Bethanchowk, a one day trip near the Kathmandu valley. The shortest plans are the most memorable ones. On the growing trend of discovering and updating new and enjoyable places in the country, we decided to give one of the places a try. On the consent of our 10 friends group, we decided to visit the King of Hills, Bethanchowk.


We decided to visit the place on Friday. So, with Google map turned on, we decided to set on the journey on Friday. It is 85 km from the Old Bus Park. We gathered in the rendezvous park at 2. Bag packed, our spirits full with the hope of getting something new, we were hyped up. We took the bus to Panauti Bus Park. It took us 3 hours and, the whole load of traffic jam to reach Panauti through Araniko Highway. On Panauti bus park, we were lucky enough to catch the last bus to Dhunkharka which left at 5:30.

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Likewise, the road was somewhat balanced between rough and blacktopped. The large loaded trucks were everywhere on the way. On prior notice of our arrival, someone came to pick us up from the bus station at Dhunkharka. We simply followed our guide to the homestay. All the family members of the homestay house welcomed us with an open heart and a huge smile. Also, we felt we were at our home.


We finished our meal at 8 in the evening and had a campfire. While taking out interesting gossips, we were all very excited to reach our destination early in the morning. Since we had to walk for 3 to 4 hours from the homestay, we decided to leave at 3 in the morning so that we could enjoy the Sunrise. The homestay price was Nrs.1000 for each person. Getting to stay in a house that gives us a feeling of typical Nepalese lifestyle, clean rooms and great delicious meal, it was pretty much a good deal.


Early in the morning, with flashlights turned on our mobile phones, we set out towards our destination. As the path was narrow, we supported each other in the pitch-black roadway. Meanwhile, the starry night sky, and the silence of the night, were all making us feel great. It was a new experience for all of us to be walking in the night. The road was a bit slippery due to pine leaves. Sometimes uphill, sometimes through a rocky path, we kept moving forward. After about an hour and a half of walking, unfortunately, we lost our way. Likewise, there was no alternative road, so we called the homestay for our support.


Finally, the homestay manager told us the correct way over the phone. It was too dark for us to see our way out. After 3 hours of tiring but somewhat refreshing walk, we reached the top of the hill. It felt as if we were there to welcome the first sunlight. The dawn was breaking before our eyes. This was truly beautiful. “Finally, it’s over,” I said to myself, taking a deep breath.


With the sunrise, we were able to get a panoramic view of the mountain before our eyes. It was alluring beyond our imagination. At six in the morning, we were above the clouds, and in the best place possible for the beautiful sunrise. The early morning walk made us exhausted, and thirsty. But, the cold breeze seemed to take our pain away.


Truly, the beauty of Nepal is captivating and wonderful. Meanwhile, the Clouds below us, mountain peaks, green hills-forests, valleys, we saw everything from one place. People were already pitching tents on the hill around Narayanthan temple. The king of hills, Bethanchowk is also a religious place with Narayanthan Temple at the top. The golden crown of the temple was dazzling on the sunshine.


After we worshipped in the temple, we started taking pictures. We ate the food that we had brought. And relaxed for some time capturing the beauty of Bethanchowk from our hearts. We took the views of our heats content. Anyway, we had to return.


So, we started downhill at about 11 in the morning. As we descended, every step was etched into our memories. We realized the wrong way that we had taken in the dark. I thought sometimes getting lost is also fun. We were fast hikers, as we reached homestay in about 2 hours. There, sisters from homestay welcomed and bid us farewell. We thanked them with a humble heart and got on the bus to Panauti and then to Kathmandu bus park, from where we started our trip.


The king of hills, Bethanchowk is simply a hidden gem that is located near the Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the best places for one-day hiking trek near the Valley. Also, read about one-day village hiking around Kathmandu Valley.