Kulekhani Dam, Markhu, and Chitlang-1N/2D

location image Kathmandu

1 Nights / 2 Days

WiFi

Private Vehicle

Sanitization

Bottled Drinking Water

First Aid

Guide

Overview

This 2-day escape to Kulekhani Dam, Markhu, and Chitlang Trip is perfect for travelers seeking peace, culture, and nature without the crowds. Swap Kathmandu’s noise for serene lakeside walks, village life, and organic farm tours. In just two days, you’ll experience Nepal’s diverse beauty: paddle on Kulekhani Lake’s mirror-like waters, chat with farmers in Markhu, and explore Chitlang’s 19th-century monastery.

The trip is designed for everyone—solo travelers, couples, families, or seniors—with no special skills or gear required. Enjoy slow travel as you taste fresh fish from the lake, try homemade goat cheese, and learn about Newari traditions. By staying in local guesthouses, you directly support villagers while immersing yourself in their daily rhythms. Photographers will love capturing golden sunsets over the lake, terraced farms, and prayer flag-strewn monasteries. History fans can explore into Nepal’s hydropower legacy at Kulekhani Dam or Chitlang’s role as a historic trade hub. Affordable, eco-friendly, and flexible, this trip lets you unplug, recharge, and return with stories of buffalo herds grazing by the water, organic strawberries plucked straight from fields, and warm smiles from locals. It’s not just a escape—it’s a chance to see Nepal through the eyes of its people, all within a short drive from the capital.

Top Scenic Sights & Experiences 

  • Kulekhani Lake Reflections: Perfect mirror-like water with hills in the background.
  • Markhu’s Rural Charm: Stone houses, terraced farms, and goats grazing by the lake.
  • Chitlang’s Green Valleys: Rolling farms, forest trails, and misty mountain views.
  • Chitlang Monastery: Visit this 19th-century Buddhist site adorned with prayer flags. Feel the peace as monks chant prayers.
  • Local Food Adventures: Fresh fish, organic cheese, and Newari treats.

Why You’ll Love This Trip?

  • Affordable: Costs less than a weekend in a Kathmandu hotel.
  • Unique stories: Return home with tales of cheese-making monks and lakeside sunsets.
  • Green travel: Eco-friendly stays and low environmental impact.

This trip is a chance to experience Nepal like never before. In Chitlang, stroll through organic farms, taste fresh goat cheese, and hike to hilltops for breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills. At Kulekhani Dam and Markhu, enjoy the blue lake surrounded by pine forests, with options for a boat ride and peaceful walks. Meet friendly locals, explore the small market, and watch farmers herd goats and buffalo by the lake. This isn’t just a vacation – it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, local culture, and create unforgettable memories away from the usual hustle and bustle.


Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu → Kulekhani Dam → Markhu Day 2: Markhu → Chitlang → Kathmandu

Detail Itinerary

Start your day with a scenic drive from Kathmandu, departing at 7:00 AM in a private vehicle. As you leave the city behind, enjoy the views of terraced farms, winding rivers, and misty hills. By 10:30 AM, you'll arrive at Kulekhani Dam, Nepal's first hydropower project, where you can take in the impressive surroundings. For lunch, head to a lakeside restaurant around 1:00 PM and indulge in local delicacies like freshly caught fried fish from Kulekhani Lake or a comforting plate of dal bhat (rice with lentils). After lunch, drive 30 minutes to Markhu, a charming village nestled beside the lake, where you'll arrive by 2:00 PM. In the evening, check into a cozy guesthouse or homestay around 5:30 PM. As the golden hour approaches, take in a breathtaking sunset that paints the lake and surrounding hills in warm hues. For dinner, enjoy traditional dishes like gundruk (fermented greens) or sel roti (sweet rice bread) around 7:00 PM. Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up to stunning mountain views the next morning.

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at 7:00 AM, featuring fresh milk, eggs, or roti (flatbread) to fuel you for the day. By 8:00 AM, embark on a one-hour drive to Chitlang, a historic Newari village rich in culture and tradition. For lunch, around 12:30 PM, indulge in Newari specialties like bara (lentil pancake) or yomari (sweet rice dumplings), which offer a delicious taste of the local cuisine. After lunch, at 2:00 PM, begin your return journey to Kathmandu. As you drive back, enjoy the beautiful scenery of villages, forests, and rivers, with the sun setting behind the hills, creating a serene atmosphere. By 6:00 PM, you’ll arrive in Kathmandu, feeling refreshed and full of memories from your peaceful and scenic adventure.

Services Included

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Services Excluded

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Map

Depart From location icon Kathmandu
Going To location icon Chitlang