A 30-kilometer drive to the southeast of Kathmandu takes you to the resort town of Dhulikhel. This town has been a commercial trade route between Nepal and Tibet for centuries. Nepalis have used this route for centuries to bring salt and gold.
Though most people here are Newars, other ethnic communities like Tamangs, Chhetris, Brahmin, and Dalits also make up the populace. During the main Hindu festival of Dashain, Tibetan traders journey into Nepal with their flock of sheep; they purchase various spices and condiments and return to their homeland. Since constructing the road connecting Tibet with Nepal, Dhulikhel has remarkably transformed into a significant and popular tourist destination. Ideally, one would need to spend the night in one of the many resorts cropped up, especially to witness the sunrise over the mountains.
Situated at an altitude of 1550 meters, it is the perfect vantage point to view the snow-clad peaks in the dissipating early morning haze and gradually opening up to the lush green farmlands below. The plains slowly rise to the forested hills and then further to the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. One can view Mt. Annapurna in the far west to Mt. Karolung towards the east. One can observe more than twenty peaks from Dhulikhel; Mt. Annapurna ( 8091 m ), Mt. Ganesh Himal ( 7429 m ), Mt. Langtang ( 7234 m ), Mt. Phuribichyachu ( 6637 m ), Mt. Gaurishanker ( 7134 m ), Mt. Lhotse ( 8516 m ) being the major ones.
Dhulikhel – The Old Town
The southern part of the oldest area of the town is a cluster of Newari households inhabited by local extended families. The house's ornately carved woodwork frames and doors reflect local craftsmanship at its finest and are a culture and heritage asset.
The narrow streets and alleyways define the ancient and medieval way of life that has stood the test of time for over five centuries. The city or town has been planned per Hindu doctrines based on harmony and religious auspices. An example of such a settlement is Shreekhandpur which is situated 2 km west of the central city near Kathmandu University and has been inhabited by Newars and Magars for centuries. The Gorakhnath Temple is also situated here, and the locals are safeguarded by Swet Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Narayan ( Vishnu ) deities.
Temples in Dhulikhel
Hinduism and Buddhism have flourished here for hundreds of years, evident from the numerous shrines and temples that are masterpieces of Newari craftsmanship. The central area of Dhulikhel has cobbled streets, and in the center of town is the Narayan Temple with yellow metalled roofs. This temple is a dedication to Lord Krishna. Next to it is the Harsiddhi Temple. These temples display intricate wood carvings and are guarded by Garudas. The Bhagwati Temple is situated in the western part of the town.
Namo Buddha
Located at an altitude of 1750 meters is an ancient Buddhist monastery situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu and is over an hour's drive from there. According to legend, King Mahasattva offered his body to a hungry tigress and her cubs so that they may live; this selfless and courageous sacrifice has made this site highly revered by all who make the pilgrimage there.
People from the Tamang community mainly inhabit the area/ Besides the view one can get from here, agricultural produce like rice, mustard, millet, and soya can be an exciting feature for visitors. Nepal's three major Buddhist pilgrimage sites are Boudha Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Namo Buddha.
It would be an excellent idea to spend the night here as the sunrise and sunset offers you breathtaking and exhilarating views of the mountains and the valley below. In addition, the crispness of the pollution-free fresh air and the harmony of the diverse communities here are stark contrast to city life.
Namo Buddha is also a place for meditation and practice.
Hiking or biking, or driving are your options for visiting this site.
When is the Best Time to Visit Dhulikhel?
The best time to visit Dhulikhel is from October to November and from March to May when the weather is mild and dry. The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, can be very wet and may not be the best time to visit.
How To Get to Dhulikhel?
To get to Dhulikhel, you can take a bus or taxi from Kathmandu, which is about a one-hour drive away. There are also regular bus services from other major cities in Nepal.
As for accommodations, there are several hotels and guesthouses in Dhulikhel, ranging from budget options to more luxurious accommodations. Some popular options include the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort, the Dhulikhel Lodge Resort, and the Namobuddha Resort. Several homestays are also available for those who want a more authentic and immersive experience.
In summary
In summary, Dhulikhel is a charming and beautiful destination that offers a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in exploring the town's temples and monasteries, hiking in the surrounding mountains, or simply soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, there is something for everyone in Dhulikhel.
Thank you for considering Travel Maker South Asia for your trip to Dhulikhel. Our experienced travel experts are ready to help you plan the perfect vacation to this stunning and peaceful destination. Please don't hesitate to book a session with our travel expert to start planning your dream trip to Dhulikhel today!
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