Top 3 Picnic Spots In Kathmandu

• Phulchowki is a highest hill located in the southern part of  Phulchowki offers great view of Kathmandu Valley and different mountain ranges surrounded. This picnic spot provides great place for children to play however with to specific spots for cooking. The best time for this picnic is during the winter as it offers great view of snowcapped mountains. One can get the take the public bus from Lagankhel or Bus Park to reach the drop off point.

 

• Located 13 Km up from Gwarkho, Lalitpur .Lakuri Bhangynag is a small paradise. It is one of the most visited and vegetation filled place of Lalitpur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view and also the view of Himalayan ranges where the weather is clear. Lakuri Bhanjyang is famous as a picnic spot as well that can be reached via vehicle all the way to the top.There is good facalities of water and cooking place as well which attracts many visitors in this place.

 

 

• Located 15 Kilometers northeast of Kathmandu.Sundarijal covers an area of 5.18 square kilometers.This VDC is joined by Shyalmati and Nagmati Rivers and is home to the holy river Bagmati.This VDC is covered by larger forest and fast flowing rivers. The national park, Shivpuri National Park covers large amount of this area. This place is named after the Hindu goddess, Sundarimai and it consists of holy temple dedicated to deity Sundarijal.Due to its short distance from Kathmandu many people see this as a suitable place for picnic. There are many pre-established picnic spots made by scout and can be used by paying certain amount of money.

 

Rainy Paradise Lakuri.

Located 13 Km up from Gwarkho, Lalitpur .Lakuri Bhangynag is a small paradise. It is one of the most visited and vegetation filled place of Lalitpur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view and also the view of Himalayan ranges where the weather is clear. Lakuri Bhanjyang is famous as a picnic spot as well that can be reached via vehicle all the way to the top. However, people also prefer walking and it is also a really good destination for a one day hike. It can be reached in about 1 hour time via bus from Gwarko while it takes around 2–3 hours to hike at an average speed to the peak.
The visitors often travel to lakuri to spend the night so that they can see the sunrise early in the morning. The picnic spot of lakuri bhanjyang also provides great view of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur as well. Lakuri Bhanjyang is also a good destination for cycling Junkies as well. Lakuri bhangyang is also one of the most visited hiking routes and is suitable for a day hike. One can decided to hike from Lakuri Bhangyang to Godavari which is comparatively easy never the less provides breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges, natural vegetation, bird life etc.

 

The best season to visit this place is during the winter season which provides great view of Himalayan range and can enjoy the sun as well. However the rainy season is not preferable as Leeches and worms fill the Hiking route.
To get there simply take the bus to Lamatar from any bus station.

Phulchowki.

Ask a person living in Lalitpur where they can play snow, Phulchwoki is the first place that comes to their mind. Standing (2782) meters tall, Phulchowki is the highest hill that lies in the southern part of Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the most visited hiking routes as well. Laying just above Godavari and 20 Km away from Kathmandu this hill is home to different species of birds and vegetation. Rhododendron is one of the main attractions of this place.

Phulchowki is the nearest place from Kathmandu that experiences snow fall in winter, which is one the reason it being so popular among the residents of Kathmandu Valley. Because of its beautiful and dense forest different species of birds and are found here Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Yellow-browed Tit, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Red-billed Leiothrix, etc. are some of the birds that attracts many Bird enthusiastic. It is also home to two hiking routes one through Namobuddha that includes visiting most of the hills around the valley and is quite long. The next involves straight ascend from Godavari and is short but equally beautiful and peaceful.

There is also shrine of Phulchowki Mai; guardian goddess on the top of the Phulchowki hill. In the month of March-April or in July and August you might have a chance to watch the month-long annual religious festival held at the shrine to Phulchowki Mai in March-April, and some other major festivals on the full moon days in July and August every year.

While getting there through Godavari you can also visit the Botanical Garden of Godavari as well. Reaching there is just a bus ride away from any bus park of Kathmandu.

Swayambhu or Boudhanath ?

Swayambhu and Boudhanath are the two magnificent stupas of Kathmandu valley. Both have their unique history and architecture which make them two of the most visited sites of the valley. Let’s compare them

History:

Swayambhu was founded about the beginning of the 5^th Century making it one of the oldest religious sites of Nepal. It was founded by the great – grandfather of King Manadeva.

Boudhanath was founded much more lately than Swayambhu in the 15^th or 16^th century.

Architecture:

Swayambhu consists of a dome at the base, above which is a cubical structure painted with eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions. There are pentagonal Toranpresent above each of the four sides with statues engraved in them. Behind and above the Torana there are thirteen tiers.

Boudhnatah consist of similar architecture however the dome is much larger than the Swayambhu but the area is much smaller and the temples are much more less.

Popularity:

Swayambhu: Being the temple of Hindu and Buddhist and consisting of many smaller temples is popular among both Hindu and Buddhist as a religious site. Due to its location which is a top of hill and with amazing view of the valley it attracts many internal and external tourists who seek to grasp a great view of Kathmandu Valley. It also has many picnic spots as well.

Boudhanath: Boudhanath stupa lies in the middle of a heavily populated area and mostly is visited by Buddhist for religious purpose. However Boudhanath has established itself as a promising tourist’s destination thanks to its wide range of Hotels, Cafes and Restaurants.

Emerging Chitlang

Lying 22 Km south of Kathmandu Valley, Chitlang is a small VDC of Makwanpur district. It is an ancient Newar settlement dated from Lichhivi period. Chitlang offers a peaceful and wonderful landscape. If you want a day hiking and homestay experience the Chitlang is the place for you. With different attractions like Goat Cheese Factory and local wine factory Chitlang will give you an unforgettable experience.

Hike to Chitlang offers stunning scene of natural vegetation, lush forests, Kathmandu Valley and Himalayas to the North. Even though the hike is steep uphill it will totally be worth it. Fields and meadows are another attraction of this small village. The combination of natural beauty and different temples, pagodas etc. has made Chitlang one of the emerging tourist destinations. Best time to visit Chitlang is during the spring or during the summer as the whole hiking route will be filled with greenery. One can also visit the Indrasarovar, one of the largest man made water reservoir which is 1 hour hike from Chitlang.

Chitlang also attracts cycling fanatics .Cycling through the ups and downs from Chitlang to Thankot is an adventure many adventure junkies would relish experiencing. One can also choose to travel by vehicle typically Jeep or Sumo. That will be available in Godam which is the entry point the Chitlang but needs to be reserved in some cases.

To get there:

• Take the bus to Godam (Thankot) from Buspark, Kathmandu Old Buspark.
• After reaching Godam you can choose to Hike, Cycle or look for Jeep or Mini Bus to take you there.

3 one day hike destination

• Balthali: Balthali is a small village located in the junction of two rivers Roshi and Ladku. The small village lies 40 KM away from Kathmandu. Balthali hiking is a destination less hiking there is no fixed destination. One can hike to reach one of the resorts by walking through the village and crossing 4-5 suspension bridges which will take 4-5 hours of medium difficulty hike. The best time to visit this place is during the monsoon and crop planting season as the fields will be filled with crops.

 

• Sundarijal: Sundarijal lies 15 KM north east of Kathmandu. It is one of the famous picnic spot of Kathmandu. Sundarijal is the starting point of many trekking routes such as Langtang, Chisapani etc. One of the easiest hiking routes that can be taken to reach Sundarijal is from Budanilkantha. This is the easiest hike which involves walking through the Shivpuri national park and takes around 5 hours to reach the destination. This route provides great sighting of different animals as well as different flora and fauna specially Lagiguras.

 

• Phulchowki : Phulchowki is a highest hill located in the southern part of Kathmandu. Phulchowki offers great view of Kathmandu Valley and different mountain ranges surrounded. This mediocre level hiking route starts from Godavari and is around 4 – 5 hours hike to reach the top. The best time for this hike is during the winter as it offers great view of snowcapped mountains. One can get the take the public bus from Lagankhel or Bus Park to reach the drop off point.

 

 

Top 4 Night Stay Destination

Nagarkot: The best hill station of Kathmandu valley is just located 32 KM away from the capitol. It is perfect for a weekend getaway or just a drive. With wide range of hotels from 5 star to 3 star Nagarkot provides great hospitality with breathtaking sunrise.

Balthali : If you enjoy hiking and love flora and fauna then Balthali is the best for you. Balthali, a small village lies in the junction of two rivers Roshi and Ladku River. This small yet sleepy settlement lies 40 KM away from Kathmandu. Balthali is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a short hike. Different resorts like Balthali Village Resort  and Balthali Eco Resort provides the best overnight Stay facilities at minimum cost.

Chitlang : Lying 22 Km south of Kathmandu Valley , Chitlang is a small VDC of Makwanpur district. It is an ancient Newar settlement dated from lichhivi period. Chitlang offers a peaceful and wonderful landscape. If you want a day hiking and homestay experience the chitlang is the place for you. With different attractions like Goat Cheese Factory and local wine factory chitlang will give you an unforgettable experience

Dhulikhel : A much cheaper  alternative to Nagarkot ,Dhulikhel lies 35 Km away from Kathmandu. It is one of the more popular places from which to observe the high Himalaya. Dhulikhel gives stunning view of Langtang Lirung in the east, through Dorje Lakpa to the huge bulk of Gauri Shankar and nearby Melungtse (7181m) and as far as Numbur (5945m) in the east. Comparatively cheaper and having many resorts and hotel Dhulikhel is good options for a night stay and a short drive.

 

Nostalgic Panauti

Panauti, A historical village lies 32 KM southeast of Kathmandu. This small town was a small state given by The Malla king Bhupatindra Malla as a drwory to his sister. Panauti feels as if has been left exactly the way the founders had built the town. A nostalgic atmosphere covers the narrow town streets and ancient structures.

It is a well-known Newari town located near Roshi khola & Punyamata Khola. As many villages and town of Newars, Panauti is also steeped in culture and tradition. Visitors will often find colorful stones, petals and other items that are laid out on the pavement to welcome everyone with great hospitality.

It has been regarded as an important religious site since very early times. The presence of triveni i.e. mixtures of two three rivers at Panauti has added and remarkably enhanced its religious sanctity and popularity as well. On account of this, every festive occasion, a great number of devotees from all across the country pour here for a holy ablution and to pay homage to the nearby Indreshwor Mahadev Temple and other holy sites located here. The site is also regarded as Prayagtirtha of Nepal.

Panauti mainly consists of two main cultures Buddhism and Hinduism due to which many of the festivals are celebrated here. One of the most noted festivals that are celebrated is Panauti jatra which is a three day chariot jatra. Panauti being the starting point of two most renewed hiking route Balthali and Namobuddha has had many tourists in recent years. One of the main attractions of Panauti is also the IT Park situated between Banepa and Panauti.

To get there you can take the bus to Banepa from either Koteshowr or purano buspark and then from Banepa you can easily find local vehicle to get to Panauti.

 

 

Namobuddha

Namobudhha also known as Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery lies 40 km south east of Kathmandu in Kavre, Palanchowk district. It is one of the most visited tourist destination of that area. The breathtaking view of Ganesh himal along with peaceful environment of gumba is the main source of attraction.

This magnificent creation of architecture was founded on 20^th century by The Very Venerable 9^th Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and was opened on December 5, 2008 officially for the public and now has 250 + monks. The main festivals that are celebrated here are the two Buddhist festival are kartik purima and Buddha Jayanti. This beautiful place has also has a strong history.

According to the legend, prince (Mahasatwo/Ngingdui Tshenpo), at the top of the hill, looking the jungle, discovers a tigress lying near the rock.He realizes that the tigress was about to die due to hunger with her five little babies still sucking milk from her, survivals of the babies depend on their mother. Prince Mahasatwo cuts his body to present his warm blood in the mouth of the mother tiger, and the taste of blood gives the appetite to the starving family. As the tigress accepts the sacrifice from prince she leaves only the bones. The bones of prince were brought back in the village and buried in the tomb which is actual stupa of Namo Buddha. Some about 3500 years later, the Gautam Buddha came in the village of Sange da Fyafulsa, He conducts 3 tour around the Stupa before he declared that he was the reincarnation of prince Mahasatwo. It was the moment that Gautam Buddha renamed this village which is henceforth the name of Namo Buddha which means Hommage to Buddha.

 

 

SUNDARIJAL

Located 15 Kilometers northeast of Kathmandu.Sundarijal covers and area of 5.18 square kilometers.This VDC is joined by Shyalmati and Nagmati Rivers and is home to the holy river Bagmati.This VDC is covered by larger forest and fast flowing rivers. The national park, Shivpuri National Park covers large amount of this area. This place is named after the Hindu goddess, Sundarimai and it consists of holy temple dedicated to deity Sundarijal.

Due to its climate and different rivers, streams and its location from Kathmandu this place as set its name as one the most visited tourist destination of Kathmandu. This place is consist of human made water dam which has given rise to one of the adventure sport that is Cannoning. Further tourists are attracted by the area’s natural beauty which includes fauna and flora waterfalls and cold and fast flowing rivers. This place is also the start of many trekking route include long trekking route like Langtang Trekking Route and Chisapni Trekking Route and also small trekking and hiking route like Shivapuri hiking route. As being only and hour drive away from Kathmandu Sundarijal is also one of the famous picnic spot of Kathmandu. There are readily built picnic spots that are set up by Nepal scout including all the basic facilities like water, electricity etc. . . . However as this place is close to the National Park huge groups are not allowed to go there.

To get there is very easy one needs only to take the local bus from any bus stop. (Buspark or Chahabail).