1. Kulekhani:
We city people want to skip the city noise and have some
peace at least once a week or a month. Likewise, Kulekhani is one of the
peaceful and beautiful place where you can have a perfect day or a two.
Kulekhani is one of the nearest destination from Kathmandu valley where you can
have lots of things to see and experience. You can even hike from Kathmandu if
you are a hiking person.
Attractions of Kulekhani are:
- Kulekhani dam: also called Indrasarowar taal where you can enjoy boating and freshen up by the view around.
- If you are going to stay, you can find a good homestay or stay at Chitlang organic resort. Both are best options; you can choose where you want. They serve good foods. You can enjoy the camp fire and music along.
- Sheep farming is pleasing to watch.
- This place is also popular for the cheese and Naspati wine. So, when you are here don’t forget to try them.
2. Pharping:
You will reach Pharping within just an hour far from
Kathmandu valley. While on the way, you can go to Dakshinkali temple,
Manjushree park, Taudaha lake and Chobar which has their specific beauty and
significance.
Dakshinkali
temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Animals are sacrificed inorder
to worship the Goddess Kali.
Taudaha
lake is one of the popular spot for couple. You can feed fishes
which brings peace within you.
From Chobar you can see the Kathmandu
valley. The green nature helps you relax and have a pleasant time there.
Pharping is famous for the religious Buddhist monasteries.
You can have a fruitful day visiting monasteries, hydropower and temples.
3. Godawari:
Godawari lies in the Lalitpur district and is famous for the
botanical garden where different flowers, birds and trees are found. You can
enjoy playing in the river, rest under the tree shadow and listen to the
chirping of birds. If you are in a group, the best option for you is to go
picnic and enjoy the nature.
You can also go to Phulchowki danda in just 45 minutes
(by vehicle) from Godawari. Or if you
like hiking, you can go hiking from Godawari too. During winter season you can
enjoy the snowfall, clear Himalayas and rhododendrons of different colours. It
is one of the best hiking destination around Kathmandu valley.
4. Boudhanath
Stupa:
Boudhanath stupa lies in the eastern part of Kathmandu and is
the largest stupa in Nepal where you can see the Buddhist devotee praying with
all their heart and soul. One can see the various shops of Buddhist
accessories, meditation bowls, mandalas, Buddhist sweets, laphing center and
many restaurants when you start exploring the stupa. You can have a very
relaxing and peaceful day at Boudhanath stupa.
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| Boudhanath Stupa |
Swayambhunath stupa is also known as Monkey Temple because you
can see huge number of monkeys there. It is located in the north west of
Kathmandu. This stupa is the blend of Buddhist and Hindu iconography. You do
not only see the stupa but also temples which are rich in Hindu culture. From
the top of the stupa you can see the Kathmandu valley. If you are going to
stupa during dusk, the sunset looks mesmerizing.
6. Dhulikhel:
Just one and half hour from the Kathmandu valley one can
reach Dhulikhel. It is a Newari town rich in Newari culture where you can see
ancient newari houses. If you love Himalayas and the cool weather, it is one of
the best option for you. One can see the panoramic view of Himalayas. Most visited
place in Dhulikhel are Gosaithan hill, Dhulikhel view tower and
Chaukot. If you love adventure
and want to feel the adrenaline rush, you can go to Dhulikhel Zipline, Khawa
and do Classic zipline, superman zipline or couple zipline which is just 5.4 km
away from Dhulikhel.
While coming to Dhulikhel you can first go to Sanga. The main
place to visit in Sanga is Kailashnath Mahadev statue . It is
the World’s tallest Shiva temple. It is the marvelous creation of
Nepalese engineering which is 143 ft tall.
After reaching Dhulikhel, another spot you can visit is Namobuddha
which is a Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is just 38 km from Kathmandu and just
20 minutes ride from Dhulikhel. The peace you feel there is something out of
the world. The monastery is so beautifully decorated that is awestruck.
7. Nagarkot:
Sunrise and the beautiful Himalayas are the first thing that
comes in mind after hearing the word Nagarkot. It is 28 km far from the
Kathmandu valley. For the nature lovers you can go hiking and enjoy the green
nature around. You can see 6 Himalayan ranges from Nagarkot. If you go Nagarkot in the winter and is lucky enough you can feel the snowfall.
8. Bhaktapur
Durbar Square:
It lies 13 km east from Kathmandu which is the Royal Palace
of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom. Bhaktapur Durbar Square’s attraction are 55 window palace, Vatsala temple,
Statue of Bhupatindra Malla, Nyatapole temple, Bhairava nath
temple, Golden gate, Lion’s gate,
mini pashupatinath temple and other so many temples around. You can go to Siddhapokhari
and feed the fishes or just sit and enjoy them swimming. This place is famous
for Juju
Dhau (King of Curd) and Khuwa Kulfi. If you visit this place you never
skip without having them.
9. Patan
Durbar Square:
Patan Durbar Square lies in the heart of the Lalitpur. It is
full of Newari architecture and carvings. The main attraction of this area is Patan Museum, Krishna temple,
Bhimsen temple, Taleju bhawani temple and so on. You will definitely love this
place as soon as you encounter it.
10. Basantapur
Durbar Square:
It is also called Kathmandu Durbar Square and Hanumandhoka
Durbar Square. Kathmandu is mostly of Newari culture, tradition, art, architecture
and all. So, all the durbar square reflects the newari culture and
architecture. The main attractions are Kumari Ghar, Hanumandhoka Museum,
Kasthamandap, Shiv-Parbati temple, Jagannath temple, big-bell, etc. You can see
the different antique shops, restaurants and flag shops around the Basantapur
Durbar Square.
11. Garden of dreams:
Garden of dreams is also called “The garden of Six Seasons” and
Kaiser Mahal which lies in the center of the Kathmandu Valley. The beautifully
managed garden is something that amazes you once you enter this place. If you
do not want to go far from Kathmandu and want to stay calm inside the city,
this place is for you. You can enjoy the
seasonal flowers and plants, beautiful lotus pond, photographic museum and have
rest in the center of the garden. This place is quite famous for couples and
gatherings among friends and family.
12. Chandragiri
Hills:
It lies just 7 km from Thankot which provides panoramic view
of Kathmandu and the Himalayan ranges. One can reach Chandragiri hills via
cable car. People not only go to Chandragiri Hills for fun and enjoyment but
also to worship the Bhaleshore Mahadev temple of Lord Shiva.
13. Jhor, Mahankal:
Jhor is 9 km far from Samakhusi, Kathmandu. The main
attraction of Jhor are waterfalls and Baundeshwor Gufa.
During monsoon season, there is a huge crowd of people enjoying the cool
waterfalls. If you are planning to go to Jhor this monsoon, do not be late.
Pack your bag and move to Jhor and enjoy the waterfalls.
14. Kakani:
Kakani is 23 km to the north-west of Kathmandu which lies
next to the Shivapuri national park. This place is quite famous for picnic. You
can see small stupa and a shrive on the hills which offer beautiful view
towards the mountains and Kathmandu. One can enjoy the beautiful nature,
Himalayas and local foods and have a pleasant day or a weekend.
15. Kopan Monastery:
Kopan monastery is located near the Boudhanath stupa of the
Kathmandu valley. This monastery people come to learn the Buddhism from various
places of the world. Nowadays, it has also been the destination for recreation
and to skip the city noise and pollution. This monastery is opened only on
Saturdays.
NOTE: Some other places near Kathmandu valley are: Shivapuri
Nagarjung National Park, Chisapani, Sisneri, Lakhuri Bhanjyang, Osho Tapoban,
Naag Pokhari and so on.
Article By: Ms Nisha Joshi