Introduction

Kathmandu Valley, situated 1400 meters above sea level, is surrounded by towering hills in all four directions. Multiple rivers flow through the Valley. Due to these hills, Kathmandu has become a hiker’s paradise. These hills provide perfect trails for many hiking destinations, and some of them are blessed with naturally majestic places. Waterfalls and streams are some of the major highlights of these towering hills surrounding Kathmandu.

As a visitor, you have many activities to choose from to do around these hill stations. As they are pretty accessible from the city, many people visit such places for a weekend getaway with friends and family. In this article, we’ve accumulated a list of the four best hill stations around Kathmandu that can be your next destination for a nature retreat.

List of the Top Four Hill Stations In Kathmandu:

  1. Chandragiri Hills
  2. Phulchowki Hill
  3. Nagarkot Hill Station
  4. Dhulikhel

Chandragiri Hills (South-West)

Chandragiri
View From Chandragiri Hills (Source: Facebook)

 

Located just 20 km from the city’s heart, Chandragiri Hills (2551m) is a popular tourist attraction. This place is famously known for its cable car services that lead up to the Bhaleshwar Mahadev temple. You have two options to reach the top of Chandragiri hills and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas. Firstly, the most common way to reach the top is by driving up to the base of Chandragiri hills and taking a cable car from there.

You can also hike all the way to the summit of Chandragiri Hills. The trail is well-marked and easily accessible. The pathway along the Chandragiri hills can be steep at some point, but they are not too challenging. You’ll walk through deep green forests, and it should take 7 hours to complete the entire hike. The easier way to get to the top is by taking a cable car, which is a relatively short ride.

Activities To Do In Chandragiri Hills:

  • Hiking: This has become a popular hiking destination due to its amazing views and well-marked trails.
  • Visit the Bhaleshwor Temple: One of the main reasons people visit the Chandragiri hills is the popular Bhaleshwor Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Amusement Parks: At the top, you’ll find adventure activities like wall climbing, ziplining, sky cycling, and horse riding.
  • View Towers: There is a view tower at the top from which you can witness panoramic views of the distant Himalayas.

Phulchowki Hill

Phulchowki
Phulchowki Hill (Source: Wiki)

 

The highest hill surrounding Kathmandu, Phulchowki, translates to ” Hill of Flower.” Standing 2782 meters above sea level, Phulchowki is blessed with natural beauty and serene landscapes. The base of Phulchowki Hill, Godawari, is an entirely unique and even more beautiful experience than the Phulchowki Hill. You can reach the summit of Phulchowki Hill only by hiking.

The trail is filled with blooming flowers all year, and the lush green environment around this place is truly a gem. The trail is slightly challenging and can be difficult for first-timers. From Godawari, you’ll walk for 4 hours to reach the top. At the top, you’ll get wonderful views of the Mountain ranges. The summit of Phulchowki also receives snowfall sometimes, which makes this place more crowded in winter.

Activities To Do In Phulchowki Hill:

  • Hiking: This is one of the most preferred hiking trails around Kathmandu Valley due to its rewarding views from the top.
  • Phulchowki Mai Temple: There is a dedicated shrine to Goddess Phulchowki.
  • Bird Watching and Wildlife: The dense greenery around this place is home to some animals and birds.

Nagarkot Hill Station

Nagarkot
Sunrise Seen From Nagarkot (Source: Wiki)

 

This popular hill station has long attracted tourists. Located 32 km from Kathmandu, it is easily accessible. Furthermore, several hotels and resorts complement the beauty of the surroundings, catering to people with different budgets. Standing at an altitude of 2175 meters, this is an ideal place to spend your weekend. You can hike to Nagarkot from Sankhu, an ancient Newari town.

The hiking trail is easy and filled with greenery throughout the trail. From Sankhu, you’ll walk roughly 2 hours to reach Nagarkot. At the top, you’ll witness breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan Range. This place is filled with people year-round due to its accessibility and amazing natural beauty.

Activities to Do In Nagarkot:

  • Hiking: Although this place may not be the most famous for hiking, many people nowadays have started hiking to Nagarkot.
  • Paragliding: The top of Nagarkot has a paragliding space where tourists can enjoy this sport of adventure.
  • Sunrise and Sunsets: Nagarkot is famous for its unreal sunrise and sunset views.

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel
View From Dhulikhel (Source: Wiki)

 

A scenic and ancient town located east of Kathmandu, it is known for its stunning mountain panoramas. From the main town, a short visit to Namobuddha, with the stupa and Buddhist Monastery, will be rewarding. Also, Panauti, a village noted for its numerous temples with magnificent woodcarvings, is a short distance from Dhulikhel.

Situated at an altitude of 1550 meters, Dhulikhel is a small city with a growing population. Another highlight is the Panauti Village, which is known for its culture and traditions. People with limited time will find this place perfect as it is easily accessible from Kathmandu and blessed with natural beauty.

Activities to do in Dhulikhel:

  • Hiking: This place is famous for multiple hiking trails.
  • Dhulikhel Zip-Line: There is also a Dhulikhel zipline for adventure seekers.
  • Wildlife and Birdwatching: The lush green surroundings around this place are home to many wildlife species and birds.

Also Read: Where Nature Meets Relaxation: Best Picnic Spots In Kathmandu