After a tiring week at work and the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city, you might want a relaxing and memorable weekend. But limited time may hold you back from planning a perfect trip. If so, taking a one day trip near Kathmandu would be a great option.
There are many incredible places near Kathmandu, which is a perfect one day travel destinations. These spots offer you a mix of cultural, historical, spiritual, and natural experiences, ensuring your trip is quick and memorable.
In this blog, we have compiled a list of places near Kathmandu which you can easily explore in a single day without having to spend a night there. Some are extremely popular while some may be new to you but are definitely worth visiting.
10 Places for One Day Trip Near Kathmandu
1. Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the major cities in Kathmandu Valley. It is just 13 kilometers from Kathmandu, making it a perfect day trip. You can easily reach Bhaktapur by taxi, local bus, or private vehicle.
Bhaktapur is home to the ancient palace, temples, museum, and Newari traditions. There are many activities to do in Bhaktapur in a single day. You can start by exploring Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, Dattatraya Square, and the Museum. You will get to see Newari culture, art, and architecture. Apart from this, there are other places to visit like Sidhhapokhari and Changu Narayan Temple.
During your visit to Bhaktapur, do not miss trying Newari food, including Bara, Samay Baji, and Juju Dhau. If you are a spicy lover, go for food like laphing, keema noodles, chatpate, and pani puri. You should also try the famous kulfi and aloo cha.
2. Patan
Patan is one of the nearest destinations from Kathmandu for a day exploration. Located just 7 kilometers from Kathmandu, you can easily go there by local transportation, private vehicle, or taxi.
You can spend a memorable day in Patan by visiting the famous Patan Durbar Square, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Patan Museum and the Golden Temple are also must-visit places there.
You shouldn’t miss visiting Pimbahal Pond and exploring the nearby food spots. Some of the foods you should try are laphing, keema noodles, street food, and waffles.
In case you want to shop during your trip, Mangal Bazar is one of the best and affordable places in Patan to buy showpieces, traditional clothes, fabric, and spices. There is also a central zoo just a 6-7 minutes drive from Patan, which you should add to your visit list.
3. Lakuri Bhanjyang
Lakuri Bhanjyang is the perfect place if you are looking for a one day quick escape. Located in Lalitpur, it is just 15 kilometers away from Kathmandu. This hill station is easily accessible by local bus, taxi, or private vehicle within an hour.
There are many activities you can do there in a single day. You can start your trip by hiking to the top of the hill and enjoying the stunning views of the valley. You can also have a picnic with friends and family. There is a big park where you can sit and relax.
If you are an adventure lover, biking, cycling, or paragliding would be a great option.
4. Gundu
If you are seeking a short and peaceful escape close to nature, Gundu is the one you should not miss. It is located just 2 km away from Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur. You can easily get a local bus from Suryabinayak. Traveling by bike, car, or cycle is also a good option.
Gundu is famous for hiking, cycling, and picnics. People also visit this spot for photography and videography. There is a big green area where you can relax, have a dry picnic, read a book, or spend time with your family.
Apart from this, you can explore a dummy plane crash area, which was built for army training.
5. Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is a hill station located in the Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal. It is just 30 kilometers away from Kathmandu. You can travel there easily by local bus, private vehicle, or taxi. It will take two to three hours based on the traffic.
The main attraction of Dhulikhel is Dhulikhel View Point, from where one can enjoy the amazing views of the mountain range. This view point is also popular for its stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Dulikhel has an old town, which is rich in culture and architecture. This town consists of traditional Newari houses, usually multi-storied and built using bricks and wooden materials. Apart from this, there are many temples to explore, including the Kali temple, Shiva temple, and Narayan temple.
If you are looking for a thrilling experience, go for a zipline in Dulikhel.
6. Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a perfect destination for a one day trip. It is located in the Bhaktapur district of Nepal, just 32 kilometers away from Kathmandu. One can easily reach there by local bus, taxi, or private vehicle.
Nagarkot is known for its viewpoints. One of the most popular is the Nagarkot View Tower, which offers panoramic views of the breathtaking Himalayas, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Gaurishankar. It is a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.
You can also walk through the village to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the local people. Many visitors go to Nagarkot for hiking. There are plenty of hiking trails that lead you to various destinations. An adventurous enthusiast can experience paragliding too.
7. Chandragiri Hills
Chandragiri is among the best places to explore in a single day. It is located 12.5 kilometers away from Kathmandu. You can take a local bus, taxi, or private vehicle to reach the Chandragiri cable car station. From there, you can either hike, drive, or take a cable car ride to reach Chandragiri Hills.
During your ride, you will pass by the beautiful village surrounded by greenery. The main attraction of Chandragiri Hills is the Bhaleshwar Mahadev Temple. From the top hill, you will get to enjoy the view of beautiful Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan ranges.
There is an amusement park where you can relax or get involved in some fun activities like ziplining and paragliding. Cafes and restaurants are also available on the hills, where you can enjoy delicious food with stunning views.
8. Kirtipur
Kirtipur is an old city of Nepal and an ideal destination for day trips from Kathmandu. It is only 5 kilometers away from Kathmandu. You can easily reach there by local transportation, taxi, or private vehicle.
This place is well known its Newari culture, with traditional houses, festivals, and tasty local food. People mostly visit Kirtipur for its temples, peaceful vibe, and authentic Newari food. Bagh Bhairab Temple is one of the popular temple you should visit here.
You can spend your day in Whoopee Land Amusement Water Park where you can enjoy many water activities. You can also visit a big public park in Kirtipur named Majushree park. Taudaha lake is one of the famous place you should not miss there.
9. Sundarijal
Sundarijal is a village located 15 kilometers away from Kathmandu. It is mostly famous for its amazing waterfalls. You can easily visit there by local bus, private vehicle, or taxi.
This place is perfect for one day outing near Kathmandu. You can go early in the morning, enjoy various activities, and return by evening. Hiking, swimming, canyoning, and pickning are some of the things you can do here.
Apart from these, you can also visit a hydropower station and some religious sites like Sundarimai Mandir, Krishna Mandir, and Ganesh Mandir.
10. Shanti Dham
Shanti Dham is a hidden gem in Tarakeshwar, Kathmandu. Due to the architectural similarities, this Hindu temple is also known as the Badrinath of Nepal. It is located about 10 kilometers away from Balaju Bypass and easily accessible by local bus, private vehicle, or taxi.
This temple consists of colorful paintings and detailed carvings. Its main attraction is a building with a glass wall, known as Sismahal. Shanti Dham is so peaceful that people often visit it for meditation. It also offers a clear view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Apart from these, you can also choose this destination for hiking and a dry picnic. And with its breathtaking views, the place is perfect for capturing photos and videos.
Conclusion
Just as stunning as the Kathmandu is, the nearby destinations are also worth visiting. Even with limited time, you can still enjoy a quick and refreshing trip in these places. From beautiful spots to natural and religious sites, these short and quick trips offer a little bit of everything for everyone.
Consider these destinations next time you plan a short trip. Do not let your busy schedule stop you from taking a trip.
Asmita is a travel enthusiast who enjoys discovering new places, trying local dishes, and finding hidden gems across Nepal. As a writer for Travel Nepal Guides, she shares honest tips and personal experiences to help travelers explore Nepal with confidence.
