Exploring The Hills
Ilam
Shivapuri national park
Daman Hill Station
Lamjung
Nepal is known for its spectrum of diversities. From culture, ethnicity, geography, to food. Here lies a bit of paradise in every nook and corner you choose to explore. Mentioned below are four must-visit travel destinations in the hilly region of the country for you to add to your next travel season!
Ilam
Along the green hills of the Mahabharata range of East-Nepal lies Ilam, the largest tea production region of Nepal. With the perfectly polished greenery spread all over, Ilam is a natural escape. The beautiful sloping view of the tea gardens all over the hills, surrounded by the peaceful mountain streams, dense forests, and religious sites make the entire experience here like something straight out of heaven. It is a diverse district when it comes to natural landscapes and prosperous when it comes to crop cultivation.
Some of the popular places to visit here are the viewing tower situated near the town and Mai Pokhari an hour away from the central city. You can start either by taking a brisk walk through the elegant tea garden or go for a short hike to the woods nearby. You can spend your day sightseeing through the culturally diverse lifestyle of the city as well. In terms of accommodation, lodges, tourist hotels, and a few resorts are eager to welcome travellers.
Shivapuri National Park
If you are looking for a break from the bustles of the city and want to explore more of nature, maybe take some risks along the way, Shivapuri national park is the place for you. Situated on the northern side of the capital Valley, Sundarijal is roughly 25km away from the capital, Kathmandu.
It is probably the most natural place for a morning hike with friends and family in the outskirts of Kathmandu valley. One can either drive or plan a one-day long hiking trip through the park. The glistening parade of thousands of leaves around you and the sight of small waterfalls leaves you at awe. Shivapuri national park gives you a feeling of being so far, yet so close to your daily lives.
Daman Hill Station
Another must-visit place along the capital hills of the country is Daman Hills. Situated in the southwest Tribhuvan Highway, 80km away from the Valley, Daman is one of the best places for a short getaway trip from the valley.
It offers you a panorama view of the hills with the Himalayas in the background, from Mt Dhaulagiri at the west to Mt Everest at the east. At the same time, you get the chance to reflect and connect with the beautiful local culture by visiting the villages around the corners. This hill station is also particularly famous for picnics, rock climbing, cycling, hiking, and other adventurous activities. Moreover, it includes one of the biggest and oldest botanical gardens in Nepal that attracts hundreds of visitors over the years, and the popular Shivan Temple, Risheshoe Temple is also situated here.
Daman is easily accessible via public and private mediums of transportation. It is also a popular cycling and hiking destination. Similarly, in terms of accommodation, the hill station offers community homestay, tourist hotels, and lodges. And the best time to visit is around the Spring or Autumn, where it is not too hot and not too cold for your convenient travel experience.
Lamjung
Every region has its own culture and art to offer, and there is always something for us to learn from them. Lamjung is a region nestled in the beautiful mid-hills of Nepal, which provides more than just a natural escape but also a cultural experience. It is truly a gift of all that nature has to offer as its geography spans seven climate zones: Upper Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, Subalpine, Alpine, Nival, and Trans-Himalayan.
The district headquarter, Besishahar is a name that resonates with all adventurists who have treaded the Annapurna region and is the gateway to experiencing the majestic Himalayas, beautiful landscapes, and warm ethnic love. The ancient Lamjung Durbar, which is, as a matter of fact, one of the extensive historical monuments, is also situated here at Gaunsahar, Besishahar Municipality. On your trip to Lamjung, this particular historical shrine is a must-visit place since the beautiful multi caste settlement of Besishahar can be seen from up here, surrounded by the greenery of the hills covered by the wide Himalayan range.
The beauty of the region is reflected through the local Gurung people and their traditional norms, food culture, and interpretation of folk dance numbers around that give life to the villages and cities.