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Weekend getaways from Kathmandu: Nagarkot, Bandipur and Pokhara

Three easy escapes for a two-day break from Kathmandu, from mountain sunrises to a car-free hill bazaar.

Anjali Shrestha
Travel writer, Kathmandu
Updated · 1 min read
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Nagarkot
1.5 hrs
Bandipur
4 hrs
Pokhara
7 hrs
Ideal length
2 days

Nagarkot

Sunrise over the hills from a hotel rooftop in Nagarkot
Photo: Alexey Komarov · CC BY-SA 4.0

The closest mountain view to Kathmandu. Stay one night on the ridge for sunrise over the Langtang range, then walk down towards Bhaktapur.

Bandipur

The Ganesh temple in Bandipur's car-free bazaar
Photo: Rajesh Dhungana · CC BY-SA 4.0

A car-free Newari bazaar on a ridge above the Prithvi Highway, with old townhouses, a quiet main street and views of the Annapurnas from Tundikhel.

Pokhara

Boats on Phewa Lake at sunset
Photo: Iamavinashk · CC BY-SA 4.0

Lakeside cafés, boating on Phewa Lake and sunrise from Sarangkot. It is a long drive for a weekend, so fly one way if you can.

Frequently asked questions

Which is best for one night?

Nagarkot. It is close enough to leave after lunch and still catch the sunset.

Are these good in the monsoon?

Bandipur and Pokhara are green and quiet in the monsoon, but mountain views are often hidden by cloud.

About the author
Anjali Shrestha

Anjali writes about travel inside Nepal and has covered Chitwan, Bandipur and the mid-hills for local and international magazines.

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