Places of interests around Kathmandu valley

Nagarkot
It situates near about 35km east of Kathmandu city on an elevation of 2229m from sea level, about an hours drive from Kathmandu. It is a second highest peak in the Kathmandu valley. It provides the better views to the widest range of Himalayas. One can enjoy the view of Mt. Everest including Kanchanjunga in the east and Dhaulagiri at west. To view sunrise and sunset, People use to spend nights here. It also commands the exciting views of all directions of the valley.

Dhulikhel
This hill station lies in, far-off southern side of Bhaktapur, down to Banepa, towards the Tibetan border on an altitude of 1600m from sea level and at a distance of 32Km from Kathmandu City. It is easier than the steep and winding road to Nagarkot. It is famous for short treks. It provides panoramic view to Himalayan ranges, from Cho Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west. People even come here to see sunrise and sunset. Majority of the locals in this place are from Newar community.

Phulchwoki
This flower blanketed hill, 20 Kms. south east of Kathmandu is the highest point on the valley rim at the height of 2762m from sea level. One can get an access to this place only within 45 minutes drive from Kathmandu valley.  It is also known as home to one of the last surviving cloud forest in central Nepal. During winter snow rains around this area. The shrine of the Phulchowki Mai is the centre of attraction in this place. Generally visitors travel by cycle up to Godavari and take a short walk from there up to Phulchowki.

Godavari
This place is situated on the foothill of Phulchwoki, the highest point of Kathmandu valley. The Botanical garden inside Godavari precinct has picked up its natural beauty. The road way from Patan city links it to the south-east. This heavenly place is the just
One in Nepal which waves its welcome to its visitors even in Saturdays and the governmental holidays. It is the common place for lovers, researchers, picnickers and all other visitors.

Balthali Village
The village of Balthali stands on a plateau which is just beyond Panauti town and Khopasi. The rich cultural and natural setting of Balthali is in the distance of 40 Kms southwest from Kathmandu. This village rests at the junction of Roshi and Ladku Khola River. The area of Balthali is covered up with dense forest roofed to the terraced farm land, backed by plentiful floras, colorful rhododendron, magnolia and Sal trees. The taste of pure village culture and way of life can be explored in this village. Nature lovers can spend many days in the lap of this village by exploring some exceptional species of wildlife, tradition and culture untouched by modernity. Many of the ancient temples and monasteries such as Namo Buddha, Indreswar Mahadev and Brahmayani Temples are located in this region still waiting to be exposed and explored.

Panauti
It is a flourishing village located at the confluence of Punyamati and Roshi Khola River of the road link to Dhulikhel. This village contains temples and traditional houses in galore. The river banks of Punyamati and Roshi Khola are lined up with many temples, shrines and cremation Ghats. The art of wood carving can be seen in those temples in multiple forms.

Namo Buddha
Namo Buddha meaning “hail to the Buddha”, a sacred site is situated on a hill above Panauti which is accessible to reach through a dirt road from Dhulikhel.
In this place according to the Buddha legend, Buddha sacrificed his body to feed a starving tigress and her cubs. A carved stone slab at the main stupa visualizes this story.

Chovar
Carved out of a hillside, the gorge of Chovar is the only way to pass out the all water of Kathmandu valley. This place 9 Km. southwest of Kathmandu is notable for its gorge. According to legend, Manjushree, a saint cut the mountain with his magical sword to way out the whole water of Kathmandu valley which was gathered in a form of lake. The picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill in Chovar asserts a panoramic view of snow blanketed summits.

Kirtipur
This small town perches on a top of a hill, 8 Km. south-west of Kathmandu. Tribhuvan University, the mother varsity of Nepal is situated at the foot of the hill of Kirtipur. This historical town is rich in many aspects. Old shrines and temples, traditional houses, traditional customs of locals with their traditional attires, their traditional professions etc are the countable measures of this town.

Dakshinkali
This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali, the Hindu goddess of power. People use to offer the sacrifice of goats, chickens, ducks etc. to this goddess usually on Thursdays and Saturdays. The forested canyon is sheltering to this shrine 19 Km far from south of Kathmandu.

Kakani
29 Kms northwest of Kathmandu city leads to the scenic beauty of Kakani village. This place is famous for glorious views of sun setting over the north western Himalayan range; Gaurishankar, Bhamare, Ganesh Himal massif, Annapurna. One can get bestowed natural scenes; green forest, fertile river flats, terraced hillside cultivation and on the background, the scene of grandeur mountains on the way, up and down to this village. This place is countable even for the picnickers.

Gokarna
This lovely Royal Game sanctuary, even called as Gokarna Safari Park is placed about ten Km. North-east of Kathmandu. One can view many more wild animals such as spotted deer in this sanctuary from an elephant’s back. A pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev is on the Northern belt of Gokarna.

Sankhu
This typical Newari town is rich with many more traditional buildings and temples. Beyond this village, up to a long trip of stone stairs, lies a historical temple with a scenic view of the local area i.e. the temple of Bajra Jogini.

Sundarijal
This place is countable for its incomparable scenic beauty. One can observe magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and rock formations, here. It is even a capital place for Picnic goers.