Dhulikhel: old Newar town with Himalayan views

About twenty kilometres east of Sanothimi, where the Araniko Highway climbs out of the Banepa valley, lies Dhulikhel. For centuries this hill town marked the eastern edge of the Nepal Mandala — the Newar heartland — and was a trading stop for caravans travelling between the Kathmandu Valley and Tibet.

The old town

Dhulikhel's old core, above the highway, is a quiet Newar town of brick lanes, courtyards and ponds. The Harisiddhi temple is known for its fine woodcarving, and the Gaukhureshwor Mahadev temple and many smaller shrines line the streets. Life moves slowly here compared with the valley.

Views

Dhulikhel sits at about 1,550 metres, and on clear days more than twenty Himalayan peaks can be seen, from Langtang and Dorje Lakpa to Gaurishankar and beyond. The best viewpoint is the Kali temple at the top of Hajar Sidhi, the thousand steps, a short climb above the town. Sunrise and sunset are the classic times.

Kathmandu University

Dhulikhel is also home to Kathmandu University, founded in 1991, whose students give the town a lively feel. The nearby Dhulikhel Hospital is one of the region's major medical centres.

Hikes and trips

Dhulikhel is the starting point for a popular walk to Namo Buddha (about 3–4 hours), and for routes towards Panauti, a medieval Newar town, and Nagarkot. Many visitors combine Dhulikhel with an overnight stay for sunrise.

Getting there

Buses for Dhulikhel pass through Sanothimi on the Araniko Highway and take about an hour, depending on traffic.