🏃‍♂️ Kathmandu Valley Rim Trail Running Itinerary (7 Days)

Distance: Approx. 100–150 km

Elevation: 1,400m–2,800m

Best Season: October–December and March–May

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Style: Supported trail run or fastpacking

Start/End Point: Kathmandu

Overview

The Kathmandu Valley Rim Trail encircles the Kathmandu Valley, offering an immersive trail running adventure through pine forests, terraced farmland, Buddhist monasteries, and mountain villages. With panoramic views of the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and even Everest on clear days, it's perfect for runners who want high-mountain scenery without extreme altitude.

🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

• Activities:
• Airport pickup & hotel check-in
• Gear check & trail briefing
• Optional short warm-up run around Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
• Overnight: Hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu to Kakani (2,030m) – Trail Run via Nagarjun Forest

• Distance: 18–22 km
• Elevation Gain: ~800m
• Route:
• Run through Nagarjun National Park on quiet trails with dense forest cover
• Gradual climb to Kakani, a hill station known for views of Ganesh Himal and strawberry farms
• Overnight: Local guesthouse in Kakani

Day 3: Kakani to Chisapani (2,215m) – Forest Ridge Running

• Distance: 22–25 km
• Elevation Gain: ~700m
• Route:
• Traverse Shivapuri National Park
• Gentle forest trails with long runnable ridgelines
• Descend to Chisapani, with Himalayan views at sunset
• Overnight: Teahouse or lodge in Chisapani

Day 4: Chisapani to Nagarkot (2,175m) – Classic Sunrise Ridge Run

• Distance: 25–28 km
• Elevation Gain: ~600m
• Route:
• Early start for sunrise views of Langtang & Everest
• Run through Jhule, Chauki Bhanjyang, and villages with terraced fields
• End at Nagarkot, one of Nepal’s best Himalayan view spots
• Overnight: Hotel or resort in Nagarkot

Day 5: Nagarkot to Dhulikhel (1,550m) – Hill Trails & Heritage Vistas

• Distance: 20–23 km
• Elevation Gain: ~400m
• Route:
• Technical trails and dirt roads through Kartike, Nala, and Namobuddha
• Visit Namobuddha Monastery — sacred Buddhist site
• Finish in Dhulikhel, a Newari hill town with scenic mountain views
• Overnight: Hotel in Dhulikhel

Day 6: Dhulikhel to Phulchowki to Godavari (2,782m to 1,500m)

• Distance: 20–25 km
• Elevation Gain: ~900m ascent, then descent
• Route:
• Drive to Lakuri Bhanjyang, then run up Phulchowki, the highest point on the valley rim
• Lush jungle trail with birdwatching and views of the entire valley
• Descend to Godavari Botanical Garden
• Overnight: Hotel in Godavari or transfer back to Kathmandu

Day 7: Kathmandu – Rest, Sightseeing & Departure

• Options:
• Explore UNESCO sites: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square
• Enjoy local food and rest
• Airport transfer or extend stay
• Optional Add-on: Recovery massage, yoga, or spa day

🏞️ Total Summary

• Total Distance: ~130–150 km
• Max Elevation: 2,782m (Phulchowki)
• Trail Type: 60% single track, 30% jeep roads, 10% pavement
• Accommodation: Mix of hotels, guesthouses, and teahouses
• Logistics: Supported (with porter or baggage transfer) or self-supported (fastpacking)

🧭 What's Included in a Supported Tour?

• Trail guide or running coach
• Accommodation and meals
• National park permits
• Daily baggage transfer (optional)
• Emergency backup & GPS tracking

🏃‍♀️ Ideal For:

• Trail runners seeking a multi-day stage run
• Acclimatization before higher altitude races (Everest Marathon, etc.)
• Adventurous runners wanting cultural + mountain experiences near Kathmandu