Best Natural Places to Visit near Kathmandu valley

Bethanchowk Narayanthan is a cultural place that lies about 60 Km away from the Kathmandu valley. A combination of drive and hike to reach this place is not only joyous but offers an incredible experience. The top of the hill is known for its Hindu religious merits, thus named Narayanthan. But the natural beauty of this place is something that the eyes can behold forever. 

Bethanchowk is a hill station that offers spectacular views of Mount Everest, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang range and many other neighbouring mountains. After a short drive from Kathmandu to Dhungkharka, you will have to begin hiking towards the hill of Bethanchowk. 

There are several other things that you can do in this hill station. The sunrise and sunset are best explored while witnessing the majestic Himalayan range stretched on the horizon. 

The sun rising behind mountains and the first few rays of light coming over the horizon are just a hint of what is yet to come. The mist lingers and gives this feeling of peacefulness you usually only experience when witnessing a beautiful sunrise before going on with your day. The Nagarkot, situated about 28 Km away from Kathmandu, at an elevation of 2175 m. is one of the best vantage points near Kathmandu to explore. 

Adhere to the natural scene of Nagarkot, or explore the surrounding vistas that have been there offering mind-blowing experiences to visitors. The village is known for its breathtaking views, and tourists often visit the place to enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Known for its scenic beauty, Nagarkot also has a rich history that stretches back almost 2000 years.

Nagarkot is a popular tourist destination which is located in the Kathmandu Valley and is accessible via roadway. It's a popular hiking place for people who love to get out of the city and enjoy some serenity. It's not difficult to reach there from Kathmandu, taking about 1-2 hours by car or bus to Nagarkot, and once you are here you have plenty of time to explore before heading back home. 

Chandragiri Hills is another natural place to visit around Kathmandu valley. Though the human touch is there for hospitality, leisure and entertainment, this vantage point is one of its kind with a perfect blend of natural and artificial development. From the top of the hill, one can witness the majestic Himalayan panorama including Everest and several other eight-thousanders. Also, the city view of Kathmandu valley never fails to amaze the visitors with its mesmerizing vibrance.

Chandragiri is a popular hiking destination. However, it's accessible via cable car ride for the people who want to explore Chandragiri easily without taking any hassle to walk the mountain. Situated at an elevation of 2551 m. above sea level, Chandragiri boasts a temple, resort, cable car, park, and several kid-friendly activities. It is popular for the incredible mountain vistas seen from the top and known for the natural scenery around the place. 

A resort is built atop the Chandragiri to provide visitors with hospitality and lodging facilities. It is a wonderful escapade if you are planning to explore a peaceful and serene place which is accessible and easy for a night stay or just daytime leisure. To reach there, take a taxi or bus to Thankot and get on the cable car ride to Chandragiri top. There are several kid-friendly activities, which make this place a wonderful leisure destination for family and friends. 

Lakuri Bhanjyang is a place that offers vivid spectrums of life. The villages in the lower areas and the amazing hilltop to witness the valley and mountains is the best part the Bhanjyang offers. Lakuri Bhanjyang is situated at an elevation of 1991 m above sea level in the Lalitpur district of Nepal. It lies on the outskirts of Kathmandu valley and is known for the spectacular views seen from the viewpoint. 

The Lakuri Bhanjyang is also a popular picnic spot near Kathmandu. For those who want to explore peaceful places, it could be one of the best natural places to visit near Kathmandu valley. This place also boasts a wonderful spot for the view and is remarkably known for the sunrise and sunset exploration. 

If you are planning to go on a hike or biking to the nearby areas of Kathmandu, Lakuri Bhanjyang could be a place of your choice. It is accessible via biking adventure, though some part of the way is bumpy and under construction, or just walk the hill.

Hiking to Shivapuri is one of the best ways to see Kathmandu and other Himalayan vistas. As one of the best peaks in Nepal, you’ll receive a stunning view of the valley below and a rare glimpse of Nepal’s rich greenery clinging to the sides of these mountains.

For those who want to see the entire city from atop this mountain, there are two options for doing so. The first option is to hike up, and the second is to bike. Both these options are challenging, but biking takes out all of the strenuous climbing.

The trek up is just over 8 km with a steep climb of 830 m. The way down from Shivapuri only totals 5 km. with a steep downhill descent. Be sure to bring plenty of water before you set off on this hike so that you don't get dehydrated or exhausted.

Shivapuri has many hiking places. The Bagdwar, Bishnu War and several other places are incredibly beautiful and offer a very natural experience inside the national park area. To reach Shivapuri, take a bus or taxi to the Budhanilkantha and begin hiking from the checkpoint and enter the national park area. There are many trails around, so you may want to pick one depending on your time and favorability.

Phulchowki is a natural place on the outskirts of Kathmandu. It is also popular for its incredible beauty and vantage advantage that people can take by exploring the spectacular Himalayas in distant sight. Situated at an elevation of 2791 m. above sea level, Phulchowki is one of the most popular natural places to visit near Kathmandu valley. A flock of people visit this place during the time of snowfall during winter and enjoy the snow activities atop the place. 

Hiking to Phulchowki is popular as it allows you to enjoy the natural scenery and offers a wonderful view of the surrounding areas. It is also a great place for bird watching that is amazingly favoured by biodiversity, away from the bustling urban lifestyle.

Phulchowki Hill station is about 28 Km away from central Kathmandu. It has been popular among domestic and foreign travellers as there are many amazing natural things to explore. It provides a wonderful cityscape and splendid beauty of the Himalayas. 

Related Article: Snowfall Places in Nepal

Kakani is about 23 Km away from Kathmandu and sits at an elevation of 2030 m above sea level. Hiking and biking to this incredible place allow you to explore the authentic natural beauty that is greatly adorned by the lifestyle of locals. Though it lies near Kathmandu, the serenity of this place is accompanied by a rural lifestyle and not so pompous urban touch. 

Kakani village tour and hiking around the place offers a wonderful experience. Trout fish is also a popular dish to try in Kakani. There are several homestays and small lodges that offer accommodation facilities. Several other activities include rock climbing, trail running, bike tour, village tour and picnic. 

Biking on the gravelled roadway may be difficult, but for the natural landscape and scenery it offers, it is worth visiting. Trying trout fish and strawberries from the garden itself is also a wonderful experience in Kakani. There are several farmlands that can be explored during the trip. 

Sundarijal is one of the popular natural places to visit near Kathmandu valley. The natural settlement of Sundarijal is serene and peaceful. The waterfalls and river origin of Bagmati and forested hilly areas are some of the major attractions of this place. It is also one of the gateways to enter the Shivapuri National Park area. The hiking trail of various areas inside the national park area can be connected from the Sundarijal. Picnics, hiking, biking, swimming, cycling etc. are some of the activities that can be done in Sundarijal. 

It is ideal for a day trip and suitable for leisure and adventure. The stone-paved hiking trails take you to the waterfall area and enjoy the riverine beauty and spectacular landscapes. Just like the name Sundarijal, which means a beautiful stream of water, the place is amazing and adorned with pristine beauty. 

Champadevi, situated at an elevation of 2285 m. above sea level, is a wonderful vantage point, as well as a place of leisure and recreation. It is a perfect hiking destination if you are planning to get away for a short time from the hustle and bustle of urbanity in Kathmandu. It lies just about 15 km away on a hill near Kirtipur.

There is a Champadevi temple and in the surrounding areas, you can explore the majestic Himalayas and valleys. It is also a popular spot for picnics, leisurely time and a wonderful vantage point to explore the scenic beauty. 

The hiking point of Champadevi can be reached via drive or ride. A short hike will take you to the Champadevi hill where you can explore the wonderful scenery and surrounding vistas. There are several traditional Nepali settlements along the trail. The locals are hospitable and their remote lifestyle is also a major thing to explore during the hike. 

A trip to Chisapani is a great day trip for those who want to explore the outskirts of Kathmandu. Chisapani is also the starting point for treks to Gosaikunda and Langtang Village. Situated at an elevation of 2285 m above sea level, this place overlooks the beautiful scenery and spectacular Himalayan views. The lush green flora and fauna of the national park area are incredibly explored during the hiking to Chisapani. 

The distance from Kathmandu to Chispani is about 30 Km, making it a two-day hiking excursion and a wonderful escape from the hectic urbanity to a pristine atmosphere. 

Along the way, you can also explore Sundarijal and waterfalls around, while walking upstairs in the stone-paved trails. It is also an incredible opportunity to explore the forested landscapes, and various flora and fauna.

Balthali village lies southeast around 40 Km away from Kathmandu. It is also one of the rich cultural places that offer a wide range of natural and cultural experiences. Spectacular Himalayan vistas are the major attractions, this place also offers vivid natural scenery, terraced farm fields and other village-based experiences. Some other attractions of Balthali village are a wide range of flora and fauna, natural landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. 

If you are looking to get away from the Kathmandu valley for a short time, Balthali village in the Kavrepalanchowk district would be ideal. It sits at an elevation of 1730 m. above sea level. There are several homestays and teahouses that offer accommodation facilities.

Balthali village is a place where one can relinquish and enjoy the beauty that is beautifully blended with the lifestyle of people. Mountain biking, hiking, cycling, meditation, village tour, and nature exploration are some of the activities that you can do in this village. 

Lapsiphedi is a hill station that offers splendid views of the Himalayan landscape and natural scenery. Mostly inhabited by Tamangs, this place is known for nature-based experiences. Hiking and village tours are some of the prime activities that one can do in this place. Also, camping on the hill and picnics are fun in Lapsiphedi. This place is natural, the lifestyle of locals is very connected to the nature and terraced farmlands and other agricultural activities are also major things to explore. 

Situated about 23 Km away from Kathmandu at an elevation of 1550 m above sea level, Lapsiphedi is an incredibly beautiful place. Hiking, mountain biking, camping, nature walks etc. are some of the major activities that you can do here. Besides that bird watching, butterfly watching, sunrise and sunset views, and majestic Himalayan panorama are several other activities to explore in Lapsiphedi. 

Lapsiphedi is a wonderful place for night stays and a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the Kathmandu valley. It acts as a perfect vantage point as it allows you to explore the various vistas of the mountain landscapes. 

Indrasarovar is a manmade reservoir in the Makwanpur district of Nepal. Due to its natural settlement and lake activities, the Indrasarovar is popular for short excursions among domestic travellers. A day hike from Thankot to reach Chitlang and Markhu is popular if you are looking to explore the natural beauty of villages near Kathmandu valley. 

Widely known as Kulekhani, Indrasarovar is the largest artificial lake in Nepal. It was built to operate the Kulekhani hydropower. The Kulekhani lake is about 7 Km long and people can do several activities in the lake such as boating and fishing. Camping is also a wonderful activity to do here. 

Though the lake is artificial, the place has been a wonderful source of attraction as there are many beautiful hills and natural settlements. It is about 45 Km away from the Kathmandu valley and resides in the Makwanpur district of Nepal. Hiking, biking, cycling, and driving are accessible to reach Kulekhani. 

The old town in Dhulikhel is not just an ancient site, but also a wonderful family experience where people can learn about Nepalese culture through local craftsmanship. This is a place to feel the old history. It’s a place where legends and stories live on. The sweet smell of spices and flowers fills up your senses along with their delightful beauty tinged with a little bit of history.

The ‘Dhulikhel’ part of the name comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Dhuli’, which means ‘beautiful’. It can also be translated to mean a place of tranquillity.

Dhulikhel is the last of the three major historic sites in the Kathmandu Valley It is also called "the door to Kathmandu" as it has given access to all other places for centuries. In fact, this place was crowded with travellers from other parts of Nepal and even from Asia who used this route to enter Nepal.  

Besides the ancient trade values, this place is significantly known for its vantage beauty and various experiences. Natural scenery, Himalayan vistas, culture and traditions are the major things to explore in Dhulikhel. Situated about 30 Km away from Kathmandu at an elevation of 1550 m above sea level, Dhulikhel is a wonderful place to visit near Kathmandu valley.

Pharping is a small Newar village on the southern rim of Kathmandu. Situated at an elevation of 1344 m. and about 23 Km away from Kathmandu, Pharping offers a detailed peek into the medieval history, lifestyle of local people and a touch of nature. This place is pristine and beautiful. It may not be a complete nature, but the nature-based habitat of locals made it a wonderful place to visit. 

There are several attractions to explore in Pharping. The terraced farmlands, agricultural practices, peaceful surroundings, heritage buildings, temples and monasteries are some of the major things that you can explore in the serene Pharping.  

Pharping is accessible via drive, hiking, or mountain biking. Besides the natural settlement, Pharping boasts a plethora of Buddhist monasteries which is also a major attraction to explore. Considering the amazing natural beauty and settlement that coexists with nature, it is one of the best natural places to visit near Kathmandu valley. 

Simba Falls of Manikhel is a waterfall that resides in a pristine settlement about 30 Km away from Kathmandu. Tamangs are the primary inhabitants of the Manikhel village. The name Simba literally means cold water in the Tamang language, hence the name Simba falls. The peaceful surrounding and incredible nature around the fall attract a lot of visitors. However, this fall is recently explored and has not been visited by many, so the chances of exploring the authentic natural beauty around the place are elevated. 

There are several organic farms to explore in the Manikhel village. Short hiking around the fall allows you to enjoy the natural habitat and flora and fauna. This secret waterfall lies in the dense forest, so a tedious walk of about 30 min from the Manikhel village takes you to the fall area. 

Uphill and downhill walk around the lush greenery has a wonderful experience to offer. The off the beaten trail of Simba Falls can be challenging for some people. There are several temples in the village to explore. The lifestyle of Tamangs and their culture are some of the other attractions along with the wonderful hospitality they offer. 

Sisneri is popular for natural swimming activities. It is one of the best natural places to visit near Kathmandu valley. It lies in the Makwanpur district of Nepal at an elevation of 1479 m above sea level. The swimming spot of Sisneri is admired for its jaw-dropping scenery and the amazing experience it provides. 

Sisneri is surrounded by many small and large rocks, marking the swimming areas. The remote and natural settlement of Sisneri allows you to explore a wide range of flora and fauna, local culture and lifestyle and many other natural attractions.

If you are planning to visit a waterfall in a natural settlement, Sisneri could be an impeccable choice. It would be an amazing addition if you are a swimmer. Explore this incredible waterfall in the Makwanpur district of Nepal. 

Bhotekoshi is a river system that is popular for night camps and rafting activities. Though the area house a wide range of resorts and teahouses, the settlement is truly pristine and natural. Walking on the banks of the river, and exploring the amazing natural habitat just 37 Km away from Kathmandu is perhaps an experience to explore. 

The river system provides rafting experience up to Grade 4. It is one of the most popular rafting rivers in Nepal. Many domestic and international tourists flock to Bhotekoshi for whitewater river rafting. 

The Bhotekoshi area is widely known by Sukute Beach. Here you can take the experience of beach volleyball, camping, rafting, ping, and a wonderful nightlife that has an amazing touch of nature. 

Trishuli is also a river system that is popular for rafting and refreshment activities. Situated at an elevation of 600 m above sea level, this river system allows you to explore the amazing natural attractions. The flora and fauna, hills and mountains, and river make it a perfect place to enjoy the camping, and bird watching activities. 

Besides the incredible whitewater river rafting experience, Trishuli river boasts several mid-range resorts that provide tent and accommodation facilities. 

It takes about 3 hours to reach Trishuli from Kathmandu via drive. You can hike around the Trishuli river and enjoy the local fish from Trishuli. There are several remote villages that provide the experience of the authenticity of the mountain lifestyle.

Gundu of Bhaktapur is also a wonderful place to visit.  The natural settlement overlooking the Kathmandu valley and several mountain vistas are some of the major attractions to explore in Gundu. In the southern part of Bhaktpur, Gundu is a recently explored nature ground that has amazing natural scenery and flora and fauna. The hills and grasslands near Suryabinayak in Gundu allow you to spend some quality time in nature. 

Some of the major places that can be visited around Gundu are Ghyampe Danda, Ranikot and Antalingeshwar Mahadev. Gundu is a small hamlet that has amazing natural scenery and nature-based attractions to explore. 

Gundu is about 18 Km away from Kathmandu. A short drive or a bike can easily take you to the Gundu village. The lifestyle of local people, several temples and monasteries and some terraced farmlands are the major attractions to explore in the Gundu area. 

Kathmandu boasts a wide range of cultural and natural attractions. Besides the aforementioned places, there are many other natural places to visit near Kathmandu valley.