Kathmandu is a historical land surrounded by hills, which is why Kathmandu is one of the biggest valleys in Nepal. Inside the Kathmandu Valley, there are many places to visit such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhu Stupa, Bouddha Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Budanilkhanta Temple, and many more. Besides these places, there are other many beautiful places to visit near Kathmandu Valley. Those places are historically, culturally, and naturally amazing so that as a traveler you must visit these places when you are in Nepal.
Nepal is famous in the world for its mountain adventure activities like trekking, hiking, climbing, and many more. Most of the tourists who visit Nepal will have some sort of plan to do trekking in Nepal. Trekking destinations like Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Mustang, and Manaslu are the most popular ones. These trekking itineraries are 3 days to 30 days even some of that treks are longer like 120 days (The Great Himalayan Trail)
Due to the one and only international airport in Kathmandu, the number of tourists who came through the air most have to land in Kathmandu and they will spend some time in Kathmandu. Because of the dusty and busty Kathmandu, some people like to spend just one night in Kathmandu and travel to their targeted destination. For those who don’t want to spend much time in Kathmandu for them these places near Kathmandu are the perfect choice to spend some quality time.
Nagarkot Hill
Nagarkot Hill is very popular for the mountain views and chill-out place for the people of Kathmandu. Located on a hilltop with an elevation of 2100m from the sea level, which used to be the summer palace for the royal family in the past. But nowadays this place is known as the Mount Everest viewpoint near Kathmandu. That is why Nagarkot is one of the places to visit near Kathmandu while you staying in Kathmandu.
Nagarkot Hill is a famous picnic destination for the local people, that’s why every Friday and Saturday this place is full of visitors. Even people will go here by doing Hiking as Nagarkot Hiking. And some people do a trek called Chisapani Nagarkot Trek for 2 nights 3 days. Therefore in Nagarkot, there are many hotels, resorts, guest houses, and restaurants for tourists. If you have a desire to see Mount Everest you should make a hike or drive there and spend a night.
Activities can do in Nagarkot,
Explore Nature, hike, trek, mountain view, and many more
Suitable for: Nature Lover, Families, Couples, and Friends
Duration 1 – 2 days
How to go there: Public Bus, Taxis, Cars
DHULIKHEL
Dhulikhel is one of the ancient cities nearby Kathmandu, which is rich in traditional culture and traditions. Especially the Newari culture. As like Nagarkot Dhulikhel is also one of the places to visit nearby Kathmandu, while you staying in Kathmandu. This place is popular for its mountain view, ancient art and architecture, typical culture and traditions, and the surrounding view.
Activities can do in Dhulikhel
Explore Nature, hike, trek, Zip Lining mountain view, and many more
Suitable for: Nature Lover, Families, Couples, and Friends
Duration: 1 day
How to go there: Public Bus, Taxis, Cars
Namobuddha and Panauti
Namobuddha is a very significant place for Buddhist followers and communities. There is a massive Buddhist monastery that is related to the Buddha and its followers. This place is also on the hilltop and from here a visitor can enjoy the mighty view of the mountain ranges. Even nowadays people will go there for meditation and learn about Buddhism.
The Beneath of the Namobuddha, there is a place called Panauti. Which is a very popular Hindu festival called Maker Mela will celebrate every 12 years. Panauti is a historically and architecturally important place in Nepal. Namobuddha and Panauti are the ones the places you should visit when you stay in Kathmandu for religious and cultural diversity.
You can explore both places to have the natural, cultural, and traditional experiences of Nepal.
Activities can do in Namobuddha and Panauti
Explore Nature, hike, trek, cultural tour mountain view, and many more
Suitable for: Nature Lover, Families, Culture lovers, explorers, Couples, and Friends
Duration: 1- 2 days
How to go there: Public Bus, Taxis, Cars
Best time to visit there: Almost all year, the summer season might be a bit tough because of the rain.
Kulekhani and Chitlang
Kulekhani is another interesting place you must visit while staying in Kathmandu. The fascinating thing to see it is a man-made massive lake on the proposed hydropower dam. Which is considered one of the biggest lakes in Nepal. This place is more about chilling out with friends and families. Boating on the lake is another activity a visitor can experience. The Nepalies explorers go there to test the local fish from Lake. Nowadays there are many hotels, resorts, and guest house which offers different night-stay and day packages as well.
Just a few kilometers far from Kulekhani Lake there is another authentic village called Chitlang. Recently it is getting a very popular destination among adventure lovers and the young populace. Because there you can try different types of adventure activities as well as spend a beautiful night there with your loved one. Historically also this place is popular in Nepal, which is related to the poet Bhanu Bhakta.
Nowadays there are various types of accommodation and tour packages offered by tour operators. Chitlang is also famous for its goat cheese and local rice. Hence, Khulekhani Dam and Chitalng are also places to visit near Kathmandu.
Activities can do in Kulekhani and Chitlang
Explore Nature, hike, trek, cultural tour mountain view, and many more
Suitable for: Nature Lover, Families, Culture lovers, explorers, Couples, and Friends
Duration: 1- 2 days
How to go there: Public Bus, Taxis, Cars
Best time to visit there: Almost all year, the summer season might be a bit tough because of the rain.
Suryachaur
Suryachaur is a hilltop with an elevation of 2100m above sea level. Just nearby the Shivapuri National Park, in the Nuwakot district. This place is very popular for day hiking as the Suryachaur Hike, Day Picnic, and overnight camping too. From here a visitor can enjoy a mighty glimpse of Mt. Manaslu the seventh-highest peak in the world. Mt. Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, and many more.
As this place is inside the Shivapuri National Park the entree fee has to pay. You can reach there by vehicle too but need to pay extra for your vehicle too. So that choice is yours. This place offers you the chance to witness the local culture, traditions, and outstanding mountain views.
Activities can do in Suryachaur
Explore Nature, hike, trek, Mountain View, and many more
Suitable for: Nature Lover, Hikers, and Friends
Duration: 1- 2 days
How to go there: Taxis, Cars, Bikes, or Hiking
Best time to visit there: Almost all year, the summer season might be a bit tough because of the rain.
Gadawari
Godawari is the base camp of the popular hiking trail in Kathmandu – Phulchoki Hiking. This place is more for Botanic lovers because here you can find a massive collection of various types of trees and plants. Besides the Botanical Garden, there are many temples and Monasteries you can visit while exploring the Godawari. Usually, this place is popular as a picnic spot for the people of Kathmandu Valley. Also, Godawari is well known for the film and music video shooting spot nearby Kathmandu.
Activities can do in Godawari
Explore Nature, Observe the various types of plants life, and many more
Suitable for: Nature Lover, Families, Couples, Students, and Friends
Duration: 1- day
How to go there: Public Bus, Taxis, Cars
Best time to visit there: Almost all year, the summer season might be a bit tough because of the rain.
Bandipur
Normally people like to go to Pokhara and Chitwan to spend some time before or after the Himalayan adventure. And very few people will go to Bandipur to spend time during their holiday. Bandipur is a hill station that offers a panoramic Mountain View as well as a sense of the typical culture and tradition of the Newari community. Nowadays this place is famous for the cable car and other adventurous activities as well.
Activities can do in Bandipur
Explore Nature, hike, cultural tour mountain views, and many more
Suitable for: Nature Lover, Families, Culture lovers, explorers, Couples, and Friends
Duration: 2 – 3 days or more
How to go there: Public Bus, Taxis, Cars
Best time to visit there: Almost all year, the summer season might be a bit tough because of the rain.
These are the local and non-touristic places nearby Kathmandu to explore if you have free time in Kathmandu. These places will give you real hiking and real local Nepali experiences. So that do not miss an opportunity to explore those places.
The post Unearth the Wonders: A Guide to Places to Visit Near Kathmandu appeared first on Travel With Raby.
