Bandipur

The Manaslu range seen from Bandipur

An ancient trading outpost of a bygone era, the town of Bandipur has only recently come into the limelight as a hill-resort after a 7 km vehicular road was constructed to connect it with the Kathmandu-Pokhara Prithivi Highway. Before the advent of vehicular transportation in western Nepal, Bandipur's location made it a significantly important trading station

between western Tibet, British India and all of West Nepal. Bandipur is the ideal getaway for those in quest of peace and solitude since this trade-entrepot of times forgotten has long lost its use. Besides the gorgeous view of the central Himalaya and the Marshyangdi Valley, there are a couple of peculiar natural sights like limestone caves, an endless tunnel and the surrounding hills too are very odd looking. For the best board in Bandipur, contact Island Jungle Resort's reservation office in Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, phone- 220162 , 229116. They have a tented camp outfit by the name of Bandipur Mountain

Banepa

Along the Arniko Highway 5 kilometers before Dhulikhel is the sprawling town of Banepa. Banepa itself is not a very interesting town, but it is the intersecting point for routes to Nala and Panauti. To the northeast, just a kilometer beyond lies the Chandeshwori Temple, which has a huge abstract mural depicting the goddess Parvati in the from of Chandeshwori, slayer of the demon Chand.

Daman

This site is situated 80 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400 meters. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan Highway between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj For a view of the world's highest peak extending in one glittering arc from the far west of Dhaulagiri to the far east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), there is no better place than Daman. Other peaks that are visible from Daman are Annapurna III (7,555m), Phurbi Chyachu (6,637m), Choba Bhamre (6,016m), and Gaurishanker (7, 134m). There is a view tower equipped with long range telescopes Daman can be reached in about four hours from Kathmandu. Simple overnight accommodations are also available in Daman. A round trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Tansen, Lumbini, Narayangadh, and Daman is very rewarding.

Dhulikhel

It is a small town at an altitude 1,440-meter from the sea level. The artistic skills and urban ethos of its Newar inhabitants have made a place of charm and beauty. Once an important link in the ancient trade route to Tibet, the town has a glorious past that can be witnessed in the lovely buildings and intricate woodcarvings found along the shop-lined streets and in the temples. The place has many vantage points that offer a panorama of the low hills, valleys and the Himalayas. Sunset views are spectacular from here. Bird watching, mountain biking and hiking are the favorite activities of this place.

This is really a magnificent place to stay a night and awaken to the sun rising across the wide Himalayan range. There are many luxurious resorts with all-modern amenities and facilities in this area. To get there, you can get into local bus from the main local bus station at Kathmandu city. The other alternative is to hire a cab. It takes around two hours to reach this place by local bus and an hour by cab.

Nala

Nala is an interesting small village 5 kilometers northwest of Banepa that used to serve as an outpost of Bhaktapur during medieval times. There are two prominent religious shrines in Nala: the Bhagwati Temple in the central square, and the Karunamaya Temple, which lies on the edge of the village.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot, at 2,175 meter above the sea level, is the most popular resort destination in the Kathmandu Valley. It is the favorite weekend gateaway among those seeking mountain view in comfort and quiet. At sunrise, the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitors with its awe inspiring majesty and beauty.For those wishing to stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh morning air, there are charming walking trails as well as a lookout tower from which the sights can be taken in. Reaching Nagarkot is

Phulchowki "The Peak of Flowers"

Phulchowki is situated at an altitude 2,762 meter above the sea level. It is the highest peak of the Kathmandu Valley and offers a beautiful panaromic view of the Valley's clustered settlements and the Himalayas. The area is also a home to many types of butterflies, birds, moths and a number of mammals such as leopards and Barking deer. Spiny Babbler, one of the endangered bird species of the world, is found here.
It has an amazing vegetation, rich in color and fragrance of flowers like rhododendrons and orchids.

Godavari, at the foot of Phulchowki, is 40 km from Kathmandu and is reached passing through serene villages and green fields. From here a bumpy motorable road twists and turns up the hillside to the summit. For hikers, there is a steep ten kilometer foot trail that begins behind St. Xavier's Godavari School and runs across the road's many switchbacks. It takes roughly three hours to reach the top for the hikers.

Shivapuri

Shivapuri, at 2,732 meter, is the second highest peak of Kathmandu Valley. It is situated at the northern end of the Kathmandu Valley and offers a terrific hilltop retreat. Splendid views, rich flora and fauna are the main attractions of this place. The area encompasses a Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife reserve, which harbors many rare and endangered animal and bird species like sloth bear, languor monkey, leopard and barking dear.

To get there, one should either head north from Balaju or Budhanilkantha at the foot of Shivapuri hill up the well-paved road until one reaches the gate of the reserve. From there, it's needed to hike up a steep trail passing by Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist monastery. Walking along the ridges adorned with fluttering prayer flags and Buddhist stupas and again through the dense wood for about two hours brings one to the summit. It's an excellent flat area that gives a panoramic view of the Himalayas. After a leisurely rest, one can either go back down the same route or follow the ridge descending south towards the stupa at Bouddhanath. The third option is to follow a small and steep trail that brings one down to Budhanilkantha.

Timal Narayan

Timal Narayan is one of the excellent destinations from dhulikhel for short trek. It is indeed a wonderful trek that gives you an opportunity to visit the rural village of Tamang people. The vantage point of Timal Narayan offers a beautiful view of Gaurishanker Himal and other important peaks as well as Sunkoshi river.

Tika Bhairab

A corner of Kathmandu valley rim that time forgot is suddenly on the tourist map with an opening of a deluxe mt. resort, Malla Alpine Resort Nearby are 5th century Licchavi villages of Sunakothi, Thecho and Chapagaon.