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Encircled by hills, rivers, and nature, there are numerous amazing places to visit near Kathmandu with friends. The region is packed with secret villages and gorgeous spots that can provide you with a complete package of bonding and exploration. If you consider a day trip or a weekend retreat, these places are a good mix of nature, culture, and entertainment. The walking trails, religious sites, and hill towns transform your every visit into a fantastic adventure. It is an opportunity to get a different perspective on the beauty of Nepal by going out of the city with friends.
Places To Visit Near Kathmandu With Friends
Planning fun outings becomes easier with these places to visit near Kathmandu with friends, offering short escapes filled with nature, culture, and shared experiences just a few hours away.
1. Nagarkot
Photo: Sudeep Timalsina / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Nagarkot, a tranquil hill station in Kathmandu, is famous for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the highest peak on earth. Its location at 2,175 meters above sea level makes it perfect for people who want to get away from the noise of the city and breathe in the fresh mountain air while enjoying the incredible sunrises and sunsets. The travellers’ main purpose in visiting Nagarkot is to experience the play of light on the magnificent Himalayan peaks at dawn, which has made it a top spot for photography and nature lovers.
Top Highlights: Himalayan sunrise, panoramic views, trekking trails, mountain resorts
Distance From Kathmandu: 27.6 km
2. Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, wood carvings, and temples from past centuries. The city is known as the “City of Devotees”. Bhaktapur is a cultural journey that can be experienced by walking the alleys of burnt bricks or resting in its huge courtyards. The 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and Bhairavnath Temple are the main attractions located in the historic Durbar Square. The Pottery Square is a place where you can also wander and, at the same time, see local people doing their traditional pottery work.
Top Highlights: 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, Pottery Square, traditional alleys
Distance From Kathmandu: 14.6 km
3. Chisapani
Photo: June Admiraal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Chisapani, located in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, is a place that nature enthusiasts and hikers love because it offers the best scenery and the most peaceful place to stay in Kathmandu. The place is famous because of the breathtaking views it offers of the Himalayas, especially the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges, and it is also a crucial point on the Sundarijal–Nagarkot trek. The trip starts at Sundarijal. From there, it is a beautiful uphill walk through thick forest trails, waterfalls, and local Tamang villages. Chisapani is a perfect place for short treks.
Top Highlights: Forest trails, waterfalls, Tamang villages, Himalayan vistas
Distance From Kathmandu: 33 km
4. Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel, in Kavrepalanchok District, is one of the best places to see near Kathmandu with friends. Famous for its breathtaking Himalayan views, rich Newari culture, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s just a short drive from the capital. Explore well-marked hiking trails, the Kali Temple, and the historic Bhagwati Shrine, or start short treks to Namobuddha and Panauti. Arrive early for a stunning sunrise over snowy peaks, then unwind in cozy lodges and local eateries. With relaxed evenings, stargazing, and light adventure, Dhulikhel is perfect for creating memorable moments with friends.
Top Highlights: Himalayan scenery, Kali Temple, old Bhagwati Shrine, short hikes
Distance From Kathmandu: 31.3 km
5. Phulchowki Hill
Photo: Neez R / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Phulchowki Hill, the highest point in the Kathmandu Valley, is one of the amazing tourist attractions near Kathmandu with friends for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. Located in Lalitpur district, its dense sub-tropical forests are home to over 250 bird species, making it ideal for birdwatching. The trek to the summit is moderately challenging, with vibrant orchids and rhododendrons in spring. At the top, a shrine dedicated to Phulchowki Mai offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and distant Himalayas. It’s a perfect spot for a calm day trip, a fun group hike, and one of the least known, most satisfying spots to visit near Kathmandu with friends.
Top Highlights: Birdwatching, orchids, rhododendrons, hilltop shrine
Distance From Kathmandu: 12.3 km
6. Namobuddha
Photo: Lusifor ,manoj shrestha / Wikimedia Commons
Namobuddha, in Kavre district, is a serene and spiritually rich destination, famous for the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery. It is revered as the site where Prince Mahasattva offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs, a story celebrated in Buddhist tradition. The monastery’s intricate design, monks’ chanting, and surrounding green hills create a calming atmosphere for both spiritual seekers and travelers. The scenic path features terraced fields, traditional villages, and distant Himalayan views, making for a rewarding hike. It is one of the best attractions near Kathmandu with friends, ideal for a day trip or an overnight stay at nearby lodges and monasteries.
Top Highlights: Thrangu Monastery, terraced fields, Himalayan views, spiritual atmosphere
Distance From Kathmandu: 41.6 km
7. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Photo: Chandan Chaurasia / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is located on the northern fringes of the valley of Kathmandu and acts as a haven for nature lovers. The park is a treasure trove of nature, with its dense forests, waterfalls, and a plethora of fauna and flora. It is a paradise for hikers and bird watchers. Trails to Bagdwar (source of the Bagmati River) or Nagi Gumba are most popular, and they give you a very peaceful walk in the forest with scenic views of the valley and the surrounding peaks. Equally, the park is of religious importance with sacred places like Shivapuri Baba’s ashram.
Top Highlights: Dense forests, Bagmati River source, waterfalls, Nagi Gumba
Distance From Kathmandu: 33 km
8. Kakani
Photo: Ricky Partel / Wikimedia Commons
Kakani, a place located northwest of Kathmandu, is a lovely spot on a hilltop which is famous for its amazing views of the Langtang Range and the peaceful pine forests. It is a place known for its strawberry farms and trout farming centres, offering a perfect mix of nature and light adventure. The Thai Memorial Peace Park, which was constructed to commemorate the victims of the Thai Airways air crash, is a place that emits a very peaceful vibe. The visitors come here to have picnics, short walks, and take pictures. Besides cycling and paragliding, the region is now also popular for these activities.
Top Highlights: Strawberry farms, pine forests, Langtang Range views, Thai Memorial Peace Park
Distance From Kathmandu: 23 km
9. Lalitpur
Photo: Rajesh Dhungana / Wikimedia Commons
Lalitpur or Patan is a city deeply imbued with cultural heritage. The city, which is among the top places to visit near Kathmandu with friends who are fond of history, art, and heritage walks, is decorated with finely crafted Newar architecture and has been the dwelling of temples for hundreds of years. The heart of Lalitpur is without a doubt Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is not only the home of Krishna Mandir but also of Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) and the other courtyards. The city is also the place of museums, artisan workshops, and Buddhist stupas that are indicative of the city’s spirituality and artistry.
Top Highlights: Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple, artisan workshops
Distance From Kathmandu: 7.5 km
10. Bandipur
Photo: Shrestha Aajib / Wikimedia Commons
Bandipur, a reserved hilltop town in the Tanahun District, is exploring the Newari culture with the scenic Himalayan views. It is the town that is known for its old 18th-century architecture and traffic-free cobblestone streets. Among the highlights are Siddha Gufa, which is one of the largest caves in Nepal, and the Bindhyabasini Temple that offers a view of the Marsyangdi Valley. Just a stroll through its traditional bazaar will give you an idea about the old houses, cafés, and heritage lodges, all of which reflect the vibrant past of this town. Visitors can enjoy paragliding, hiking, and village tours with stunning views of peaks like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
Top Highlights: Cobblestone streets, Bindhyabasini Temple, Siddha Gufa, Himalayan panoramas
Distance From Kathmandu: 140 km
From sacred temples to lush nature parks and historic towns, these places to visit near Kathmandu with friends offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring heritage sites or simply escaping the city’s hustle and bustle, there’s something for every type of group to enjoy. Discover the cultural richness, scenic beauty, and fun adventures all in one trip. Ready to make memories? Plan your journey with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: Eugene Ga / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
