NAGARKOT

Sweet tranquility amid an oasis of green

Located 30 km to the east of Kathmandu on the valley rim, Nagarkot is the favorite weekend getaway for those who seek Himalayan scenery and rural serenity. From Nagarkot, you witness the stunning view of mountains that extend all the way from Dhaulagiri in the west past Mt. Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east. The surrounding countryside of Nagarkot is great for walking. Accommodation in resort hotels and lodges.

The Views
Nagarkot is situated at an elevation of 2,175 m and provides a grandstand panorama of the Himalaya. You can see five of the world's 10 tallest mountains - Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Makalu (8,463 m) and Manaslu (8,163 m) - and many other lesser summits. The snow peaks look especially gorgeous during sunset and sunrise.

Activities
Surrounded by terraced hillsides and picturesque farm houses, the hilltop resort is the epitome of an idyllic escape - with only the wind and the sound of rustling leaves to disturb you. Bird watching is a joy in the forests here. Short hiking options abound. The most popular walk leads down from Nagarkot along a ridge to the temple of Changu Narayan - with views of Sankhu village to the right and Bhaktapur to the left. Another preferred trail leads south from Nagarkot to Nala and Banepa on the highway to Tibet.

Comfortable Accomodation avaliable.

GODAVARI

On the way to Godavari, stop at Harisiddhi, called Jalan by the local residents. Harisiddhi lies some 10 km out on the road to Godavari. It is a quaint Newar farming town best known for its spectacular Jalan pyakhan (sacred masked dance), to which, it is said, there is no equal elsewhere in the Valley. The origins of the dance go back to the Lichchhavi period.

Another attraction at Harisiddhi is the Trishakti Bhavani Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the symbol of female force, this four-tiered pagoda is looked after by priests who wear white pleated gowns. They keep their long hair tied in a bun. Leaving Harisiddhi behind, with your eyes and mind expanded, you hit the road again to Godavari.

Godavari is a perfect delight for those who wish to get lost in the blissfulness of nature. The greenery is astounding and the place is home to a tremendous variety of birds. The Botanical Garden is situated here. Spread over 24 hectares of land, the garden has a fascinating collection of plants including orchids, ferns, cacti and lotuses. It is also a favorite spot for picnickers from Kathmandu. The other enticement of Godavari is its sacred pond at Panch Dhara. A grand festival is held here once every 12 years. Hindus believe that a ritual bath in the sacred pond during the festival absolves them from all sin.

PHULCHOKI

Phulchoki, at 2,762 m, is the highest of the peaks ringing the Kathmandu Valley. This vantage point offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Valley's clustered settlements and the expansive Terai to the south. A 320-km panorama of the Himalaya from Annapurna to Everest can also be enjoyed from this hill-top.

Other attractions of Phulchoki are the varieties of flora and fauna, many of them rare and endangered ones, which abound here. The area is home not only to many types of butterflies, birds (over 250 species) and moths, but also to a number of mammals including leopards and barking deer. The presence of lush vegetation atop and around is equally appealing. The pink, white and red rhododendrons and a variety of colorful orchids covering the area enthrall visitors. Such opulent vegetation, rich in color and fragrance, has helped it to earn the name Phulchoki, which literally means "the peak of flowers".

The summit of Phulchoki bristles with television and radio antenna towers. There is also a small shrine dedicated to Goddess Phulchoki Mai at the top. Further down the hill, the deity has her second shrine, located behind St. Xavier's School Godavari. Here, amid so many great artistic works, the larger, three-tiered pagoda stands in its element and pays homage to the eight mother goddesses protecting the Valley.

Godavari, at the foot of Phulchoki, is 20 km from Kathmandu and is reached passing through serene villages and green fields. From here a bumpy motorable road twists and turns up the hillside to the summit. For hikers, a steep 3-km foot trail beginning behind St. Xavier's School (20 km) runs across the road's many switchbacks, and it takes about three hours to the top.