A lot of people like to escape from the quietness of the city, but most of the time, this wish ends up being unfulfilled. Why? This is due to lack of time by any means and usually, these places exist further outside the city limits. Therefore, it becomes pretty much impossible to visualize a well-calming place at any time without most people in sight.
So what if we tell you that you could get the full treat of nature in a place very close to Kathmandu? Yes, that is correct. If you don’t have a whole lot of time but would want to spend a day in a beautiful little village setting, Chitlang would be just about the best place ever. Just a day here would suffice for you to refresh your spirit with some amazing activities and memories.
Getting to Chitlang
If you plan a day visit to Chitlang consider leaving early morning hours for the trip. This journey normally takes 3-5 hours, depending on the vehicle, traffic, and road conditions.
There are normally two routes to Chitlang:
1. Kathmandu-Thankot-Godam-Chitlang Route
You will start the drive from Thankot and proceed to Godam and then Chitlang. Since we’re talking just a day trip, we suggest you take this route as it is the quickest and most scenic one. You will drive through lush forests and stunning views all along the way.
2. Kathmandu-Pharping-Chitalng Route
This route too passes through mesmerizing landscapes and some local cultures. However, this is a longer route at approximately 58 kilometers. This route is perfect for someone who prefers a more leisurely journey to Chitlang.
Easy transportation options to reach Chitlang
Let’s see some of the means of transportation that you can take to reach Chitlang faster:
1. Private Car or Taxi
Hands down this is the easiest way to reach Chitlang. This option will allow flexibility in your schedule and stops along the way. In general, it will take 2-3 hours, on average, depending on traffic. Taxi fares generally vary between NPR 1,500 and NPR 3,000.
2. Jeep Rentals
Renting a jeep is often considered an appropriate option for large groups of up to eight passengers. Hiring a jeep would cost around NPR 2,500.
3. By Bus
Local buses are accessible from various points in Kathmandu, Kalanki Bus Park being one or even New Bus Park. To go via a bus, it nearly costs NPR 300 per head, and the journey usually lasts around 3 to 4 hours. Buses drive to Godam, from where one can finally take a jeep or walk the distance to Chitlang.
4. By Bike
This generally takes about 1 hour to 1 and a half hours, depending on how fast you are traveling and how the traffic is. The pavement mostly goes from paved to unpaved so it all depends on the part and how you ride your bike.
What can we do in Chitlang in one day?
1. Explore the village
The first thing you would want to do after reaching Chitlang is stroll through its beautiful ancient villages which are extremely popular for their Newari culture and exceptional landscapes. Interacting with the locals is one great way to learn about the town’s history, their lifestyle, and many more.
Apart from those, explore the wonderful cultural landmarks like the Bhairab Temple (Swocchanda Bhairab) and Ashoka Stupa, wonderful heritage markers of this village, reflecting their long history and spiritual significance.
2. Goat cheese factory tour
Chitlang is known as the only goat cheese producer in Nepal in its very own factory. Schedule a visit there to learn about the cheese-making processes and to taste some delightful local products. This even more interesting place represents the mode of farming in the village.
3. Hiking and nature walks
Chitlang boasts many hiking opportunities for nature lovers:
- Short walk to Kulekhani Reservoir: A short trek of about 40 minutes will take you to Kulekhani Reservoir (Indra Sarovar), a beautiful manmade lake ideal for boating and fishing. The caravan relaxes beside the water with beautiful nature views.
- Visit The Nearby Trails: For camp buffs, there are hiking routes that will take you to nearby hills and trails that may lead to panoramic views above the Kathmandu Valley and to mountains nearby.
4. Cultural Experiences
Learn to participate in cultural activities like:
Festivals
There are bright festivals celebrated throughout all the seasons at Chitlang. They add colours to the lives of the residents, as well as show what significant events they celebrate:
- Dashain and Tihar: The two biggest festivals dedicated to the importance of family, community activities, as well as rituals in the culture.
- Maha Shivaratri: Very lively amongst the temples, people conduct night prayers and offerings for Lord Shiva.
- Teej: Celebrated mainly by women through a long duration of fasting, singing, and dancing.
- Kartik Nach: A very renowned dance/play festival celebrating Lord Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Organic farming
One can engage local farmers to know more about organic farming practices and sustainable agriculture.
Homestay Experience
To get the feel of rural life in Nepal, engaging in homestays is probably the best option but may require a little extra time.
5. Enjoy local food
Chitlang is a gorgeous little village, known for its scenic beauty and rich culture, and also a food paradisiacal haven. Delicious dishes prepared from the rich agricultural resources of the region and the cooking styles of the Newar community can be tasted here.
Here are some of the items that you must taste:
Dhido
This is a typical Nepali dish prepared from millet or buckwheat flour and hot water to give a porridge-like thick consistency. Serving dhido with various curries or achaar (pickle) is common, hence a must-have in many households.
Newari Delicacies
This place gets a variety of plate-licking Newari dishes to feast upon. Some of them are:
- Samay Baji: A Newari dish comprising beaten rice with lentil patties and several different accompaniments.
- Chatamari: It is often called “Newari Pizza” and is by and large made out of rice flour and garnished with minced meat, egg, and vegetables.
- Yomari: A sweet dumpling made of rice, stuffed with materials like coconut and jaggery. This serves as an excellent dessert option.
Chitlang Goat Cheese
Goat cheese produced at the local cheese factory is one of the famous things in Chitlang. Visitors can tour and learn the process of cheese production after tasting fresh varieties. This locally produced feta cheese is one that visitors should try because it is one of the most loved ones.
Fresh Dairy Products
Next to goat cheese, they also have yoghurt and butter, all of which can be enjoyed as part of the traditional dishes or served as accompaniments.
Local Meats and Fish
Chitlang is familiar with various meats similarly roasted chicken and fish- even those marinated and prepared with some local spices.
6. Campfire in Evening (for overnight stays)
If you have decided to stay in an overnight camp, then enjoy an evening campfire complete with music and dance at your homestay or resort. What a way to end a long day’s exploration-that is reconnecting with humans!
7. Picnic
If you only have a day to spend time in Chitlang, a picnic would be the most fun thing to do with your loved ones. You can choose a comfortable space in the grassy fields or save the spot by the Indra Sarovar (Kulekhani Reservoir) to set up your picnic area. Have tasty food, play some games and put some music on.
Be mindful not to throw away the leftovers here and there and throw them in dustbins. After all, the nature that gives you so much joy deserves to be happy too. After the picnic’s over, you can do a short village tour.
Conclusion
Chitlang is bound to make your day an experience that encompasses everything from peace to adventure when it comes to being a part of beautiful rural Nepal. Without hesitation, one should pack their bag and dash this fantastic escape in all its easy accessibility as well as the various options for things to do.
It forms the best getaway for any person wanting to escape the hustle of city life while immersed in the soothing landscapes and vivacious culture of this particular hidden gem. In case there is anything you’d like to know more about this fantastic place, Chitlang Organic Village Resort is here to help you.
FAQs
1. What should I pack for the day in Chitlang?
Ans: One should prepare for an “easy” day trip by packing:
- Clothing and comfortable shoes for hiking.
- A hat and sunscreen for protection against the sun.
- Water bottles and snacks.
- Camera to let the good times roll.
- A first-aid kit in case of injury.
2. Can I find any unique crafts and shopping places in Chitlang?
Ans: Definitely, travelers can shop for local handicrafts such as pottery, textiles, and wooden works made by talented artisans of the village. These can be great gifts for your loved ones. Even you can decorate your house with these items, reminding you of the beautiful place you visited.