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 stunning views of the eastern Himalayas, the city is easily accessible from Kathmandu via the Arniko Highway, now a modern highway; It was once 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 who inhabit the Kathmandu Valley. They are famous for their excellent craftsmanship and woodcarving, which is evident in all the traditional houses in the old town and the beautiful temples and bazaars in the area. Newars are also perhaps the oldest and most traditional ethnic group in Nepal and have a strongly religiously based culture, celebrated with a calendar of festivals that would put even New Orleans to shame.
In Dhulikhel
Aside from the stunning 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 walk into the heart of the old town, where you can lose yourself in time in the tangle of cobbled alleys, discover old houses with warped wooden structures, intricate carvings, hidden temples and thriving market places. Discover the color and culture of this vibrant place as you wander past old men smoking pipes, women spinning wool by hand, traditional woodcarving workshops and hidden gardens through ancient arches. To the east of the city, past a local art gallery, you can find the picnic area and rest for a while before climbing the “Hazar Sindhi” (a thousand steps) to the Kali Temple, where you can be inspired by the snowy peaks that rise above the steep foothills in terraces.
Around Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is a great place to base yourself as a quieter and less polluted option than the capital Kathmandu. The tranquil atmosphere and spacious hotels and resorts make Dhulikhel open as a tourist destination that certainly stands out in Nepal. There is plenty to do in the area to keep you entertained and it is also the perfect place from which to start your journey to the Langtang or Everest regions.
Namo Buddha Trek – A full day trek takes you on a loop that leads away from the resort and through picturesque farming villages along the ridge above Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha, a holy site for Buddhists. This revered Stupa and Monastery stands on the spot where Shakyamuni Buddha fed his own flesh to a hungry Tigress. The scene is elegantly depicted on a carved stone found in a small shrine at the top of the hill.
White Water Rafting: One of Nepal’s most famous rivers, the Sunkoshi, is just a stone’s throw from the Resort. Take a day trip on this spectacular river as it meanders through steep gorges and open agricultural valleys, with plenty of adrenaline-pumping rapids to keep your mind at work! Return to the resort in time to toast a spectacular sunset over the Himalayas.
Panauti – A few hours’ walk or short drive brings you to Panauti, another Newar settlement and interesting rural town. The temple complex here is located at the confluence of three rivers, one of which is mystical. The overgrown labyrinthine temples are interesting places to explore.
Bhagwati Temple – Just a half hour drive takes you to the eighteen-armed Goddess Bhagwati temple. 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 amidst the lush sub-tropical jungle.
Jiri – Take an overnight trip to Jiri, the 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 much more preferred option than Kathmandu.
Enjoy