Introduction

Bethanchwok, located on the southern hills of Kavrepalanchwok, is believed to be the highest peak of the Mahabharat Range. Located at an altitude of 3000m from the sea level, it boasts different views of the hills and Himalayan ranges. Some places of Makwanpur and Janakpur can also be seen from Bethanchowk.  Hilltops in Nepal are one of the best place for sightseeing in Nepal many offering views of Tibetan peaks on the North and Indian plains in the south. Bethanhowk is one of them.

How to reach there?

According to the locals of Kavre, there are several trails to reach Narayanthan, one from Dhungkharka, one from Kavre and  another one from Makwanpur. We went from Dhulikhel. Dhungkharka is about 25 kms away from Dhulikhel and 55 kms from Kathmandu. From Dhungkharka, it takes about 5-6 hours of uphill hike to reach the top of Bethanchwok.

What stuff do you need?

The essentials are season dependent. They vary according to the season you are going there. As we visited on the month (Jestha), below are the must have accessories for the hik

1. Hiking shoes and comfortable sport shoes.
2. Wind cheaters, Thermo coat and down jackets (in winter).
3. (40-50) L Bag.
4. Dry foods, instant energy provider such as chocolates.
5. Min a couple liters of water per hiker.
6. Mats, blankets and sleeping bags (mandatory).
7. Lighter or matchsticks and kerosene (if possible), for overnight stay or camping.

Itinerary

First Day:(Bus from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel)

The journey starts form (Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel). The first couple of  hours is a bus ride to Dhungkhara which is about 1.5 hours off road from Panauti,Dhungkharka is a village located on the base of Bethanchwok. It’s a beautiful valley with cool weather, undisturbed peaceful village with potentials of tourism. We started hiking from here on at around 1 pm. With our slow uphill ascent, we gradually left the remote settlements of Dhungharkha. Thanks to the mother nature, the drizzle all along the climb will your  hike much more pleasant and bearable.
                     Still 4 hours of walk to reach the top.the hiking trail includes natural landscapes and different spices of  hilly flora and fauna

There's a optional route form motor but we suggest you take the hiking route because traveling means exploring and Bethanchwok kavre has to be a hiking tip for best experience.Traveling to Bethanchowk on motors is like you only get to know 20% of the beautiful Nature creations.



After we reached the destination camping for shelter will  start, we will setup our tent arrange fire and food for the night.Then we will explore the place and end our first day there.

         

Second Day:

Next morning you wake up and experience the sunrise up close and beautiful.The mystical green hills were engaged in offering us charismatic air and bizarre cloud motions.After early morning breakfast you can enjoy and feel the peace in mind away from cites and towns. Then we go downhills for around 3 to 4 hours walk till Dhungharkha where you will have your lunch and get a bus till Panauti and reach Dhulikhel by the evening and again we get another bus till kathmandu.

Conclusion

To wrap up, it was a very budget friendly hike.
After visiting Naranthan, you will  realized that it is one of the most underrated hiking trails in Nepal although being so close to the capital. Bethanchowk periphery is filled with different vegetation, flora and fauna. Secluded in hills, Bethanchowk is pristine, peaceful and undisturbed. For anyone interested in having adventurous moments within a low budget and short time constraint, Bethanchowk might be the option you may be looking.

Some Beautiful Photographs