Top 10 Snowfall Destinations Near Kathmandu
As the winter has already begun in this year 2025, many people are wondering where they can go to enjoy snowfall near Kathmandu. To help you plan, we have brought these top 10 snowfall destinations so that you can experience snow, breathtaking mountain views, and peaceful natural beauty by riding for just a few hours from Kathmandu.
Whether you are planning for a short day trip or a multi-day adventure, you can make a snowman, taste fresh snow, or enjoy the amazing views of snow-covered hills and mountains.
Here you can choose a suitable destination, whether you are planning to enjoy the snow solo, with friends, or with family. We guarantee that you can have an unforgettable winter escape here.
Table of Contents
The Classic Favorites & Closest Escapes (Day Trip Potential)
1. Phulchowki (Lalitpur District)
Altitude: ~2,762 m (the highest hill around Kathmandu Valley).
Distance from Kathmandu: Relatively close (20-30 km), so doable as a day trip for light snow.
Driving time: 40 minutes to an hour
Road Condition: Paved city roads
How to reach Phulchowki from Kathmandu?
Hire Private Vehicle(Taxi/Car): You can take a private vehicle or grab a taxi from the Thamel area and reach directly to the Phulchowki hill directly. It will cost you around NPR 1,500 and 2,000 for a taxi.
Take local Bus: You can take a bus from the city area that takes you to Satdobato in Lalitpur and then transfer to a smaller van or bus bound for Godawari. If you take a local bus, you need to hike( 7 to 8 hours round trip ) to reach the Phulchowki hill.
Note: For those who are planning to hike, they must have a moderate fitness level.
2. Chandragiri Hills (Near Kathmandu)
Altitude: 2,551 m
Distance from Kathmandu: About 16 km southwest of the city center — ideal for a quick half-day or full-day trip.
Driving Time: 40 minutes to an hour
Road Condition: Well-paved and easily accessible
How to Reach Chandragiri Hill from Kathmandu?
By Private Vehicle or Taxi: The easiest way to reach is by taking a private vehicle or taxi from Kathmandu to the Chandrafiri Cable Car Station (Thankot area). Taxi fare is around NPR 1,000–1,500 (one way).
By Local Bus: You can even take a local bus from Kathmandu. Taking Saja Yatat will be the best option for you as it takes you directly to Thankot. Then, from Thankot, you can take a local bus to reach the base station.
By Cable Car: From the Base station, you can ride the Cable car, which will cost you around 850 for Nepalese and USD 15 for tourists for a round trip.
Hiking: Visitors can also hike from the base station, which takes around 7-8 hours for a round trip.
Note: We suggest you contact the Chandragiri Cable Car operator because it was shut down due to the Genz Protest in Nepal.
3. Shivapuri Peak (Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park)
Altitude: 2,732 m
Distance from Kathmandu: Around 12 km north of the city
Driving Time: 30–45 minutes (to Budhanilkantha)
Road Condition: Good, with paved roads up to the park entrance
How to Reach Shivapuri Peak from Kathmandu?
By Private Vehicle or Taxi: The most comfortable way to reach the Shivapuri National Park is by taking a private vehicle or taxi from Kathmandu. Taxi fare is around NPR 1,000–1,500 (one way).
By Bus: Visitors can find the local bus from different cities in Kathmandu that takes them near the Budhanilkantha Temple. From Budhanilkantha Temple, you can start hiking to Shivapuri Hill.
Hiking: If you hike from the National Park gate, it will take around 4-6 hours for a round trip. For hiking, you need to have a moderate fitness level as it involves steep uphill and downhill.
Note: To enter the Shivapuri National Park, all visitors must pay an entrance fee at the gate. It will cost you around 100 RS for Nepalese and 1000 Rs for foreign.
4. Nagarkot (Bhaktapur District)
Altitude: 2,175 m
Distance from Kathmandu: Around 27 km east
Driving Time: 1.5–2 hours
Road Condition: Well-paved, with scenic winding hills
How to Reach Nagarkot from Kathmandu?
By Private Vehicle or Taxi: You can take a private vehicle or take a taxi from Kathmandu, which will cost you around NPR 2,000–2,500 (one way).
By local bus: From Kathmandu, you can take a local bus that takes you to Bhaktapur, and then transfer to Nagarkot from the Kamalbinayak bus park.
Hiking: Those who love to hike can do the Nagarkot hike from points like Ranijhula or Muhan Pokhari.
Note: For those who are interested in hiking, we suggest you stay overnight in the Nagarkot hotel and experience the amazing sunrise or sunset view.
The Higher Altitude Heavy Snow Zones (Overnight Recommended)
5. Kalinchowk (Dolakha District)
Altitude: 3,842 m
Distance from Kathmandu: Around 150 km east
Driving Time: 5–6 hours by road
Road Condition: Mostly blacktopped; the last section is steep and rough
How to Reach Kalinchowk from Kathmandu?
By Private Vehicle or Jeep: You can hire a private 4*4 Jeep from Kathmandu to Kuri Village, the gateway to Kalinchowk. It will cost you NPR 10,000–15,000 (round trip, depending on group size and vehicle type).
Local Bus: You can take a local bus from Koteshowr or Ratnapark to Charikot and then take a Jeep to Kuri Village.
Note: Once you are in Kuri Village, you can do a short hike of around 1 – 1.5 hours to reach the temple. There is also a cable car that takes you directly to the temple, which will cost you NPR 600 for Nepalese and NPR 1300 for foreigners for a round trip.
Hotel Booking: During the peak season, huge numbers of local tourists visit this place, so we highly recommend you book the hotel in advance.
6. Daman (Makwanpur District)
Altitude: 2,322 m
Distance from Kathmandu: About 80 km southwest
Driving Time: 3–4 hours via Tribhuvan Highway
Road Condition: Mostly paved with some winding hill roads
How to Reach Daman from Kathmandu?
Private vehicle: Drive along the Tribhuvan Highway toward Hetauda. Daman lies between Kulekhani and Tistung. To rent the 4*4 Jeep, it will cost you around NPR 8,000–12,000 (round trip, depending on vehicle type and group size).
Local or Tourist Bus: You need to reach Kalanki bus station and find a local or Tourist bus heading towards Daman. For a comfortable ride, we suggest you take a tourist bus because local buses stop at several places to pick up and drop off passengers.
Note: There are a few cozy mountain lodges and resorts in Daman, so we suggest you book the hotel in advance before heading for the trip.
7. Kakani (Nuwakot District)
Altitude: 2,070 m
Distance from Kathmandu: Around 28 km northwest
Driving Time: 1–1.5 hours
Road Condition: Mixed( paved and off-road)
How to Reach Kakani from Kathmandu?
Private vehicle: The most comfortable way to reach Kanakani to have the snowfall experience is by taking a private vehicle or renting a private car/Jeep from Kathmandu. To hire a private vehicle, it can cost you around NPR 4,000–5,000( depending on the type of vehicle you choose).
Bus: If you want to use a bus, then you can visit the Gongabu bus station and book a ticket from the bus operator called OkayJourney.
Note: During the visit to Kakani, don’t forget to check out the famous trout farming and strawberry fields.
8. Bethanchowk (Kavrepalanchowk District)
Altitude: 3,000 m
Distance from Kathmandu: Around 45 km east
Driving Time: 2–3 hours
Road Condition: Partly paved, partly gravel roads
How to Reach Bethanchowk from Kathmandu?
By Private Vehicle or Jeep: Drive from Kathmandu via the Sundarijal–Banepa–Bethanchowk route.
By Local Bus: Take a bus from Ratna Park toward Banepa, then another local jeep or bus to Bethanchowk. Travel time is around 3–3.5 hours.
Hotel Booking: Due to a few guesthouses available in the area, advance booking is recommended.
Note: To reach the summit of the Bethanchowk, you need to hike for around 4 to 5 hours, and it is moderately challenging.
The Remote & Trekking Areas
9. Helambu Region (Sindhupalchok District)
Altitude: 2,500–3,700 m (varies by village)
Distance from Kathmandu: Around 40–80 km north
Driving Time: 2–4 hours (to the trailhead)
Road Condition: Paved up to Melamchi Bazaar; dirt roads and trails afterward
How to Reach Helambu from Kathmandu?
By Private Vehicle or Jeep: Drive from Kathmandu via Balaju–Sundarijal–Melamchi Bazaar route to reach the Helambu trailhead.
By Local Bus: Take a bus from Ratna Park or Sundarijal toward Melamchi Bazaar, then hike or take local jeeps to the villages.
Note: Small lodges and homestays are available in villages like Melamchi, Sermathang, and Kutumsang. Book in advance during peak winter to have a comfortable stay.
Recommended: Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek - 19 Days10. Gosaikunda
Altitude: 4,380 m
Distance from Kathmandu: Around 120 km north
Driving Time: 4–5 hours to the trailhead
Road Condition: Paved until Dhunche, then dirt roads and trekking trails
How to Reach Gosaikunda from Kathmandu?
By Private Vehicle or Jeep: Drive via Balaju–Trishuli–Dhunche, the starting point of the Gosaikunda trek.
By Local Bus: Take a bus from Gongabu Bus Park or Ratna Park to Dhunche, then trek to Gosaikunda. Travel time to Dhunche is around 5–6 hours, and the local bus costs around NPR 800.
Note: The overall trekking duration to complete the Gosikunda trek is 5 days. There are small lodges/tea houses at several stops. For the overall Gosaikunda trek, it will cost you around NPR 10,000 – 15,000 per person( includes permit, guide, food, accommodation, transport).
Pre-Trip Essentials: Preparing for Your Snow Adventure
When to Go: Peak Snowfall Season
- Peak snowfall time is Late December to Early February
- Check the weather forecast as snowfall depends on Westerly disturbances.
- Altitude correlation (Higher altitude destinations snow first).
Essential Winter Packing List
- Layered clothing (thermal wear, fleece, waterproof outer shell).
- Footwear (waterproof boots or sturdy hiking shoes with good grip).
- Accessories (gloves, wool hat, sunglasses/goggles).
- Safety/Tech (Power bank, basic first aid).
- Enough Cash
Transportation Tips
- Need for 4WD or chains on certain routes (especially Daman, Kalinchowk, and steep climbs).
- Routes are often blocked immediately after heavy snow – plan for delays.
Final Say
The above list is the most visited and most recommended places to enjoy the snowfall near Kathmandu. There are lots of other destinations that you can visit to enjoy the snowfall this winter. When choosing a destination, make sure it suits your plan—whether you are traveling solo, with family, or as a couple. Also, check whether snowfall has occurred before heading to your chosen spot.
If you need any tour program to enjoy the snowfall in Nepal, then you can remember the name Highroute Adventure. For more details, you can contact us at the phone number listed on our website.
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