The current pandemic has taught us the value of relationships and healthy living. And what better way to nurture both than a weekend hike with friends and family? Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the hills of Kathmandu have something to offer. And after a day’s walk in the hills of Kathmandu, here are a few places where you can unwind for the day.
Lumo Karmo, Mulkharka
Lumo Karmo is located in the upper part of Mulkharka village on the Sundarijal-Chisapani trail. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley with breathtaking views over rivers and ridges. Given its quiet location, it is ideal for people looking for a retreat for meditation and yoga. What we love the most about this property are the huge terrace, reasonable pricing, and homely atmosphere.
This beautiful property was built to support the children of a school in a small village of Phugmoche in the Solukhumbu Region. All the earnings from this hotel go to that school. If you wish to get here, you will first have to drive to Sundarijal or Mulkharka and then walk for 1 hour / 5 minutes to get to this property.
Here are some hiking ideas around this property:
Sundarijal > Chisapani > Haibung > Jhule
- Day 1: Drive to Mulkharka after work and Check-in at Lumo Karmo
- Day 2: Hike from Lumo Karmo to Prakriti Organic Resort and Organic Farm at Haibung (possible to do this via Chisapani or take a direct route)
- Day 3: Walk to Jhule and Drive back to Kathmandu.
Here is a link to the map via Chisapani. While you will see more mountains via Chisapani, the direct trail to Haibung along the Nagmati Khola is one of the best trails we have ever been on.
You can also download the gpx, which you can use in mapping apps like maps.me.
Budhanilkantha > Shivapuri Peak > Mulkharka
- Day 1: Early morning drive to Pani Muhan > Hike up to Shivapuri Peak > Hike down to Mulkharka > Overnight at Lumo Karmo.
- Day 2: Walk down to Sundarijal > Drive back to Kathmandu.
Here is the link to the map.
Prakriti Resort and Organic Farm, Haibung
Prakriti Resort is located in Shivapuri Nagarjun National park’s buffer zone in Haibung, Sindhupalchok. This property covers a huge area of 50 acres and is situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Surrounded by an embodiment of beauty and tranquility with lush green forest and picturesque farmlands, this place offers you a uniquely relaxing and soothing experience amidst the serene and healing bounties of nature.
What we love the most about this property are the organic farm and the flowers. You can get here either by driving through Bhotechaur or via Mulkharka. However, the best way to get here is on foot via some beautiful forests and mountain views. (See some hike ideas above under Lumo Karmo)
Shivapuri Village Resort, Gurje Bhanjyang
Shivapuri village resort is situated inside the Shivapuri National Park on the northern slopes of the Shivapuri Hills. It is just a 25 km / one-and-a-half-hour drive from Kathmandu. From the resort, we can see the panoramic views of the Himalayas and hills and enjoy the wilderness of nature. It is listed in 50 wellness destinations in Asia by the National Geographic Society.
We love this property because it is located on the ‘right’ side of Shivapuri, the side from which you get to see the Himalayas. They also serve organic vegetables grown from their garden. While staying in the resort, one can indulge in hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, yoga, and meditation.
Shivapuri Heights Cottage, Budhanilkantha
Shivapuri Heights Cottages is a gem of a property. Located just above Budhanilkantha, this property offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. Situated at the edge of Shivapuri National Park, the place is always filled with the sounds of barbets and bulbuls.
What we love most about the property is the homely feel. The staff is genuinely helpful without being obsequious. Most of the common area of this property is full of games and curiosities. And while there is no menu, you will not love their fresh organic food.
Himalayan Height Resort, Hattiban
More popularly known as Hattiban Resort, this place probably has the best mountain view in all of Kathmandu. There we said it. Indeed, the one from Lakuri Bhanjyang isn’t that bad either. Still, it just doesn’t have the same effect as having both the Kathmandu valley and the mountains in one single frame. Quietly tucked away in a forested ridgeline of Hattiban, this property is around 22 km or an hour’s drive from Kathmandu.
What we love most about this property is its accessibility and the large terrace with stunning mountain views. Also, we love the fact that there are quite a few excursions one can take while here: from culture walks around Pharping to nature hikes to Champadevi / Chandragiri.
Chandragiri Hills Resort, Chandragiri
Chandragiri Hills Resort, situated some 15 km or 45 minutes towards the southwest of Kathmandu valley, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan range. Accessible by a cable car, the resort is ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of modern city life and breathing fresh air from surrounding forests. While here, one can also visit the Hindu temple of Bhaleshwor Mahadev, which is believed to possess wish-granting powers.
Bosan Farmhouse, Bosan
Bosan Farmhouse is a holiday home rental with a modern loft-style farmhouse and the amenities of a fully functioning house. Key highlights of this place are the fantastic patio, vegetable garden, and the fact that you will have the whole property to yourself. Yes, you heard that right. They rent out the entire property, and your group will be responsible for the food and service. As such, it is a perfect place for an outing with friends and family.
This farmhouse is located around 10 km south of Kathmandu on the way to Pharping and will take you around half an hour to reach here by road.
The Farm Stays, Ashapuri
The Farm Stays is an extension of Herb Nepal, an organic herb farm and training center that works with Nepali farmers to produce high-quality, sustainably grown herbs. Located at Ashapuri in Bhaktapur, this place is about an hour’s drive from Kathmandu.
What we love most about this unique property is the rustic feel of the rammed earth structures. Also, it is pretty cool that you get to see for yourself what will be on your plate a few hours later. Indeed the whole farm, the buildings, and the fireflies come together elegantly in a beautiful off-the-grid experience.
Dwarika’s Resort, Dhulikhel
Dwarika’s Resort at Dhulikhel continues the tradition of harmony between land and people started by their first property at Battisputali. Both the properties offer unmatched elegance and luxury in Nepal and help preserve Nepal’s unique and diverse heritage in the tourism industry.
The resort is situated in Dhulikhel, a hill station 30 km or an hour’s drive to the east of Kathmandu. It is set in a fabulous natural setting and blends in gracefully with its surroundings.
Namo Buddha Resort, Namo Buddha
Namo Buddha Resort is an organic farm resort situated at the hilltop pilgrimage site of Namobuddha 45 km or 2 hours away from Kathmandu. Offering breathtaking mountain views and an organic garden, Namo Buddha Resort is a great place to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature again.
Adhering to the principle of non-violence of the Lord Buddha, this place offers a fixed vegetarian menu fresh from their fields. They even have their cows and water buffalo for dairy products! All in all, at this resort you can experience the simple life of Nepali countryside with a touch of luxury.
