If you’re looking for a close destination within Kathmandu to spend your Saturday watching the ‘giddhai giddha ko sahar’, the Jamchen Vijaya Stupa ride should definitely be on your travel bucket list!
The view from the top is absolutely stunning, exactly the kind of escape we Kathmandu residents crave. And the stupa, perched gracefully on a hilltop, feels like the perfect finishing touch to the scene.
Moreover, the architecture of this Buddhist monument, combined with the peaceful ambience of the place, is precisely why I’d recommend it as one of the top places to visit in Kathmandu.
Today, we’ll look into the riding details, and why I don’t suggest hiking here. I’m pretty sure you’ll agree with me. Let’s get started!
Key Facts About Jamchen Vijaya Stupa
| Location | Thulogaun, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province |
| Mode of Transportation | Private vehicle / Public vehicle + Hike |
| Distance (from Narayan Gopal Chowk) | 8.2 km |
| Time to Reach | 30 minutes approx. |
| Altitude | 1,749m |
| Visiting Hours | 7 AM to 6 PM |
| Gompa opening time | 9 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 4 PM |
| Best Time to Visit | All seasons |
Jamchen Vijaya Stupa Ride Details
The ride to Jamchen Vijaya Stupa has become very accessible, even for those without any off-road experience. It’s just a short uphill climb, perfect even for beginners starting out!
The last time I visited this stupa was in 2019, and back then, it was a hell of a ride, as I had taken an alternative path. But fast forward to 2025: it was just a ten-minute ride from Budhanilkantha Temple.
To get here:
- First, ride your way to Budhanilkantha Temple.
- Proceed uphill and keep moving forward until you reach Chautara. You’ll see a board directing you to take a left.
- You’ll find another board along the way, from where you need to take another left.
- Then, you’ll find one more board pointing toward the stupa on the right.
- Finally, you’ll reach a gate where you can park your vehicles. There are a few restaurants and some street vendors inside the premises.
- From here, you need to walk for about 5 to 10 minutes to get to the stupa premises.
- There’s a long staircase leading you to Jamchen Vijaya Stupa, which is definitely one of the most picturesque spots around!
You see, there’s no need to even open your maps on your phone. The route is pretty straightforward with no hiccups. Just make sure to keep your eyes on the direction boards. That’s all!
Hike to Jamchen Vijaya Stupa: Do I Recommend It?
During our journey to Jamchen Vijaya Stupa, we came across multiple groups hiking their way up. But honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it all the way.
Why? Firstly, there are plenty of destinations very close to Kathmandu that offer a better hiking experience. And second, the road is already fully paved, so you’d just be walking alongside vehicles. That kind of kills the vibe!
So, make this a journey where you either have your own ride or at least have a friend who rides.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not discouraging you. I’m just letting you know that hiking isn’t really necessary.
To those who still prefer to walk: obviously, you can opt for it!
Do’s and Don’ts Inside Jamchen Vijaya Stupa
I wanted to collect as much information as possible when visiting Jamchen Vijaya Stupa, which happens to be in my hometown itself. However, I couldn’t meet any professionals during my visit.
A Small Appeal: In case anyone from the stupa is reading this article, please do contact me if you’re interested in helping guide me further on Jamchen Vijaya Stupa, so I can update this article in an even more in-depth manner.
While I did meet a Didi who was responsible for checking in on visitors, she couldn’t answer the questions I was seeking. But I did come to know a few things that can be done inside the stupa, and those that you must avoid:
| Things you’re permitted to do | Things you should avoid |
| Enter the gompa when it’s open to watch the rituals or perform your very own (we missed it, but you don’t!) | Don’t wear shoes inside the gompa |
| You can take your bags up to the top. | You’re not allowed to eat anything in the premises (the didi there is keeping an eye out on you!) |
| Take photos and videos in the permitted area | No drone allowed (unless you have permits) |
| Roam around the premises and enjoy the Kathmandu Valley views | Don’t enter the garden |
What to Do After Jamchen Vijaya Stupa Ride?
After visiting the beautiful gumba and appreciating its Buddhist architecture, you’ll still have ample time to explore other locations too. Whether you’re here for fast or slow travel, you need to make plans accordingly.
In our case, we chose slow travel this time. So, we opted to soak in the beauty of Budhanilkantha Municipality, clearly visible from the top, along with the far-reaching Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The view of the valley is, without a doubt, one of the best!
We decided to have a relaxing time at a nearby restaurant before heading home. Yes, there are plenty of street vendors as well as restaurants. I’ll soon cover the best cafes to visit here too!
But if you’re looking to explore more places, you could opt for Muhan Pokhari, Nagi Gumba, Chiseni Waterfall, Bishnudwar Waterfall, Gorakhnath Ashram, Budhanilkantha Temple, ISKON Temple and perhaps even more hidden gems.
Don’t worry. We’ll cover them all here on Travel Nepal Today!
Final Words
Don’t hesitate at all to go for a ride to Jamchen Vijaya Stupa. It sits right atop the hill and stands out as one of the best viewpoints in Kathmandu. You’ll instantly fall in love with the place and its peaceful ambience.
And starting from here, I’m launching my short-form video series (Saturday Diaries) featuring places close to Kathmandu that can be covered during your off-days, like Saturdays. So, make sure to follow me on all my social media platforms (under the username @safarnamawithvis) and stay updated through Travel Nepal Today’s social media profiles too.
Let’s explore Nepal together and slowly promote our beautiful country to the outside world so they can explore with us someday.
Happy travelling to North Kathmandu!
Want to explore more Kathmandu viewpoints? Head to Dhaireni Dada aka Heaven Dada next!
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