Hill Stations in Nepal

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, itself is an amazing place to be. The cultural spectrums in the alleys and streets of this busy city remind you of the medieval culture still vibrant and in practice with a lot of enthusiasm and zeal. The heritage and cultural buildings, old markets and the amusing religious shrines scattered in this city have their own sort of elegance. 

If you are longing to get away from the capital or just want to explore the mountains, there are a lot of hill stations nearby. The outskirts of the capital and the nearby districts of Kathmandu offer the awe-inspiring views of the mountains and beautiful rural valleys. Find out the best hill stations near Kathmandu that offer incredible life-lasting experiences in this article.

Bethanchowk is one of the most beautiful Hill Stations near Kathmandu valley. Situated at an altitude of 3000 m above sea level, Bethanchowk is getting popularity for its amazing views seen from the top. The majestic mountain landscapes, lush green hills and peaceful atmosphere of Bethanchowk lure a lot of people. Bethanchowk lies in the Kavrepalanchowk district. It is also a wonderful pilgrimage and there is a shrine dedicated to Lord Bishnu. The villagers and the locals from Dhumkharka visit Bethanchowk during the festival and spend the night doing campfires. 

Bethanchowk Facts

Bethanchowk has its own set of unique experiences. The beautiful mountain panorama stretched from Mount Dhaulagiri to Mount Makalu is astounding. It is also the best place to witness the best version of sunrise and sunset. 

Bethanchowk hill is the highest mountain in the Mahabharata range. The pristine settlement and a wonderful hike of about 3-4 hours is another best part of visiting this amazing vantage point. In the hilltop, there aren't any organized teahouses or homestays, so it is also the best place for camping near Kathmandu valley.

Kakani is the best place to visit as it is located in a short distance of about 23 Km from Kathmandu valley and has a functional road to reach there. It lies in Nuwakot district of Nepal. For the quick escapers, Kakani is an amazing place as it can be reached within a few hours and can be planned for a day trip. It is also favourable for gatherings and small picnics. The spectacular views of the mountains such as Mount Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang Himal can be seen from the Kakani viewpoint. There are several restaurants and teahouses for accommodation. 

Kakani Facts

The serene ambience and peaceful atmosphere of Kakani provides a wonderful experience. The culture and traditions of local people, rural lifestyle and captivating sight of the mountains, valleys and the lush greenery are the major attractions of this beautiful vintage spot. A short stroll around the village will reward you with some glimpses on the village culture and lifestyle.

Lakuri Bhanjyang lies in the south-east corner of the Kathmandu valley in the Lalitpur district of Nepal. The vantage point is situated at an altitude of 1985 m above sea level and offers the spectacular views of the mountain ranges such as Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, Sailung etc. 

Lakuri Bhanjyang Facts

Lakuri Bhanjyang is a famous picnic spot and a wonderful viewpoint. It can be reached within an hour from central Kathmandu and there is a road all the way to the top. So, it is easier and accessible to visit Lakuri Bhanjyang. It is also suitable for camping. 

Some of the major activities that you can do in Lakuri Bhanjyang are Hiking, Biking, Sunset and sunrise views and the excellent views of the valley and Himalayas. It is also a popular spot for bird watching near Kathmandu valley.

Chandragiri hills are one of the top attractions near Kathmandu valley. Situated just 7 Km away from the Thankot and 12 Km away from the central Kathmandu, Chandragiri hills offer incredible experiences to the visitors. The spectacular views of the majestic mountain panorama stretched in a single frame to Annapurna to Everest is one of the best parts of visiting Chandragiri.  

Chandragiri Facts

Chandragiri now boasts a range of activities in its surroundings. Apart from the impeccable natural beauty and cultural significance, Chandragiri has a charm of its kind. The children park in the premises, a thrilling cable car to the hilltop, temple and resort are the added attractions of this amazing place. 

The recreation centres, park and amusing mountain beauty alongside the wonderful snowfall experience in winter make it a popular and a quick escape from the busy town of Kathmandu valley.

In the eastern fringe of Kathmandu, lies the beautiful village of Dhulikhel. Dhulikhel is situated at an altitude of 1550 m above sea level. It is a popular destination to explore the natural and cultural beauty. Semi-urban lifestyle and wonderful natural atmosphere, just 32 Km away from the capital make it a wonderful destination to visit. From Dhulikhel, you can see the spectacular views of the mountains such as Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Langtang, Mt. Phuribichyachu, Mt. Gaurishankar, Mt. Lhotse and many other neighbouring peaks. 

There are several other natural places to explore in Dhulikhel. Some places such as Tundikhel, Bhagwati temple, Gita Mandir, Kali Devi temple, Hajar Sidhi, Gaukhureshwar etc. are major places to visit in Dhulikhel.

Dhulikhel Facts

Some of the major activities that you can do in Dhulikhel are Hiking, Biking, Cycling, sunrise views, mountain views, nature and culture exploration, bird watching and exploring the flora and fauna. Apart from these, it is a wonderful escape from the monotonous and busy lifestyle of Kathmandu valley.

Nagarkot is one of the popular and best hill stations in Nepal. It is popular for the wonderful Himalayan panorama seen from the top and incredible sight of sunrise and sunset views. Some of the major mountains visible from Nagarkot view tower are Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range, Rolwaling range, Everest range and Number range. It also offers clear views of the Kathmandu valley and Shivapuri National Park.

The wonderful viewpoint,  Nagarkot, is situated at an altitude of 2175 m above sea level. It takes around 1 hour of drive to reach Nagarkot from central Kathmandu and is at a distance of 28 Km. 

Nagarkot Facts

Some of the major activities that you can do in Nagarkot are nature walk, sunrise and sunset views, glorious mountain views, homestay and cultural experience alongside the luxury stay in the local hotels.

Daman is a wonderful destination in the Makwanpur district of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 2322 m above sea level. Daman lies southwest of Kathmandu, approximately 55 Km away and can be reached within 3 hours by drive. 

Daman is a popular place for snowfall near Kathmandu valley. Many people from the capital and neighbouring districts visit Daman for snowfall during winter months. The hilltop offers an incredible mountain panorama, lush green mountains and natural and cultural atmosphere of the village.

Daman Facts

Daman has a wonderful settlement. The beautiful terraced farmlands, agricultural style, serene atmosphere and vibrant village lifestyle are worth exploring.

Kalinchowk is also the best hill station in Nepal. The beautiful hilltop, boasting the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Shrine, alongside offering the astounding views of the Himalayas and the lush greenery in distant pavements is the best part of visiting Kalinchowk. Also, you get to experience the thrill of the cable car while exploring the scenic views of the mountain trail. Some of the major mountains seen from the Kalinchowk are Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, Gurkarpo Ri and other neighbouring peaks. 

Kalinchowk Facts

Kalinchowk is situated at an altitude of 3842 m above sea level. The Kalinchowk is known for the snowfall activities and popular among youngsters for the winter offerings. Kalinchowk is also a wonderful night getaway from the bustling Kathmandu valley. 

Balthali village, situated at an altitude of 1730 m above sea level, is one of the most beautiful villages in the southeastern part of Kathmandu valley. It lies in the Kavrepalanchowk district, beyond the Panauti town and Khopasi. 

Some of the major mountains seen from the Balthali village are Manaslu, Langtang and Everest ranges alongside other major mountain peaks. The Mahabharata range is also spectacular in the south. 

Balthali Facts

Some of the major activities that you can do in the Balthali village are exploring the local culture and traditions, mountain views and valleys, lush green forest and terraced farm fields. This place is also popular for hiking, nature walk, cycling and bike riding. It is popular for snowfall activities as well.

Dhampus and Australian Camp are the major popular destinations among the trekking enthusiasts in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The Dhampus hill is situated at an altitude of 2060 m above sea level and offers the spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli And Machhapuchhre mountain peaks. 

Australian Camp lies 2 Km away and is a wonderful short hike of around 1 hour from Dhampus. There are several teahouses and lodges available for accommodation facilities. The Dhampus and Australian Camp are the best hill stations near Pokhara in Nepal to explore the close and majestic views of the Himalayas. 

Dhampus Facts

The Dhampus village is a Gurung ethnic village in the lap of Annapurna mountain. The major activities that you can do in the Dhampus village are hiking, village tour, nature and culture exploration, terraced rice fields, vibrant natural beauty and incredible views of the Himalayas. The sunrise and sunset views from the Australian Camp are awe-inspiring and offer a unique experience.

Sarangkot is one of the best hill stations in Nepal. Situated just 10 Km away from the lakeside, Pokhara, Sarangkot offers the incredible views of the sunrise and sunset. It is also the major adventure hub of Nepal. There are Paragliding and Zip flyer activities available in the hill area. 

The Sarangkot view tower offers the astounding mountain views of Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The captivating sight of the Fewa lake and entire valley view is another major attraction of this viewpoint. 

Sarangkot Facts

Sarangkot is situated at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level. The traditional houses, small tea shops, lush greenery, the majestic mountain panorama in a near-distant lake and the city view are best explored from the hilltop.

Ghale Gaun is a popular place at an altitude of 2100 m. in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It offers incredible views of the mountains, the Annapurna Circuit trail and the very cultural essence of Ghales in the Lamjung district. Some of the major mountain panoramas seen from Ghale Gaun are Mount Machhapuchhre (6693m), Mount Annapurna II (7939m), Mount Annapurna IV (7525m), Mount Annapurna (8091m), Mount Lamjung (6932m), Mount Bouddha (6974m) and Himal Chuli (6747m) along with other neighbouring mountains and peaks. 

Ghale Gaun Facts

Ghale Gaun boasts an amazing natural beauty. Sitting just beneath the Annapurna Himalayan Range, this place is an amazing destination for its wide range of activities and rural settlement near Pokhara valley. 

Some of the major activities that you can do in Ghale Gaun are nature cruises, environmental exploration, religious tours, homestays and cultural programs. There is a village tourism museum, which is worth exploring here.

Situated in the border of Myagdi and Kaski district, Poon hill is a world-renowned vantage point in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is also the major highlight of Khopra ridge trek, Mohare Hill trek, Annapurna Base camp trek, Ghorepani Poonhill trek and the classical Annapurna circuit trek. Some of the major mountain panorama seen from the Poonhill viewpoint are Hinchuli, Annapurna III, Dhampus peak, Tukuche peak, Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri II, Gurja Himal, Gangapurna, Nilgiri Mountain and many other neighbouring mountains and peaks.

Poon hill is a popular place for snowfall activities during winter months. It offers the tremendously beautiful views of Sunrise and sunsets alongside the close-up views of the Himalayas. During the spring season, the forest area around bloom with the beautiful Rhododendrons. 

Poon Hill Facts

Poon hill offers a wonderful experience in the Annapurna region. A beautiful amalgamation of nature and culture perfectly blends in this area. Located in a vibrant Himalayan atmosphere, Poon hill is one of the best hill stations in Nepal.

Bandipur is a popular place located in the Muglin Pokhara segment of Prithvi highway. It is renowned for the wonderful Newari people and their culture. It was an ancient India Tibet trade route in medieval times. Bandipur is situated at an altitude of 1030 m above sea level and is an amazing place to explore the natural landscapes, mountains, caves, lush greenery and rural lifestyle.

Bandipur Facts

Bandipur offers the incredible mountain views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. The Bindabasini temple, Thanimai, Tindhara, Raniban, Siddha cave and Ramkot villager are some of the major attractions of Bandipur. There is a hill in Bandipur which serves as a viewpoint allowing you to explore the natural experiences.

Situated at an altitude of 1371 m above sea level, Tansen of Palpa district is one of the most beautiful places to explore in this region. The tranquil atmosphere very well accompanied by the local cultural inhabitants, and quite a fascinating rural touch away from the hustle and bustle of busy Pokhara city is worth exploring. 

Some of the major places to explore in Palpa are Shreenagar Hills, Rani Mahal, a wide range of flora and fauna, culture and lifestyle of locals alongside the beauty of vibrant mountains. 

Tansen Facts

Visiting Tansen is an excellent opportunity to learn about the rural lifestyle and historical values of this place. Beautiful mountain valleys and amusing surroundings of Tansen offer a never-ending bliss and joy of exploring the true gem in the mountains. 

This area is more off the beaten path than the commercial tourist places like Kathmandu and Pokhara. The mandatory essence of nature and culture makes it more diverse and fauna exploration.

Bhedetar is a small hill station situated at an altitude of 1420 m above sea level, just 16 kilometres away from the Dharan city. It lies in the Dhankuta district of Nepal. It is renowned for the amazing city views and mountain views it offers. Furthermore, visiting Bhedetar allows you to explore the mind blowing surroundings and the culture and traditions of the locals in the Terai region of Nepal.

Bhedetar Facts

The Bhedetar hill station is popular for its unpredictable weather. One moment you can witness the cloud just above you and a few moments later, you may witness the sunlight. That’s why it is often known as the crown of urban Dharan. 

This vibrant place is full of fun and the amazing atmosphere it offers. Bhedetar also boasts a high power transmitter station of Nepal Television. It can be visited from Janakpur and is 206 Km away from the city.

Kanyam of Ilam is situated at an altitude of 1627 m above sea level and is popular for the tea garden and picnic activities. This beautiful place is known as the queen of eastern Nepal as it offers the incredible landscape vistas and a wide range of flora and fauna in its territory. The main attraction being the tea garden itself, this place is a wonderful escape from the monotonous city lifestyle and offers a soft adventure. 

Ilam Facts

The lush greenery and the captivating scenery around lures a lot of people. Many newlywed couples visit Kanyam of Ilam for their honeymoon and spend quality time. The peaceful and vibrant climate of Kanyam is the best choice for the people who want to explore a little off the beaten path and see the beautiful views from Kanyam.

Antu Hill is also known as Shree Antu. It is situated at an altitude of 2328 m above sea level in the Ilam district of Nepal. This place is best for sunrise and sunset views. It also offers an incredible scenic beauty of the surrounding places. 

Antu Hill Facts

There is a view tower atop the Shree Antu allowing you to explore the neighbouring places. This place is 324 Km away from Janakpur and 498 Km away from the capital Kathmandu. It is worth exploring this amazing place if you are planning to visit the Ilam district of Nepal.

Hill stations are the best ways to explore the mountainous beauty. The vantage points in the mountains act as a place to explore the surrounding and the nearby areas. It allows you to witness the incredible beauty of the villages, gorges and river streams, valleys, Himalayas and the lush greenery in the surrounding. Hill stations are also the best places for the photographers as they will get a different kind of content from the different angles in the Hill stations. 

Hill stations are a wonderful escape from the routine monotonous lifestyle. They help you get refreshed and prepare you in a blissful way. 

If you are a nature lover, you must visit hill stations. Hill stations are full of natural beauty. Overlooking the mountains and incredible scenery within eyesight is a wonderful feeling. In addition, you can have the best views of sunrise and sunsets from the Hill stations. 

For photographers, Hill stations are the best places to find content. The imagination is best boosted in the mountains and hill stations offer a lot of it. 

Apart from exploring nature, Hill stations allow you to witness the cultural beauty of the villages and the rural settlement. The best part of visiting Hill stations is, you get to explore a lot of stories, some of nature and some of people.

There are a lot of things that you can do while exploring the mountain region of Nepal. Nepal is full of adventure and new experiences. Every place in Nepal has its unique natural and cultural dimension which is worth exploring. And visiting Hill stations in Nepal allows you to get into a complete eye gazing atmosphere where you will be facilitated with the incredible mountain panorama and the impeccable scenery around. 

Some of the major things that you can do in the Hill stations of Nepal are:- 

• Camping and campfire

• Exploring the mountains, valleys, lakes

• Incredible floral and faunal spectrums

• Sunrise/Sunset views

• Cloud gazing

• Photography

• Quick escape into nature

• Hiking/Trekking/Cycling

• Nature walk

• Local village and culture exploration etc. 

There are much more experiences to explore in the hill stations. And every hill station is unique because no mountain is explored similarly from different places.

Hill Stations in Nepal observe a pleasant climate year-round. The amazing mountain settlement in the lap of Himalayas offers the incredible vistas of the mountains, monuments, lake and valleys, river water streams, lush greenery, gorges and every geographical structure that is a wonderful gift of nature in itself. The best time to visit Hill stations in Nepal is during the spring and autumn season. 

Spring Season

The months of March to May are the spring season in Nepal. This is the best time you can explore the newly sprouted trees and leaves, lush greenery of the mountains, blooming flowers in the wild, spectacular Himalayan vistas and mind blowing atmosphere around. Spring season is one of the best seasons to visit the hill stations in Nepal. 

Summer Season

Another best time to visit Nepal is in the months of June until September. These months are the summer season in Nepal. The climate might get harsh in the latter months due to unpredictable weather causing rainfall and storms. 

However, during the daytime, the fresh air and wonderful surroundings lures a lot of people. The monsoon time is not so favourable as the trail to Hill stations might get slippery. 

Also, because of the heavy presence of clouds, you might not be able to enjoy the incredible views. So, avoid monsoon days to visit Hill stations. 

Autumn Season

The Autumn season is the best time to visit Nepal for any sort of activity. This is the most favourable time where you can explore the mountains, valleys and every sight that your eye can cover. 

The months of September, October and November are the Autumn months in Nepal. During these months, the sky is generally clear and the views are very spectacular. So, Autumn is the best time to visit Nepal to explore hill stations. 

Winter Season

December, January and February are the winter months in Nepal. During these months, the climate gets cold and frosty weather and snowfall at different places makes it a little difficult to visit. 

However, if you want to explore the snowfall in the hill stations of Nepal, the months of January and February are the best time.