Kakani lies on a hill opposite the Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 2,073 metres. In addition to this notable elevation, the northern mountain views, hikes and waterfalls are among the defining features of the area. Kakani is particularly worth considering when planning a trip if you want to include nature, outdoor activities and specific cultural sites. Several day hikes and treks on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley start or end here. Depending on the route, Kakani can therefore be either a starting point or a destination; at the same time, part of Shivapuri National Park, Thai Memorial Park and a rainbow trout farm give the area further points of interest.
Hikes as a starting point or destination
Several day hikes and treks on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley start or end in Kakani. The distinction between starting point and destination matters when planning your day: starting in Kakani marks the beginning of the hike, while ending there makes it your destination. If you are planning your trip around a trek, this distinction is a useful first indication of the role Kakani plays in the route.
Mountain views with named peaks
Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung dominate the mountain views to the north. Annapurna II, Himchuli, Lempogang (Great White Peak) and Gauri Shankar are also visible. The northerly direction and the names of the individual peaks provide clear reference points for the view. If you are interested in mountain landscapes, these specific, named ranges help you locate Kakani: two peaks dominate the north, while other mountains add to the view.
Two waterfalls, different natural features
Fung Fung Jharana is a waterfall about 20 metres high. It plunges over rocks into a pool of clear, cold water. Lauke Jharana is surrounded by green forest with a wide variety of plants and trees. The two waterfalls therefore offer different natural features: at Fung Fung Jharana, the height of the fall and the pool are distinctive; at Lauke Jharana, it is the forest setting and variety of plants. When choosing which natural features interest you, you can distinguish between a waterfall with a specifically stated height and a forest landscape.
Natural surroundings and biodiversity
Parts of Shivapuri National Park are located in Kakani. The park protects a variety of vegetation as well as different animal and bird species there. This perspective differs from looking at individual waterfalls: the focus here is not only on distinctive landscape features, but also on protected plant and animal life. If you consider nature and biodiversity alongside mountain views when choosing a destination, the park is one of Kakani’s defining features.
A place of remembrance
Thai Memorial Park was established in Kakani to commemorate an event and express sympathy to the victims’ grieving families. Its significance lies in remembrance and the expression of compassion. This aspect differs from hiking and natural features; it gives Kakani a cultural dimension rooted in the park’s purpose. Thus, alongside its landscape and natural surroundings, the area also has a place specifically dedicated to remembrance.
A farm at the foot of the hill
A rainbow trout farm is located at the foot of the hill in Kakani. This location places the farm at the base of the slope, while the views are shaped by the peaks to the north. Kakani can therefore be described not only in terms of its altitude and mountain views: a specific place at the foot of the hill is also among the features of the surrounding area mentioned here.
Discover more destinations: Benighat, Kirtipur.
For the main travel overview: Bagmati.
