The Manjushree Trail, also known as the Kathmandu Valley Rim (KVR), is one of Nepal’s most historic and inspiring fast-packing routes.
Stretching roughly 170 km with over 8,000 meters of elevation gain, this epic loop circles the entire Kathmandu Valley, linking its five highest peaks — Nagarjun, Shivapuri, Nagarkot, Phulchoki, and Chandragiri.
Once a forgotten pilgrimage route, the trail has been revived through the efforts of Trailmandu Nepal, an organization dedicated to trail development, access, and preservation. Today, it’s a signature challenge for trail runners, ultralight trekkers, and endurance athletes looking to experience the blend of culture, wilderness, and endurance just minutes from the capital.
The Legend Behind the Name — The Story of Manjushree
The name Manjushree Trail honours the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who, according to legend, created the Kathmandu Valley.
Long ago, the valley was a vast lake called Nagdaha, where a self-existent, luminous lotus — the manifestation of the Adi Buddha — bloomed at what is now Swayambhunath Stupa.
Manjushree, a sage from Wu Tai Shan in China, saw this divine light and journeyed to Nepal. With his flaming sword of wisdom, he cut open the gorge at Chobhar, draining the waters and transforming the lake into the fertile valley we know today.
This act of creation symbolise enlightenment, transformation, and the power of vision — the same spirit carried by modern adventurers who complete the Manjushree Trail today.
5-Day Fast-packing Itinerary — Kathmandu Valley Rim Loop
Day 1: Halchowk – Jamacho – Mudkhu – Tarkeshwor
Start at Halchowk, beneath the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa, and climb into the Nagarjun Forest Reserve. The ascent to Jamacho Monastery (2,130 m) rewards you with the first Himalayan panorama and a spiritual calm above the city.
Descend along ridge-lines and rustic roads toward Mudkhu, finishing at Tarkeshwor Temple, a peaceful stop dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Distance: ~30–35 km
Elevation Gain: ~1,800 m
Highlights: Swayambhunath, Nagarjun Forest, Jamacho Monastery, Tarkeshwor Temple
Overnight: Tarkeshwor
Day 2: Tarkeshwor – Gurje Bhanjyang – Shivapuri Peak – Chisapani – Jhule
Climb northward to Gurje Bhanjyang, entering Shivapuri National Park.
The long push to Shivapuri Peak (2,732 m) — the highest point of the valley rim — delivers breathtaking views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa. Descend through mossy forest trails to Chisapani, and continue along scenic ridgelines to Jhule for the night.
Distance: ~35–38 km
Elevation Gain: ~2,100 m
Highlights: Gurje Bhanjyang, Shivapuri Peak, Chisapani ridge, Himalayan panorama
Overnight: Jhule
Day 3: Jhule – Nagarkot – Sanga – Lakuri Bhanjyang
Run east through rhododendron forests and terraced farmland to Nagarkot, famed for its sunrise over the Himalayas.
Descend toward Sanga, where the world’s tallest Shiva statue stands, before a gradual climb to Lakuri Bhanjyang, a serene hilltop above Lalitpur offering 360° views of the valley basin.
Distance: ~35 km
Elevation Gain: ~1,600 m
Highlights: Nagarkot sunrise, Sanga Mahadev, Lakuri ridge views
Overnight: Lakuri Bhanjyang
Day 4: Lakuri Bhanjyang – Phulchoki – Pharping
A big mountain day. Ascend through forest trails toward Phulchoki (2,782 m), the highest point on the southern rim.
Enjoy one of the widest Himalayan panoramas — from Annapurna to Everest — before descending through the Godavari Botanical Garden to Pharping, a vibrant spiritual hub filled with monasteries, sacred caves, and Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
Distance: ~30–32 km
Elevation Gain: ~1,800 m
Highlights: Phulchoki Peak, Godavari forest, Pharping monasteries
Overnight: Pharping
Day 5: Pharping – Chandragiri – Kalupande – Single Tree (Halchowk)
The final day completes the loop across the western rim.
Climb steadily toward Chandragiri Hill (2,551 m), where the Manjushree Trail meets sweeping views of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley below.
From here, follow the ridgeline past Kalupande and descend back to Single Tree (Halchowk), completing your 170-kilometer circuit around the valley.
Distance: ~30 km
Elevation Gain: ~1,700 m
Highlights: Chandragiri Peak, Kalupande ridge, valley panorama
Finish: Halchowk / Swayambhunath
Permits
- Shivapuri–Nagarjun National Park Entry Permit required
Available at Pani Muhan Gate (Budhanilkantha) or Balaju Gate (Nagarjun).
No TIMS card needed.
Navigation
- Download the Trailmandu GPX Track (KVR Loop) from we provide in trailmandu.com
- Recommended apps: Gaia GPS, Komoot, AllTrails, or Maps.me (offline)
- Carry a power bank and check local trail updates before departure.
Accommodation & Supplies
Teahouses and homestays are available at:
Tarkeshwor, Chisapani, Jhule, Nagarkot, Lakuri, Pharping.
Carry cash (NPR 2000–3000 per day) — there are no ATMs on route.
Water is available in villages — use filters or purification tablets.
Essential Gear
- Trail running shoes with grip
- Lightweight fastpack (10–20L)
- Trekking poles
- Waterproof shell + warm layer
- Headlamp + spare battery
- Hydration bottles/bladder (1.5–2L)
- Nutrition + emergency snacks
- Navigation device or smartphone with GPX
- Note: We will transfer your baggage to your hotel by car, therefore no need to worry about your luggage, it so go as light as possible
Best Season
- Autumn (Oct–Dec): Stable weather, clear Himalayan views
- Spring (Mar–May): Flowers, moderate temperatures
- Avoid monsoon (Jun–Sep) due to leeches and slippery trails
Trail Etiquette & Safety
- Respect monasteries and temples — remove shoes before entering.
- Carry back all trash.
- Check weather before long ridges.
- Inform a contact or local guide about your itinerary.
- Support local tea houses — it helps maintain the trail economy.
Why Fastpack the Manjushree Trail
The Manjushree Trail is not just a physical challenge — it’s a journey through the mythology, culture, and landscape that shaped Nepal’s capital.
In five days, you run where ancient sages once walked, circling the valley that gave birth to Kathmandu’s civilization.
Whether you’re an endurance athlete or a mountain dreamer, the Manjushree Trail offers everything — history, spirituality, and pure Himalayan adventure — all starting right from your doorstep.