Getting there
You can take a public vehicle from anywhere in the city to reach to the Dhobhi Ghat-Jawlakhel area. At Dhunge Dhara of Dhobi Ghat, the hike will commence. You will need to cross the Ring Road and walk straight, following a trail towards Kirtipur. The apartment complex of Sunrise Towers is the most obvious landmark in case you get confused. Take the trail through those buildings until you reach the suspension bridge.[break]
After you cross the bridge, take a left towards the Dakchin Kali Road till you reach Chobhar Gate. From there, you will be required to take a long trail of steps to reach the hilltop where the Adi Nath Temple is situated.
You can also visit other interesting places, such as Manjushree Park and Nepal Army training grounds before you reach the Chobhar Gorge. You can also visit the adjacent Jai Binayak Temple on your way downhill. From here, it is a straight walk, approximately 30 minutes. to reach the main road in Nakhu towards the Ekanta Kuna-Ring Road intersection.
Hike highlights
Though you may be overwhelmed by the long trail of steps leading towards Chobhar hilltop, it is not so harrowing. Once you reach the top, you will find some respite and gratification of leaving the city smog well below you, with glimpses of suburban village life.
Chobhar is a very popular place to get away from the busy city streets in no less than half an hour, and it also has a more religious significance. The temple walls of Adi Nath are noteworthy for both Hindu and Buddhist inscriptions. The walls also have a unique collection of domestic utensils and household items such as pots and pans where newly-weds or couples go to hang their chosen utensil to ensure a blissful marital life. It is also said that people hang those utensils as they believe that doing so will ease their life after death.
The Chobhar Gorge is also a historical place. According to alegend, it was where Goddess Manjushree had stricken her sword, thereby draining the Kathmandu Valley which was once a lake. It is said to have originated the Bagmati River that flows throughout the Kathmandu Valley.
Bijay Gajmer
Weather
With the hot weather this time of the year, be sure to take enough water to last you for at least 2-3 hours.
Bare essentials
It is important to equip oneself with a face mask and sunglasses as the Dhobi Ghat-Nakhu-Ring Road areas are infamous for pollution. The situation has escalated especially in the recent road expansion project.
You can carry light snacks though there are small shops scattered throughout the walk.
A day bag
Water bottle
Sunglasses
Reasonable walking shoes
Sun block
Hike level
The hike is relatively easy with steady climb on steps up to the Chobhar hilltop, and then the hike will follow a slight incline as you make your way down to Chobhar Gorge and Nakhu.
Information courtesy:
socialtours, Tridevi Marg, Thamel
For details: call 4412508, or email at info@socialtours.com
Related story
Country’s first accessible trail launched in Pokhara
