Hiking in Gurje Bhanjyang

The Gurje Bhanjyang hiking route runs along the mountain that encloses Kathmandu to the north, bordering the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It is a nature trail, secluded and little frequented, so it is very peaceful. Most of the route is on a wide path through the forest, sometimes thicker and sometimes opener. From Gurje Bhanjyang, our destination on the Tokha Road, the white Langtang Mountains are in front of us.

After the walk, we will approach the Shivapuri Village where we will enjoy a meal and a well-deserved rest.

In short, it is a quiet day, away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Kathmandu, which is always at our feet, to enjoy a day of nature.

We leave our accommodation in Kathmandu by private vehicle in the direction of Tinpiple, located at an altitude of 1450m, where we will arrive in about 45 minutes or 1 hour, even though it is only about 10 kilometres.

The start of the route begins with a steep slope, so it’s best to take it easy at first, but don’t panic, the path soon smooths out. The way starts climbing to cross a sports field, to take short stairs, a slope, and longer stairs to the Bhubaneshwori temple.

Just after this, we continue to climb more gently between cultivated terraces and small farms following the hill, so we have views of both sides, the Kathmandu valley to our right and the northern slope to our left. This area is known as Panchmane. We will hear the sound of chickens from some of the nearby chicken farms.

We enter a pine forest and leave the mountain ridge to stay on the southern slope with Kathmandu on our right. The path soon widens and flattens out, with short, gentle climbs, always slowly gaining altitude. After an hour and a half of walking, we reach the entrance to the Tarakeshwor Mahadev Temple. Nothing really worth seeing: a simple building to protect from the rain, a kind of small cavity under a rock, a water pool and some stairs leading up to the place where a Bhabu, i.e. a hermit, lives.

After this point, we gain a little more height with a couple of bends, and walk along a more open stretch, without the shade of trees on a wide path. Soon we enter the forest again, with more oaks and rainforest trees, so with better shade. We are now close to our destination and the path begins to lose height gently. Although the highest point is at an altitude of about 2025m, which means that we have gained about 575 metres, the truth is that, apart from the start, we have gained metres very gently.

If we look closely, we can already see the Himalayan mountains in front of us through the trees.

Soon we reach an army checkpoint and 10 minutes later we are at Gurje Bhanjyang, just the pass where the Tolkha road passes. From the road, we can see the Langtang Mountains.

From Gurje Bhanjyang, we will find the track that will take us downhill slightly to Shivapuri Village, where we will have a leisurely lunch. After lunch and a short rest, we will walk back up to the road, where our vehicle will take us back to our accommodation in Kathmandu. Descending first to the valley, crossing the outskirts of the city between cultivated fields and small farms. Depending on the traffic, we will arrive in approximately one hour at the end of our journey.

NOTES ABOUT THIS ITINERARY
 

The route is not difficult and the terrain does not climb excessively, so comfortable shoes are the most specific thing you should wear.

Weather conditions can change suddenly, so sun and rain protection is important: a hat and sun-cream and a jacket for the rain. An umbrella can be a good idea as it can be used in both situations.

Don’t forget to carry water.

PRICE INCLUDES
·       Private vehicle to the starting point and from the end point.

·       English-speaking local guide (ask for other language option)

·       Lunch at Shivapuri Village

·       All government taxes and VAT

·       Wages, food and accommodation, expenses, and insurance for all staff

PRICE EXCLUDES
·       Any personal needs

·       Tipping

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