Many people come to Nepal for trekking. Most trekking routes are outside the Katmandu valley, Katmandu being the entry point for the majority of travelers into Nepal. Getting to and from trekking points can be a long journey, along most routes, there are a number of options for over night stays and side trips to extend your holidays. These places are for the most part, rarely visited destinations that offer you the chance to get a good look at he culture and village life of Nepal. Some of the places also offer amazing mountain views. Any of this selection of interesting short trips can be done alone or as an addition to your program in Nepal.

1.Bandipur

Bandipur is a picturesque and romantic mountain resort town 4 hours drive from Kathmandu. From Bandipur at an altitude of 1005m, you have panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manasalu and Ganesh Himal. From this scenic town you can see the mighty Marshyandi River rushing down through lush terraced rice fields. Bandipur is an ancient mountain village inhabited by the Newari people. These people came to this place form their native area of Bhaktapur, bringing with them their own unique culture and traditions. The Newars are friendly people who are only too happy to offer a smile and warm greetings. They are famous for their craftsman ship which results in many beautifully featured and carved buildings. This medi evil town is mostly untouched by modernization and here you can enjoy the peacefulness and tranquility of life in the foothills of the Himalayas. This trip can be combined with any road trip to or from Pokhara.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01:Kathmandu to Bandipur

Travel by road from Kathmandu to Bandipur. Along the way take a lunch break at Manakamana. From here you can take the cable car to the hill top and spend some time relaxing in this favorite spot of many local Hindu people. Proceed to Bandipur when you can spend the afternoon relaxing in your hotel. Take a short walk and enjoy the sunset over the Himalaya.

Day 02:Bandipur

Today you take a relaxed sightseeing tour of Bandipur Visit to the Khadga Devi Temple, then head down to the shrine of Paarpani Mahadev (the shrine of Shiva, where the local people go in spring time to worship and appeal for rain. You also visit Bindebashini and Mahalaxmi two very beautiful and important temples. Here you can see the exquisite handiwork of the Newari people in a fine display of wood and brass carving.

In the afternoon you take a stroll to the silk farm where you can meet the staff and learn about the history and mystic of silk making. See for yourself how silk is spun.

Day 03: Bandipur

Take the plunge today as you paraglide through the sunset form the Bandipur summit. Soar with the eagles and take in the majesty of the Himalayas form your vantage point. After your exhilarating experience you spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring narrow lanes and traditional Newari houses. Visit the Dumdre Bazaar where you can buy some trinkets to take home, or just relax in TinDhara where you can enjoy the refreshing water fountains.

Day 04: Bandipur to Kathmandu or Pokhara.

After breakfast, depart for Kathmandu or Pokhara.

2. Manakamana

Manakamana is one of the most famous and popular pilgrimages sites in Nepal situated on a hillock near Gokarna. The temple of Manakamana is dedicated to the goddess Kali and Hindus believe that the Kali blesses and grants the pilgrims' wishes. The temple of Goddesses Manakamana lies 125km to the west of Kathmandu. To get there it is easy. A cable car has recently connected with Kurintar on the Kathmandu Pokhara Highway. A trip to Manakarman can be made as one night stop over from Kathmandu to Pokhara or vice versa.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Manakamana

From Kathmandu drive the four hours to Manakamana. From Kuringhat you will ride the cable car across the river valley and up to the hill top and spend some time relaxing in this favorite spot of many Nepal people. You will visit the religious temple of Manakamana. O/N at Manakamana.

Day 02: Manakamana to Pokhara

From Manakamana you will drive to Pokhara, about 2 hours. You can spend the afternoon in Pokhara exploring the lake side and boating on the lake. O/N at Pokhara.

3. Janakpur

Janakpur is the most famous place to visit in Nepal. It is also a great religious place and is famous as the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. In Janakpur you will see an artistic marble temple of Sita which is popularly known as “Janaki Manddir” and also known as Naulakha Mandir. In Bivaha and Ram Navami festival there is held a huge religious ceremony. To access Janakpur is easy; it is linked with Kathmandu by air and road and can easily be made as a side trip from Chitwan.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01: Chitwan to Janakpur

Drive to Janakpur from Chitwan. Here you will see artistic marble temple known as Janaki Mandir. O/N at Janakpur. Alternatively, you can fly direct from Kathmandu

Day 02: Janakpur to Birjung

From Janakpur your trip forwards to Birjung the famous industrial place of Nepal. In Birjung you will visit many industrial places and get a good insight into a rarely explored scene of Nepal. O/N at Birjung.

Day 03: Birjung to Kathmandu

From Birjung you will drive back to Kathmandu. O/N at Kathmandu.

4. Nagarkot

It is 32km from Kathmandu at an altitude of 2300 meters where you will see the best views of the Himalayan Ranges in Nepal including Mount Everest. It offers the view of Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. From here you can watch the sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas. It contains a large number of Hotels.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Nagarkot

In the morning after breakfast, drive for half an hour or so, through countryside and fields to the eastern part of Kathmandu Valley. En route, you'll visit Bhaktapur city- also known as the city of devotees. After having lunch, drive continues to Nagarkot, which is one of the nearest and most famous Mountain View point from Kathmandu. Enjoy the sunset over the Himalayas. O/N at Kathmandu.

Day 02: Nagarkot to Kathmandu

In Nagarkot, in the early morning, Enjoy the sunrise view over the long Himalayan range, stretching from Ganesh Himal in the west-end to Mt. Everest in the far-east. After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu.

5. Sundarijal

Sundari Jal is situated along the road from Gokarna. The word ’Sundarijal’ means “beautiful waters” and the stream that descends from the hill becomes eventually the Baghmati River, the most important river in the valley. Sundari Jal is famous for its scenic beauty. In Sundari Jal you can see magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and rock formations. It is an ideal picnic spot, just a short hike away from the motor able road. You can travel to Sundari Jal as a day trip for Katmandu as a warm up for trekking, as a biking trip as an overnight short trek. It is also the gateway to Shivapuri and Langtang trekking.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Sundarijal

From Kathmandu take a car to Sundarijal. Visit the Shivapuri Watershed. Explore the natural beauty and lifestyle of local people. O/N at Sundarijal.

Day 02: Sundarijal to Kathmandu

Return back to Katmandu observing the beautiful scenery on the way.

6. Daman

Daman is the little known place to see the very best long range panoramic views of the entire Himalayan range visible from central Nepal and is considered as being much better than Nagarkot or Dhulikhel. It is situated south of Kathmandu along the road to the Indian border. During autumn it is an interesting to visit here. It is three and half hours drive from Kathmandu.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01: Drive to Daman 80km of winding mountain road with splendid views along the way. O/N at Hotel.

Day 02: Drive back to Kathmandu or on to Pokhara.

7. Namobuddha

It is popular one day trekking destination from Dhulikhel, situated on the hill above Panauti. This short trek or road trip passes through interesting country and a number of small villages. Here you will see the fascinating stupa of Buddha. This is also an enjoyable hike during monsoon season where you can have the striking scene of the lush rice filled valleys and mist shrouded hills. As top over at Namobuddha can also be made as part of a trip to the Last Resort, the Tibet border or the on the way to Jiri. It’s also a very good spot for mountain biking.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmanu to Dhulikhel by road. Stay over night in the lovely town of Dhulikhel with its splendid mountain views.

Day 02: you have the choice to trek or go by car to Namobuddha and then return to Kathmandu by road along the friendship highway.

8. Pokhara

Pokhara, an enchanting natural paradise proffers a heavenly beauty and serenity for the inquisitive travelers. The Valley is of 124 square feet, the home of a number of lakes, including the most renowned, Phewa Lake. In the middle of the lake the temple of goddess Barahi is situated. Boating and fishing are the major charm and attraction of Phewa Lake. Boating on the lake is a lovely way to spend your time here. The valley surrounding Pokhara is a home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and the world famous views of the Himalaya. Any trip to Nepal is uncompleted without a visit to Pokhara, here you can idle away your time in the warm relaxed environment and rest your trekking weary limbs. Pokhara is connected by road air with Kathmandu and it is also the gateway for trekking in the Annapurna region. Here you can also partake in rafting, kayaking clinics, paragliding, mountain biking and pony trekking

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara (6 hours drive by car/van)

You are driven from Kathmandu to Pokhara, arriving at lunch time. Take the afternoon to look around the lake side and return back to Hotel, B.B. O/N at Pokhara.

Day 02: In Pokhara

Today you will visit the famous Tibetan Refugee Camp which is known as Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Camp. This is a must visit especially for those who love interacting with Tibetan people and want to learn about their culture. You will also visit the Gupteshwor Cave which is near the Refugee Camp. Return back to Hotel. O/n at Pokhara.

Day 03: In Pokhara

During this day you will visit the World Peace Pagoda situated on the top of the hill on the southern shores of Phewa Lake. Here you will see the four images of Buddha facing in four directions. It is also a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. Return back to Hotel. O/N at Pokhara.

9. Sarangkot

The famous village near to Pokhara is situated on the top of the hillock just north of Phewa Lake and is familiar to everyone. In Sarangkot one gets a chance to see beautiful views of sunrise and sunset as the sun splashes hues of red on the Himalayan range. On a clear day you will observe the panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and Ganesh Himal. The trip can be done by foot or by taxi. It is also possible to stay over night in Sarankot, or just make a day trip. From just below the summit of Sarankot, it is also possible to go paragliding.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01: Pokhara to Sarankot

Travel by car or foot to Sarankot, 3 hours walking or 40min by car. In the evening observe the views of sunset. O/N at Sarankot.

Day 02: Sarankot to Pokhara

Return back to Pokhara getting views of the natural beauty on the way. O/N at Pokhara.

10. Lumbini

Lumbini is the birth place of Siddhartha Gautam who later became famously known as Lord Gautam Buddha. It is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations located in the southern Terai plains of Nepal. Buddha is known as the light of Asia. Millions of people around the world come here to visit and pay respect to Lord Buddha. Lumbini is listed in the World Heritage Monument List by UNESCO. The Indian emperor Asoka identified and set the Asoka pillar in Lumbini which is the main attraction of this area. The other main attraction of this area is Maya Devi Temple, the Scared Garden spread over 8sq km and the scared pond, Puskarni, where Mayadevi had taken a bath before giving birth to Gautam Buddha. Lumbini holds much historical and religious significance in Nepal. A visit to Lumbini is an easy side trip from Pokhara.

Suggested Itinerary

 Day 01: Pokhara to Lumbini

Drive to Lumbini. In the afternoon we visit the crane Sanctuary. Over night in Lumbini.

Day 02: Full day sightseeing in Lumbini- Today after having breakfast you will visit the places around Lumbini such as Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, the scared pond Puskarni and other places of interest nearby. Back to Hotel. Overnight in Lumbini.

Day 03: After having breakfast will drive to Kathmandu by road or you can transfer to the India border for your onward travels. Over night in Kathmandu.

11. Chitwan

Chitwan is one of the finest National parks in Asia which provides the opportunity to see animals in their rightful habitat. It is known as the heart of the Jungle. The main attraction here is Royal Chitwan National Park. Royal Chitwan National Park is the home to more than 500 Asian one-horned rhinoceros and Royal Bengal Tigers. The park is also the home to around 600 plant species, 50 mammals, 526 birds and 49 amphibians and reptiles. For jungle safari, Royal Chitwan National park is famous. Here you will travel through open grassland and dense forest on elephant back and while doing this you will come across different wild animals including rhinos, different kind of deer’s, wild boars, and in rare cases, tigers. Chitwan is accessed on any trip to or from Kathmandu to Pokhara, or from the end of a rafting journey on the Trisuli River.

3 night 4days package

Day 01: Pokhara or Kathmandu to Chitwan

Arrival pickup from Bus Park. Lunch, village tour, Elephant breeding
center, Cultural program, Dinner and rest

Day 02: In Chitwan

B/Fast Canoeing, Jungle walk, Lunch, Jeep drive Safari 4/5hrs
Dinner and rest

Day 03: In Chitwan

Early wakeup and Bird watching, B/Fast and rest. Lunch and free time for recreation like swimming and tennis. Afternoon Elephant Safari. Dinner and cultural program

Day 04:Chitwan to Kathmandu or Pokhara

Breakfast, prepare for departure for onward destination.