Top 20 Exocit places near by Kathmandu.

       
                       20 Destinations near by Kathmandu

If you have a lot of time on your hand, the list of tourist places in or near by Kathmandu is still quite long. Still, there are so many amazing Undiscovered places nearby Kathmandu. Here I have some of the beautiful places to visit near by Kathmandu in your free time.


1. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Sprawling forests of Shivapuri National Park are exciting, enthralling and extremely inviting. The ninth National Park in the country is known for being a birdwatcher’s paradise. The place boasts of over 300 species of birds and several rare orchids. The forest comes alive with a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Highlights: The national park was established in 2002 and it is a famous tourist place near Kathmandu. A number of herbs prosper in the place, while the overall park has broadleaf forests. The place comes alive with animals like Jungle Cats and Indian Leopard, Yellow Throated Marter, Himalayan Black Bear, Hanuman Langur, clouded leopard, leopard cat, barking deer and wild boar among other animals. Ornithologists have recorded over 318 species of birds at the place, including barred cuckoo dove, Eurasian eagle owl and golden-throated barbet.
Location: Shivapuri National Park, Nepal.


2.Nagarkot

A Top spot in tourist places in Kathmandu, travellers can enjoy Himalayan views and the panorama here. Nagarkot is well known for its stunning natural beauty and a number of hotels. The village is stacked up with hotels and accommodations, allowing you to view nature straight from the balcony. The views itself are breathtaking and it can get quite cold in here!

Highlights:The sunrise view of the Mount Everest and other peaks gives this place a considerable edge. The major highlight of this place is the fact that 8 out of 13 Himalayan ranges in Nepal are visible from this place. The place is known for its views of the Kathmandu valley, Shivapuri National Park, Numbur Forest, Rolwaling range, Ganesh himal and Langtang range. The location is actually quite strategic. Once upon a time, this place served as the ancient fort for Kathmandu valley. At that point of time, it was used to monitor other kingdoms. Today, it is a popular hill station, where you can stay and enjoy a blissful holiday.
Location: Nagarkot, Bhaktapur District.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.


3.Royal Botanical Gardens(Godavari)

Kathmandu can get quite crowded during the holidays. But if you want someplace peaceful and quiet, then there’s a perfect spot for you. It is the Royal Botanical Gardens. The place is quaint and great for walking and picnic. However, you might want to avoid it on Fridays and Saturdays, as schoolkids often visit the place then. While the place was slightly damaged during the earthquake, repairs are going on and the place will be back to its glory.

Highlights:One of the main highlights of this place is the visitor centre, where you can experience an enormous variety of Nepal’s flora. The place includes cactus house, orchid house and a tropical house as well. In the middle of the center is the coronation pond, with a pillar. Add the Botanical Garden in the list of places to visit in Kathmandu, if you want to enjoy the beautiful nature in Nepal.
Location: Godavari, Kathmandu.


4.Phulchoki

A prominent mountain peak in Nepal, Phulchowki surrounds the valley of Kathmandu. The mountain is called ‘Phul,’ to reflect flowers, the literal meaning. This place is a natural garden of flowers and everything bright-beautiful!

Highlights: The Mountain is a bed of wild roses, along with iris, yellow jasmine and several native flowers. Exploring it is fun and enchanting because of the grove of rhododendrons in various hues. The path or the trail towards the summit includes keeping able roads. The route takes you through the Buddhist shrine as well. If you have tried trekking or love hiking, then this is your place to visit in Kathmandu trip- it shouldn’t take more than four hours. The area is well known for its resorts as well. If you are looking for something peaceful or if you are searching for a short, easy day hike, then this is the place that should be listed in your itinerary.
Location: Ryale, Nepal.


5.Taudaha Lake

It’s time that you explore Kathmandu fair and square. Go for off-beaten tracks and trails and enjoy discovering Taudaha Lake. A small lake that’s located in the outskirts of Kathmandu, Taudaha represents ‘snake’ and ‘lake.’

Highlights: The name actually comes from mythology, where it is believed that a Buddhist mythical character Manjushree had cut the hill to drain the water of this lake, which is why the lake is now smaller than it used to be. However, due to the draining of lake, countless nagas, mythological creatures who were half snakes and half humans were left homeless.

And therefore, an underwater lake or Taudaha was built, where serpent king and the subjects lived. That’s why the lake is considered tranquil. This lake is perfect for birdwatchers, as a number of migratory species visit the place.
Location: Kathmandu District, Kirtipur.


6.Namo buddha

It is a small village which houses very old Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery which is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal and one of the holiest in the world. It is known as the place where the Buddha, in a previous life as a prince, gave his body to a starving tigress and her cubs.

Namo Buddha is about 40km away from Kathmandu. You can take a local bus from Kathmandu (Ratna Park Bus station, 2-3 hrs) to Banepa and then change there to Namo Buddha one (there is at least one available at 9:00). This bus passes Dhulikhel so it's possible to catch up it there. Taxi fare from Kathmandu Rs1700-2000 for one way and Rs2500-3000 - return. Or get a bus to Kavre Bhanjyang and then trek remaining 9km (2hrs) to Namo Buddha. You can also trek from Banepa to Namo Buddha passing through Panauti and Sangkhu. As an alternative, trek from Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha(3hrs).
Location: Kavre Nepal


7.Khawalung Monastery(Phulbari Gumba)

Explore Buddhism through the eyes of Khawalung Monastery. Founded by Vajra Master Jigme Dorje Rinpoche, the spiritual heir of Choying Wangpo Rinpoche, the monastery preserves, upholds and disseminates general Buddhist Teachings. this tourist place in Kathmandu is a haven for spiritual seekers.

Highlights: The monastery has been detailed extensively in terms of its architecture, inspired by the Buddhist styles and structure. It is also a major sect of Vahrayana Buddhism and provides teachings about the religion. At the moment, there are three teachers who work at the elementary and training school, teaching rites and rituals to the next generation.Besides religious education, the place is known for basic and advanced courses as well. It even provides children with medical expenses, free food and clothing. The same is offered to all the monks residing here.
Location: Kapan, Nepal.


8.Thamel

A haven for tourists visiting Kathmandu, Thamel is a popular destination. The place has several hotels, shops and restaurants that are particularly designed to cater to a discerning range of customers.The commercial location is an easy walk from central Kathmandu and there are a number of activities that you can enjoy at this place.all its attractions makes it a place to visit in Kathmandu you cannot miss during your trip.

Highlights: The streets are quite fascinating at Thamel. But be cautious of sellers who might want to rip you off. Otherwise, the place is good for buying anything from Tibetan Singing Bowls to Glass Pipes. Just remember to bargain a little as the prices can come down to 2/3rdof the quoted prices. Here, you can also enjoy shopping incense sticks, Kukri swords, outdoor outfits and books. Over a hundred different eateries are located at this market. So, eat whatever cuisine you wish to try.
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu.


9.Sundarijal

Sundarijal is a village and former Village Development Committee that is now part of Gokarneshwar Municipality in Kathmandu District in Province No. 3 of central Nepal.Sundarijal is located 15 kilometres (9 mi) northeast of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. It is west of Gagalphedi, east of Nayapati and Baluwa, and north of Aalapot. The VDC touches Nuwakot and Sindhulpalchok Districts to the north.

Sundarijal covers an area of 5.18 square kilometres (2 sq mi). The Bagmati River flows through the VDC, where it is joined by the Shyalmati and Nagmati rivers. Largely hilly in its terrain with few flat areas, the VDC is covered by forests. Shivapuri National Park covers large amounts of Sundarijal. In addition, the VDC is a starting point for hikers along the Langtang Range. Various trekking routes also lie in Sundarijal, among them the famous Sundarijal-to-Chisapani trek, almost 22 km long.
location: Gokarnesshwar, Kathmandu.


10.Chisapani

Chisapani is one of the popular, short and easy treks around the Kathmandu valley. Chisapani trek is also known as Rim valley trek. This trek starts from Kathmandu to Sundarijal by drive and then trek to Chisapani. It lies in north of Kathmandu city. This trek is popular for spectacular views of snow capped mountain and beautiful Nepali village with green terraces.From  Kathmandu drive to Sundarijal (1 h) and hike up to Chisapani and back to Sundarijal (5h) drive back to Kathmandu.


12.Chagunarayan

The ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan  Listen  is located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. The temple was surrounded by champak tree forest and a small village known as Changu. The temple is located in ChangunarayanVDC of Bhaktapur District, Nepal. This hill is about 7 miles or 12  km east of Kathmandu and a few miles north of Bhaktapur. The Manahara River flows beside the hill. This shrine is dedicated to lord Visnu and held in special reverence by the Hindu people. This temple is considered to be the oldest temple in the history of Nepal. The Kashmiri king gave his daughter, Champak, in marriage to the prince of Bhaktapur. Changu Narayan Temple is named after her.

Changu Narayan Temple is situated at the top of the hill surrounded by a forest of Champak tree. On the main way to temple courtyard, we can find a human settlement. People from Newar community live in and around Changu Narayan area. With the development of tourism in this place, we can find many medium and small sized hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc. An ancient stone tap is located on the way to Changunaran which is believed to have existed since the time of Lichhavi.
Location: Bhaktapur district, Nepal


13.Bhotechaur

Bhotechaur is well known for the tea garden (known as Everest Tea Garden). Everest tea garden which is also popular as “Mini Ilam” is one of the beautiful place near Kathmandu for short duration outing. Everest Tea Garden is now trending traveling destination of the people of Kathmandu valley for Picnic, photo shoot, refreshment visit as well as one night stay. Mini Ilam is accessible by Private vehicle or by hiking; public transportation is rarely available.

Bhotechaur is famous for the Shiva Mandir called Kundeshowri(Kunda - pound) Temple, which is located in Bhanjang village on the bank of the Jarke River. This temple also touches the border of Kathmandu district and is 200 meters away from Bansbari VDC, Sindupalchok.
Location: Sindhupalchok District, Nepal



14. Kakani

Kakani is an old hill station, home to the Tamang ethnic group, situated 2,073m above sea level. In fact until very recently it housed the summer retreat for diplomats of the British Embassy. Today it is a peaceful park area where people from Kathmandu comes for a day trip and picnic. The best time to come and enjoy the views of the Ganesh Himal, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges would be any day except Saturday – due to the afore mentioned picnickers! The Thai Memorial Park is located here which commemorates the 113 victims of the 1992 Thai Airlines crash.
location: Nuwakot district, Nepal



15.Kulekhani

Kulekhani is best known for the hydropower damn which provides visitors with a lake like environment and the opportunity for boating! Its breathtaking scenery, landscape, rivers, waterfalls and flora are well worth the time it takes to get there from Kathmandu. Once the ancient trade route with India, you can also see a number of mini Buddhist stupas on the way. Actually you can combine a trip with visiting the Buddhist town of Pharping with its monastery and sacred cave. There is also the possibility to stop at the Bheda Farm at Chitlang.
Location: Makwanpur district, Nepal


16. Chitlang

Chitlang VDC is located in ancient Newar settlement. Inscriptions dating back to Lichchavi era have been found in this place.

An inscription was found in Toukhel, Ward 6 of Chitlang VDC, established by king Amshubarma (in sambat 37). According to the inscription, Amshubarma had given the land to shepherds and established a settlement for shepherds in Toukhel, Nhulgaun, Kunchhal etc. of Chitlang. Some historians believe that these people called Gopalis are the descendants of rulers of the Gopal era. In Chitlang there are different cultures: in ward no 1 there is Tamang culture in ward no. 2 Khas(Newar,Tamang and Bahun)Mix culture. in ward nos 3, 4, 5, 6 and there is the Newari culture; ward nos. 8, 7 and 9 has a mixed culture. There are many visiting places like "Majhagau" especially (Ashoka chaitya) newari people and culture, Swachchhanda Vairav Temple and Satdhaea(sat dhara) vendafarm and Organic village resort.
Location: Makwanpur district, Nepal



17.Muhan Pokhari

Muhan pokhari is one of the beautiful water reserves in Bhaktapur district. Visitors can have a beautiful waterfall. It is one of the best place for Hiking from Kathmandu. It is near by Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Location: Bhaktapur district, Nepal


18.Jalbire

Jalbire is a village in Sindhupalchok District in the Bagmati Zone of central Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 2026 and had 414 houses in the village.
Location: Sindhupalchok, Nepal



19.Chovar 

Chobhar is a village in Kathmandu District in the Bagmati Zone of central Nepal and part of Kirtipur Municipality.
Chobhar is known for the nearby Chobhar Gorge where there are the Chobhar caves. There is also a temple, Jal Binayak Temple and Adinath Lokeshwar, that is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus.There is beautiful herbs and surbs along with lime stone adding its more beauty in the town.
Location: Kathmandu & Kritipur district, Nepal


20. Bhaktapur Durbar Squar

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom, 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the current town of Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, which lies 13 km east of Kathmandu. While the complex consists of at least four distinct squares (Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square),the whole area is informally known as the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and is a highly visited site in the Kathmandu Valley