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31st December 2021

Top 15 Popular Hill Stations in Nepal

Hill stations in Nepal are the crown on the lap of the Himalayans. These famous viewpoints not only showcase the wonderful views but are also the best places to enjoy the sunrise or sunset views between the mountains or the hillsides. So, in this blog, we will showcase to you the 15 popular hill stations in Nepal that are a beautiful treat to your eyes.

The Best Hill Stations in Nepal

Nepal is the right choice for exploring the beautiful terrains of the Himalayan series. And these hill stations in Nepal are like the cherry on the top. Besides, hilltops are also good for hiking and sightseeing. Therefore, get ready to live the impeccable hill station experience with the 15 most popular hill stations in Nepal.

Poon Hill, The Best Sunrise Viewpoint in Nepal

An early morning sunrise at Poonhill captured during Ghorepani Poonhill Luxury Trek

An early sunrise view from Poon Hill

Poon Hill Station is a very popular hiking point in the Annapurna region of the Myagdi district in Nepal. Not only that, it is one of the best sunrise viewpoints near Pokhara. Besides, ranging from camping, campfire, photography, hiking, cycling, trekking, and nature walks to local cultural exploration, this hill station has something for everyone. Therefore, Poon Hill is also a major standpoint for some popular treks such as Mohare Danda Trek, Khopra Ridge Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

While visiting Poonhill, you realize you are on the way to one of the most stunning hill stations in the Himalayas. Alluring flora and fauna act as a quick escape route to natural transit. Likewise, the eye-gazing clouds of Poonhill add value to the incredible spectrum of fascinating valleys, lakes, and mountains. Correspondingly, the beautiful mountain peaks like Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Dhampus, and Tukuche look stunning from the top of Poon Hill. The sight of blooming rhododendrons in spring completes the picture.

Although popular as a sunrise viewpoint near Pokhara, it is also a famous snow place. And, tourists visit here in winter and on other wintry days to play in the snow.

Tip: If you are traveling to this famous hill station in Nepal, don’t forget the golden hours of sunrise and sunset in the Annapurna region. 

The Pumdikot View Tower

Pumdikot View Tower and Shiva Statue

Overhead view of Pumdikot View tower and Shiva Statue. Photo by Roshan Lammichhane on Google Maps.

Pumdikot View Tower is a newly built hill station in Nepal at Pumdi Bhumdi Municipality in Kaski District. It is one of the alluring hill stations in Pokhara at an altitude of 1500 m. There’s a three-story observation tower on the hilltop. The viewpoint brings the best mountain views of Gurkarpo Ri and Dorje Lakpa, along with the Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna ranges.

The view tower gives an attractive Sarangkot view that reminds us of all the peace and calmness of nature. Time stands still when seeing this artistic natural appearance of the landscapes and green pavements. Another attraction of the Pumdikot View Tower is the close view of the World Peace Pagoda. It inspires humanity towards peace and unity, whatever races and creeds they might believe in.

There’s a 50-foot-high Shiva statue installed near the view tower. The massive statue has 108 stepped stairways, 108 Shiv Lingas, and Shiva Damaru around it. The Shiv Damaru in Pumdikot is the biggest in Asia. Because of the hype it carries, it is one of the popular things to do in Pokhara.

In a nutshell, Pumdikot is among the new hill stations in Nepal for day hiking near Pokhara. The hillock has it all: parks, massive Shiva statues, and awe-inspiring prime views of the surroundings.

Shreenagar Hill in Tansen, Palpa

local villages view from hill station in palpa, Nepal

local village in Palpa, Photo: Kabita Darlami, Unsplash

The Shreenagar hill in Tansen offers a dazzling view of the Himalayas and the authentic culture of Palpa.

The significantly eye-catching Tansen city is home to the powerful history of the Palpa kingdom. So, the exploration of historic landmarks of prehistoric Nepal is a must-do thing in Palpa. This place has everything to offer for the eyes.

The authentic heritage and histories, such as plazas, bazaars, royal palaces, and holy sites, have a long history. Some of the popular names include Tansen Durbar, Bhairabsthan Temple, and Tansen. These locations feature the unfolding of traditional carvings and a mind-calming natural setting. Also, the unique lifestyles of the communities and adventurous activities boost the unique experience for a lifetime in Palpa.

Tip: Visiting Palpa? Don’t forget to buy a traditional knitted cloth named “Dhaka”.

Bandipur

an old Newari building in bandipur

Ancient Newar Building in Bandipur

Bandipur is all about classically made antique historical architecture, caves, and temples that leave everyone spellbound. Bandipur village is the destination of unspoiled, typical Nepali traditional houses at 1030 meters. So, it is also called the Tale of Safeguarded Newari Culture.

Bandipur Hill Station is 148 km away from Kathmandu in the Tanahun District. Also known as one of the best romantic places in Nepal, the destination has many boutique hotels and homestays to relax in.

The nineteenth century, along with the essence of neoclassical charm, is a tourist stopover to give insight into the glorious past. Also, one can opt for relaxing adventure activities such as visiting Siddha Gufa, Thani Mai Temple, Gurunghe Hill, and Khadga Devi Temple in Bandipur.

Kalapatthar, Sunrise Viewpoint of Everest,

Mt Everest view from kalapatthar viewpoint

Sunrise views on the Everest Mountain

Often referred to as the honeymoon capital of Nepal, Kalapatthar Viewpoint is nestled in the majestic mountains of the Everest Region. Kalapatthar, which means black stone peak, is a striking landmark on the south ridge of Pumori mountain above Gorakshep in Khumbu. It lies in the Mahalangur Himalayan Range. This range includes Mt. Everest, Changtse, and Nuptse in the structure of the Everest massif.

At a height of 5643 meters above sea level, Kalapatthar has a reputation for splendid landscapes and snow-capped mountains. It is one of the popular viewpoints in Nepal that will give you access to the best sunrise and sunset views over the tip of the highest peaks in the world.

Further, it is one of the best hill stations in Nepal that offers a naked-eye view of Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Since you can’t see Mt. Everest from its base camp, travelers who hike to EBC also trek to Kalapatthar to capture this wonderful opportunity.

As a reward, you will also get to see the Khumbu Icefall, Glacier, and other towering peaks. A hike to Kalapatthar hill station will provide you with some insight into the UNESCO-listed world heritage site, Sagarmatha National Park.

Although a hill station has to be between 1000 m and 2500 m, Kala Patthar is an exception. Also, it’s more like a mountain viewpoint than a hill station.

Illam

view of tea garden from Kanyam hill station in Illam

Illam Tea Garden

If you are still looking for green hill stations in Nepal, then Illam could be your desired destination. The green carpet of flavored tea woven into the hilltops of eastern Nepal is Illam for you. It is the cultural hill station in Nepal. Also, this place is popularly celebrated as the “Queen of the Hills” of Nepal.

At a peak altitude of 1627 meters, the Illam tea garden is a pride of landscape vistas. Antu Danda and Kanayam tea gardens are the “apples for your eyes”. Likewise, the hill stations can be amazing stations for sightseeing of rare animals and migratory birds.

There are popular places to visit near Illam Hill Station, like Illam Tea Garden, Mai Pokhari, Sandakpur, Shree Antu, Gajurmukhi, Siddithumka, Todke Falls, and Hangetham & Choyatar Forest. Thus, Illam can also be a pro-choice for picnic activities and soft adventure.

Daman hill

people enjoying snowfall in Daman, nepal

People Enjoying Snowfall in Daman, Photo: Daman Nepal Facebook

Daman offers the comprehensive beauty of century-old historic centers ranging from age-old architecture. It is 80 kilometers away from Kathmandu in the Thaha Municipality of Makwanpur District in Nepal.

This pleasurable hill lies at a height of 2,322 meters. It adds grandeur to the tranquillity of the Palung Valley. Daman Hill is popular for its extended views of Mt. Everest and the Dhaulagiri range. On a sunrise tour, you can experience the elegance of these mountain ranges in the morning.

Thousands of tourists choose this hill station for its close-views of peaks like Mt. Everest and Mt. Dhaulagiri. The place has reasonable accommodation facilities, gompas, and amazing landscapes. Therefore, for you too, Daman hill station could be the best choice.

Kanyam Hill Station

view of tea garden from Kanyam hill station in Illam

View of tea garden in Kanyam, Illam

Kanyam is the green-carpeted meadow that covers 200 hectares of the area lying against the backdrop of skyscraping mountains. The hill station is a sublime destination in the Illam District of the eastern part of Nepal.

The mystical landscapes of eye-catching tea gardens can be an exciting travel hub for trekkers and travelers. The abundant nature beautifully embraces the local market, selling traditional chocolates, chhurpis (dog chew), and other dairy items. Besides, there are tea-making factories that process and promote Nepali tea. You can also choose to go on a horse ride while observing the enormous greenery of tea patches.

Other than that, the locals offer wearable cultural dresses of various ethnic communities in Nepal. One can wear them and click pictures of themselves wearing them in the tea garden.

Jomsom Hill Station.

Muktinath Temple - Jomsom to Muktinath Trek

Muktinath Temple and nearby mountain views.

Jomsom, or Dzongsam, is a glorious location lying below the Annapurna Region in the Mustang District. The adventure highlights of Jomsom hill station include gorges, adventures, pilgrimage sites, and whatnot. Mountain biking and rock climbing are some of the adventure sports in this terrific location.

From Jomsom, one can observe the graceful features of the Annapurna region. Another attractive center visible from Jomsom Hill station is Kagbeni, a peculiar village in the Mustang district.

Jomsom is a popular viewpoint included in many famous treks in the Mustang Region, such as the Upper Mustang Trek. As soon as one transcends this hill station, one can see many marvelous mountains and unique villages. Mostly, Hindus and Buddhists inhabit the nearby villages. The deepest gorge in the world, the Kaligandaki, lies in this region.

Similarly, Nepal’s most important religious site, Muktinath, is also a mile away from here. The Nepal Tourism Board has also introduced Jomsom to the Muktinath trekking trail. Henceforth, for many reasons, Jomsom is one of the most popular hill stations in Nepal.

Bhedetar Hill Station

View from Bhedetar hill station in Nepal

Bhedetar, Photo: OnlineKhabar

The Popular Hill station at Dhanusha, Nepal at an altitude of 1420 meters is Bhedetar. Bhedetar is not just a hill station that offers a great view. Many tourist areas like Namje village, Namaste fall (Simsuwa), Bishranti temple, Pathibhara, and many more surround the area.  You can go canoeing in the river. Likewise, there’s paragliding to Dharan too.  Also known as the headband of Dharan City, Bhedetar is one of the most popular low-altitude hill stations in Nepal.

The hillock is the best destination in eastern Nepal for sightseeing the mountains, hills, and valleys nearby. It is also the entryway to other splendid places like Bhojpur, Taplejung, Dhankuta, Tehrathum, and Sankhuwasabha. The weather is mostly cold. Lush Rhododendron forests are common in the Koshi Zone of Eastern Nepal.

Hill Stations near Kathmandu

Nagarkot Hill Station:

view from nagarkot, hiking around kathmandu

view from Nagarkot

If one is seeking the best hill station for panoramic wonder sights of the Himalayan ranges near Kathmandu, then Nagarkot is the one. The hilltop is at an altitude of 2175 meters. Just 28 km away from the center of Kathmandu, the hill endows the calm vibrancy of nature and elegance. The hill station also has a view tower on top that provides a wonderful view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

If you are planning a visit to Nagarkot Viewpoint, then hiking is an excellent choice. The short Nagarkot hike is an excellent gateway to relax and enjoy the views of gorges and valleys on the outskirts of the capital city. Also, there is a well-maintained trail that starts at Bhaktapur.

Nagarkot is a popular sunrise and sunset viewpoint near Kathmandu. The place offers exotic sunrises and sunsets, including the golden attire of Manaslu, the Annapurna range, the Jugal range, and the Rolwaling range. The hillock is also a beautiful destination for a close view of Shivapuri National Park.

Chandragiri Hill 

amazing scenes captured from Chandragiri hill during Chandragiri hill short hiking

Cable car and views from Chandragiri Hill station

The rhythmic landscapes of Chandragiri Hill rest at an altitude of 2551 meters. To the west of the valley, this hill station is the topmost attraction for tourists. Also, you won’t be wrong in addressing it as one of the best hiking places near Kathmandu.

Lying almost 7 km from Thankot, Chandragiri hill station gives you a glimpse of the outlook on the history of Nepal. Kathmandu, the cultural capital of Nepal, appears stunning from above. In addition, the vantage point rewards you with a panoramic view of the Himalayan range.

The majestic scenes stretch as far as recreation centers and places of cultural significance. Another highlight includes the comprehensiveness of this place for all age-group people. There’s a temple for religious people and a children’s park for young ones. Likewise, there are many enchanting activities, such as zip-lining and a thrilling cable car ride, for adventurers. It is a nearer place to Kathmandu for a snowfall experience on cold weather days, especially in the winter. Therefore, Chandragiri is no doubt one of the most popular hill stations in Nepal.

If you want a real quick gateway to the wonders of nature away from the bustling Kathmandu noise, then the Chandragiri hike can be a genuine choice.

Dhulikhel

view from dhulikhel

view from Dhulikhel

Looking for a highly recommended mountain viewpoint near Kathmandu?

Then Dhulikhel hill station could be the best destination, which is 30 km to the east of Kathmandu. Lying at an altitude of 1550 meters in Dhulikhel village, it is a scenic point for the gorgeous grand views of mountains. You can witness the panoramic views of Himalayan ranges like Gauri Shankar, Lhotse, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal from here.

Besides, Dhulikhel Municipality is the entrance point for many popular hiking spots. And a short hike to Dhulikhel itself is one of the best hikes in the Kathmandu valley. Also, the complimenting natural beauty of the countryside stretches to the monumental temples like Harisiddhi, Narayan Bhagwati, and Buddhist stupas. Visiting these temples is an exhilarating adventure as we climb a thousand stairs that pass through the Dhulikhel forest. Similarly, we can see butterflies flying amusingly over the Gosaikunda forest from this hill station.

Thus, it’s one of the popular hill stations in the Kathmandu valley with a magnificent view of green forests and the Himalayan ranges. A spectacular exploration of cultural beauty, semi-urban lifestyle, and natural environment is also a rewarding experience. As well, this place is popular for adventure sports like Ziplining. It is also called Nepal’s second super zipline.

Kakani Hill Station

Kakani, nuwakot hike

View from Kakani hill

The ticklingly serene Kakani Hillstation lies in the backdrop of marvelous Himalayan peaks in the Nuwakot District. The hill is 23 km away from Kathmandu. So, it is a popular hill station for domestic travelers.

At 2030 meters, this green, rolling hill offers majestic topography of snowy peaks, valley rims, and pure country air. The scenic panorama of Langtang, Ganesh, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna massif, and Manaslu fascinates everyone. The dramatic landscapes of Kakani are perfect sunrise and sunset viewpoints in Nepal as well. If you visit in spring, the wildered rhododendron blooms greet you with an amazing smell and colors.

Likewise, the hospitable locals and rural village farmlands are a few of the attractions. The local villages around Kakani hill stations give a quick escape to beautiful terrain enriched with local life, teahouses, and homestays. So, near Kathmandu, Kakani is one of the most popular hill stations in Nepal.

Chitlang

view of Chitlang village from the hill station in Chitlang, Nepal

View of Chitlang Village from the Hill station : Photo: Hem Poudyal

Unfold the unapologetically unspoiled landscapes, homestays, subcultures, and soulful green hills with the Chitlang tour. The hill is just 53 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. And, the soothing environment of Chitlang is famous for camping, hiking, boating, mountain biking, etc. So, you can either plan a short hike or choose to drive to Chitlang.

Chitlang boasts of being the undisputable site of adventure-seekers. The ancient culture of the locals offers the opportunity to relive the nearby farms, and historical temples trapped in between hills. The place is a renowned outing for its unique varieties. Some of which include goat cheese factories, organic farms, slithering hilly roads, and incomparable tranquility. Similarly, the recommended places in the neighborhood are Chitlang Falls, sheep farms, peach orchards, and Markhu village.

If you are planning a visit to Chitlang Hill Station, get ready to enjoy the conventional Nepali dishes. Likewise, venture into an exploration of vegetation, fauna, and snowfall in higher elevations.

In the end,

So, these were the most popular hill stations in Nepal. There are many other new famous hill stations, such as Badimalika and Phulchowki.

The country is home to dramatic landscapes, towering peaks, eco-friendly routes, and green meadows in the elevations. So, having many places in the hills that showcase the first rays of the sun in the morning is not a surprise.

You can see the amazing hills, mountains, and first rays of the sun in the morning by visiting these best places in Nepal. So, start exploring.

It’s time to witness the jaw-dropping hill stations of Nepal’s mini heaven, Nepal! Bang on.

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sanjib adhikari

Sanjib is a seasoned adventurer and a tourism expert who has spent the past 6 years immersed in Nepal's vibrant travel industry. He has trekked through Nepal's iconic landscapes in the Everest, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Langtang regions. He now spends his time writing about different places in Nepal and helping others travel effortlessly.

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