Dalchoki Diaries: Awesome Holidays Nepal Team’s Surprise Adventure

You all know that most of the best moments in life are unplanned and spontaneous. This is exactly what happened to us when our Awesome Holidays Nepal team decided to surprise us with an unforgettable trip to Dalchoki. 

It was a regular Saturday—or so we thought. We had no clue what was about to unfold. Like any other weekend, our day started, but by 3 PM, we found ourselves boarding a HiAce, buzzing with excitement, and ready to embark on an unexpected adventure.

So, here let’s have a peek into our exciting and enticing Dalchoki Diaries. 

Dalchoki: Lalitpur’s Hidden gem

Dalchoki is a hidden gem tucked away in the hills of Lalitpur situated just 23 kilometers from Patan. The hill rises between 1,200 to 2,300 meters above sea level. It is a peaceful village that provides mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, breathtaking views of the distant Himalayas, and is still an unexplored natural beauty. 

Till this day, the origin of its name remains a mystery, while few believe the name comes from the Dalchoki goddess. On the other hand, it is linked with a military check-post during Prithvi Narayan Shah’s unification campaign. Despite its small population, Dalchoki is rich in culture, history, and warm hospitality. It is an ideal destination for all nature lovers and hikers, the unexplored and less-crowded paradise offers scenic trails, lush forests, and a tranquil escape from the city’s chaos.

Dalchoki Diaries

First and foremost, we were informed that we were going on a trip to Dalchoki by our very own Bipin sir. When we heard about this news we were pleasantly surprised and shocked. As we had no idea about this trip, I was annoyed and excited at the same time.  

You might have a question as to why I was annoyed after getting the news of this pleasantly surprising trip. Fun fact I had some previous plans lined up for the day and was not equipped for the weather of Dalchoki. Let’s not delve as to what my plan was, I will leave it to your imagination.  

The Journey Begins: Excitement in the Air

We commenced our journey from our office, Purano Dhalko, Kathmandu. Oh and from the very first minute, all of us were full of energy in the vehicle. After boarding the vehicle, the mood inside was nothing less than electric and everybody was in a joyful mood— high spirits, laughing, talking about the trip and even singing along with their favourite music. Oh, talking about the music, I should definitely commend our Gyanendra sir’s playlist, as it was fire, switching from classic Nepali hits to the new trending songs, that made the ride even more enjoyable.

We passed through Teku, Patan Bridge and as we were heading towards Jawalakhel, we also caught glimpses of the hustling and bustling city. After that we entered Chapagaun Dobato, where our adventure truly began. On the way, we passed by the Seed Science & Technology Division and then the sacred Dholahity Temple, where devotees gathered for prayers.

Our route took us through Chapagaun village, and wow, what a sight! The narrow streets are lined with traditional Newari houses, and intricate wood carvings. It is an ancient settlement that made us feel like we had stepped into another era. The village exuded a charm that was both nostalgic and mesmerizing.

We stopped for a short break at Chundevi, a revered local temple nestled within the community forest. Here, we took a moment to pray and admire the surroundings. As we resumed our journey, we encountered the flood-damaged section of the road, which had been severely affected by heavy rains the previous month. 

We witnessed the bulldozer clearing the path and were forced to take a break for a short period.  But there was nothing to worry about and it wasn’t a dull moment as we made the most of it soaking in the fresh mountain air, stretching our legs and clicking pictures. 

The Scenic Climb: Into the Wilderness

After crossing the newly cleared path, we arrived at Tika Bhairav, a significant gateway for travelers heading toward Hetauda. From here, the landscape changed dramatically. The roads got steeper, the air got crisper, and the views—simply breathtaking!

Our next milestone was Birkhe Dhara, where we went toward the Kanthi Lok Path. After reaching Birkhe Dhara the road split, one leading toward Hetauda and another toward Dalchoki. Then, we took the Ikudol road, passing through Kot Danda and Lele Byarek. The journey through these hills was serene, with endless greenery stretching as far as the eye could see.

Dalchoki Hills Resort

Halfway through, we also made a quick visit to Dalchoki Hills Resort, which is still under construction. It is perched on a hilltop, and after completion the resort will definitely be one of the prime tourist destinations in Dalchoki. 

The resort is being designed to provide an authentic local experience, peaceful retreat, and panoramic mountain views.  As the golden hues of the setting sun painted the sky, we couldn’t help but indulge ourselves in a tiny photo session to capture the beautiful sceneries. 

Arrival at Dalchoki: Warm Welcome & Campfire Tales

We arrived at our homestay by 6 PM and were welcomed by the friendly hosts along with the comforting aroma of local cuisine. The mists rolling over the hills set an almost mystical scene, as the temperature had started to drop.

We gathered around a crackling campfire, as the evening settled in, sharing laughs and stories while warming our hands. And now it was time for a barbeque party. We requested the hosts to prepare meat for the barbeque. The night was filled with laughter, conversations, and a sense of pure relaxation. 

Still, the highlight of the evening was the wonderful local feast dhindo, local chicken curry, fresh greens, and the always well known Gundruk soup. Every bite carried real tastes of the local cuisine; the dishes were genuine.

Magical Morning

We got up early the next morning to witness the magical sunrise. And that decision was absolutely worth the hassle. The entire scene became a surreal work of art as the first rays of golden sun kissed the horizon. The far-off Himalayan ranges rising high, the Kathmandu Valley extending far off to the horizon, and clouds drifting below us were visible to us. We were left astounded as there weren’t enough words to describe what was in front of us. 

After that, we decided to explore more of Dalchoki’s hidden treasures. So, we visited the sacred Dalchoki Manakamana Temple, and took blessings. It is one of the most revered sites among locals. The spiritual ambiance was truly calming that made us pause and appreciate the serenity around us.

Then we had our breakfast at the homestay, and hiked up to the Dalchoki View Tower as we were told, it is one of the best vantage points. And yeah it was,  we got to witness the stunning views, rolling green hills, and the mighty mountains standing guard in the distance. We were left in awe with the sheer beauty of nature, peaceful surroundings and crisp mountain air.

A Journey Worth Remembering

As we began our journey back to Kathmandu, with our spirits high we were filled with gratitude and a sense of contentment. Yeah the trip that started as a surprise had now turned into one of the most memorable trips of our life. What made our trip truly special was the bond we all shared as a team, Dalchoki’s beauty, locals warmth, and peaceful ambiance.

Once again, we were reminded why spontaneous trips are often the most exciting ones. So, if you seek a peaceful retreat closer to Kathmandu, a scenic getaway filled with magical sights or a hiking destination, Dalchoki is an ideal place to be!

So, when are you going on your next adventure? We hope, maybe, just maybe, a surprise trip waits for you too!