A unique place called Bhasmasur Hill, located in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley, is the third altitudinous hill around Kathmandu and presumably the stylish standpoint near Kathmandu City.
It is named after the mythological character Bhasmasur who was killed by Goddess Durga during her war against demons. The mountain offers breathtaking view of Kathmandu Valley and even nearby mountains like Shivapuri and Nagarjun. It will give you a sense of Himalayan sceneries that you wouldn’t find anywhere else near Kathmandu valley.
Breathtaking views from Bhasmasur Hill
One of Nepal’s undiscovered gems, Bhasmasur hill offers breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley. Don’t miss it! Hiking down to Gokarneshwar Mahadev temple: The trail to Gokarneshwar Mahadev temple is a well-loved trail for hikers in and around Kathmandu. It is said that a visit to Shiva on one’s birthday will bring good luck throughout life. Most people make it up just for that reason. However, many others go up only as far as they can see from behind some trees, but not take in all that Gokarneshwar has to offer.
An easy trail
The trail to reach Bhasmasur hill is an easy one and can be completed by anyone in good physical condition. The trek to get there starts from Bharatpur, an hour drive north of Kathmandu. The entire trip lasts about 6 hours and can be done as a half-day trip or as a full day activity. If you’re visiting during winter, keep in mind that roads are mostly unpaved so expect bumps along your journey. Before setting out on your adventure, remember to pack enough food and water for your day trip since there are no food stalls or lodges around.
Multiple routes to choose from
One of my favorite things about hiking in bhasmasur hill is that you can go almost anywhere and choose from multiple routes. The path I usually take is pretty well marked, but there are several others that aren’t as obvious. If you’re up for an adventure, those unmarked trails can be quite thrilling; if you want a mellower hike, stick to one of the easier paths.
A great workout
Hiking uphill is a great workout that works your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. Plus, because of its high elevation, there’s less oxygen in your breath. The harder you breathe while climbing up a hill or mountain trail, means more calories burned. This low-oxygen environment also makes hiking near Katmandu a good way to help improve lung function. Just make sure to take breaks along your hike so you don’t push yourself too hard and cause an injury—hiking should be fun!
Nature at its finest
Bhasmasur is a popular hiking spot and it’s not hard to see why. For one, it’s located right outside of Kathmandu—so if you’re in for a quick weekend getaway, there’s no better place to head out to. And on top of that, there are plenty of local parks around which make for great day trips from Bhasmasur. There are also plenty of waterfalls nearby, so if you want to do some adventure sports or just cool off from all that hiking, you’ll find something perfect nearby. Plus, many tourists visit Patan and Bhaktapur along with their trip to Bhasmasur hill.
Cool mountain air
If you’re used to breathing in dense, polluted air and living under a blanket of smog, you will feel like you can take a deep breath for the first time in years when you climb through one of these hills. The mountain air is much fresher and cleaner than what’s found in more heavily populated areas.
The best sunrise/sunset spot near Kathmandu Valley
If you are looking for a place to take a walk or do some light activity, look no further than Bhasmasur Hill. This attraction is more than just a place to enjoy breathtaking views of Kathmandu and its surrounding hills—it’s an experience. As you scramble up steep inclines and venture around rocky cliffs, you’ll start feeling some serious FOMO. Why didn’t I bring my hiking boots?! Forget Instagram photos —the best part about trekking through Bhasmasur is getting to hang out with your friends and family in one of Nepal’s most breath-taking natural settings. Keep reading to discover ten reasons why everyone should visit Bhasmasur at least once in their life…or twice (you never know).
The sunrise view from atop the hill is amazing!
One of Nepal’s most beautiful panoramas is seen here, overlooking a wide range of mountain ranges including Annapurnas, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and many more. Amongst them all lies Machhapuchhare (6997m), which you can see on clear days. The sunrise view from atop the hill is amazing! If you’re lucky enough to witness it first hand, be sure to bring a jacket or two because it gets chilly up there even in summer. There are those who say that witnessing such views have given them a lifetime of happiness, so we think it’s worth at least one trip!
Considered sacred by locals
Nepal is a Buddhist country and one of Buddhism’s holiest sites is in Bhasmasur. A little known fact about Nepal, however, is that it’s also extremely Hindu. And unlike western religions that are divided into many denominations, Hinduism has numerous schools of thought and various temples or shrines dedicated to many gods. So if you happen to find yourself hiking near kathmandu and see a shrine on a trail or tucked away behind a rock: it’s probably worth paying your respects to whoever they might be devoted to.
Swimming in Himalayan river
It’s a great way to enjoy nature and see some of Nepal’s rarest wildlife. The Ganges, Bhote Koshi, Karnali and many more Himalayan rivers are ideal for swimming in Nepal; there are also small streams that offer a better experience if you’re into trekking as well. Each river has its own unique ecosystem; some have crocodiles, while others have rare fish or otters.
