If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, get lost in the beauty of nature, taste local food, and learn about people’s daily lifestyles in the countryside, the 1-night, 2-day Kulekhani-Chitlang Village Tour could be suitable for you. It is one of the nearest destinations from Kathmandu. The area is just 50–55 kilometers away from Kathmandu city center. It could be the travel destination of your choice, and you only need two or three days.
Kulekhani Dam, also known as Indrasarovar, is the largest man-made lake in Nepal. Construction started in 1977 and was completed in 1982. The main purpose of building the dam was to generate hydroelectricity. Kulekhani-I and II, and Kulekhani-III (the construction of which was completed in 2019), hydroelectric plants generate about 76 megawatts of electricity. Especially during the dry season, when electricity production from run-of-the-river hydropower plants decreases, Kulekhani’s electricity is a lifeline for supplying power.
These days, the lake is becoming a popular travel destination for domestic tourists. It can also be a center of attraction for both domestic and foreign tourists. Especially on weekends, huge crowds gather here. You can ride a traditional wooden boat or an electric motorboat and enjoy the views of the lake and its surroundings. Sit by the side of the lake and appreciate the beauty of nature. Many good hotels, resorts, and restaurants have opened near the lake. They provide food and lodging facilities according to your requirements.
West of Kulekhani Dam, about 2 kilometers up the hill, a beautiful Mohini Waterfall is located. The Mohini Waterfall adds another attraction to the Kulekhani area. A 25–30-minute uphill walk from the lake will take you to Mohini Waterfall. The waterfall has become very popular over the last one or two years. Because of this, the number of people traveling to the waterfall is increasing. Along the way to Mohini Waterfall, the breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding landscape are truly superb.
The magnificent Chitlang Valley is located in the northern part of Makwanpur District. This historic old Newari settlement is located 25 kilometers southwest of the capital, Kathmandu, at an altitude of 1,835 meters above sea level. Chitlang Valley is also an important site in terms of history and archaeology. According to the inscription left by King Angshubarma in Tokhel, King Angashubram gave land to shepherds and built settlements for them in Tokhel, Nulgaun, Kunchal, and other areas. Some historians believe that these people were called Gopali and that the tribe belonged to the Gopal dynasty.
Chitlang Valley is mainly inhabited by Newars, Tamang, Khas, and Thakur. It is said that in historical times, this region was also known by other names such as Chitrapur, Shudhapur, Kolapur, Hastinapur, and Champur. Chitlang Valley can be an absorbing destination for both domestic and international visitors. The different ethnic communities, their culture, nature, history, and geography can capture your attention. Centuries-old temples, stupas, traditional old-style houses and villages, typical agriculture, village life, and breathtaking scenery are definitely worth experiencing in the area.
Apart from the enormous Himalayas standing in the northern part of the country, many unique and picturesque old-style villages, beautiful landscapes, traditional agriculture, remote village life, and culture are other tourist attractions in Nepal. Usually, people like to visit more well-known places and feel comfortable, too. But these off-the-beaten-path areas can be very interesting, where you can see real local daily lifestyles and culture, experience authentic local food, and, of course, enjoy the beauty of nature.
Written By: Ambar Tamang
Founder/Guide: Blossom Expeditions
P. O. Box No: 21101, Kapan-12, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Telephone: 977-01-4810388
WhatsApp/Viber: 977-9841454462
ambartg@yahoo.com
info@blossomexpeditions.com
www.blossomexpeditions.com
Further details: Kulekhani-Chitlang Village Tour
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