Best Hill Stations in Nepal

Known For : Paragliding in Nagarkot Nagarkot Nature Trail Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail

If you want to see the Himalayan mountains in all their glory, Nagarkot is the place to be! This tiny village burrowed in the lap of the towering peaks is a part of Nepal's Bhaktapur district. Perched at the edge of Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot gives you one of the widest panoramas of the Himalayan ranges - you can spot 8 out of the 13 Himalayan ranges from the comfort of your hotel. The Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Jugal, Everest, Numbur, Ganesh Himal and the Rolwaling ranges can be seen from Nagarkot on a clear day - can the scene get any more postcard-perfect than this!?

Best Time: October to March

8 Nagarkot Attractions

You can never get enough of the mountains. There is something about the scenic beauty and tranquillity of the majestic peaks that just makes you want to stay there forever and breathe in the pure fresh air. Dhulikhel in the Kathmandu Valley is one such place, which offers picturesque views of the high Himalayas and the range of peaks that it comprises of, right from the Langtang Lirung in the west to the Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar and Melungtse, and then Numbur in the east. You just have to be willing to climb a little over the village to enjoy these panoramic views.

Known For : Devi's Falls Boating in Pokhara Phewa Lake

Idyllic waters, majestic snow-capped mountains, crisp air, and friendly people await you at Pokhara, one of the most popular tourist destinations of the exotic East! Cradled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Pokhara is a metropolitan city in Nepal - it is even called the Tourist Capital of Nepal. This city offers a myriad of options for travellers of all kinds - from thrilling adventures and unforgettable journeys into the wild, to tranquil contemplation and serene meditation. Delve into the magic of this hilly city, for a truly memorable vacation.

Best Time: September to November

34 Pokhara Attractions

Located at 2322 metres above the sea level in the Thaha Municipality of Nepal, Daman has inarguably the best view of the Himalayan range in the entire country. On the best of days, the whole stretch from Mount Dhaulagiri in the west to Mount Everest in the east can be seen perfectly. The snow-crested tops of the greatest mountains in the world rise above the misty cloud and grace the skyline of Daman. This simple site is proof to the fact that a place does not need to be studded with attractions to be attractive. The natural beauty of Daman is charming enough to draw crowds from all-over Nepal as well as from other parts of the world.

Pretty as a picture - that is how one can perfectly describe Bandipur. This living and breathing abode of Newari culture is a hilltop settlement in the Gandaki Zone at 1030 metres, some 700 metres above the Marsyangdi River. The municipality snuggles itself on the saddle of the Mahabharat Range of the Himalayas. Bandipur is a perfect weekend retreat from Kathmandu or Pokhara, now that it is connected with the highway by an access road. There isn't much to see, so hoping for an extensive session of sightseeing will meet with disappointment. The town has more of a relaxing vibe, with the laid-back ambience of a small European neighbourhood.

Located in the south-west of the capital city Kathmandu, Chandragiri Hill is one of Nepal's most loved day-trip destinations. Locals, expats and tourists alike visit this place for an exhilarating experience and some lovely memories are made in the wake. The main destination of Chandragiri Hill is the mountaintop, from where spectacular views of the great Himalayan mountain ranges can be seen. The crisp cold weather would envelop you, as only the snow-covered crests of numerous mountain massifs raise their head above the cloudy mist and the green valley of Kathmandu lies at the bottom, looking beautiful and glorious.

Situated at an altitude of 3210 m, Poon Hill is a popular short trekking destination, offering an impeccable view of sunrise and sunset. Most trekkers hike here from the village of Ghorepani to enjoy the spectacular view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trekking trail covered with rhododendron forest an amazing landscape is perfect for modest trekkers. The terrain is comparatively easier and leads to the Annapurna Mountain Ranges, thus allowing the trekkers to absorb the natural beauty of the location. From the top of the hill, one can get a fabulous view of the Gangapurna, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, the Dhaulagiri and the Hiunchuli Mountains. Those who get a high when they climb mountains must visit the Poon Hill in Pokhara.

Some 25 km north of Abu Khaireni, the picturesque town called Gorkha is the ancient home of the lionhearted Gorkha people. Around 300 years ago, when Prithvi Narayan Shah unified all the rivalling fiefdoms of Nepal into one monarchy and divided up the country into 50 different states, Gorkha was born along the slopes of Himalayas in north-central Nepal. Needless to say, the place has immense historical and cultural significance and is dipped in tremendous natural beauty. One can simply spend the time staring at the green valleys and the mountains around and do nothing else for the rest of the trip. However, that would be a waste, since there are quite a few things one can enjoy over here.

The Palpa district houses the ancient Tansen hill with immense cultural importance. This hill-town is gifted with unique architecture and rich heritage. Often called the “Darjeeling of Nepal”, it has one of the closest views of the Great Himalayas. Visitors can explore the Shreenagar hills, Rani Mahal, Kali Gandaki River, and soak in the local culture. Some also take the delight of visiting the Amar Ganj Temple, Sital Pati, Satyawati Lake, stroll across valley areas or coffee plantations and explore the markets. Tansen offers comfortable homestays and cottages, along with regular bus rides from Kathmandu.

A day or two of a hillside getaway is what everyone needs once in a while, and Ilam offers precisely this. This hill-town, nestled in the landscapes of Nepal, is renowned for its tea, greenery, spiritual sites, and excellent climate. Visitors explore the Fikkal Bazaar, Mai Pokhari, Antu Danda, trek to Chhintapu, or catch the beautiful sunrise at Siddhi Thumka. The Sandakpur forests are another delight with a mesmerizing view of the Himalayas. A range of connectivity options are offered, from bus rides to planes, and comfortable cottages for accommodation.

Stuck somewhere in between the 17th-century ambience and 21st-century facilities, Nuwakot is one of the most attractive destinations of Nepal. Albeit there are not many attractions to see, the Nuwakot Palace and its Durbar Square in itself are enough to draw the travellers who love to delve deep down the back alley of history. Before the offbeat destination it is now, Nuwakot used to be a place of utmost historical significance. Located around 75 kilometres west of Kathmandu, and above the confluence of the rivers Trisuli and Tandi, Nuwakot once used to be the historic capital town of the great kingdom of Kathmandu Valley, back when monarchy still existed.

Chitlang is an ancient Newar dominant village in Nepal. Surrounded by the Chandragiri hills, it is acclaimed as one of the most popular stops in the old trading routes from Tibet to India and thus holds a rich historical significance. Chitlang serves to be the most preferred destination from Kathmandu for hiking. It is home to more than 100 species of birds, making it a haven for ornithology.

Jomsom is also known as Dzong-Sampa or New Fort. Jomsom lies along both the banks of Kali Gandaki river in the Mustang District of Nepal. Jomsom is the capital of Mustang district. Kali Gandaki happens to be the deepest gorge in the world. The altitude of Jomsom is 2700 m. Jomsom has developed as a quaint little mountainous town. You can find cosy shops and colourful blocks of residential houses with the snow-laden Himalayas and the azure blue sky at the backdrop.

Jomsom is also known as Dzong-Sampa or New Fort. Jomsom lies along both the banks of Kali Gandaki river in the Mustang District of Nepal. Jomsom is the capital of Mustang district. Kali Gandaki happens to be the deepest gorge in the world. The altitude of Jomsom is 2700 m. Jomsom has developed as a quaint little mountainous town. You can find cosy shops and colourful blocks of residential houses with the snow-laden Himalayas and the azure blue sky at the backdrop.

Translating to 'Hill of Flowers', Phulchowki is a popular place where people hike up to. It is the highest point in the southern region of Kathmandu Valley and is even accessible by road. From the top, panoramic views of the valley are best enjoyed on sunny and clear days. Rhododendrons bloom sometime from the mid-winter period and make up part of the abundant vegetation which can be seen along the foot of the hill.