We often recommend Chitlang as the best travel spot for people who want to take a break from their hectic lives but don’t have time to travel far for a vacation. Just a few kilometers away from Kathmandu lies Chitlang, where you get the best of nature and indulge in nature mixed with luxury as a relaxing concoction.
For years, Chitlang’s beauty was mostly undiscovered, and it has only recently attracted the attention of national and international tourists( social media has a role to play). If you ask me what is the one must-visit place in this beautiful ancient Newari town, I might not be able to name just one. There are numerous beautiful spots that you must visit in Chitlang, each with its uniqueness and history.
Stay tuned as I discuss some of the hidden gems and best spots to visit in Chitlang. When you’re planning a trip with your family and friends, you can use this as a reference.
Must visit places in Chitlang
People have different travel fantasies. Some want to experience nature’s tranquility, some enjoy hiking, and some simply want to explore a place’s rich history and cultural heritage.
No matter what the intention, here are some places in Chitlang that promise to take your breath away:
1. Goat Cheese Factory
People who have traveled to Chitlang all praise the goat cheese factory, which has now become one of the symbolic places of this tiny town. The first popular stop-by on the Chandragiri-Chitlang route is the goat cheese factory producing the finest artisan goat cheese in Nepal.
You can easily travel by any mode of transportation bus or a bike-easily covering a distance of 26.5 km in just 1 hour 30 minutes. But it all depends on the road conditions, traffic, and weather.
It is a family-friendly environment where you can enjoy the local goat cheese and plum wine with your loved ones. The owner of the factory also owns a homestay nearby where you can spend time and have some delicious authentic Nepali dishes.
2. Chitlang Durbar
Most people don’t know about the Chitlang Durbar (Palace) which existed hundreds of years ago. Not very far from the goat cheese factory, Chitlang Durbar today is nothing but an old ruin that carries a history within itself.
Just a few minutes walk northwest from the factory and you will arrive at your destination. If you’re still confused, you can ask for the location of Shree Swochhand Bhairav Higher Secondary School. That is where you can find the ancient building.
To know anything about the history of the palace, you can contact a local and they will be more than happy to talk about it.
3. Satdhara
You must have heard the legends of Satdhara and how this place once used to be the bathing place of Saptarishis (seven sages). There are many fascinating stories to it but this place has a religious importance in Hinduism.
Situated deep in the forest, you can find seven fountains where water naturally flows from deep into the jungle. Also, this place is very near the goat cheese factory, merely 600 meters hike and it will take you less than 20 minutes to reach there.
It also serves as a famous picnic spot. So, next time you’re thinking of a picnic with your family, consider this place too. Also, a big fair is held during Vasant Panchami to worship Goddess Saraswati.
4. Bheda Farm
A visit to Chitlang is almost incomplete without visiting Bheda Farm. Bheda is a Nepali word for sheep. So, it means sheep farm. For those who don’t know, Bheda Farm is one of the largest grounds in Nepal.
It is just half an hour’s trek from Chitlang and along the way, you will fall in love with the atmosphere of the entire surrounding. Just be a little careful of leeches if you’re travelling during monsoon.
Upon reaching Bheda Farm, the natural green terraces on lush green hills, the views of goats grazing on the field, and the hypnotic view of the Kulekhani from atop are all worth it. Many movie directors also consider this a perfect location to shoot music videos and movie scenes.
5. Kulekhani
Hiking from Chitlang to Kulekhani in Markhu would be a great adventure. The weather is mostly pleasant and you’ll explore a lot on the way. Just get all your hiking stuff ready and you’re all set. In just a couple of hours, you will reach your destination.
You can experience a boat ride in Indrasarovar, the largest artificial lake in Nepal. The ride will surely sweep you off your feet as you witness the beauty of the hills and high mountains. Also, there are various places to enjoy traditional Nepalese dishes after the adventure.
What is Chitlang’s Speciality?
Chitlang has some of the touristy spots in the country but the town is also famous for many other interesting things:
- Birdwatching and photography: Chitlang is home to hundreds of species of birds that you might never see in cities. You can spot many birds and hear them sing in the mornings and afternoons.
You can also photograph birds, old buildings, landscapes and so much more. You’ll have the best time taking snaps of all the beauty possible.
- Organic Farming: City people mostly get packaged and not-so-fresh foods. You can imagine the harm that it does to our bodies. But Chitlang has been growing fresh and organic crops for generations and they abide by it still today. They sell fresh harvests to many parts of the country.
The farmers only use natural methods without any harmful pesticides or fertilizers and that is how you get the crops. That commitment has boosted the town’s economy and is feeding fresh and natural crops to people.
- Nepal’s ancient brewery: Nepali cultures are popular for making local alcohol. What many don’t know is that Nepal’s oldest brewery used to be in Chitlang. It has been there since the Rana regime and still functioning today.
People learn about the origin of the brewery and are eager to learn the process. They even get to taste samples of beer produced there. So, if you love beer, you should give this place a visit.
- Cultural heritage: This ancient Newari town dates back hundreds of years. With many temples and monasteries, Chitlang boasts a rich cultural heritage. One of the most notable religious temples of the town is the Bhimkhori Temple, which is dedicated to Bhim from the Hindu epic, Mahabharat.
The town also famously celebrates Kartik Purnima Nach which is otherwise celebrated only in Patan city. Chitlang Mahotsav is also a popular annual festival that is celebrated to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the town.
Conclusion
Chitlang offers every kind of travel experience one desires. The whole town likes surprising its visitors with more than what they expect. Whether it’s natural beauty, historical and cultural significance, or just the place and people, visiting Chitlang will be an experience you’ll never forget.
Before visiting there, it is best that you learn about the places and their routes, so you will know where to travel and that is going to save you a lot of time too. You can also visit our website or contact us directly to learn more about the town.
FAQs
1. Is Chitlang near from Kathmandu?
Ans: Good news for Kathmandu people, the town of Chitlang is just 27 kilometers away from the city. It serves as a perfect retreat for those wanting to travel too far from the noise of the city but in less time. You can either travel there by bus or your private vehicle. Each moment is filled with natural beauty and lots of fun experiences.
2. What is the best time to travel to Chitlang?
Ans: While Chitlang is beautiful in all seasons, November to March is often the best time if you want to avoid any mess. Since it is less rainy around these months, chances are you will not face muddy paths and slippery grasslands which can be quite dangerous. Also, the weather during these times is nice and chilly, making the trip more fun.
3. What can we do in Chitlang other than visit the famous spots?
Ans: Other than admiring the beauty of the famous tourist spots in Chitlang, you can indulge in observing the local lifestyle of people, learning about their history and traditions, and learning about the town’s famous organic farming.
