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HILL RESORTS
Nagarkot
While in
Kathmandu, one of the first names that come up is Nagarkot
(2,175m). For a stunning view of the Himalayas, this is the
prime location. With a choice of luxury hotels, Nagarkot draws a
large number of visitors. The panoramic view extends from
Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga, the third highest
mountain in the far eastern corner of Nepal. Between these lie
other giants like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shanker and the
mighty Everest. The tower at Nagarkot provides an unforgettable
3600 view and the sunrise and sunset views from here
are simply awesome. Hiking remains the most rewarding means of
seeing Nepal and from Nagarkot you can walk to several places of
interest like Sankhu, Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur and Banepa. Many
trekkers while on their way back from the Langtang or Helambu
trek make an excursion to Nagarkot down the ridge from Chisopani,
which lies within the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.
The road to Nagarkot goes past Bhaktapur and it takes 1 ½ hrs
to get there by car from Kathmandu. The resort lies 30 km east
of the capital.
Dhulikhel
The old Newari
town of Dhulikhel lies 32km east of the capital city. Unlike
Nagarkot, Dhulikhel is a cultural experience where the
enchanting old pagodas and brick houses take you back in time.
Little has changed in the village life here since the days when
it served as a stopover for tradesmen on their way to trade in
Tibet. The well-furnished resorts offer astounding Himalayan
sunset-views followed by sumptuous dinner. Hiking or biking
around Dhulikhel is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding
means to pass your time or visit shrines. A great panoramic view
of the mountains can be had from the parade ground just east of
the town center. Or walk up the Namobuddha road for half an hour
for an even grander view from the hilltop Kali temple. The
famous stupa of
Namobuddha is only a two-hour walk away. Legend has it that a
Bodhisattva on seeing a starving tigress once offered his own
flesh as food, thereby saving her life. This is one of the
important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Dhulikhel is a 1½-
hour drive from Kathmandu along a metal road.
Kakani
Kakani (1,982m)
though less popular with tourists is equally enchanting and is
only 23 km northeast of Kathmandu. Located away from the
better-known resorts Kakani gives you another perspective of the
massive Himalayan chain that dominates the skyline. Ganesh Himal,
Annapurnas and Langtang can be seen in all their shinning glory
from Kakani. Kakani is also famous for its strawberries.
The colourful rhododendron forest and strawberry fields stretch
down towards Balaju. Kakani
is a short 1 hour-drive away through the town of Balaju at the
north edge of the valley. It is ideal for biking all the way to
the top. A Kathmandu valley rim trek can also be started from
Kakani going down to Nagarkot and right around the valley.
Daman
Of all the hill
resorts, Daman (2,322m) is blessed with an unimpeded panoramic
view of the Himalayas that has no rival. A fascinating view of
the mountain ranges from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in
the north- east makes this hilltop viewpoint unique. Lying on
the old Tribhuwan Highway between Kathmandu and Hetauda, Daman
is away from all the other tourist destinations. Besides the
hotel and restaurant, there is also a viewing tower with a
telescope to get a closer look at the snowy peaks. Spring is the
best time to visit when the skies are clear and the rhododendron
flowers are in full bloom. November is also a good time to be
there. Daman is only a 2 1/2 hour car-ride from both Kathmandu
as well as from Hetauda in the terai.
The cost and tour details
are available on your request.
Please Click here or just drop us
an email to : suryaktm@mos.com.np
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