Hiking Bliss: Exploring Jamacho Gumba in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal

Introduction

Jamacho Gumba holds great significance as a spiritual and natural haven, enticing curious souls to embark on a transformative journey. With its picturesque landscapes, cultural heritage, and mystical ambiance, this hiking trail promises an enchanting experience like no other. In September 2022, I had my first hike in Kathmandu Valley, Jamacho Gumba. I usually do not walk much, so I knew I would have a hard time during the hike. The mixed feeling of how I would walk and how much fun I would have kept me from sleeping well (which was a bad idea).

Preparation

As this was my first hike, I did not have proper hiking shoes. I went with my regular shoes which have grip though. Since it was the monsoon season, I also carried a raincoat. For my backpack, I packed various things, including bananas, apples, real fruit juice, and eggs for snacks. In my first aid kit, I included painkillers, move spray for instant relief, and candid dusting powder. Oh, and I almost forgot, I also brought 2 liters of water. I prepared myself fully for Jamacho Hike.

Reaching the starting point

I live in Jawlakhel, Lalitpur. To reach the starting point of the hike, I took the Mahanagar Bus from Ekantakuna to Balaju Bypass early in the morning at 7:00 a.m. I traveled about halfway around the chakrapath. The route included Ekantakuna, Sanepa, Balkhu, Kalanki, Sitapaila, Swyambhu, Banasthali, and finally Balaju. I got off the bus at Balaju Bypass and started walking from the bus stop. I took the left road that leads to the Balaju Industrial Area.

Along the way, I saw the Balaju Baisdhara Park, but I didn’t stop there. I had to walk for at least 30 minutes to reach the starting point. I forgot to mention earlier that you can also go from Balaju Bypass or Machhapokhari. If you get off at Machhapokhari, you can reach the starting point of the Gumba hike by bus. I mentioned the starting point a lot, so let me clarify that it is located at the Army Camp. Since Gumba is located in the Shivapuri National Park, it is protected by the Army. Finally, I reached the Army camp. You can hire a taxi too. There are different routes but I chose this one.

Shivapuri National Park Entrance

To enter the Shivapuri National Park, a ticket is needed which costs 100 NPR (For Nepalese but I am unsure about foreigners). I stood in line and finally got my ticket to enter. Before entering the gate, we needed to register our name and address along with it is needed our bags to be checked by Army personnel. They checked my backpack, and once I was cleared, I proceeded inside.

The Journey

The hike began by walking up the stairs at 8:30 AM. Right at the start, a leech hop on my ankle. Unfortunately, I had worn ankle socks instead of knee-length socks. I have a fear of leeches, so this was quite distressing for me. Fortunately, one of the hikers came to my rescue and helped remove the leech. So, if you are planning to hike during the monsoon season, it is advised to wear knee-length socks and carry salt to easily remove leeches.

Enjoy the bird chirping and the beautiful scenery as you climb up the stairs. There are no tea shops on the way up, so do not forget to carry your snacks, and a water bottle. On the way up the Jamacho gumba, the tickets needed to be shown to the army personnel and record our data. And finally, I reached the top at about 2:00 p.m. Depending upon the walking strength, one can reach the top in approximately 4 hours,5 hours, or 6 hours (my point of view).

Jamacho Gumba

After the breathtaking stairs, scene, and walk, I finally reach the top of the hill, Jamacho Gumba at about 2:00 pm. Upon reaching the Jamacho Gumba, I felt the immense peace. The blowing of cold wind in my face makes me forget the stairs (I hate climbing stairs by the way ), which is the most beautiful thing. There is a view tower, you can climb there and can view the densely populated Kathmandu valley. There are shops so you can have chatpate, tea, other snacks, and beverages.

After spending some quality time up there. I climbed down. Eventually, you will be reaching your destination, so I suggest you not think about the destination but enjoy the view and take your own moment to reach the destination.

You can see some glimpses by visiting Jamacho Youtube Shorts.

Humble Request

Please do not throw litter here and there. There are dustbins placed in most of the places, only throw in the dustbins. You climb up with packets full of snacks and a full water bottle, but can’t you climb down with empty snack packets and empty water bottles? Surely, my friend you can. It is us, who can pollute and clean the environment. So, be nice to nature and help to keep the environment clean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How do I get there?

A. Hop on the bus or micro. Reach to Machhapokhari or Balaju bypass. From there, you have to reach up to the Army Camp.

Q . Is hiking experience necessary to explore Jamacho Gumba?

A. No, This is the best hike for beginners.

Q. How long does the hike usually take for Jamacho?

A. It depends upon YOU. It approximately takes 6 hours for beginners.

Q . Is there any fee for the entrance?

A. Yes, you have to buy tickets to enter the Shivapuri National Park (For Nepalese: 100 NPR, I don’t know for foreigners).

Q. Are there any restrictions?

A. Yes, as it is a protected area, you cannot take music systems and sharp tools: like knives, rods, or any others. Your bags will be properly checked before entering the gate. If you have any, the army personnel will guide you with the direction of what to do.

Q. Are there any tea shops on the way up to the Jamacho Gumba?

A. No, you have to carry a water bottle and snacks on your own. But there are few tea shops once you reach the top.

Q. Is the ticket important?

A. Yes, because you have to register your information at another Army stop.

Q. DIs there a facility of parking?

A. Yes, You can park your vehicles

Q. Is hiking the only way to reach the Jamacho Gumba?

A. No, you can go there by vehicle too. But there will be different ticket charges.

Q. Should I throw litter here and there?

A.NO, THERE ARE LOTS OF DUSTBINS. EITHER THROW IN THE DUSTBINS OR CARRY THEM BACK.

Q. Is there any kind of identity proof needed?

A. Yes. (citizenship, school/college/office identity card, or any identity card that identifies you.)

Q. Is it compulsory for all the group members to have an identity card?

A. NO. (Only one person who registers for the group should have an identity card)

Conclusion

This blog has My journey to the Jamacho Gumba was not just a hike; it was a captivating exploration of nature’s wonders. As I left the Jamacho gumba, I felt a sense of renewal and a deeper connection to the world around me. Go hiking whenever you have time or sometimes please keep aside your all things and give priority to your health as physical and mental wellness are necessary for you to be fit.

Share Your Adventure

Have you also gone hiking for the first time? Or Hike recently? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Also, feel free to reach out for more information and stay tuned for more hiking blog posts. If I can then I will definitely be helping you.

For more trek and hike related post, read our article Gosaikunda.