Escape the city for a peaceful retreat in Chitlang and Markhu
Most travelers get lost in the beautiful but crowded chaos of the Kathmandu Valley, missing a golden opportunity to find true peace just beyond the hills. This 2 day nature getaway near Kathmandu is a perfect tour if you are willing to find escape and enjoy the peace with scenery. The countryside surrounding the city offers a hidden side of Nepal that most tourists never see.It is perfect short trek near Kathmandu.
At just 2.5 hours from Kathmandu, you can trade city dust for the crisp air of the Himalayas. We specially designed this 2 day nature getaway near Kathmandu for those who crave a soul recharging escape before heading home or starting their next big trek.
Our experienced guide team will guide you through local villages visiting the local Goat Cheese factory of Ashok Singh Thakuri and Rita Singh Thakuri. If lucky you may even get to witness morning milking session. The guides have deep knowledge of Newari Culture and tradition to guide you and help you live the Nepali way.
What’s Waiting for You?
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Boating on Kulekhani Lake: Drift across serene, mirror-like waters surrounded by lush pine forests.
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Ancient Culture: Walk through deep-rooted Newari villages where time seems to stand still.
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Forest Bathing: Recharge with guided hikes through silent, emerald-green trails.
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Artisan Tasting: Visit a local goat cheese factory to see (and taste!) how Nepal’s finest organic cheese is produced.
Trip Facts
Trip Code
K 1
Duration
2 Days
Group size
Minimum 2
Best Time for Visit
All year
Activity
Hiking
Meals
B&B
DIFFICULTY
Beginner
LOCATION
Markhu, Kulekhani
Highlights of the 2 day nature getaway tour near Kathmandu
- We personally select wooden boat to carry out boating in the Kulekhani Lake.
- Local goat cheese factory in Nepal and witness cheese production. You can take home tasty cheese.
- We provide guided Forest Bathing and Hike sessions to reach hidden yet beautiful waterfall called Mohini Jharana.
- We will take a photo stop at Bheda farm to get Switzerland like feels in the Nepali farm land.
- Hear crazy camp fire stories while at Hotel from adventure guides of our company. Each one has unique mind boggling stories.
- Taste authentic local fish from Markhu which is highlight food of the Chitlang and Kulekhani Tour.
Overview
In our 2 day nature getaway near Kathmandu tour swap the city’s noise for the velvet-green hills of Chitlang and the mirror-like waters of Kulekhani. This tour is the perfect blend of ancient Newari culture, artisan food, and hidden waterfalls.
Why Travelers Love Chitlang and Kulekhani tour:
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The Scenic Route: Avoid highway traffic by traveling via the Chandragiri hilltop for magical valley views.
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Artisan Tastes: Visit Nepal’s first Goat Cheese Factory and enjoy fresh lakeside fish in Markhu.
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Rolling Pastures: Explore the iconic Bheda Farm, a serene green landscape perfect for your social media posts.
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Secret Adventure: Take a traditional wooden boat to reach the hidden Mohini Jharna waterfall for a refreshing swim.
(If you are looking for a one day escape into the nature near Kathmandu check our one day Nagarkot trip by clicking here. Nagarkot Day Hike.
It is also best value short trek near Kathmandu for 1 day.
2 Day nature getaway near Kathmandu detailed Itinerary
Accommodation
Kulekhani View Point Resort or so similar
Meal
Bed and Breakfast Plan
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07:00 AM | Private Pickup: Our team picks you up directly from your hotel in Thamel or central Kathmandu.
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The Scenic Escape: We avoid the heavy traffic of the Prithvi Highway by taking the Chandragiri route. This road offers a “magical” birds-eye view of the entire Kathmandu Valley as we climb toward the ridge—have your camera ready!
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08:30 AM | Arrival in Ancient Chitlang: Step back in time as we enter this historic Newari town. Once a vital trade route for kings and chariots, Chitlang is now a sanctuary of peace.
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Village Immersion: Our local guide will walk you through the stone-paved streets, explaining the deep-rooted Newari history and the unique architecture that has stood for centuries.
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09:30 AM | Nepal’s First Goat Cheese Factory: We visit Ashok Singh Thakuri’s famous factory. You will see how they produce artisan cheese (the same kind served in Kathmandu’s 5-star hotels) and taste the fresh cheese right where it’s made.
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11:30 AM | Photos at Bheda Farm: We drive to the rolling green hills of the Bheda Farm. These wide pastures are perfect for “Instagram-worthy” shots and are a rare sight in the steep Himalayas.
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12:30 PM | Lakeside Lunch at Kulekhani: We arrive at the shores of Indra Sarovar (Kulekhani Lake). For lunch, we highly recommend the local fried fish, freshly caught from the lake, a specialty of this region.
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Afternoon | Lakeside Stroll: After lunch, our guide will brief you on the history of the massive Kulekhani dam before we head to our overnight spot to rest and enjoy the quiet mountain air.
Meal
Breakfast and Lunch
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07:30 AM | Village Breakfast: Wake up to the sounds of the countryside and enjoy a fresh organic breakfast at your Chitlang lodge.
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09:00 AM | The Water-Loop Adventure Begins: We drive a short distance to the Markhu boat station.
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Boating to the Hiking Point: We board a traditional wooden boat for a 20-minute scenic cruise across the Indra Sarovar. Instead of just circling the lake, our boatman drops us off at a specific landing point that serves as the gateway to the hidden falls.
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The Hike to Mohini Jharna: From the lake shore, we begin a 30 to 45-minute uphill hike through a lush forest trail. The path leads you directly to the base of Mohini Jharna (Thado Khola Waterfall).
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Refreshment at the Falls: Spend time at the natural turquoise pool. The water is cold and perfect for a “recharging” dip or taking incredible photos of the 300-foot cascade.
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Return Hike & Boating: We hike back down the same trail to our waiting boat. Enjoy one last peaceful ride across the lake back to the main Markhu town.
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12:30 PM | Lakeside Fish Lunch: Reward your hike with a famous Kulekhani fish lunch at a local lakeside eatery.
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02:00 PM | Scenic Drive to Kathmandu: We begin our journey back, taking the Pharping route to see a different side of the valley outskirts.
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05:00 PM | Hotel Drop-off: Arrive back at your hotel in Kathmandu, completing your 2 day nature getaway.
What's Included in our 2 days nature getaway near Kathmandu tour?
- Private Transportation: Private Transportation(Jeep or Car) via chandragiri route to Kulekhani and back
- Experienced, Certified and Friendly Guide to assist you throughout the tour.
- Accomodation: Kulekhani Lake View resort with a serene lake view at lakeside or so similar.
- Meals: 1 Breakfast, 2 lunch and 1 Dinner throughout the tour/ hike. Preferably Nepali food tasting unless the client prefers otherwise.
- Traditional Boating: Boating by wooden boats in the serene lake to gather new experience.
- Entry Tickets: Entrance fee throughout hike and tour is included in all places.
What's excluded in our 2 days nature getaway near Kathmandu tour?
- Personal Shopping and Accesories required throughout trek.
- Lodging and Fooding except mentioned in the Included section.
- Personal Insurance of travelling person .
- Bar Bills and Personal expenses.
- Any other additional tours except mentioned in the itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost typically ranges from $140 to $160 USD per person, depending on group size and transport choice (Jeep vs. Public Bus). This includes your boutique lodge stay, organic meals, boating fees, and a private guide from First Camp Trek.
You should pack comfortable hiking boots, a lightweight waterproof jacket, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. Don't forget your swimwear for the waterfall and a warm layer for the chilly evenings in the Chitlang hills.
Absolutely! A visit to Nepal’s first goat cheese factory is included in our itinerary. You can tour the production area, learn about artisan cheese-making, and taste fresh samples paired with local fruit wines.
The most reliable way is by private 4WD (Jeep or Scorpio) via the Chandragiri or Pharping route. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. While public buses are available, private transport is highly recommended for safety and comfort on the winding hill roads. This is usually true for all short trek near Kathmandu.
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