Other Popular Areas

Nature has bestowed Nepal an amazing diversity in terms of topography besides the people and climate. Within a distance of a mere 150 km. the land rises from as low as a 100 m above sea level to the pinnacle of the Earth, Mt. Everest rising 8,848m into the sky. Within that short distance the climate amazingly changes from sub-tropical to arctic conditions. In between are hills and valleys covered in greenery, where people are fond of going to escape the heat of the low lying areas. Some of the popular hill stations are Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Kakani, Daman, Bandipur, Tansen, Hile, Basantapur amongst others.
Nagarkot
Talk about scenic spots in the vicinity of Kathmandu and you can not help but think of Nagarkot. Located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, it is the most popular destination for mountain viewing. Add to that, spectacular sunrise views of the Himalaya and you have a winner. Take the option of an overnight stay in one of the numerous well-furnished resorts in Nagarkot to catch the breathtaking sunrise early the next morning instead of waking up in the middle of the night to drive there still half-asleep. Nagarkot is famous for its unmatched view of the mountains from Mount Everest in the east to the Annapurnas towards the west. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. At 2,195 m, the panoramic view of the mountains and valley below is truly unforgettable. If you visit Nepal during the spring then you’re in for a special experience in Nagarkot as the surrounding valley is covered in a rich kaleidoscope of brilliantly colored flowers. You’ll love the short hikes and picnics around this hill station that can be arranged anytime. For those who yearn for adventure but don’t want to lose too much sweat, Nagarkot and it surroundings is the place. Explore nature's wonders in the form of verdant forests, flowery meadows, the unusual rock formations and oh yes, indulge in gazing endlessly at the sparkling mountains in the distance.
Dhulikhel
There is no dearth of view-points in Nepal, and Dhulikhel (1,550m) competes with Nagarkot in terms of scenic views and relaxation. But Dhulikhel has an ancient town which Nagarkot does not have. 32 km east of Kathmandu, just off the Arniko Highway (The road to Tibet), Dhulikhel is easily accessible and boasts of a good number of well-established resorts with superb panoramic views of the Himalaya. The town is distinctively Newari as the architecture of the little temples and dwellings will tell you. Dhulikhel is ideally placed for embarking on a short hike to Namobuddha, where you will find a small stupa and monastery. It is famous as the spot where a bodhisattva offered his own flesh to save a starving tigress and her cub. Well worth a visit is the little charming village of Panauti, popular for its numerous temples with magnificent woodcarvings, not far from Dhulikhel.
Kakani
Drive two hours north-west of Kathmandu and you arrive at the scenic spot of Kakani (2,073m) with views of Ganesh Himal, the Annapurnas and the Dhaulagiri range. There is an unimpeded view of the valley that sweeps down to the Trishuli River far below. There is a feeling of release and relaxation as you let your eyes take in the vast expanse of emptiness that stretches before you to meet the distant mountains. Go there in late winter or spring and there will be rhododendrons growing wild on the mountain slopes. A restaurant on the hilltop is the ideal place to while away your time.
Daman
There was a time when every traveler who entered Kathmandu valley by road, passed through Daman (2,322m) enjoying the marvelous view of the snow-capped mountains. Though less frequented by tourists, Daman arguably has the most breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalaya that stretches from the far west of Dhaulagiri to the east of Mt. Everest. You can still enter or leave Kathmandu valley via Daman by traveling along the old Tribhuvan Rajpath (the first highway into the valley) which separates from the present highway from Naubise. Daman is 80 km south-west of Kathmandu and perched on a high ridge. There is a viewing tower within the Daman Mountain Resort fitted with a long range telescope and there are excellent walks around Daman especially along the Palung valley.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
For bird watching one need not look elsewhere. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern tarai close to Itahari attracts a large number of migratory birds. Established in 1976 to protect the grassland and islands in the floodplains of Sapta Koshi River, it is also the last habitat of the Arna (wild water buffalo). Bird watchers arrive here in search of the beautiful Bengal florican and the flamboyant sarus cranes. More than 440 species of birds have been recorded here including those that arrive from Siberia and Tibet around November to February. The reserve is also home to wild boar, jackals, pythons and crocodiles. The endangered Gangetic dolphins are seen occasionally when they surface in the river. A park fee is charged for entering the reserve.
Getting there:
The easiest means of getting there is by air to Biratnagar and by road from the airport to Koshi Tappu. The reserve in not far from the Mahendra Highway and there are buses from Itahari going in.
Accommodation
There are a few resorts within the reserve that will arrange transport, lodging and excursions in the area.