Kakani hiking offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscapes, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Kakani is a beautiful hill station in Nepal, located approximately 29 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu in the Nuwakot district. Kakani is popular for strawberry production and you may also find alcohol made from strawberries. There is a century-old summer villa used by the British Embassy a long ago.
Trip facts
- Duration: 1 day
- Trip grade: easy
- Starting point: Kakani
- Max. Altitude: 2200 Meters
Highlights
- Trout fish farms
- Scout training camp
- Strawberry Farm and Strawberry Alcohol, Wine
- rhododendron-flavored liquor
- Fung Fung Waterfall and Lauke Jharana
- Thai Memorial Park (built as a tribute to the 113 victims of the 1992 Thair Airlines crash)
- Picnic spots
- mountain view of Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Gaurishankar
- Mountain Biking
- Kakani Stupa
- Kakani View Tower
- Basanti Bagh Durbar (Palace)
- Rumba Gufa
- International Mountaineers Memorial Park (Kakani Wall Climbing)
Kakani to Gurje Bhanjyang
The hike from Kakani to Gurje Bhanjyang is a popular day hike in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. The hike is relatively easy and passes through oak, rhododendron, and pine forests. Gurje Bhanjyang is 11 km south and 7.5 km north of the army post. There are two paths leading to Bhanjyang. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach Gurje Bhanjyang from Kakani.
Hiking trails: Several hiking trails around Kakani cater to different skill levels. Some trails offer relatively easy walks through scenic landscapes, while others may be more challenging and take you to higher elevations.
Villages: The village is also home to a memorial park to the victims of Thai Airways International Flight. If you are interested in exploring Nepalese village culture, Kakani is an ideal site to visit. It is just an hour’s scenic drive north of Kathmandu. You can also consider camping in the village to enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of the place.
Panoramic Viewpoints: Kakani is renowned for its panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Rhododendrons growing wild on the mountain slopes begin to bloom in late winter and stay in bloom for several months, giving the village even more charm.
A Taste of Local Cuisine: Kakani is a small village known for its local delicacies. Some of the popular local dishes include Himalayan trout fish, smoked meat, sukuti pickle), dhindo, and gundruk. If you are looking for a place to try out these local delicacies, there are restaurants and eateries in Kakani that can treat you with the taste of the local cuisine.
Accommodation: While Kakani is a day trip destination for many, if you plan to stay overnight, there are lodges and guesthouses in the area. Kakani is also famous for trout fish. We suggest you to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
How to reach Kakani?
You can take a bus or hire a private vehicle from Kathmandu to reach Kakani. It begins from Macchapokhari, Balaja, Trishuli highway. The road journey offers beautiful views of the countryside.
Conclusion:
Kakani, with its inviting landscapes and diverse trails, offers a captivating experience for hiking enthusiasts. Throughout the hike, the richness of flora and fauna adds an extra layer to the adventure, creating an opportunity to witness the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.