Innate Pension

When travelling to Nepal, choosing the best place to stay can be tricky. Most people automatically choose to stay in Kathmandu and don’t venture elsewhere. While the capital has its energy, culture, and convenience, it’s not always the best place to relax or truly connect with the country.

Just a short distance away, Dhulikhel offers a completely different experience. One that’s quieter, slower, and closer to nature.

So how do you choose between the two?

A quick comparison

To quickly compare, Kathmandu is a busy city, home to many shops, hotels and restaurants. You will also find a variety of cultural sites to explore. There’s plenty to keep you busy. Dhulikhel, on the other hand, is much quieter and more relaxed compared to the city. The town is surrounded by nature, and you will find plenty of views and hikes to enjoy. With many beautiful guesthouses to stay at, you will be sure to get a local and authentic experience.

Why stay in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is a chaotic yet vibrant city with many calling it the gateway to the rest of Nepal. Home to renowned temples and UNESCO Heritage sites such as Durbar Square, the city is rich in culture and activities. Transportation is easy, and you will find no shortage of hotels to rest your head for the night. Popular tourist areas like Thamel are home to a variety of colourful shops, perfect for slow browsing and finding unique gifts to take home. There are many cafes and restaurants serving both local Nepali food and Western cuisine. Whether you want to dive into a plate of steaming hot momos or stick with what you know, there’s something for everyone.

Like any city, there are always some cons to consider. Kathmandu is notorious for its traffic, which, along with dust and construction, creates high pollution levels. This can be uncomfortable for some travellers, and I would recommend bringing a mask. It’s a great base for exploring, but with overcrowding, it can also feel overwhelming, especially after long travel. If you are looking for a little more quiet and nature, then I would suggest looking for peaceful stays outside of Kathmandu.

Why visit Dhulikhel?

Dhulikhel offers a completely different side of Nepal. And one that many travellers don’t experience if they stay only in Kathmandu. Dhulikhel is a historic town located an easy one-hour drive from Kathmandu. Its natural surroundings are home to quaint guesthouses, hiking trails and 180° views of the Himalayan region. And yes, compared to the city, it feels very peaceful. You’ll see local villages, traditional farming and gain more of an insight into authentic Nepali life. There’s plenty to do, like taking the 1000-step hike up to Kali Temple, visiting the nearby Thrangu Tashi Monastery, or, if you’re feeling brave, Dhulikhel’s 72-meter Zipline.

If you’re not just after sightseeing and want some real rest and reflection during your trip, then Dhulikhel offers a place to reconnect. Slow down, and why not read, write or practice yoga surrounded by nature? Or simply do nothing. Dhulikhel makes for the perfect retreat near Kathmandu.

Kathmandu city and Dhulikhel give you two very contrasting experiences. If you are looking for a more meaningful experience, then Dhulikhel might be the place you never knew you needed. Being close enough to Kathmandu for a short trip, but far enough to feel completely different, it gives you the best of both worlds.

There are a number of small, locally run guesthouses in Dhulikhel that focus on simplicity, comfort, and connection to nature. If you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful guesthouse in Dhulikhel, places like Innate Pension offers comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.