Nagarkot, Kakani, Phulchoki, Dhulikhel, Godavari & Panauti

Nagarkot:

A 32 km drive to the east from Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175m(7000ft)is Nagarkot.The ridge offers possibly the best display of the Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt Everest)and many others like Mansula,Ganesh,Langtang,Choba Bhamree,Gauri Shankar,Shisa Pangma and many more.It is recommended to stay there overnight to enjoy the sunset and sunrise.

Dhulikhel:

A scenic 30km drive along the terraced paddy fields on the Arniko Highway leads you to Dhulikhel at an altitude of 1600m. This place is famous for its vantage location for viewing the Himalayan range from Cho-yu in the east to Himalachuli in the west . Dhulikhel is very popular for viewing is beautiful sunrise and sunset and for its serene atmosphere free from the smoke and bustle of kathmandu city . it is better to stay overnight in one of the beautiful lodges and the sunset and sunris the next day.

Kakani:

One and half-hours(29km)drive from Kathmandu along the beautiful mountain highway on the Trisuli road is scenically rewarding with green forests and mountain terraced cultivation.The vantage point at an altitude of 1982 m.above sea level is famous for the magnificent view of Ganesh Himal no one side and Kathmandu City on the other side.Other peaks that can be seen from kakani are Gauri Shankar,Choba Bhamare,Mansalu,Himalchuli,Annapurna and many more.

Phulchoki:

Located about ten km Southest of Patan at an altitude of 2759 m is the tallest hill in the kathmandu valley,Phulchoki,meaning "the Flower Hill".It is called so because rhododendrons of different varieties and colors from white to dark red are found here.The panoramic view from the top is spectacular-to the north snow clad Himalayan range and Kathmandu valley and to the south the lower range of mountains extended to the plain of Tarai.Phulchowki is also best recommended for a day hike.

Panauti:

One of the finest Newar settlements in the region is the village of Panauti. It is built at the confluence of two rivers in a small valley surrounded by examples of early temple architecture.The Indreshwar Mahadev temple is a very good example of historical Newari architect.The roof struts showing different manifestations of Shiva are matchless in their serenity.

Godavari:

Situated at the foot of Phulchoki,Godavari is a nice picnic spot.There is Royal Botanical Garden.The Royal Departmen of medical ponds,greenhouse and fish farms.The garden has a nice collection of lily cactii.A clear water spring that emerges from a cave known as Godavari Kunda which is believed as having magical powers is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every 12 years.