Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, includes everything that you crave such as heritage sites, hotels, beautiful sightseeing locations, captivating restaurants, and stunning nightlife. By visiting the place, you could get a break from your busy schedule and could enjoy the beautiful sights.
Moreover, the place is blessed with good and stunning creations that make it more attractive. It is the most scenic and enthralling hill station in Nepal. Apart from Kathmandu, there are several beautiful hill stations near it that you could visit and those places would provide you with an unbeatable experience.
Top 8 Hill Stations Around Kathmandu Valley:
1. Chandragiri Hills
Chandragiri hills are considered a new holiday location in Kathmandu, especially for mountain lovers. The beautiful place is highly accessible in everything like accommodation and other things, especially the view. This gorgeous place provides a great view of Kathmandu along with its premises.
Moreover, Chandragiri hills which lie 2550m above the plain and 17 km away from Kathmandu also offer some inspiring views of various mountain ranges like Fishtail, Manaslu, and many others. You could visit Bhaleshwar Mahadev temple, botanical Garden, and amusement park that attracts a huge number of people.
Location: Approximately 14 km southwest of Kathmandu
Highlights: Panoramic views of the Himalayas, Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, Chandragiri Cable Car
Best Time to Visit: September to November, March to May
Activities: Cable car ride, hiking, temple visit
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Check weather conditions for clear views of the mountains.
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2. Nagarkot
The small village of Nagarkot lies in the lap of high hills that is 26 km away from Kathmandu. Lying at the end of Kathmandu valley, the stunning place offers you a great panorama of Himalayan ranges that looks extremely beautiful and you could view all these just from the comfort of your home.
View the most stunning ranges like Annapurna, Jugal, Ganesh Himal, and various others that could overjoy you, especially during a clear day. Experience the craziest view and feel like you are in heaven. Read Also: 10 Famous Things to Do in Nagarkot, Nepal.
Location: About 32 km east of Kathmandu
Highlights: Sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on a clear day
Best Time to Visit: October to December, March to April
Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, visiting Nagarkot View Tower
Tips: Stay overnight for the best sunrise experience. Bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly.
Read also: Explore the Best Restaurants in Kathmandu
3. Kakani
Kakani is considered a paradise in the lap of nature and is an ideal place for people who desire to seek peace away from crowded areas. You could visit this beautiful place if you plan to visit Kathmandu as the destination lies within two hours of drive.
Enjoy the huge collection of mighty peaks along with visiting various old villages and get to know about its past. Ensure to refresh yourself from within by visiting the place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city. Here, you could grab an opportunity to look around at the surroundings and learn about its customs and culture.
Location: Around 23 km northwest of Kathmandu
Highlights: Stunning views of the Langtang Range, lush forests, Kakani Memorial Park
Best Time to Visit: October to December, February to April
Activities: Hiking, picnicking, exploring strawberry farms
Tips: Pack a picnic and enjoy the serene environment. Early morning visits offer the clearest mountain views.
4. Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel includes scenic beauty along with the tranquility of mighty peaks that makes you stay here forever and allows you to breathe pure and fresh air. The place lies 31 km away from Kathmandu and provides every tourist with a picturesque view of the mountains.
View the mighty ranges of the Himalayas such as Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, and various peaks that overwhelms you. You just have to make sure to visit this place to experience these stunning views of mountains along with its specialty.
Location: Approximately 30 km southeast of Kathmandu
Highlights: Panoramic Himalayan views, historic temples, old town charm
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Activities: Hiking, sightseeing, visiting temples like Namobuddha and Panauti
Tips: Explore the old town on foot. Dhulikhel is known for its sunrise views, so plan to wake up early.
5. Shivapuri
Shivapuri has gained huge popularity and interest among youth travelers, especially those people who reside in Kathmandu.
Explore the ultimate new national park that is situated close to Kathmandu valley, and Shivapuri is the best place to get away from town and eradicate stress from your life. Moreover, you could enjoy trekking, mountain biking, hiking, stunning views, and a huge number of fauna and flora.
Location: North of Kathmandu, within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Highlights: Rich biodiversity, peaceful environment, Baghdwar (source of the Bagmati River)
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Activities: Hiking, bird watching, nature walks
Tips: Obtain necessary permits from the national park office. Carry sufficient water and snacks for the hike.
6. Daman
Daman sits 2322 m above sea level and is around 54 km away from Kathmandu which offers an awesome view. Daman provides the best view of the Himalayan range in the whole country and the view could be seen properly.
Explore snow-covered mountains along with misty and graceful skylines. Experience the attractive sight and make your trip more enjoyable and overjoying. Enjoy rock climbing, hiking, cycling, and many other activities, especially its sunset and sunrise.
Location: About 80 km southwest of Kathmandu
Highlights: 360-degree views of the Himalayas, tranquil environment, rhododendron forests
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Activities: Hiking, sightseeing, visiting Daman View Tower
Tips: Bring warm clothing as it can get cold, especially in winter. Daman is less crowded, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
7. Bandipur
Bandipur is an ideal place to visit and is around 147 km away from Kathmandu which offers a great experience. The place is a perfect abode of culture that describes the positivity of the surroundings.
Bandipur is a good weekend retreat that gets connected with a highway just by an access road. Experience the refreshing and relaxing vibe of the surroundings and calm yourself and enjoy the ambiance of the place.
Location: Around 143 km west of Kathmandu, on the way to Pokhara
Highlights: Well-preserved Newari culture, stunning views of Annapurna Range, charming village ambiance
Best Time to Visit: October to December, March to May
Activities: Hiking, cultural tours, visiting Thani Mai Temple and Siddha Gufa (cave)
Tips: Stay in a traditional guesthouse for an authentic experience. The village is best explored on foot.
8. Phulchowki
Phulchowki is considered to be the highest hill that lies in Kathmandu valley which is special for hiking. You could easily reach the place as it lies only 3 km away from Kathmandu.
The majestic mountain is entirely covered with yellow jasmine, beautiful gardens stuffed with red roses, and various other types of flowers. Experience the trekking via rough terrain that is entirely covered with dense forests that would provide you with a breathtaking view.
Location: About 20 km southeast of Kathmandu
Highlights: Highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley, diverse flora and fauna, Phulchowki Mai Temple
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Activities: Hiking, bird watching, botanical exploration
Tips: Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring binoculars for bird watching. Phulchowki is popular for its rhododendron blooms in spring.
Conclusion
If you are a nature lover, you should visit various hill stations near Kathmandu that offer scenic views. Enjoy various activities that could overjoy travelers and could allow tourists to enjoy. Experience various thrilling activities along with a beautiful mountain view that makes you awestruck. Feel a natural beauty and calm yourself and separate yourself from the hectic lifestyle for some time.
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- Top 20 Famous Destinations to Visit in Nepal
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the best hill station near Kathmandu?
The best hill station near Kathmandu is Nagarkot, known for its stunning sunrise views over the Himalayas.
2. Which is the highest hill station in Nepal?
The highest hill station in Nepal is Kalinchowk, located at an altitude of about 3,800 meters.
3. Are there any cold places near Kathmandu?
Yes, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel are popular cold places near Kathmandu, offering cool weather and beautiful mountain views.
4. What are the best places to visit outside Kathmandu Valley?
Some of the best places to visit outside Kathmandu Valley include Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Pharping.
5. Is Kathmandu considered a hill station?
No, Kathmandu is not considered a hill station. It is the capital city of Nepal and is located in a valley.
6. What are the best hill stations in Nepal?
The best hill stations in Nepal include Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Bandipur, and Tansen.
7. Which hill station offers the best mountain views near Kathmandu?
Nagarkot offers the best mountain views near Kathmandu, especially for sunrise and sunset.
8. What is the closest mountain to Kathmandu?
The closest mountain to Kathmandu is Shivapuri, which is part of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
9. Are there any resorts outside Kathmandu Valley for a weekend getaway?
Yes, there are several resorts outside Kathmandu Valley, including Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel and Club Himalaya in Nagarkot.
10. Which hill station near Kathmandu is best for hiking?
Dhulikhel is a great hill station near Kathmandu for hiking, offering several trails and scenic routes.
