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The Himalaya is know as the highest and most spectacular range of mountains on this planet. Mountaineers the world over continue to long to scale these walls of snow, while other plan adventure outings through the moonscape passes and remote villages of the trekking routes. While not everyone, of course, has the time nor the inclination to ascend a peak or set out on a rigorous 14-day trek, no one need despair of missing the mountain experience while in the Kathmandy Valley. A number of resort destination in and around the valley rim take you just as close to the himalaya and more. Of the different possibilities, Nagarkot is by far the most popular. Located 30 km east of Kathmandu, it was originally little more than an army post.
However, due to its outstanding mountain views and easy proximity to the Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Nagarkot has developed into a favorite weekend gateway among these seeking mountain views in comfort and quiet. At sunrise, the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the visitors with its awe inspiring majesty and beauty. In many of the lodges in Nagarkot, rooms are situated to look directly out onto the mountain range, so that views are available without even opening a door. For those wishing to stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh morning air, there are charming walking trails as well as a lookout tower from where the sights can be taken in. The Newar town of Dhulikhel offers a traditional atmosphere along with its spectacular views. Situated just past Banepa some 32 km east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is a magnificent place to spend the night and awaken to the sun rising across the wide Himalayan range. Once the sun is up however, the day has only just begun for the visitor to this bustling little town. Once an important link in the trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has a glorious past which can be witnessed in the lovely buildings and intricate woodcarvings found along the shop lined streets and in the temples. Accommodation offerings ranges from budget to luxury and there are several notable dining spots in and around the town. Furthermore, it is a marvelous spot from which to embark on one-or-two day hikes into the hills surroundings the Kathmandu Valley. Namobouddha, a picturesque pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha in a previous incarnation is believed to have allowed himself to be devoured by starving tigress, is a mere three hours’ walk from Dhulikhel. Kakani, 23 km northwest of kathmanu, is less crowded and more pristine destination which provides excellent mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and the Annapurnas. The offerings of nature provide in impetus to visit Kakani, and nature-lovers will hail the close-up view of Ganesh Himal to the north, as well as the beautiful oak and rhododendron forests on the south slope leadings down to Balaju. For anyone wishing to truly get away from the distractions of urban life, it is a perfect retreat. Finally for those seeking the ultimate pan-Himalayan view and willing to travel the extra distance to find it, Daman is the place to go. Located 75 km southwest of the Kathmandu Valley on the highway to the Indian border, Daman offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range, a sight guaranteed to leave the early riser spellbound for days to come. From horizon to horizon, the full majesty of the world’s highest mountain range can be taken in. What is more, Daman now offers the dedicated view-seeker luxury accommodation from which to soar into the state of awe that this land inspires. Tour operators offer one-night, two day excursions leaving from Kathmandu that include transportation, accommodation and a lovely breakfast following the sunrise. Packages can be customized or expanded to satisfy and variety of itineraries and schedules. Whether you have three days or only one, the opportunity to leave the city behind and embrace the slower pave of serene views and quaint villages should not be missed. Be it in the valley or beyond, each visitors to Kathmandu owes it to himself or herself to witness at least once the daily miracle of the sunrise over the majestic Himalaya.
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