Dhulikhel is a natural and culturally rich destination for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and an ideal stopping point on their way to the Tibetan border. Straddling a ridge with breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas, the city is easily accessible from Kathmandu via the Arniko Highway, now a modern highway; There was a time when it was an ancient trade route, with Dhulikhel being the main trade center between Kathmandu, Tibet, and India.
Historically, Dhulikhel is a Newar settlement. The Newar are an ethnic group from Nepal that inhabits the Kathmandu Valley. They are renowned for their excellent crafts and wood carving, which is evident in all the traditional houses around the old town and in the beautiful temples and market bazaars in the area. The Newars are also perhaps the oldest and most traditional ethnic groups in Nepal and have a strongly religion-based culture, celebrated with a festival calendar that would even put New Orleans to shame.
In Dhulikhel
Aside from the breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas stretching from Langtang to Everest and beyond, there are many interesting sites to see in the city. Take a short stroll and enter the heart of the old town, where you can lose yourself in time in the tangle of cobbled alleys, discover ancient houses with sunken wood frames, intricate carvings, hidden temples and thriving market squares. Discover the color and culture of this vibrant place as you stroll alongside old men smoking pipes, women spinning wool by hand, traditional woodcarving workshops, and gardens hidden through ancient arches. To the east of the city, passing a local art gallery, you can find the picnic area and rest for a while before climbing the “Hazar Sindhi” (thousand steps) to the Temple of Kali, where you can be inspired by the snowy peaks that are rise above. the steep stepped hills.
In and around Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is a great place to base yourself as a quieter and less polluted option than the capital Kathmandu. The peaceful atmosphere and the spacious hotels and resorts leave Dhulikhel open as a tourist destination that is undoubtedly a standout in Nepal. There is plenty to do in the area for entertainment and it is also the perfect place to start your trek to the Langtang or Everest regions.
Namo Buddha Trek – A full-day trek takes you on a loop from the resort and through picturesque farming villages along the ridge above Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha, a sacred place for Buddhists. This revered stupa and monastery stands where Shakyamuni Buddha fed his own meat to a starving tigress. The scene is elegantly rendered in a stone carving housed in a small hilltop shrine.
Whitewater Rafting: One of the most famous rivers in Nepal, the Sunkoshi, is just a stone’s throw from the Resort. Take a day trip on this spectacular river as you wind your way through rugged gorges and open agricultural valleys, with plenty of adrenaline and rapids to keep your mind on work! Return to the resort in time to toast a spectacular sunset over the Himalayas.
Panauti – A few hours of walking or a short drive takes you to Panauti, another Newar settlement and interesting rural town. The temple complex here is at the confluence of three rivers, one of which is mystical. The labyrinthine temples covered in vegetation are interesting places to explore.
Bhagwati Temple – Just a half hour drive takes you to the temple of the eighteen-armed Goddess Bhagwati. Here you can spend time exploring the temple or take a hike of about two hours to the Panchkhal Valley.
Tatopani Hot Springs – Head towards the Tibetan border and soak in the hot springs amid the lush subtropical jungle.
Jiri – Take an overnight trip to Jiri, the trekking gateway to the Everest region. Enjoy the stunning scenery and traditional farming villages.
Dhulikhel certainly has a lot to offer as a place to visit and stay in its own right and is a preferred option to Kathmandu.
Enjoy