Chandragiri Hills: Take a Cable Car into the Clouds

Chandragiri, standing tall at 8,369 feet, marks the southern boundary of Kathmandu Valley and would be deemed a mountain elsewhere. Operating since 2016, Nepal's latest cable car whisks passengers from Thankot town to Chandragiri's summit. Spanning 1.5 miles, the ride offers access to a temple, dining amenities, and panoramic vistas of the capital, the valley below, and the majestic Himalayas to the north. Adventurous souls can opt for a hike, but be prepared to work up a sweat.

Namo Buddha: Sacred Monastery with Spectacular Views

Namo Buddha stands as one of Tibetan Buddhism's holiest pilgrimage sites beyond Tibet, revered as the location where the Buddha, in a princely incarnation, selflessly sacrificed himself to save a starving tiger and her cubs. Despite its profound significance, Namo Buddha remains a modest village adorned with a magnificent monastery. Visitors can luxuriate in the serene Namo Buddha Resort, offering delightful organic cuisine sourced from homegrown produce, all while basking in the awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas on clear days.

Nagarkot: Best Place to see the Himalaya at Sunrise

Nagarkot, renowned for its breathtaking sunrise vistas of the Himalayas near Kathmandu, lies just 17 miles away, a mere 1.5-hour drive from the city center. For those pressed for time, a quick early morning trip allows for catching the sunrise and enjoying breakfast before returning to Kathmandu by lunchtime. Numerous accommodation options are available for those wishing to extend their stay. While parts of Nagarkot can be touristy and attract domestic visitors, tranquil escapes are easily found through short walks in the surrounding countryside.

Manakamana: Visit a Hindu Temple Perched Above the Jungle

For travelers journeying between Kathmandu and Pokhara or residing along the Trisuli River for a brief period, a detour to the Manakamana Temple in Gorkha District is highly recommended. Situated approximately midway between the two cities, locating the Manakamana Cable Car is effortless, thanks to the prominent NCell sign adorning the hills. The cable car traverses from the humid, jungle-clad Trisuli River Valley to the serene 17th-century Manakamana Temple, nestled at a cooler altitude. Revered as a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site, worshippers flock from distant places, including India, to pay homage here. Although the original temple suffered significant damage in the 2015 earthquake, the ambiance remains profoundly spiritual. On clear days, visitors are treated to breathtaking vistas spanning Gorkha District, with Himalchuli and Manaslu dominating the horizon.

Gorkha: See Manaslu Peak from a Hilltop Palace

A short distance beyond Manakamana lies the historic city of Gorkha, once a prominent center of power and the birthplace of Nepal's ruling Shah dynasty. While the modern areas of the town may lack distinction, the uphill ascent leads to the hilltop Gorkha Durbar, the former palace of the kings. Though the walk from the parking lot to the Durbar may induce a slight sweat, it's hardly a strenuous hike. From this vantage point, on a clear day, one can gaze north and westward towards the majestic snow-capped Himalayas, including the towering peaks of Himalchuli and Manaslu.

Lakeside Pokhara: Paddleboat on Phewa Lake with Himalaya Views

Chilling out in Pokhara's Lakeside area offers a serene escape with stunning mountain views. The majestic Machapuchare, or Fishtail, stands tall behind the tranquil lake. Enjoy a leisurely happy hour cocktail from a waterfront bar, rent a paddleboat to explore Phewa Tal, or take a peaceful stroll along the paved lakefront at sunset. With its breathtaking backdrop, Pokhara boasts one of the most spectacular settings in the world. For further inspiration on things to do in Pokhara, be sure to check out our article.

Kirtipur: Get Off the Beaten Path in a Newari Hill Town

Southwest of central Kathmandu lies the Newari town of Kirtipur, once an independent kingdom but now integrated as a suburb of the city. Perched atop a hill, much of the old town area boasts attractive temples, pagodas, and traditional streets adorned with intricate Newari wood carvings. The Uma Maheshwar Temple offers sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley, which are striking even in the absence of the Himalayas. However, when the majestic Himalayan peaks come into view, it enhances the experience, making it one of the city's finest vantage points.

Sarangkot Hill: Accessible and Breathtaking Views, Just a Short Drive from Pokhara.

For a closer encounter with the Annapurna ranges beyond Lakeside Pokhara, consider a taxi ride up Sarangkot Hill, situated between Phewa Lake and Fishtail. Upon reaching the summit, a breathtaking panorama of towering mountains unfolds before you, while Phewa Tal and Pokhara stretch out on the opposite side. While adventurous souls may opt for paragliding from Sarangkot, an early morning excursion to catch the sunrise is equally exhilarating.

Bandipur: Newari Architecture & Easy Hikes

Bandipur, located approximately 2.5 hours east of Pokhara, holds historical significance as a key trading hub on the Tibet-India route. Today, it's a quaint village boasting splendid Newari architecture, including beautifully restored homes available for accommodation. While there are hiking trails around the town, the main allure of Bandipur lies in the serene ambiance, where guests can unwind on the terraces of charming guesthouses, soaking in the majestic Himalayan panorama with a good book in hand. Serving as a peaceful retreat between the adventurous Pokhara and bustling Kathmandu, Bandipur also conveniently caters to travelers journeying between Chitwan and Pokhara.

Scenic Flights: Ultimate Birds-Eye-View Panorama

If trekking to Everest isn't your cup of tea, a scenic flight from Kathmandu offers a fantastic alternative. Departing early in the morning, weather permitting, these flights provide sweeping views of the Himalayas. While you won't fly close to Everest for safety reasons, you'll likely still enjoy a spectacular view of the majestic peak and its neighboring giants. With everyone guaranteed a window seat either on the outbound or return journey, informative cards help identify the mountains along the route.

Moreover, many domestic flights within Nepal offer stunning vistas under the right conditions. Traveling between Kathmandu and Pokhara, for instance, not only slashes a lengthy bus journey to just 30 minutes but also treats passengers to views of the Annapurna range. To maximize your experience, request a seat on the right-hand side when flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and the left-hand side for the return leg.