Duration

2 Days

DIFFICULTY

easy

GROUP SIZE

1-12

MAX. ALTITUDE

2100 m

Best Season

Whole year

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Walking per day

4 hours

Overview

one-night trip near Kathmandu consists of a two-day package within the Kathmandu valley. This is an ideal option for those with limited holiday time in Nepal, as well as for individuals in Kathmandu who may be feeling fatigued from work or wish to celebrate their children’s holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons. This package allows for exploration of lakes, lush forests, mountain roads, and traditional Nepali villages. Additionally, if you are interested in hiking, you can enjoy a delightful 2 to 4-hour hike around the lake, providing an opportunity to discover charming Nepali villages and their inhabitants. We offer a variety of options ranging from half-hour drives to longer excursions, with packages available at both economical and luxurious price points. Destinations include Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Chisapani, the Himalaya High Resort, Chandra Hill, and Osho Tapoban. Simply search for these destinations on Google and inform us of your preferences; we will provide you with detailed information and costs so you can commence your tour promptly. We are currently offering a package to Kulekhani. Please review this package and let us know your thoughts. We are providing you with some insights about Kulekhani; if this package appeals to you, kindly inform us. For your reference, please read the details about the package. The entire route to Kulekhani traverses through a forest. Tourists with limited time can also opt for a same-day round trip. This village is abundant in greenery and features a stunning lake, which takes approximately 2 hours to reach. Kulekhani is the name of the village where the government of Nepal constructed a large dam for hydroelectric power, resulting in the creation of a beautiful lake and a relaxing adventure spot. It is an excellent choice for a family trip.

For a comprehensive itinerary and pricing details, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best information about weekend holidays around Kathmandu for Tourists, Family, couple and solo travelers

Best Weekend Holiday Destinations Around Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital, is surrounded by serene hill towns, cultural heritage sites, and nature getaways—perfect for short escapes. Whether you’re seeking peace, adventure, or cultural immersion, here are the top weekend destinations within 2–4 hours of Kathmandu:

1. Nagarkot – Sunrise & Himalayan Views
Distance: 32 km (1.5–2 hrs drive)

Highlights: Panoramic sunrise view of the Himalayas, hiking trails, peace and quiet.

Activities: Short treks, cycling, yoga retreats, luxury resorts.

Best Time to Visit: October to March for clear skies.

2. Dhulikhel – Scenic Beauty & Culture
Distance: 30 km (1.5 hrs drive)

Highlights: Newari culture, old town charm, Himalayan views.

Activities: Namobuddha hike, monastery visits, birdwatching.

Stay Options: Boutique hotels and wellness resorts.

3. Chisapani – Forest Hike & Nature Escape
Trek Start: Sundarijal (20 km from Kathmandu)

Highlights: Lush Shivapuri forest, village life, mountain views.

Perfect For: 1-2 day hikes, camping, eco-tourism.

Pro Tip: Carry light gear, it’s an ideal beginner trek.

4. Namobuddha – Spiritual Retreat
Distance: 40 km (2 hrs drive)

Highlights: Ancient Buddhist monastery, peaceful ambiance.

Activities: Meditation, learning Buddhism, photography.

Stay Options: Monastery guesthouses and retreats.

5. Kakani – Picnic & Mountain Air
Distance: 24 km (1.5 hrs drive)

Highlights: Pine forests, strawberry farms, views of Ganesh Himal.

Activities: Family picnics, local food, day hikes.

Popular With: Families and school trips.

6. Phulchowki – Botanical Bliss
Distance: 20 km from Lalitpur (Godawari base)

Highlights: Rich in flora and birds, highest hill around Kathmandu.

Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, nature photography.

Note: Great for nature lovers and botanists.

7. Shivapuri – Hike to the Hills
Access Point: Budhanilkantha

Highlights: Shivapuri National Park, peaceful trails, Bagdwar spring.

Wildlife: Deer, monkeys, birds.

Great For: Nature hikes, forest therapy, meditation.

8.Ghyampe Danda Hotel

5 km from Bhaktapur ( Suryabinayak chouk) located on the top of the hill in dense forest and it takes about one hour walk to reach the hotel from Best for Mountain views, Bird watching, peace and meditation.

9.Village Highland resort- Ranikot

8 km from Suryabinayak chouk and takes about 2 hours walk. They have swimming pool. Best for mountain views, greenery, bird watching and hiking.

10.The Terraces Resort & Spa- Lakuri Bhanjyang

About 45 minutes drive from Kathmandu and popular for mountain views, peace and meditation.

Planning Tips
Transport: Easy access via car, bike, or local bus.

Weekend Itineraries: Leave early Saturday, return Sunday evening.

Weather Watch: Monsoon (June–Aug) may affect outdoor activities.

Who It’s For
Nature lovers

Mindfulness seekers

Photographers
‍ Families
Couples
Backpackers

Bonus: Hidden Gems
Balthali Village Resort – Rural escape near Khopasi.

Tistung & Daman – Farther out, but offers unreal views of the Himalayas.

Panauti – Historic Newar town ideal for culture and short stays.

LUXURY WEEKEND GETAWAYS
1.Nagarkot
Luxury Accommodation:

The Fort Resort – offers stunning views, comfortable yet high-end.

Cost: US$ 200.00

Cost includes:

1.Private car to Nagarkot Hotel and back to Kathmandu

2.Accommodation,Dinner and Breakfast

Hotel Mystic Mountain – features a modern infinity pool with mountain views.

Cost: US$ 250.00

Cost includes:

1.Private car to Nagarkot Hotel and back to Kathmandu

2.Accommodation,Dinner and Breakfast

Activities: Enjoy sunrise views, indulge in spa treatments, sip wine on the terrace, and try paragliding.

Cost:

2.Dhulikhel
Luxury Accommodation:

Dhulikhel Mountain Resort or Himalayan Horizon Hotel.

The Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel – provides ultra-luxury amenities including an ayurvedic spa and meditation caves.

Activities: Participate in yoga sessions, savor fine dining, and embark on guided hikes.

3.Namobuddha
Luxury Accommodation:

Namo Buddha Resort – offers eco-luxury with breathtaking mountain views and organic cuisine.

Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery Guesthouse – presents a unique blend of spiritual and luxury experiences.

Activities: Engage in meditation, wellness practices, and monastery tours.

4.Balthali Village
Luxury Accommodation:

Balthali Village Resort – a cozy upscale lodge situated in a tranquil environment.

Activities: Enjoy village hikes, savor organic meals, and have a picnic by the river.

5.Nuwakot
Luxury Accommodation:

The Famous Farm – a rustic-chic farm stay featuring traditional architecture and exceptional service.

Activities: Experience slow travel, heritage walks, and gourmet Nepali cuisine.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY WEEKEND GETAWAYS
1.Panauti
Budget Accommodation:

Local homestays (such as Community Homestay Network), offering affordability and authenticity.

Activities: Engage in cultural walks, cook with locals, and visit temples.

2.Chitlang
Budget Accommodation:

Chitlang Organic Village Resort (with tented or cottage options).

Markhu homestays located near Indrasarovar lake.

Activities: Enjoy boating, cheese tasting, and hiking.

3.Pharping
Budget Accommodation:

Simple monastery guesthouses or eco-lodges (like Solid Rock Lodge).

Activities: Hike to Champadevi, explore Asura cave and nearby monasteries.

4.Kulekhani / Markhu
Budget Accommodation:

Local guesthouses by the lake providing food and basic amenities.

Activities: Engage in boating, fishing, and evening campfires.

5.Shivapuri National Park
Budget Accommodation:

Affordable guesthouses or eco-camps near Budhanilkantha or Tokha.

Activities: Hike to Shivapuri Peak, enjoy birdwatching, and visit monasteries.

Bonus Suggestions:

Monsoon-compatible luxury: Dhulikhel or Namobuddha (well-maintained roads, excellent indoor choices).

Affordable Adventure: Chitlang or Pharping are reliable options even during the monsoon season.

Homestay networks: communityhomestay.com provides tailored experiences with local hosts at an economical rate.

Itinerary

Day 1 :
Pick up from your hotel or residence and drive about 2 hours to Markhu.

Our driver will come to your hotel or residence and pick up you. Then heading to Markhu and it will take about two hours to arrive at your hotel. You will get welcome drinks and check in room.After one hour you will go to visit Kulekani lake which is build for purpose of Hydroelectricity.You can make one hour boating on lake.Around the Lake there are many restaurant where you can get fish from lake which are really delicious.You can make short walk around the lake. At evening typical Nepali Thakali dinner is served.
Day 2 :
In the morning breakfast will be served.After breakfast you will make about 5 hours trek and drive back to Kathmandu.

After breakfast about five hours trek or less. It depends on you. The lake is surrounded with high hills. You can explore typical Nepali villages including their culture, tradition, living standard. The whole hills are full of greenery.After hiking you will come back to Hotel and have your lunch and then drive back to Kathmandu.On the way you will visit beautiful Monastries.

From: $199

The initial price based on 1 adult with the lowest price in low season

Cost Includes

Pick up and drop transport as mentioned in the itinerary
Accommodation and three meals per day in Kathmandu and during the trekking
Trekking guide and porters (Cook and sardar in the case of camping trek)
National parks’ fees and government royalties
Domestic air ticket and airport tax for tourists and guides as mentioned in the itinerary
Insurance of our trekking staff members
Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley or other parts of Nepal as mentioned in the itinerary

Cost Excludes

International air ticket, airport tax and Nepal visa fees
All kinds of drink during trekking and travel stay with us
Travel insurance and cost of medical services of tourists
All kinds of cloth and personal trekking equipment
Other personal expenses and tips
Charted helicopter, plane and other transports in case of emergency

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Backpack (50 liters) with outside pockets to keep smaller items
Trekking boots, well broken in and waterproofed. Gaiters to keep snow out of boots
Woolen sweaters and down jacket, gloves, wind proof outer garments, pants jacket, skirts, T-shirts, shirts, baggy pants and underwear
Several pairs of woolen and few pairs of nylon socks. A pair of sandals
Sleeping bag adequate for temperatures encountered
Hat with wide brim and sun lotion cream
One liter water bottle and some food for contingencies
Repair and medical kit
Head lamp with spare lithium batteries and bulbs
Handkerchief and toiletries
Verified phone number of your Embassy, consulate ,trekking agency and private phone number of your director
Pen, pencils and letterhead to write an emergency message
Pocket knife with opener and scissors
Sunglasses with spare eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them
Umbrella and rain coat
Camera

SUPPORT

Important Information Before Your Trip to Nepal

Payment: Down payment: 15% of total payment is required to confirm the reservation.

Payment of the Balance: Rest amount can be paid in our office after your arrival.

Arrival Point: You will be met at the Kathmandu international airport. Our office representative will be waiting for you holding play card of the Nepal Mountain Lovers Treks and Expedition. In case of your change plan, please let us inform.

Booking Air Ticket: If you don’t have regular travel agent, please visit makemytrip.com, www.kayak.com, www.vayama.com. They offer you very good price.

Room System: Normally we have two people in a room. Twin bed or single bed depends on the choice of guests and budget. If tourists want single room, s/he should pay single supplementary.

Trekking Leading Person: Our trekking guide will lead the whole trip with his/her helpers and porters.

Currencies: USD, AUD, EURO are major acceptable currencies in Nepal and visa and credit cards also accepted. There is ATM facility in city area.

Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness will start from 3000 meter height. Trekkers should immediately inform trekking guide if faced any problems.

Drinking Water: We can get mineral water and boiled water in city area and in some trekking places. We use water purification tablet or liquid in some remote trekking sites.

Laundry Facility: Laundry facility are available in city area but not during the trekking.

Visa: You can get arrival visa at Kathmandu airport that cost 30 USD for 15 days and 50 USD for 30 days. Please bring 2 passport size photos. You can get your visa from the closest Nepali embassy.

Orientation Program: Before starting trekking, trekkers are provided with an orientation by our office representative or trekking guide about the necessary trekking information.

Group Size: There will be maximum 12 persons in one group.

Accommodation: You will stay in a nice tourist standard hotel/resort in city areas. Normal hotels or tents are available during the trekking.

Foods: We provide breakfast, lunch, dinner. Tourists can get continental food both in city and trekking places. Food during the trekking might not meet the standard of your country.

View of Mount Everest: Trekkers to Everest region will of course see the Mount Everest. For trekkers visiting other regions where they cannot view Mount Everest, there are daily mountain flights which approach close to Mount Everest.

Travel Insurance: It is compulsory to have travel insurance.

Personal Expenses: It depends on your spending interest and shopping. There are some expensive handmade carpets, Thanka paintings, jewelries and handicrafts to purchase in Nepal.

Luggage: We take only about 10kg per person in trekking. Your excess baggage will be stored in a hotel.

Tips: Tips are highly accepted and appreciated.

Rules and Regulation

Nepal Mountain Lovers Treks and Expedition accepts your reservation under the following rules and regulations.

1. If the balance payment is not paid before your departure for trekking, the booking will be cancelled without any refund.

2. If there is war or the situation of the country is out of control and the country faces emergency situation before your arrival to Nepal, we inform you not to come Nepal and refund your payment. But in case of any emergency situation or war after your arrival or during the trekking, we will not refund your money. But we will try our best to make your trip successful and pleasant. In such situation, we may need to change the trip plan and itinerary.

3. In case of increase in government royalty and other costs such as the national park fee, you have to pay extra money.

4. If you commit any illegal act or disturbance for the safety and welfare of the group, our leader or guide can ask to leave the group without any right to refund.

5. If you have any complain with regards to trekking and tour please inform our tour leader or company. All kinds of valid complain are welcomed and processed with necessary actions.

6.You are responsible to ensure that all travel documents are with you during the entire trip.