saw many people coming and leaving after eating the Dal-Bhat.

As soon as the rice came, we started eating with our hands. And the taste was really homely, we ate with our stomach full and also asked for the buttermilk. We rested for a moment, talked with the owner and found out that it was a family run Dal-Bhat hotel who were from Dhunkharka (where we’re going) and have been selling rice almost their whole life. 

Finding a Place to Stay

We also looked for a homestay to stay at Bethanchowk. As I had already selected a couple of homestays where we could stay which seemed offering typical authentic village experiences, we started calling all and selected “Bethanchowk Village Community Homestay”.

Then paid around NPR 350 per person, then started moving towards Dhunkharka and Bethanchowk.

Now the road to Bethanhowk from Panauti was gravelled only, and muddy in most of the places. Also on the way we saw lots of Crusher Industry (construction materials like sands and gravel).

It was saddening to see them cutting whole hills to make the construction materials for the city.

Also the devastating floods of the Roshi river might be the effect of it as well. And the big trucks used to transport the materials were also damaging the road.

Anyway, we followed the road slowly, taking the direction from Google Maps.

At the Dhunkharka town, we asked for the direction to Bethanchowk Village, then moved towards it. This town had government offices, so the roads near it were pitched (black-topped).

But as we passed the town and started climbing to the location of our homestay, the roads were off-road, riding over the stones.

And there we met an elderly man who was fun to talk with. After talking with him for a moment, we moved towards the homestay and in the next 10 minutes we reached there.

First, we parked our bikes and moved towards the home where we’re staying, it was around 4:00 P.M. when we reached there.

Welcome With The Authentic Village Food at Bethanchowk

At the homestay we’re greeted by an Aama (mother).

As she had already known we were coming, she had prepared snacks for us.

She offered us black tea and popcorn with gundruk sandheko (Fermented Spinach Pickle).

It felt welcoming and remotely in a good way to get the natural and local food.

Also the setting of the home was really beautiful, fields in front of the house were yellow with the mustard bloom with the panoramic himalayan view.

After the snacks we went to put our bags in the room, then washed our hands and faces covered in dust.

Then we started planning for the evening.

In the evening we decided to have a barbeque and then non-veg dinner, and ordered accordingly.

Briefly we asked for the village and where we could roam for a while in the evening, and decided to go on a Village Walk.

Bethanchowk Village Hike

By now it was 4:45 P.M. so we thanked the ama for the snacks and started our self-guided village tour. It was also a great chane to find out the pace of our first time hiker friends.

So, we slowly started walking up the hill.

Just a bit above, we met a local at his house, greeted him and talked about his life and village.

And found out that he was keeping cows and selling milk. So we asked at what time he milks the cow and found that he usually milks the cow at around 7:00 in the evening.

It was a great opportunity for us to get the taste of local and authentic milk as the milk in the cities is not so pure and mostly watered down.

So, we decided to visit him to drink the milk while returning from the short hike.

Then we continued our village hike.

Test Hike For The Main Event – Bethanchowk to Narayanthan Circuit Hike

It was a steep climb at first and we found our friends having difficulty walking on the steep trail.

So we slowed down and walked at their pace.

Once we reached the newly constructed road section, it became somewhat easier as it was not that steep.

We continued walking slowly while discussing different incidents of life. While we’re walking, the mountains were also turning golden with the rays of the setting sun. We enjoyed the mountain view and the sky turning orange and red. And the houses amidst the forest and farms seemed really magical during the golden hour and also with the greenery and the blooming mustard flower.

After walking for a few kilometers, we decided to return as it was getting darker, and on the way we met a local who was curious to talk with us. And found out that, one he also used to run a homestay, but his sons went abroad and stopped the homestay business.

After talking with him for a moment, we said bye to him and continued moving towards the homestay.

And when we reached the home with the cow, it was only 6:00 P.M. so we did not bother to ask for the milk and went to the homestay.

Dinner and BBQ at Bethanchowk Homestay

Now, our ama was cooking dinner for us and as it was getting cold, we asked her to make a fire outside for a barbeque and also ordered some tea.

Then, quickly the baba (father of the homestay) made the fire for us and brought the chairs as well.

There we warmed our hands & feet and also drank tea.

Since the meat for the barbeque and the dinner was being brought from the nearby Dhunkharka town, we waited patiently.

And once the meat arrived and was marinated, we started barbequing and enjoyed the moment. Later we also had dinner at around 9:00 in the evening. 

After the dinner, we discussed the trail to Narayanthan (top of bethanchowk) and found out that there were two trails.

The shortcut one was from just above the village but less taken and could take 3-4 hours to reach, and the longer one could take more than 5 hours to reach the top.

And as none of us had hiked this trail, it seemed confusing without proper marking, so we decided to take a local guide. And asked ama to ask for the guide, also asked her to prepare a packed lunch for all of us as there were no shops or any place to eat on the whole hike.

So, we asked her to make chickpea fry and chapati (roti). Then we went to sit by the fire for a while.

Later after the guide was found and confirmed, we went to sleep at around 10:00 and also planned to wake up at 3:00 in the morning as the journey was long, unknown trails, and first time hikers.

Day 2: Bethannchowk – Narayanthan Circuit Hike on Bushwack Trail

Though we had planned to wake up at 3:00 in the morning, we woke up at around 4:00. By that time homestay ama had already woken up and was preparing our lunch.

I went to her and asked about the guide and she told me that the guide is on the way.

So I woke everyone up, freshen up and started getting ready.

Then the guide arrived and everyone started drinking a cup of tea.

Hike to Narayanthan from Bethanchowk via Gajaram Parbat

After everyone was ready, we left the homestay at around 5:00 in the morning. It was quite dark so the guide used the torch light and we used our phones flash light and started ascending the hill.

First we hiked past the villages, then reached Buddha Park at around 5:30. We took a short break there while our guide was looking for the way to fill the water bottle.

As the community water tank is closed at night, there was no water on any taps. So we woke up in one of the houses and asked for water. Luckily, one of the house owners woke up and opened the door, then gave some of her water.

Also the guide made a supporting stick (hiking) to one of our friends. 

At first the trail looked fine though it was passing through the forest. But as we hiked deeper into the forest, it got slippery with the fallen dried leaves.

The Deadly Trail

And also there was a section where the trail was swept away by the landslide. For the ones who do not have experience on walking rural village landscapes, it’s really dangerous (like there’s no trail). So, everyone helped the first time hiker friends to cross that section, then continued walking slowly.

The trail was steep and bushwack (off-the beaten), so it was really difficult for amateur hikers.

Yet we continued moving slowly through the forest.

We used to take short breaks, enjoy the golden sunrise above the hills and the golden mountain ranges.

The view helped us to forget tiredness and the dangerous trail section.

Later, again we came to a section where we had to climb on a rock. It’s seriously dangerous to first-time hikers, and we also had no idea that the trail would be this tough.

So, everyone gathered there, then carefully and safely passed that section.

We took a short break there, took some photos and continued hiking.

Now we’re gaining some altitude (above 2,500m) and we could feel it as well. Also among the first-time hiking friends, it’s clearly visible with short breathing, and slow walking pace.

Gajaram Parbat – Best Place for Camping to Enjoy Sea of Clouds and Mountain Ranges

Anyway we continued walking slowly up the hill and reached Gajaram Parbat at around 8:45 A.M.

This was one of the hill top with the best view of himalayan range from Dhaulagiri to Kanchenjunga (on a clear day). Also a good spot for camping.

So we rested there for some time and took pictures for memories.

During that time, our friend Surya started scolding that we should have collected more information and shouldn’t have brought on such a hard trekking trail to the first-time hikers.

We apologised for that and said when we researched we saw most information telling about only 3 hrs hike. But here on a 3 hour hike we’re not even at the half of the trail.

The information was also not wrong as there was another motorable (gravel and off-road) road from where we could reach a little bit up and from three just 2 hrs hike to reach Narayanthan.

And that route was perfect for camping at the top only, not for hikes who love walking on nature.

After resting for a while and drinking water, we started hiking as we could see our destination (Narayanthan top).

Now, first we had to walk down steep stairs. It was easier for now but when we thought about climbing up the hill while coming back, it was stressful and painful.

Anyway, we slowly climbed down the hill (Mahabharat Parbat) and then again started climbing another hill.

The Final Push

This was the last hill to reach the top, but the trail was really steep. As we climbed higher, we started hearing noises of the people. So we climbed up the hill slowly, then met people returning and now we can see the top.

Finally after walking continuously for more than 5 hours and gaining almost 1,000m altitude we reached the Narayanthan Temple (top) at an altitude of 3,000m above sea level.

We breathed in relief, celebrating the successful ascend of the first-time hike. Then we went to the temple for worship, then started having our packed lunch as we’re starving.

When we opened our packed lunch, we found lots of wheat bread (chapati), boiled and fried potatoes, and fried chickpeas. It was enough for all of us including the guide. 

We also bought some tea from the local vendors who had just reached the top to sell tea and some snacks.

After the lunch, we rested for a while, roamed around for a while, took pictures and decided to return as we had to go back to Kathmandu in the evening as well.

Hike Down to Homestay via Xanadu Resort and Tamang Villages

At around 11:20, we left the Narayanthan Temple, and started walking down.

First, the trail is easy as we had to walk down the stairs till Mahabharat Mountain (Rocky Mountain Section).

But from there, it’s climbing a steep hill. Me and Gaurav walked ahead while the rest (Surya and Kishor) with the guide followed slowly.

We used to go ahead and stop for them while taking their pictures.

Like the game of tag we kept climbing up the hill till Gajaram Parbat hill.

There we rested for a while, drank water, enjoyed the view, and then continued walking down the hill via another (regular) route. 

Taking Safer Route, Also Completing the Circuit

By taking another route, which is supposed to be easier than the previous one, you would complete “Bethanchowk – Narayanthan Circuit Hike”.

This route was somewhat maintained, had markings on the tree and felt easier. But the fallen dried leaves on the trail were still making it slippery.

So, Gaurav and I took the lead, followed the trail and marking, sometimes confused and were in a dilemma but with our gut feeling we continued.

Now, as we came down, we felt the presence of well maintained trails as there were dustbins, resting places, etc. also we met few locals collecting woods and fodders, when asked how long the resort was (known place at the road). They replied, it’s near and won’t take any longer than 10-15 minutes.

Newly Constructed Resort With Better Facilities

And finally at around 2:30 Gaurav and I reached the Xanadu Resort, where we ordered some hot lemon while waiting for the rest to come. 

We also talked with the owner and found out that they were from Kathmandu and fell in love with the place from the day they visited here. Then they decided to invest in a resort there.

After talking for a while we rested there, and after half an hour rest of our friends came.

And the first thing they did was go to the toilet as everyone was holding it from the top of the hill as there were no any toilets along the way or at the top.

Then everyone had a cup of coffee, rested for a while and then again continued another 1 hour hike to the homestay.

At around 2:30, we left the resort and followed the trail which passed through the local Tamang village. Enjoying the rural old houses amidst the beautiful mustard fields with the mountain view was really mesmerizing.

And finally at around 4:15 P.M. we reached the homestay, rested for a while then had Dal-Bhat which was prepared for us by the Ama.

Then we packed our bags, had a farewell ceremony at the homestay and left for home (Kathmandu) at around 5:30 P.M.

Milk Dessert – Khuwa at Dhunkharka

After leaving the Bethanchowk Homestay, we reached Dhunkharka town at around 6:00 P.M. There we decided to stop and try the most famous Khuwa (Milk Dessert) made from local organic milk.

So, we ordered half KG and ate, then everyone bought it as a gift for the family. And while we’re packing the Khuwa, one of our friends started looking for something on the ground outside. And when asked, told us that he had lost one of his earbuds which fell from his ear.

Then, everyone started looking for it, even the locals joined in.

Later the shopkeeper came with a knife and started cutting the grass, then the earbud fell on the ground from the bush.

We thanked her for the help and left the town as it was already getting dark.

Back Home after 12 hours hike and bike ride

We took the same route and came slowly as it was dark and traffic was high. We said goodbye to our friends and came home.

The day was so tiring that everyone went home, took a shower and slept.

This was one of the craziest adventures during the new years where we walked for more than 12 hours straight, and came home riding our bikes.

Bethanchowk – Narayanthan FAQs

Contact Details of Bethanchowk Village Community Homestay

Contact Person: Bir Lama

Contact Number: 9849073458 (Call / WhatsApp)

Location: Click Here for Google Maps

Hiking Destinations Near Kathmandu

1. Jati Pokhara – Near Kathmandu, Yet Unknown
2. Kakani – Strawberry Farms, History, Culture, Nature and Village Lifestyle
3. Simba Falls, Manikhel – 7 Steps Waterfall
4. Bhasmasur Dada – Chaap Bhanjyang – Chandragiri Hike
5. Budhanilkantha – Tare Vir – Sundarijal: Through The National Park in Kathmandu
6. Dahachowk – View of Kathmandu Valley to Start of Modern Nepal
7. Jamacho – Culturally & Naturally Rich National Park with Whole Kathmandu View
8. Jamchen Vijaya Stupa – Hindu, Buddhists Religious Site and Waterfalls
9. Sikali, Khokana – Beautiful Rice Terraces, Grasslands and Peaceful