In this blog, you will learn about the most popular places around Kathmandu Valley for short weekend trips along with information on some reasonable hotels in these areas. (Disclaimer: The hotels mentioned in this blog are not paid advertisements. The budget estimation is based on our trips last year. The prices are subject to change.)
How to reach Dhulikhel?
Dhulikhel is only 25 kilometers away from Kathmandu with several means of transportation to reach there. If you wish to use a public bus (which is a cheaper option), then from Purano Buspark you can find buses leaving for Dhulikhel every 15 minutes or so. It takes around 1-2 hrs to reach Dhulikhel depending on the traffic situation.
What can you do in Dhulikhel?
- Hike to Namobuddha (Visit Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, a great view of Dhulikhel
- Dhulikhel Zipline (adventure sport for adventure seekers)
- A short hike through 1000 Steps (Hajar Sidhi) (Great view of the Himalayas, greenery, and ethnic settlement from the top)
- Mountain views



How to find a place to stay?
There are several hotels and resorts located at Resort Marga, Dhulikhel with prices ranging from low to high. You can google for a place and do an advanced booking through a phone call because some hotels tend to be booked during weekends.
Or, you can use Booking.com
Here are a few hotels that we have been to and would like to recommend:
- Gaia Holiday Home, Resort Marga, Dhulikhel (NRs 6000 per couple for Bed & Breakfast; NRs 4500 for a single room with B&B; 50USD for foreigners)
- Himalayan House Resort (NRs 2500 per person with Dinner and Breakfast included)
How to reach Nagarkot?
You can reach Nagarkot in 1.5 hrs from Kathmandu Valley. The cheapest option would be taking a public bus from Kamalbinayak bus park. The other options could be hiring a private vehicle, or cycling to Nagarkot or you can also hike to Nagarkot from Kathmandu.
What can you do in Nagarkot?
- Sunrise and Sunset View of the Himalayas from Nagarkot viewpoint tower
- Panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley
- Hiking to Nagarkot
- Cycling to Nagarkot



How to find a place to stay?
There are several hotels and resorts located in Nagarkot with prices ranging from low to high. You can google for a place and do an advanced booking through a phone call because some hotels tend to be booked during weekends.
Or, you can use Booking.com
Here is an affordable hotel that we booked through Booking.com and would like to recommend:
Nagarkot Food Home (NRs 2500 per couple for Bed & Breakfast)
How to reach Markhu?
Markhu, a village in Makwanpur district is a popular destination for the people around Kathmandu Valley looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city area. It is a perfect place for hiking, bike riding, sightseeing, boating, and a night out with friends and family with some music, a barbecue, and a campfire. Markhu lies at a distance of around 41 km from Kathmandu Valley and the road trip to Markhu takes about 2 hours.
What can you do in Markhu?
- Hiking
- Campfire
- Boating
- Bike-ride
- Sight-seeing (Kulekhani Hydropower Dam, Chitlang Organic Village Resort, Indrasarowar Lake, and Mahabhir Jharna are the major attractions)



How to find a place to stay?
There are several hotels and resorts located in Markhu with prices ranging from low to high. You can google for a place and do an advanced booking through a phone call because some hotels tend to be booked during weekends.
Here are a few affordable hotels in Markhu where we have stayed in and would like to recommend:
- De Lakeside Simlang Hotel (NRs. 2500 per person which included Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks with soft drinks, and access to their Swimming pool.)
- Paradise Inn
Check our blog on Trip to Markhu – A fun weekend (Link to Markhu Blog) for more details related to Markhu Trip.
Tip: If you are traveling in a group, never forget to bargain the price with the hotel. They always give some discount though the discount amount may vary. Moreover, bookings done through calls are cheaper than that done from booking.com or any other website.
If you need more information, please feel free to contact us through email, or any of the social media accounts linked on this website.