Imagine this. You’re hiking through the natural beauty of Chitlang and end up near a forest where you can enjoy freshwater coming out naturally from seven fountains. Trust me, the coolness of the water just hits differently. It is hard to believe such places exist today. But they do and one of the most famous natural fountains is Satdhara in Chitlang which carries religious and social values to the locals.
Satdhara means seven taps in Nepali. If you have visited the place or seen it in photos, there are basically seven fountains from which natural spring water flows nonstop. People who visit Chitlang also visit the Satdhara where they can taste the pure water and just relax, enjoying nature with the sound of water. So, make a plan with your friends and visit Satdhara for a hike or even a picnic. That sounds good.
Geography location of Satdhara in Chitlang
Chitlang loves surprising visitors with its attractions and one of them has to be Satdhara. If you’re in Chitlang, just an hour’s trek can take you to this iconic natural spring, a seven-stone tap structure where water keeps flowing constantly. While travelling to this fountain, you go through some very old Newari settlements where traditional houses and temples will entertain you.
Through the way, you will also catch many villagers engaging in agricultural activities. If you travel here in mid-June, the sight of people planting rice in the fields is worth enjoying. You may also join them if you want. The route will follow a forest-like area where you will find lots of trees and some amazing species of birds sitting on them. As you move further, the air gets cooler and the sound of water from the seven taps gets louder.
In the middle of the forest, you see a stoned structure where there are seven traditionally designed taps letting out water from deep inside the forest. You can see some temples around as well. Freshwater, cool breeze, serene ambiance, and birds singing, what can be better than this to get away from a busy life?
Things to know before visiting Satdhara?
Since Satdhara is not far from Kathmandu, you can visit there anytime you want. There are no rules and regulations, but wouldn’t it be nice to know some things about the place before your visit?
- Transportation: Satdhara is in the heart of Chitlang and you can reach there in a maximum of 1-hour trek through traditional villages, fields, and forests. Talking about Chitlang, you can take your private vehicle or a public bus to reach the town. And you will get there in 1-2 hours.
- Entry Fee: To enter Satdhara, you are required to pay a small fee. The money goes for the development and preservation of the area.
- Best time to visit: As I mentioned earlier, you can visit Chitlang in any climate to experience its beauty. That said, spring and autumn will bless you with pleasant weather which is great for any hike.
- Things not to miss: Leave your huge trekking bag at home and grab a small bag with all the essentials like cash, your phone for taking pictures, some snacks, and a water bottle. Hiking and comfy shoes are spontaneous issues and sunscreen is your true protector.
Now you know basic things about this entertaining hike, some additional tips might help you more.
- If you want to explore the area peacefully, try avoiding the crowd. You can do so by visiting on weekdays or off-peak season.
- Many people litter the places they visit, without caring about the consequences. Everybody must take care of the environment that gives us so much. If you care about nature, you can respect it by keeping it clean. That’s it.
- Show support for locally made artifacts and handicrafts.
Popular legends of Satdhara
Satdhaara is in the middle of a forest and you might notice many small temples around the fountain. Natural water sources always carry a religious significance in Hinduism. And so does Satdhara. Many legends show the importance of this place religiously. If you visit this place during Vasant Panchami, you will see lots of people worshipping Goddess Saraswati.
One legend says that the Saptarishi, the seven sages used to bathe in these fountains and perform religious practices and meditation nearby. Another popular story is the story of seven sisters who got cursed and turned into seven springs for their disobedience. According to the legend, the seven springs are the seven sisters with unique characteristics. Not just that, many believe that this place used to be the abode of gods.
If you ask the locals, they say that the water from Saatdhara has healing properties and can cure many diseases. They often collect water from the tap for various purposes.
What community lives near Satdhaara?
If you make your way to Satdhaara, you will mostly go through small Newari settlements with traditional mud houses. You will realize that this indigenous group is culturally very rich and has its own language and customs.
The community’s craftsmanship, pottery, and woodcarving skills are something to marvel at. You will have evidence of all this in the temple structure and other architecture in Chitlang. The newars near Satdhaara are also actively involved in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Activities in Satdhaara
- Hiking: If you’re a hike-type person, you will have so much fun exploring the trails and natural beauty of Chitlang Valley. Since this hike is comparatively easy, collect a few of your friends and set out for this journey where you can create so many wonderful memories. After the hike, you can just relax and soak in the atmosphere.
- Picnic: Who doesn’t love picnics? Invite your family and friends for a little picnic amidst the sound of water, birds chirping, and nature. Play music and dance as you have a great time. While doing all that, remember to clean up after you’re done.
- Birdwatching: For those who are fond of birdwatching, I think Chitlang is your place. There are so many species of birds that you can see in this area and watching them play and fly can truly be a fun experience.
- Cultural and religious experience: Near Satdhaara, you can meet and interact with the people of the local Newar community. It is a great way to learn about their lifestyle and history. They will also tell you how the community settled there.
- Photography: This place is a paradise for keen photographers. There is so much to take pictures of. The fields, old houses, people, the surroundings of the spring, and the landscapes add further beauty to your photographs.
Places to visit near Satdhaara
There are many other places in Chitlang near Satdhara that you can explore. Here are some interesting places that you can visit:
1. Bheda Farm
Bheda Farm, Chitlang’s largest ground is popular for its lush green grounds where sheep and goats graze. The natural scene of deep green hills from above and the view of a lake nearby truly make it everybody’s favourite spot. Hiking to this place is truly a magical experience. Many romantic video songs have been shot here.
2. Goat Cheese Factory
Bheda Farm in Chitlang has an amazing collection of goats and sheep. One would not be surprised to find a cheese factory around. The Goat Cheese Factory is one of the most famous products of Chitlang and truly one of a kind. This factory was established by a couple in 2002 and since then, their business has reached heights. Do visit this factory to taste the finest artisan cheese in Nepal.
3. Mohini Waterfall
Mohini Waterfall popularly known as Mohini Jharna among the locals, is another most visited place near Satdhaara. Thanks to social media, this hidden gem is getting the acknowledgement it deserves. Monsoon is recommended to be the best time to visit the waterfall.
Conclusion
Satdhara is a place you can not miss while exploring the beauty of Chitlang. It is a place that adds up to the beauty of Chitlang. Whether you want to get a religious and cultural experience, or simply hike to enjoy the beauty of Chitlang, the areas around Satdhaara will do that for you.
If you’re planning a trip to Chitlang, consider sparing some time to explore the war beauty of Satdhaara as well as it offers so much more than you think. This trip will broaden your horizons for sure. You can book a trip to Chitlang via our website where you can visit all these captivating places.
FAQs
Q: Does Satdhara have natural springs?
A: Yes. Satdhara is a naturally-occurring spring water that originates from deep within the forest. Local people come here to fetch drinking water. They also come here to bathe and wash clothes. Many believe that the water there has healing properties and can cure many diseases.
Q: When does Satdhaara get most crowded?
A: During Vasant Panchami in February, the place gets the most crowd since people from all over the town come there to worship Goddess Saraswati. The peak season also sees lots of tourists. Other than that, the place is normally quiet and peaceful.