Top 9 Hill Stations around Kathmandu Valley

Blessed with extremely beautiful creation of nature and bloomed with majestic scene of Himalayas, Kathmandu valley possesses enthralling, and mesmerizing scenic hilltop stations. The traveling experience around those scenic hill stations will be unbeatable.

The top 9 Wanderlust hill stations around Kathmandu valley are –

Chovar

Chovar, an attractive hill station located at the outskirt of Kathmandu on the way to Dashinkalli, is popular for scenic views of surrounding hills of Kathmandu valley. The enthralling hill station is not only popular among international travelers, it is too lovely place for local residents in the valley. Chovar arrests those in the valley who seek one day excursion from the busy schedule of daily life. The Chobhar Gorge is another greater attraction. Alongside is the Jal Vinayak Temple, an important pilgrimage site for the valley residents. The legend about the birth of Kathmandu Valley speak of the Buddhist deity Manjushri cutting the hill at Chovar into half with a mighty sword, letting out the water of a lake and opening the fertile vale for habitation.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhaktapur district. The scenic site is popular for its breathtaking sunrise view of the Himalayas. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mt. Everest as well as other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. With an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot also caters a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. Along with number of spectacular views, the hill station is also best for shore treks. The short hiking around the green forest and picturesque Nagarkot’s surroundings sites extend the delights of unique trekking experience.

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Kathmandu Kodari Highway. From Dhulikhel one has a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. From the main town, a short visit to Namobuddha, with the stupa and Buddhist Monastery, will be rewarding. Panauti, a village noted for its numerous temples with magnificent woodcarvings, is a short distance from Dhulikhel. Those visitors who are after short excursion but mesmerizing, Dhulikhel will be the best place for them.

Kakani

Kakani is another fantastic site for viewing the mountain scenery. Only two hours north-west of Kathmandu, one can see the mountain landscape of central Nepal, a vast collection of majestic peaks stretching from Ganesh Himal to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Rhododendrons growing wild on the mountain slopes begin to bloom in late winter and stay in bloom for several months, giving the village even more charm. This spot is popular for short drive, picnic and distance spectacular views of Himalayas.

Shivapuri

Shivapuri, an exciting one day trek, passes through the Budhanikanatha temple. An uphill climb from Budhanikanatha towards the Shivapuri hill is endearing among the blooming rhododendrons in the spring season and mountain views are rarely missed. Various flowers like orchid and pitula are abundant. Travelers may be able to spot deers and monkeys in the conservation area as well. Different kinds of bird species are plentiful for bird lovers. The wildlife sighting here is also excellent as the park has access to wider lans and areas behind Kathmandu Valley. At the top of the hill, you will be at a Budhhist monastery. The comprehensive views of Northeast side of Kathmandu as well as majestic Himalayas in the north are the notable attractions of this hill station.

Daman

Daman is such a hill top station from where travelers can have a view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks from the far west of Dhaulagiri to the east of Mt. Everest. It is eighty kilometers south-west of Kathmandu on the mountain highway known as Tribhuvan Highway and has a view tower fitted with a long range telescope.

Bandipur

Bandipur, midway on the Prithivi Highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, is a picturesque Newari town that still retains much of its centuries-old appeal. Bandipur presents sightseers with a heady mix of history, architecture, incredible views, awesome caves and unspoiled landscapes. Located at an altitude of 1,030 m, it has been described as a natural view tower, providing a spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang to the Marsyangdi valley. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalaya and the Marsyangdi Valley, a visit to the hill station is an opportunity to get a close look at Newari cultural that reflects the refined civilization of the Kathmandu Valley. Bandipur is also a great place for adventure sports like paragliding, caving, rock climbing, rafting and hiking.

Godavari

Godavari, 14 kilometer to the south of Kathmandu, is a small village below Phulchowki where the Royal Botanical Gardens, and Department of Medicinal Plants are located. But this is not all the makes Godavari a paradise on earth. The setting is unquestionably majestic. Besides enchanting mountain views, Godavari offers a distinct taste of ancient Newari and hill tribe culture. The surroundings still form nature’s extreme forms of peaceful living.

Phulchowki

Phulchowki (2,762 meters), twenty kilometer southeast of Kathmandu, is the highest among the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. Phulchowki means “hill of flowers” that especially erupts during spring time. When this hilltop station erupts with dazzling blooms of rhododendron and orchids, visitors thrill with nature. Furthermore, Phulchowki is also popular for majestic views of Himalayas, grand view of the entire Kathmandu Valley, and picnics.