On your own
Free
No booking needed. Walk out from the lodge — we're happy to point you to the start and suggest how far to go.
Day hike · free, guide optional
Sarangkot–Kaskikot Ridge Hike
A mostly flat walk along the ridge top, with mountain views the whole way and the historic Kaskikot palace at the end.
- Duration
- 1–5 hours
- Terrain
- Mostly flat ridge
- Permit
- None needed
- Price
- FreeWith a local guide USD 50
The ridge from Sarangkot towards Lumle is one of the rainiest stretches in Nepal — which is why it's so full of nature. It stays fairly flat, and because you walk along the top, the views never stop.
Go as far as you like: an hour out and back, or all the way to the old palace at Kaskikot. The trail really starts at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge — ask the staff there if you can't find the beginning.
Two ways to do it
On your own, or with a local guide
With a local guide
USD 50
A guide from the village for groups of up to 8 — good if you'd like the history of Kaskikot, and the plants and birds along the way.
The route
- Sarangkot1,592 m · Start
- Toripani1,630 m · Paragliding take-off
- Kaskikot palace1,788 m · Highest point
A bit of history
Where the Shah kings began
Kaskikot's palace is more temple than fort today, but it matters. Its ruler, Kulamandan Shah, is regarded as the founder of the Shah dynasty, whose last king, Gyanendra Shah, reigned until the monarchy ended in 2008.
In Kulamandan Shah's time, Sarangkot is believed to have been one of the kingdom's main army bases. Its name comes from sarang, a sword-fighting game played on the battleground here.
Photos
The details
Before you go
What to bring
- Water bottle
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- A hat for the sun
Good to know
- How long
- 1–5 hours — turn back whenever you like
- Permit
- No trekking permit needed
- Where it starts
- Sarangkot Mountain Lodge — ask the staff if you can't find the trail
