Kakani Travel Guide

Explore the natural and cultural attractions of Kakani with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Kakani

Nestled in the lush hills of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, Kakani is a hidden gem of South Asia. Boasting a peaceful and serene atmosphere, this charming town is a perfect getaway for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Kakani offers a plethora of attractions for visitors to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Kakani

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kakani Tower: A historic tower dating back to the 1800s, offering panoramic views of the valley.
  • The Balaju Water Garden: A beautiful garden with a series of fountains, canals, and ponds, dating back to the 18th century.
  • The Nepal Art Council Gallery: An art museum showcasing contemporary and classic Nepalese art.
  • Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park: A protected area with a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, ancient temples, and trekking trails.

Natural Attractions of Kakani: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kakani Forest Reserve: A trekking trail through the lush forest and astonishing views of the mountain ranges.
  • Langtang National Park: A scenic national park with high mountain ranges, glaciers, and forests, offering trekking and mountaineering opportunities.
  • Trishuli River: A popular rafting destination for adventure seekers.
  • Nagarkot: A picturesque hill town with stunning views of the Himalayas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kakani

Kakani offers several hiking and biking trails for visitors looking for some adventure. Some popular routes include:

  • Shivapuri Trek: A 3-day trek that offers stunning views of the Himalayas, valleys, and surrounding forests.
  • Nagarkot Hike: A moderate 9 km hiking trail with breathtaking sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas.
  • Budhanilkantha to Kakani Biking Trail: A scenic 18 km bike ride through the lush forest reserve, with panoramic views of the Himalayas and valleys.

Best Things to Do in Kakani: Activities and Tours

Kakani has an array of fun activities and tours for travelers to experience. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Paragliding: Soar over the picturesque town of Kakani and surrounding landscapes.
  • Zip-lining: Take a thrilling adrenaline rush on a zip-line through the forest and across the valley.
  • Mountain Biking: Rent a bike and explore the scenic trails of Kakani and its surrounding areas.
  • Village Tour: Take a stroll through a local village in Kakani to experience the traditional way of life of the locals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kakani

Day 1: Arrival and explore Kakani Tower for the sunsets. Day 2: Visit the National Park and the Water Garden. Day 3-4: Trek around Langtang National Park. Day 5-6: Paragliding and mountain biking. Day 7: Departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Kakani

Must-Try Dishes

  • Momos: Traditional Nepalese dumplings with meat or vegetable filling.
  • Sel Roti: A deep-fried and sweetened Nepalese bread made from rice flour.
  • Bara: A round lentil pancake served with spicy sauce.
  • Kwati: A traditional Nepalese soup made from nine types of sprouted beans.

Local Beverages

  • Chyang: A traditional Nepalese millet beer, best enjoyed with local snacks like fried meat and roasted maize.
  • Chai: A spicy and creamy tea that is popular throughout South Asia.
  • Juices: Refreshing seasonal fruit juices like mango, pineapple, and lychee are widely available.

Where to Stay in Kakani: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kakani has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets:

  • Hotels: Comfortable and affordable options for solo and family travelers include Fulbari Resort & Spa and Hotel De La Bougainvilla.
  • Hostels: Budget-friendly and social options for backpackers include Kakani Mountain View Guest House and Earth House.
  • Guest Houses: Traditional Nepali-style guesthouses with homely meals and a welcoming atmosphere include Piple Guest House and Chautari Paradise Inn.

What to Buy in Kakani: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handicrafts: Wooden masks, traditional textiles, and jewelry are popular local handicrafts.
  • Tea: Nepalese tea, including exotic Himalayan tea varieties, are always popular souvenirs.
  • Spices: Local Nepalese spices like timur (Szechuan pepper) and dalchini (cinnamon) can be bought from local markets.
  • Handmade Paper Products: Kakani is famous for its handmade paper products like journals, stationary, and gift boxes.

Local Culture and Customs of Kakani

Nepal has a diverse and unique culture, and visitors should respect local customs and traditions. Some key customs to keep in mind include:

  • Removing shoes before entering religious temples and buildings.
  • Dress modestly, keeping shoulders and knees covered.
  • Respecting elders and authority figures.
  • Using the right hand to give, receive, and eat food.

Best Time to Visit Kakani

The best time to visit Kakani is between October and December when the weather is dry and pleasant. The spring season from March to May is also a good time to visit, with warm weather and flowers in full bloom. The monsoon season from June to September can make trekking and outdoor activities difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kakani

Do:

  • Learn some local Nepali phrases before arriving, as it shows respect for the culture.
  • Explore local markets and shops to buy traditional handicrafts and products.
  • Take off your shoes when entering holy sites and temples.

Don’t:

  • Climb atop or touch religious monuments and shrines.
  • Take photographs of locals without their permission.
  • Consume tap water, it is not safe for drinking.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kakani

Kakani is a relatively safe place to visit for travelers, but they should be cautious of pickpockets and scams in tourist areas. Visitors should also follow local customs and respect cultural sites and practices.

Health in Kakani

Visitors should be aware of the high altitude and take precautions accordingly. Travelers should also drink bottled water, avoid street food, and ensure their travel vaccinations are up-to-date prior to arriving.

Getting to Kakani: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kakani is located just 19 km from Kathmandu and can be reached by a few transportation options.

Airports Near Kakani

The nearest airport to Kakani is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, which offers both domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Kakani

Kathmandu’s Central Bus Station is the main hub for bus travel within Nepal. From there, visitors can take a local bus to Kakani.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a private taxi or hire a motorbike for easy and convenient transportation.

How to Get Around in Kakani

Travelers can explore the town on foot, bike or opt for local transportation like buses or taxis.

Where to Go Next from Kakani: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kathmandu: Nepal’s bustling capital, just 19 km from Kakani, with historic temples, markets, and backpacker hostels.
  • Bhaktapur: A beautifully preserved ancient city just 30 km from Kakani with fascinating architecture and local markets.
  • Pokhara: A stunning lakeside town with adventure sports and outdoor activities, about 200 km from Kakani.

Conclusion

Enjoy the natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage of Kakani, Nepal. This travel guide offers a comprehensive overview of the town, including the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat and drink, and much more. Travelers seeking stunning mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere will have a wonderful time exploring all that Kakani has to offer.