There are days when the soul seeks something more than the noise of city life, something pure, refreshing, and peaceful. For us, that place was Jamacho Gumba, also known as Nagarjun Monastery, a sacred Buddhist site resting high above the bustling streets of Kathmandu. Perched on the hilltop of Nagarjun Forest, Jamacho offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding green ridges.
The hike to Jamacho Gumba is not just about reaching a destination. It’s about reconnecting with nature, sharing laughter with friends, and feeling the deep tranquility that only the Himalayas can offer. Our hike began early one morning from Machhapokhari Chowk, an ordinary place that would soon lead us to an extraordinary experience.
It was early morning when we gathered at Machhapokhari Chowk. The air was crisp, carrying that subtle chill which makes you feel both excited and alive. Kriti and Sweekriti came all the way from Baneshwor, while I joined them from Dhungedhara. Our spirits were high, our backpacks light but filled with essentials, some fruits, snacks, and bottles of water.
If you have a private vehicle, you can directly drive to Phoolbari Gate, the official entrance to Nagarjun Forest, but we decided to walk. The quiet streets, the soft morning sunlight, and the occasional sound of vendors opening their shops made the short journey to the gate feel peaceful.
When we arrived, we saw a long queue of hikers and visitors waiting at the National Park ticket counter. Everyone seemed excited, chattering and preparing for the climb. After purchasing our tickets, we officially began our Jamacho Gumba hike.
The trail inside Nagarjun Forest is a blend of stone steps, dirt paths, and shaded forest roads. As soon as we entered, the air turned cooler and cleaner. The sound of birds filled the forest, and rays of sunlight danced through the trees. The path curved upward, sometimes gently, sometimes steeply, reminding us that patience is the best pace for any hiker.
Kriti and Sweekriti were not very familiar with this trail, while I had been here before. So, I naturally became the guide and organizer of our small group. We decided to walk slowly, taking breaks whenever we needed. Sometimes, we laughed loudly at silly jokes; other times, we quietly admired the green beauty surrounding us.
We captured moments, selfies under the rhododendron trees, short videos of our climb, and photos of the endless trail. There were moments when we stopped to rest beneath the shade of large trees, letting the forest breeze cool our faces.
Every hike has its rhythm. Ours was a mixture of laughter, dancing, and small breaks filled with snacks and stories. The deeper we went, the more the sound of the city faded away, replaced by chirping birds and rustling leaves.
At some turns, we could catch glimpses of the valley below, slowly getting smaller as we climbed higher. We shared fruits, helped each other climb the steeper sections, and enjoyed the simplicity of being surrounded by nothing but nature.
Along the way, we also encountered a few hikers who looked tired but determined. One of them slipped slightly on the rocky step ahead of us. It was a reminder that although Jamacho is a short hike, the trail can be slippery, especially after rain. We helped the hiker regain balance, exchanged smiles, and continued carefully. Safety, after all, comes first in every adventure.
After about 3 hours of hiking, we finally saw the fluttering prayer flags signaling that we were close. The final steps were steep, but the excitement of reaching the top made every breath worthwhile. When we finally stood at Jamacho Gumba, it was around 11:30 a.m., and the view took our breath away.
From the top, the 360-degree panorama of Kathmandu Valley spread before us like a living map. The dense forest below looked serene, the distant mountains framed the horizon, and the golden stupa of Jamacho glistened in the sunlight.
Jamacho Monastery, surrounded by colorful prayer flags, carries deep spiritual energy. Many Buddhist devotees hike here on special days to offer prayers. The peaceful environment, the sound of the wind passing through the flags, and the fragrance of incense made the place feel divine.
The rhododendron blossoms along the trail added an extra layer of beauty, red and pink flowers against the green backdrop of the forest. It felt as if nature had painted the entire hillside just for us.
Since it was a weekend, the place was quite crowded. But instead of feeling chaotic, it was filled with positive, joyful energy. Groups of friends were enjoying their snacks, some were singing and dancing, while others were meditating quietly near the monastery.
We saw a few picnic groups spreading mats under the trees, laughing and sharing food. Some love birds sat under rhododendron trees, holding hands and dreaming about their future together. Watching them made us smile…perhaps love, like nature, feels eternal when you’re on top of the world.
We singles looked at them with playful smiles, enjoying our own freedom and the simple joy of the moment. Sometimes, it’s the laughter of strangers that makes a place feel alive.
After spending some time exploring, we felt hungry. We had our nuts and also bought a plate of chatpate from a small local vendor. It was quite expensive for the quantity, but it tasted like heaven, spicy, crunchy, and satisfying after a long hike.
We sat under a tree, munching, laughing, and enjoying the view. The combination of good food, good friends, and nature felt like the perfect therapy for a tired soul.
Before heading back, we took a few moments to hug the trees..yes, literally. There’s something therapeutic about pressing your cheek against rough bark, feeling the strength and calmness of nature. The forest has a silent way of healing.
After soaking in the beauty and peace of Jamacho Gumba, it was time to descend. Going down was faster, but no less beautiful. We stopped occasionally to take photographs, shoot short videos, and rest under familiar trees. The air was warmer now, but the forest still felt calm and welcoming.
We shared stories about our hike, laughed at our clumsy moments, and admired how much we had walked together. The descent took us about 2 hours, and soon, the familiar view of Machhapokhari Chowk came into sight. Our hike had come full circle.
By the time we reached the bottom, we were tired but deeply content. Every step, every smile, every photograph had become a memory etched in our hearts.
The Jamacho Gumba Hike is one of the best short hikes near Kathmandu, perfect for anyone seeking peace, adventure, and a touch of spirituality. In just a few hours, you can escape the noise of the city and find yourself surrounded by forest, birds, and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze.
It’s a trail that welcomes everyone…beginners, families, solo travelers, and friend groups. Whether you’re hiking for fitness, photography, or faith, Jamacho has something to offer.
By the time we reached back to Machhapokhari Chowk, our bodies were tired, but our minds were calm. The day had given us laughter, beauty, friendship, and an unforgettable experience.
Hiking to Jamacho Gumba isn’t just about reaching a viewpoint, it’s about rediscovering joy in simplicity. It’s about hearing your heartbeat match the rhythm of the forest and realizing how small yet connected we all are in this vast, beautiful world.
For us, this wasn’t just a weekend escape, it was a gentle reminder that peace doesn’t always need to be found far away. Sometimes, it’s just a hike away, hidden behind the Fulbari Gate of Nagarjun.
