10 best places to visit in Kathmandu Nepal (2023)
Top 10 places to visit near Kathmandu; Nagarkot, Shivapuri, Chitlang, Kulekhani, Chisapani, Kalinchowk, Chitwan, Dhulikhel, Kakani, Chandragiri, Namobuddha; The best places of Nepal, 10 must visit places in kathmandu
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Top 10 Places near Kathmandu
Nepal is known for its Nature, Himalayas, diverse Cultures, Unique and Authentic Cuisines and hospitable people. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Nepal to experience adventure, uniqueness, authenticity, and connection to nature. Among many exciting places, Kathmandu valley – also the Capital City of Nepal – is one of the major tourist destinations. The valley is surrounded by intoxicating and picturesque view of hills, forests and mountains.
Kathmandu, besides being enclosed in ample nature, represents the gist of Nepal’s unique beauty “Unity in Diversity” as we can find 126 ethnicity and cultures inside the valley itself. Centerpieces of the Valley lie in its World Heritage Sites such as Bhatkapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Changunarayan Temple.
10 Places to Visit in Kathmandu
Encircled with several Hills and Himalayas, there are many Scenic Picture-perfect locations in and near Kathmandu. Following locations are definitely worth exploring your time and money:
- Nagarkot
- Shivapuri National Park
- Dhulikhel
- Kakani
- Chisapani
- Chandragiri
- Namobuddha
- Chitlang/ Kulekhani
- Kalinchowk
- Chitwan National Park
Nagarkot falls under one of the must visit locations that is nestled in about 32 km. east of Kathmandu. The place is elevated on 2,175m and offers you a panoramic view of hills, mountains, and the city. You can expect serenity, scenic view of mountains, fresh and chilled weather, outstanding ambience, untouched nature with energetic and zestful vibes in Nagarkot. It is very popular for its spectacular Sunrise view from an ancient fort. The fort was built to supervise external activities of Kingdoms of Kathmandu.
Things You can do in Nagarkot: Watch early Sunrise and Himalayas, Hiking, Nature Strolling, Bird Sighting, Local Foods and Drinks Tasting, Leisure mini-vacation in luxurious hotels.
The place is Ideal for: Short getaway from the hectic city for Couples, Families, Friends, Picnic, Refreshment Trip.
Weather: The weather of Nagarkot is considered to be better than that of Kathmandu’s as it’s neither too cold nor too hot. Temperature in Nagarkot ranges from 3-25 degree Celsius.
The trip duration for Nagarkot depends upon your time management and places you want to explore near the place. However, the Ideal Duration can be 1-3 days.
The Best Time to Visit: You can get the best view in Nagarkot from September to April. However, during cold seasons, view can be affected by fogs and cloudy weather.
How can You Reach Nagarkot? There are several ways you could reach Nagarkot. If you have money you can take Taxis and Cars from anywhere (However, taking Taxi from Bhaktapur is suggested because it’s cheaper), you can either take Public Buses from Bhaktapur (much cheaper compared to Taxis), or you can ask your hotels to come pick you up from your location (Hotels may charge extra for transportation or most of the times it is included in your package).
Shivapuri is one of the best options if you want to experience natural beauty of Nepal when you don’t have enough time to explore. It is a Nagarjun National Park with area of 159 km^2 and a habitat of Himalayan Black bear, leopard, jungle cat, rhesus monkey, 177 species of birds, including at least 9 threatened species, 102 species of butterflies with a number of rare and endangered species, and 129 species of mushroom.
Shivapuri area offers you natural scenery, historical temples and heritages, different cultures, unique foods, and much more. It is 32km. away in North of Kathmandu with an elevation of 2,730m.
Things You can do in Shivapuri: Hiking in forest, Bird Sighting, Nature Strolling, Visiting Temples and Gumbas, Exploring Flora and Fauna, Watching Sunset view from few places.
The place is Ideal for: Nature lovers, Adventures, Couples, Family, Hindu and Buddhist Devotees, Hikers, Friends, Picnic,
Weather: The weather of Shivapuri is quite cold compared to Kathmandu’s even in Summer seasons.
Ideal Duration of Visit: Since Shivapuri has many hiking spots with different trails, it can take few days. However, 1-2 days can be enough to get an overall picture of the place.
Time to Visit: September to April is an ideal time to visit Shivapuri and explore nature.
What are the modes of Transportation to reach Shivapuri? You can have multiple options such as Taxis and Cars, Local Buses or Hotel transportation to reach there?
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Another popular destination near Kathmandu that you must visit is Dhulikhel. The place is situated at an elevation of 1,550m and is about 30km. away in Southeast of Kathmandu. The place is fully embraced by nature and offers you Himalayan Panoramas. From Dhulikhel you can get glimpses of Langtang, Gauri Shankar, and Numbur Himalayas.
On the way to Dhulikhel, you have an opportunity to explore many temples as Kailashnath Mahadev Statue, Sanga, Saraswoti temple, Bhimsen temple, Kali Temple, etc.
Things you can Do in Dhulikhel: Hiking, Nature strolling, Watching Panoramic Himalayan view, Local food tasting.
Ideal For: Adventure, Couples, Families, Friends.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days.
Weather: Dhulikhel has a very favorable weather as it is not too hot in Summer. Temperature ranges between 2 – 29 degrees.
The Best Time to Visit: September to May.
How can you Reach Dhulikhel? Taxis and Cars, Public buses and hotel transportation.
Kakani falls under one of the top must visit destinations near Kathmandu as it not only reflects natural aspects of Nepal, it also represents beauty of cultural differences and ethnicity. Nestled about 23km. away in Northwest of Kathmandu and elevated at 2,030m., Kakani is a home to Tamang community. You can catch magnificent sights of Dhaulagiri ranges, Ganesh Himal and Annapurna from Kakani.
The place proposes overwhelming and spectacular views of the snow-covered mountains to you with immense purity and outstanding ambience. In winter, you possible may get an opportunity to experience skiing after snowfall.
Things you can Do in Kakani: Hiking, Skiing, Picnic, Sightseeing, Nature-Strolling, Watching Himalayan Views
The Place is Ideal For: Adventure enthusiasts, Families, Friends, Couples, Hikers, Nature-lovers.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days (if you hike to Kakani from Shivapuri, ideal duration could be 2-3 days)
Weather: Weather is lovable as it’s not too much hot in summer. It’s temperature ranges between 0-26 degree Celsius.
The Best Time to Visit: September to May is favorable.
How to Reach Kakani? You can get Taxis or Public buses or take private cars as well.
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Settled in about 24 km. away in Northeast of Kathmandu at an elevation of 2,200m., Chisapani is best for short-trek offering you perfect opportunity to explore impressive flora and fauna along the way. The spectacular views of mountains and hills with beautiful landscapes of Chisapani is no less than a dreamland one can ever get close to. You can start the hike for Chisapani from Shivapuri National Park and rest at Malkharka for lunch.
Enriched with natural and cultural beauty, Chisapani is indeed an ideal place for hikers and nature lovers with limited time.
Things You could do in Chisapani: Short-Trekking, Nature strolling, Mountain Sightseeing, Exploring Floras and Fauna, Landscapes Viewing
The place is Ideal For: Adventurers, Couples, Families, Friends, Nature lovers
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days.
Weather: Temperature ranges from 2-28 degree Celsius which means not too hot in Summer season.
Ideal Time to Visit: February to May, September to November.
How can you Reach? You can opt for either Private cars, or Local Hiace/ Vans.
Peacefully located at periphery hill of Kathmandu valley at an elevation of 2,551m. is Chandragiri hills. The hill is named after famous Chandragiri Temple of Bhaleshwor Mahadev which is the major destination of peoples’ visits. It is situated in about 13km away on the south-west side of Kathmandu. You can have an opportunity to take beautiful panoramic glimpses of Mountain ranges like Annapurna and Everest. The main attraction of this place is Cable Car.
Things to do in Chandragiri: Short-hike, Mountain Sightseeing, Exploring Temples and Traditions, Riding Cable cars, Landscapes Viewing
Ideal For: Adventurers, Couples, Families, Friends, Nature lovers
Trip Duration: 1 day.
Weather: Temperature ranges between 1-32 degree Celsius.
Ideal Time to Visit: September to May.
How can you Reach? You can opt for either Private cars, Hotel transportation or Local Buses (to reach to temple, you can use Cable cars).
Amongst the must visit places near Kathmandu is a famous Buddhist Pilgrim, Namobudha, which 40km. away from Kathmandu. The Monastery is a home of 250 monks and is open to public for visiting on Saturdays. It can also be visited on several occasions or upon permission. Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery heartily welcomes you in their prayers.
The Monastery is also well-known for short hike trails around Dhulikhel area. The beauty of Namobuddha lies on its natural scenery, architecture, peaceful and calming ambience, and surely its friendly monks. Chimes of singing bowls and smell of incense all over the place calms your body and soul in a relaxing way.
Ideal For: Worshiping, Families, Friends, Short-Hiking, Picnic, Architectural enthusiasts
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day.
Weather: Temperature is moderate ranging between 15 – 25 degree Celsius.
The Ideal Time to Visit: February to April, October to November.
How to Reach: Cars, Buses, Taxis are available.
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If you want to do more exploring around Kathmandu peripheries, Chitlang is indeed a worthy of your time and money. A perfect union of natural scenery and adventure makes the place right fit for everyone who enjoys nature and adventure with a little touch of Pokhara. The place is well famous for its hydropower dam, rivers, lake-like environment, enchanting rivers, breath-taking landscapes, magnanimous serenity, luscious waterfalls.
Elevated at 1833m. and 29 km. away on the South-west of Kathmandu, Chitlang proffers you with opportunities of beautiful sightseeing like striking mini Buddha Stupas along the way, Organic Farms, Monasteries, Sacred Cave, small rivers and lakes filled with fresh natural vibes.
Things to Do in Kulekhani: Boating, Swimming, Nature strolling, Sightseeing, Hiking, Visiting Organic Farm, fresh Fruit and Vegetables tasting.
It is Ideal For: Adventure, Families, Friends, Couples, Picnic, Mini Trip, Nature lovers, Natural Farming enthusiasts.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days.
Weather: Very ideal temperature as it’s not too much hot in Summer and temperature ranges from 3-25 degree Celsius.
Best Time to Visit: From August to October, February to April.
How to Reach: Public buses, Taxis, Bikes and cars are available.
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Kalinchowk, also considered as one of the Holy Tourist Destinations, is a must visit place when you are in Kathmandu. Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple and Kuri Village are the major attractions of the place. Situated at 144km. away on North-east of Kathmandu in an altitude of 3842m, Kalinchowk lies in Dolakha district. The popularity of this location has massively increased in recent years as it reminds Nepalese with feelings of foreign land.
Awe-inspiring view of Kuri Village, Holy Shrine at the top of a mountain, and Cable car have been able to steal away the heart of many visitors. The place is also famous for Short to Long Trek. This place itself makes you feel like being on a paradise filled with snow and surrounded by mountains.
Things to Do in Kalinchowk: Skiing, Trekking, Sightseeing, Panoramic Mountain Viewing, Cable Car Riding, Worshipping, Learning about Kuri Village and its Culture
Ideal For: Adventure, Families, Friends, Couples, Nature lovers, Worshippers
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days.
Weather: Temperature ranges from 1-29 degree Celsius.
Best Time to Visit: From August to October, February to May.
How to Reach: Charter Helicopter flights, Public buses, bikes and cars are available.
Chitwan lies in Terai region at an altitude of 100m. and is about 150 Km. away from Kathmandu. It is the first National Park of Nepal located on South-central of Kathmandu and is listed on World Heritage Sites in 1984. The National Park is home to thousands of Flora and Fauna including Rhinoceros, Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Vultures, Turtles, Gharial and many more.
The present area of National Park is about 952.63 km2 and is on the way to Pokhara from Kathmandu. The place is marvelous for exploring and sightseeing various species of plants and animals. Chitwan area is inhabited by Tharu ethnic group. Their traditions and foods can easily intoxicate you and lure your heart.
Tropical and Subtropical Forests, Never-ending Rivers, Sunset Views, Gigantic yet friendly Elephants, welcoming people, and Traditionally enriched cultures is no less than an unerring holiday destination for you.
Things to Do in Chitwan: Sightseeing, Viewing Sunset, Learning Tharu traditions, Tasting Tharu foods, Nature Strolling, Forest Safari, Befriending and Feeding animals, Exploring Flora and Fauna.
Ideal For: Adventure, Families, Friends, Couples, Nature lovers.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days.
Weather: Temperature ranges between 7-32 degree Celsius (extremely hot during summer).
Best Time to Visit: From late October to early March.
How to Reach: Public buses, Airplane, Taxis, Bikes and cars are available.
Along with international tourists, Nepalese equally prefer and enjoy to visit these places on holidays as these destinations proffer various experiences with unlimited adventures in limited time and budget. Many residents of Kathmandu visit afore-mentioned places often for refreshments, fun, adventures, get-away, picnic, family vacations, and many more.
Hope you’ll be able to incorporate few of these places in your plan for exciting new experiences to fully embrace and absorb Nepal’s natural beauty.
