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Hiking has emerged as one of the most popular activities in Kathmandu, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic brought life to a standstill. During the lockdown, many residents of the Kathmandu Valley found themselves confined to their homes, with little to do except watch TV or scroll through their phones. This period saw a dramatic rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. As a result, people eagerly awaited the day when the lockdown would be lifted, allowing them to venture outdoors and seek solace in the serene green hills. This longing for nature gave rise to a thriving hiking culture in Kathmandu. Here are five must-visit hiking destinations around the Kathmandu Valley:

Shivapuri

Standing at an elevation of 2,732 meters, Shivapuri Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Kathmandu. The hike begins at Budhanilkantha and takes approximately five to six hours to reach the summit. The trail winds through the dense, biodiverse forests of Shivapuri National Park, leading to Nagi Gumba, a tranquil Buddhist monastery perched atop the hill. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and visit Bagdwar, believed to be the source of the Bagmati River. A large fair is held here every Nepali New Year. From Bagdwar, it takes about an hour to reach Shivapuri Peak, where a large open ground and a statue of Shivapuri Baba await. The peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himalayan ranges. Shivapuri is the second-highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley and can also be accessed via Tarebhir.

Jamacho

For those seeking a shorter hike near Kathmandu, Jamacho is an ideal choice. Located at an altitude of 2,128 meters, the hike begins at the Phulbari gate. As you enter the forest, the serene environment quickly helps you forget the chaos of city life. The hike takes about three to four hours to complete and leads to a sacred Buddhist site with a monastery at the hilltop. From here, you can enjoy clear views of the Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang Himalayan ranges, as well as the Kathmandu Valley.

Bhasmasur

Bhasmasur, the third-highest hill in Kathmandu at 2,500 meters, is a fantastic hiking destination in the southern part of the valley. The hike starts from Hattiban and takes around six hours to reach the top. The trail passes through Hattiban Resort and Champadevi, where you can visit the Champadevi Temple and the Padmasambhava Cave. The path winds through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

From the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Langtang, Jugal, and Gaurishankar Himalayan ranges. For those looking to extend their adventure, the hike can continue to Chandragiri.

Kakani-Suryachaur

The Kakani-Suryachaur hike is a short and easy trail located to the north of Kathmandu. Situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the hike begins in Kakani, a popular picnic spot known for its strawberries and trout fish. The trail takes you through dense forests of pine and rhododendron within Shivapuri National Park. After about three hours, you’ll reach Suryachaur, an open ground offering spectacular sunset views. Local eateries along the way provide opportunities to enjoy a hearty meal amidst nature.

Nagarkot-Sankhu

Nagarkot, a well-known tourist destination, is famous for its sunrise and sunset views. The Nagarkot-Sankhu hike is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Starting from Nagarkot Bazaar, the trail passes through an eco-trail, Kattike Bhangyang, a Tamang village, and Jaharsinghpauwa before reaching Sankhu, a charming Newari village. The hike takes about five hours and is relatively easy, offering majestic views of the Jugal and Gaurishankar Himalayan ranges. Along the way, hikers can explore traditional Tamang villages and immerse themselves in local culture.

Photos: Achitra Thieng

Happiness isn’t defined by a single day or event but by a cumulation of moments. Whether it’s spending time with family, helping others, or connecting deeply with friends, happiness takes many forms. In a world increasingly consumed by technology, it’s essential to remember the value of real-world connections and meaningful experiences that truly bring us joy. As we celebrate World Happiness Day on March 20, ApEx talked to three people about what makes them happy.

Aayush Basnet, 22

For me, the happiest days are those when I get to celebrate occasions with my family. There’s nothing that brings me more joy than that, and I define happiness by these moments. True happiness comes when you’re surrounded by people who appreciate you for who you are and for what you do. Many people I know say they find joy in spending time with their partner, playing games, or enjoying different activities. I remember the last time I truly felt happy. It was two years ago, when I spent a night with my friends and family before leaving the country. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as content as I did at that moment.

Binda Thatal, 30

I think every day can be seen as a day of happiness. As a child, I remember the joy I felt when my father bought me a hairband. I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep the whole night. I found happiness in even the smallest things, like when my parents would bring home sweets or take us to the mela, holding our hands. Now, as an employee at the National Campaign for Women, I feel immense happiness in my work, especially in supporting women and addressing topics that matter to them. Through the years, I’ve also come to understand that being a supportive friend or partner brings its own kind of happiness. There’s a sense of relief, safety, and a comforting feeling of having backup support. It’s this connection that makes us feel cherished and valued.

Bijay Ram Ghimire, 48

When we were younger, we would spend entire days outside, but nowadays, people seem addicted to their phones, rarely stepping out. I remember how happy I felt when I went outside to play football, volleyball, kabaddi, and dandi biyo. We spent most of our time playing, socializing, and exploring, while today, many people are absorbed by their mobile devices. One of the happiest feelings back then was when we could help someone in need. It was a simple joy, but it brought a sense of fulfillment. Perhaps the definition of happiness has changed over time. Today, many people find happiness through their phones and social media, tying their well-being to digital validation. But it’s important to look beyond screens—to stay active, engage with the world around us, and disconnect from materialistic pursuits. By managing our time wisely, we can rediscover happiness in the real world too.

The ongoing debate surrounding Nepal’s Civil Service Bill raises concerns about the effectiveness of bureaucratic reforms and their potential to improve public service delivery. While the bill is a step toward modernizing the Civil Service Act, many argue that it fails to address the core issues plaguing the bureaucracy, including inefficiency, lack of motivation, and poor service delivery at the local level. The real question is whether the bill will bring about meaningful change or simply become another bureaucratic hurdle.

A decade has passed since the promulgation of the Constitution, yet the Federal Civil Service Act, has not been passed. The lack of this foundational law has contributed significantly to the problems at the local level. For example, while municipalities are designed to be self-governing entities, they face severe staffing shortages and inefficient resource management. The education branches of municipalities, such as those with 15 schools, are staffed with just four positions, including a deputy secretary, while rural municipalities with over 80 schools face similar issues. These staffing arrangements are meant to be a solution but have instead become a significant source of dysfunction.

Moreover, senior employees are often posted under junior subordinates, violating principles of natural justice and further exacerbating internal tensions. The mechanical process of adjusting staff has created more problems than it has solved, and currently, over 300 municipalities are struggling with administrative failures, which have become a chronic issue in the federal system.

The root causes of bureaucratic inefficiency are complex and multifaceted. Are employees demotivated because they lack a working environment conducive to productivity? Is it because they don’t have clear career development paths or feel marginalized in decision-making processes? These questions must be addressed before any meaningful reform can take place.Without a proper working mechanism and clear standards for promotion, transfer, and career development, employees often lack the motivation to perform at their best. Additionally, the public service system in Nepal remains highly politicized, with leaders often selecting personnel based on political loyalty rather than merit or competence. This system leads to inefficiencies, as unqualified individuals are placed in key positions, affecting the overall functioning of government bodies.

The current Civil Service Bill fails to tackle these deep-rooted issues. While it introduces provisions regarding the appointment of administrative heads in municipalities, the role of the provincial secretary, open competition quotas, and retirement age, these measures do little to address the fundamental problems within the bureaucracy. By focusing on these surface-level changes, the bill misses the opportunity to bring about real structural reform.

Currently, many employees in Nepal’s civil service are trapped in a system that does not reward merit or effort. Career progression is often determined by political considerations rather than performance, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Moreover, the lack of effective leadership and clear communication further contributes to poor morale within the bureaucracy.

A cultural shift is needed within the civil service, one that prioritizes professionalism, accountability, and public service over political loyalty. This can only be achieved through comprehensive reform that goes beyond changes in the law and addresses the underlying values and systems that govern bureaucratic behavior.

The Civil Service Bill, as it stands, fails to address the core issues within Nepal’s bureaucracy. To improve public service delivery, governance, and development, a more comprehensive and thoughtful approach to reform is needed. The bill must go beyond surface-level changes and focus on creating a civil service that is motivated, accountable, and capable of meeting the needs of the people.

Ultimately, the key to improving bureaucratic performance lies in addressing the root causes of inefficiency, such as political interference, lack of motivation, and ineffective career development systems. If these issues are not tackled head-on, any new law or bill will simply perpetuate the existing problems rather than solve them. 

Climate change has been an unprecedented challenge of the global community, imposing a threat to the well-being of the present and the future generations. While it affects everyone, some groups based on their social, economic and cultural status face even greater risks. UN Resolution 77/276 has requested the International Court of Justice to render an advisory opinion regarding the obligations of the state and the legal consequences on the issue of climate change. In the statement before the International Court of Justice, Nepal pointed out its negligible contribution of 0.027 percent to the global emission of greenhouse gases, and render the need of principle of common but differentiated responsibility and international equity, while also asking for the specific consideration to even more vulnerable groups, namely, women, persons with disabilities, minorities and indigenous people. The words are bold and loud, Nepal seeks for environmental justice.

Poverty and environment

Environment cannot be preserved or promoted in the conditions of poverty. According to the Fourth Nepal Living Standards Survey 2022-23, 20.27 percent of the population lived under the poverty line in 2023 in Nepal. This sheer condition reflects the need for more development, industrialization, infrastructures and resources. Nepal has even more challenges than the developed countries to improve the conditions of the life of people including food, shelter and housing without despoiling the nature and the beauty of the environment. Additionally, climate change has been “the payment we are making for a bad ‘karma’, we did not create”. The harsh environmental conditions have only added to the woes to the poor, thanks to the drought, flood, landslides and other natural calamities leading to the decline in food production, dried up water resources, damaged infrastructure, decimated ecosystems, destroyed lands and livestock. The crises of climate change have been only the burden to Nepal, already struggling to uplift the living conditions of the people. Thus, there must be more equitable sharing of environmental costs and greater international interest in the sustainable development, environmental protection and meeting the requisite of the people.

Equity and justice

While taking the voice of the vulnerable groups to the global forum, the behavior of the state to achieve fairness, equity and the elimination of discrimination in environmental benefits and burden is crucial. Infrastructure and significant development projects in Nepal are often carried out without meaningful consultation of the affected indigenous communities or minorities. The participation of women, people with disabilities and minorities are often undermined in the decision making processes related to environmental policies, regulations and projects. One of the prominent examples is the recent Pathibhara Cable Car Project which sparked heavy protest as it threatened the destruction of indigenous land, trees, vegetation and animals of ‘Mukkumlung’, undermining the Limbu Culture and the sovereignty of the local people. Many scholars even raised the question over the necessity of the project. 

The women, indigenous communities, and ancient Nepalese culture have always been near to the environment and its protection in its lifestyle and way of life. The harms caused by the developmental projects on the natural and cultural resources are long-term, and cannot be just weighed in the narrow financial terms. So, Nepal itself has the obligation to make sure its laws, plans and policies do not adversely affect the indigenous and other vulnerable groups, and their environment. After all, everyone is liable to the vulnerability and oppression of the minorities unless their rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. Development projects are cardinal in order to ensure that everyone acquires all the means of the basic needs required for the sustenance and well-being. It can be possible only if the state is concerned enough to adapt the co-existence in harmony with nature, utilizing the natural resources without exploiting and destroying them haphazardly, based on equitable and egalitarian approach, and most importantly, not limited to the shining black letters.

Paradigm shift in the environmental justice

It cannot be forgotten that, in any kind of justice, equality is not enough, and liberty is also essential for the attainment of any goal including environmental protection and sustainable development. Enablement is a certain illusionary system and mechanism to keep people living in injustice leaving them totally dependent for their existence and ultimately grinding them down their self-worth and self-respect. Differentiating it with the mechanism that helps an individual lift out of poverty and their condition, and become a full independent person is utmost necessary. Nepal’s laws, plans and policies must go beyond the vicious cycle of dependency to development of the capacity with the realization of rights, potential and freedom.