Trip Summary
- Height: 2,249
- Highlights: Smell off the pine forests! Stupas and monasteries.
- Hike Duration: depending on the route, 3 to 6 hours.
Champadevi is in the southeastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley and is technically in Makwanpur District. There are several routes to reach the summit, but the most popular, and easiest to access is one that takes you along the Dollu Valley through pine forests and along the grassy ridge top. This route starts from Hattiban Resort and the trail is well trodden and easy to follow. From the resort the trip will take around three hours, there and back. Parking is available at the bottom of the steep, gravel road to the resort (for bigger vehicles or if you want extra walking time) or at the resort itself.
A less used and longer route begins just after the Dakshinkali Temple road, beyond Taudaha Lake. This route sees you walking along dirt roads through fields until you reach the forest where the trail climbs steeply through the forest to reach the ridge above Haatiban Resort. This will take you from 4 to 6 hours.
As mentioned, there are several routes, and some other start from the north side of the Pharping Valley(starting from Pharping village) and lead you north to the summit of Champadevi. These routes are more tricky to identify. Bring a map and do your homework before starting out!
Getting There (For Individual Trekkers)
Buses leave every day from the Old Bus Park (15 minutes walk from Thamel). Just go along and ask for a bus to Dakshinkali. Getting off at the road for Haatiban Resort is more tricky as the conductor might not know the resort name. If you are going on to Pharping or Dakshinkali just listen for him shouting out the stop name.
Where to Stay
There are teahouses and lodges in Dakshinkali if you want to stay overnight. Camping is also possible but please ask with locals where is the best place to camp. If you want something more comfortable you can stay at Haatiban Resort and enjoy a cold beer at the end of your hike and dinner overlooking the lights of Kathmandu. Booking in advance is necessary.
