Dhulikhel is a popular tourism hotspot located in the Kavrepalanchowk District of Nepal. Situated about 30 km away from the capital of Kathmandu, it is commonly visited by locals and tourists alike for independent day trips, but also has numerous resorts with amazing views of the mountains for those looking to spend a night or two here.

Dhulikhel lies at the junction of two major highways, out of which, the Araniko Highway connects it to Kathmandu on one end and the Tibetan town of Kodari on the other end. Situated at a height of 1500 m, the highlight of this town is the spectacular views on offer from all directions, while also being a melting pot of different native communities like the Brahmins, Newars, Tamangs and Chhetris that add immensely to the cultural value of Dhulikhel.

Described below is a brief travel guide for those looking to spend a short vacation in Dhulikhel.

By Air:

The only way to reach Dhulikhel via air is to catch a flight to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and cover the rest of the distance into the main town via road. Buses and taxis can be availed from different stations in Kathmandu.

By Road: 

Situated at the intersection of Araniko Highway and BP Highway, Dhulikhel is located just 32 km away from Kathmandu. There are regular bus services available from Ratna Park Bus Station in the capital that ply between the two regions and can cover the journey in around two hours. There are also private cabs available for hire that may be a tad expensive than the buses but save time on the journey. 

Winter (October-February):

Apart from springtime, winters are the next best time to take a trip to Dhulikhel. The chilly yet enjoyable temperatures are perfect for going on short treks to nearby locations and for sightseeing activities, especially in the months of October and November.

Spring (March-May):

Spring is the best time to visit Dhulikhel and enjoy the cool, bright days to explore the scenic town. The crisp air and clear skies are perfect for viewing the hillside panoramas, with warm temperatures during the daytime hours that make for a great sightseeing and hiking opportunity.

Summer (June-September):

The hottest month in summers is June, in which the temperature reaches a maximum of 25ᴼC; summers tend to remain in the moderate category in Dhulikhel. Monsoon showers are quite heavy and seen mostly in the months of July and August.

Walk through the Old Town:

Dhulikhel is packed with a number of Hindu temples, including a few Buddhist shrines that form an important part of the religious heritage of this town and are located in the older sections of Dhulikhel. Walking through this part of the town will introduce you to the ancient lifestyles still practiced by the natives as you explore through the traditional architecture. Monuments like the Chandeshwari Temple and the Bhagwati Shiva are significant structures that also serve as pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

Dhulikhel-Nagarkot Trek: 

Dhulikhel and Nagarkot are locations with similar scenic attractions, and trekking from one region to another is a popular sport tourists undertake. The entire hike takes around 3-4 hours, with wonderful views of the Kathmandu Valley along the way. The Gosaikunda spot is also encountered en route to Nagarkot and is one of the best viewpoints around Dhulikhel.

Dhulikhel-Namobuddha Mountain Biking:

A three hour bike ride that will take you from Dhulikhel to the hilltop of Namobuddha is a fun thing to do in Dhulikhel for all adventure enthusiasts. The famous Thrangu Tashi Monastery is located on this hilltop and is a site worth paying a visit.

Watch the Sunrise:

Majority of the resorts and lodges in Dhulikhel offer rooms with spectacular views of the hillside and green valley. Watching the sun rise from behind the glorious mountains and set into the depths of its silhouette is a sight you will never to forget.

Dhulikhel is a small town in the middle of a highway; even though it’s a popular tourist spot, majority of the best eateries in the region can be seen either along the highway or spread across the town of Bhaktapur. Nonetheless, a couple of small businesses like the Chhapro Hotel and Newa Kitchen are definitely worth paying a visit if you are interested in tasting some authentic Newar food. Both are located in the older section of Dhulikhel.