One of those villages you never hear about until you do is Balthali. You don’t think about it at all one day, and then suddenly you can’t stop. It is about 43 kilometers (27 miles) southeast of Kathmandu in Nepal’s Kavrepalanchowk District. The small settlement of Balthali is a long way from the nation’s capital, while being close by in terms of distance. The Tamang people, an ethnic group that is native to Nepal, live in the area. They are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group that is primarily Buddhist. Although the word “Tamang” literally means “horse traders,” in this region, you’ll discover that people are more interested in agriculture than stock raising. Orange tree groves and potato cultivation are abundant in the area. It is renowned for its terrace farming, which produces lush, green plants.
One of the popular hiking routes in the Kathmandu Valley, long the epicenter of Nepalese culture, trade, and education, is the Balthali Village Trek. The hills surrounding Balthali are covered in sal trees, bright rhododendrons, and an abundance of flora. See expansive views of the Himalayan peaks in the north and lush green terrace fields. The valley behind Balthali Village comes alive with a multitude of flickering lights after dusk. The hike introduces you to village life and supports Nepal’s efforts to encourage village tourism. The views to the south are dominated by the tall hills of the lush green Maharabharat Range, while the northern horizon is graced by the snow-capped peaks of Dorjee Lhakpa, Langtang, and the mountain ranges. The area is heavily forested and home to luxuriant development of many different floras. The slope, which undulates and extends out to terrace fields, is covered in vibrant Sal, Mangolia, and rhododendron trees. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts can spend days exploring and learning about some extraordinary species of wildlife.
Take to the trail in comfort and style on this 5-day trek through the Balthali Villages. This itinerary, which is regarded as one of the best short treks in the world, takes you on a series of brief, low-altitude excursions past little villages, lush forests, old temples, and terraced farmland—all against a stunning background of the snow-capped Himalaya. At the conclusion of each day, rest and leisure are waiting in some of Nepal’s most luxurious lodges and hotels.
Balthali Village Trek: How to get there
To get to Balthali Village, you can take a private vehicle or public transportation from Kathmandu. Here are the steps:
First, you need to reach Khopasi, which is about 32 km southeast of Kathmandu. You can take a local bus or hire a private vehicle from Kathmandu to reach Khopasi. From Khopasi, you can either take a 3-4 hours’ trek to Balthali Village or hire a local jeep or motorbike. The road to Balthali is steep and narrow, so it’s best to take a jeep or motorbike. If you choose to trek, the trail from Khopasi to Balthali passes through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture and lifestyle. Once you reach Balthali Village, you can explore the area on foot, go for a nature walk, or enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
Overall, getting to Balthali Village is relatively easy and can be done in a day trip from Kathmandu, or you can choose to stay overnight at one of the local homestays or guesthouses to experience the authentic rural lifestyle of Nepal.
Balthali Village Trek: Things to Do
There are several activities to do around Balthali Village that you can enjoy during your visit. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Hike to Namo Buddha: Namo Buddha is a sacred Buddhist site located about 2-3 hours’ walk from Balthali. The hike to Namo Buddha offers beautiful views of the Himalayas and the surrounding countryside.
- Visit Pada Goan: Pada Goan is a traditional Newari village located about 3-4 hours’ walk from Balthali. The village is known for its ancient Newari architecture and the beautiful rice terraces surrounding the area.
- Explore Balthali Village: You can explore the village on foot and visit the nearby monasteries and temples. You can also interact with the locals and learn about their daily life.
- Bird Watching: Balthali Village is a bird watcher’s paradise. You can take a leisurely walk around the village and spot different species of birds such as pheasants, cuckoos, and owls.
- Mountain Biking: The surrounding hills and trails are ideal for mountain biking. You can rent a bike from the village and explore the area at your own pace.
- Yoga and Meditation: You can take part in a yoga or meditation session in the peaceful and tranquil environment of Balthali Village.
- Homestay Experience: Staying with a local family in a homestay is an excellent opportunity to experience the authentic rural lifestyle of Nepal and learn about the local culture and traditions.
What Makes Balthali Village Trek Special?
Balthali Village Trek is a relatively easy trek that takes you through the beautiful Nepalese countryside and offers a unique experience of the authentic rural lifestyle of Nepal. Here are some reasons why Balthali Village Trek is special:
Serene and unspoiled natural beauty: The trek takes you through lush green forests, terraced fields, and remote villages with stunning views of the Himalayas.
Cultural and Ethnic diversity: The trek passes through several traditional and ethnic villages, including Tamang and Newar communities, where you can experience their culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
Off-the-beaten-track: Unlike the popular trekking routes, the Balthali Village trek is relatively unknown, which means you get to explore the unspoiled and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Tranquil environment: The trek is known for its tranquility, as it offers a peaceful and relaxing environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Homestay experience: The trek provides an opportunity to stay in local homestays, where you can interact with the locals, taste local cuisine, and learn about their daily life.
Overall, the Balthali Village trek is a great option for those who want to experience the beauty and culture of Nepal without undertaking the more challenging and strenuous treks.
Balthali Village Trek: Best Season
The best time to visit Balthali Village is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these times, the weather is mild and stable, with clear skies and beautiful views of the Himalayas.
In spring, the hills surrounding Balthali are covered with beautiful wildflowers, making it a perfect time for nature lovers and photographers to visit. The temperature during this time is warm, and the days are longer.
In autumn, the skies are generally clear, and the temperature is cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking. The autumn season is also the peak trekking season in Nepal, and many trekkers pass through Balthali Village during this time.
During the monsoon season (June to August), the region receives heavy rainfall, and the trekking trails can become muddy and slippery, making it difficult to trek. Similarly, in winter (December to February), the weather can be cold and foggy, and the visibility can be poor.
In summary, the best time to visit Balthali Village is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is mild, and the views are spectacular.