Dhap Dam Day Hike

Kathmandu Valley · 1 Day

Dhap Dam Day Hike

· Moderate · Max altitude 2,100m (6,890 ft) at Dhap Dam · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

1 Day

Max Altitude

2,100m (6,890 ft)

at Dhap Dam

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

None (day trip)

Overview

The Dhap Dam Day Hike is one of the most peaceful and affordable forest walks you can do from Kathmandu. The trail starts at Sundarijal on the edge of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and climbs through dense broadleaf forest, small villages and wooden bridges to Dhap Dam - a newly built reservoir designed to keep the Bagmati River alive through the dry months.

It is a quieter alternative to the busier Chisopani and Nagarkot trails - good for hikers wanting a long day in the forest without the cultural-tour crowds.

Highlights

  • Lush, mostly shaded broadleaf forest trail
  • Crystal-clear streams and wooden bridge crossings
  • Small Tamang villages along the way
  • The peaceful Dhap Dam reservoir
  • Inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park - rich biodiversity
  • Bird-watching opportunities (bulbuls, sunbirds, raptors)
  • Significant environmental site for the Bagmati restoration project
  • Lower-traffic trail than nearby hikes
  • Affordable price point
  • Good full-day workout without altitude risk

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu - Sundarijal - Dhap Dam - Kathmandu

↔ 12-14 km round trip 🍽 Not included (packed lunch recommended)

- **Hiking:** 7-8 hours 7:00 AM pickup in Kathmandu. Drive about 1 hour to Sundarijal. Buy the park permit (included). Start the gradual climb through forest, passing Mulkharka village at the first big break. Continue through trees and across small wooden bridges to reach Dhap Dam by around 1:00 PM. Lunch and time to relax by the reservoir. Descend on the same trail back to Sundarijal by late afternoon. Drive back to your hotel.

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What's included

Included

  • Round-trip private vehicle (Kathmandu - Sundarijal)
  • Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry permit
  • English-speaking hiking guide

Not included

  • Meals and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not listed under inclusions

Trek guide

A Quiet Day in the Forest

Dhap Dam was built as part of an effort to restore river flow in Kathmandu's water system - storing monsoon rainfall and releasing it gradually through the dry season into the Bagmati River. The walk to reach it follows the classic Sundarijal-to-Chisopani trail for the first stretch, then branches into quieter forest paths.

Geography

The trail starts at Sundarijal (about 1,380m) and climbs through Shivapuri National Park forest to Dhap Dam at roughly 2,100m. Total round-trip distance is around 12-14 km with around 700m of elevation gain.

What You See

  • Sundarijal hydroelectric infrastructure and small waterfall
  • Stone-step climbing through pine and rhododendron forest
  • Mulkharka village (Tamang community)
  • Wooden bridges crossing forest streams
  • The quiet reservoir of Dhap Dam itself
  • Birdlife and (with luck) deer or monkeys

Permits

  • Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park permit (included)

Altitude

Highest point 2,100m. No altitude sickness risk.

Best Season

  • September to May for dry trail and best visibility
  • Avoid monsoon (June-August) - leech-heavy and slippery

Fitness

Moderate (Level 3). Continuous climbing on stone steps for the first 2-3 hours. 7-8 hours of total activity. Best for hikers who are happy with a long day on foot.

Trail Description

7:00 AM pickup, with arrival at Sundarijal by around 8:00. Buy the park permit at the army check-post. The first hour is steep stone steps in dense forest. Mulkharka village comes after the first big climb - a good early break. From here the trail continues more gently through forest and along an unpaved road to the dam. Lunch and a rest by the reservoir before retracing the same route back to Sundarijal and the drive home.

Packing list

Clothing: Light hiking trousers, breathable shirt, fleece, light rain shell, sun hat

Footwear: Hiking shoes with good grip

Accessories: 20-30L daypack, 2L water, sunglasses, sunscreen, packed lunch and snacks, trekking poles helpful, camera

Documents: Passport copy, Nepali rupees

Medical: Personal medication, small first-aid kit, insect repellent

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from the Chisopani hike?
Same start point (Sundarijal) but Dhap Dam is a day hike with no overnight; you turn off the Chisopani trail before the lodges.

How hard is the climb?
Continuous for the first 2-3 hours on stone steps, then easier. Doable for anyone in regular shape.

Are there places to buy food on the trail?
A small teashop in Mulkharka village; otherwise carry your own.

Can children join?
Yes, from around 10 years old in good shape.

What about leeches?
A real issue during monsoon. Dry season (Sep-May) is leech-free.

Is the dam open to the public?
Yes - you can walk around it; swimming is not allowed.

How much wildlife will I see?
Mostly birds. Monkeys are sometimes seen. The park has leopards but they are very elusive.

Can I combine Dhap Dam with Chisopani?
Yes - either as a longer 2-day trip or by detouring on the way up to Chisopani. Ask us for a custom itinerary.

Is this the cheapest day hike you offer?
One of the most affordable - simple logistics and a short drive keep the cost down.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $30

per person

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